Longtime wish of Carillon Park Rail Festival’s founder comes true

Ronald Mock, the founder of Carillon Park Rail Festival, laid out a very specific goal for the festival he loved.

“Ron always dreamed of hitting 5,000 attendees,” says Carillon Historical Park Director of Education and Museum Operations Alex Heckman, who has been with Rail Festival since its inception. “We are happy to say that last year we finally reached that goal.”

Last year, with the summer sun beating down, the Rail Festival committee set up their tents and tracks against the backdrop of Carillon Historical Park. The temperature was high — peaking well above 90 degrees — and so were spirits. All signs pointed to a successful festival. Participants went about their business, meticulously laying out their model trains, but in the back of many minds was a question: “Will this be the year we hit 5,000 attendees?” It was.

By the end of the weekend, the event had welcomed over 5,300 families and train enthusiasts to Dayton, a city with a tremendous rail history. Before NCR, Barney & Smith Car Company, a manufacturer of railcars, was Dayton’s largest employer.

“Ron always said he wanted Rail Fest to be a successful family-friendly event with ‘something for everyone,’ ” says Heckman. “I think we’ve accomplished that.”

Mock didn’t get to see his goal become reality. He died on July 28, 2014.

But Carillon Park Rail Festival has not only accomplished the goals of its late founder, it has exceeded them. Mock dreamt of growing the model railroad hobby by inspiring young people — a dream that Rail Fest expands upon year after year. “Ron’s love for trains began with a Marx brand toy train that he received as a child,” says Heckman. “He played with that train for years until, as he always said, he ‘was sidetracked by gasoline and perfume as a teenager.’ His interest in railroads was renewed later in life, and he put in 30 years volunteering with Carillon Park in various capacities.”

THINGS TO DO, SEE, EXPERIENCE

The festival debuted in 2005. It features free miniature train rides, live steam engines, model train displays, historical displays, train merchandise and rail vendors.

This year, Cannonball Paul, “America’s premier old-fashioned railroad musician,” and the Carillon Park Concert Band, an ensemble of premier high school musicians, will once again entertain the crowds.


Want to go?

WHEN: Saturday, June 24 from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Sunday, June 25 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

WHERE: Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton

INFO: 937-293-2841 | daytonhistory.org

ADMISSION

Adults (18-59): $8

Seniors: (60+): $7

Children (3-17): $5

Children Under 3: Free

Dayton History members: Free

Parking: Free

Carillon Brewing Co. open all day

About the Author