By Taylor J. Hale
Reporter

STEVENS POINT — Miniature tracks trembled as scale-sized trains rode along their pristinely set rails at the 22nd Annual Arctic Run Model Railroad Show and Sale in Stevens Point, located at the Holiday Inn Convention Center.

The Central Wisconsin Model Railroaders (CWMR) group organizes the yearly event, held on Feb. 2 and Feb. 3. They see it as a way for the public to get acquainted with the hobby.

Jim Payton and Ron Hartl with the Waupaca Area Model Railroaders.

“It’s a good place to come out and do something with the family,” said CWMR Member Jim Miller. “It’s great to see so many new people come out.”

Miller told the Portage County Gazette this was the biggest crowd in the history of the event. The number of attendees for the two-day show was estimated to be around 1,800.

“This is our biggest year yet, definitely,” Miller said. “It has been amazing.” The event first started in the Plover Fire Department building but has grown so exponentially a convention center is now required to contain the crowd. CWMR has always organized, hosted and ran the event. It’s their goal to set a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

“We invite all the other clubs and set up all the arrangements,” Miller explained. “It is always a great group of people.”

CWMR initially worked with another group to run the event. It all started as a “model train and doll” show. The group that ran the doll and toy segment of the show dropped out from the ‘program after several years. Trains of all sizes are now the sole focus of the weekend-long festivities.

Guests could purchase all things locomotive-related as they browsed through the high-caliber miniature landscapes and tracks. Live music and concessions were also available at this year’s event.

For more info on the CWMR and next year’s Annual Arctic Run Model Railroad Show and Sale visit http://www.thecwmrarcticrun.com.