Guests will start boarding the train at 5:30 p.m. in Fillmore. Then they’ll pull out at 6 p.m. for a their leisurely ride to Santa Paula, where guests will experience a rollicking “shoot out” at the historic Depot. The train will be ‘rail-jacked’ by dastardly robbers, and guests will be taken back through Fillmore all the way to Piru before the train is turned around for the return to Fillmore.
Along the way there will be a “kidnapping” of a unnamed local philanthropist and an interactive “mystery theater,” where guests will be encouraged to participate and follow the clues to discover the identity of who was snatched, and kick in for the ransom. When the train stops in Fillmore the final time, the rustlers will face a “Hangin’ Judge” and be brought to justice.
Guests will be encouraged to travel from railcar to railcar to experience the variety of appetizers, “Yahoo!” with fellow passengers, and to visit the Calaboose car and determine if the varmint deserves their donation of bail money to be sprung from the hoosegow. This evening of bribery, mayhem and extortion is hosted by the Rotary Club of Fillmore, and sponsored by the Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Association and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Posse.
“So I’m not lying when I say we’ll have plenty of good guys!” said Tate. “And enough bad guys to keep them busy during this excursion into the legendary excitement of the Old West. And as the Western bad guys used to warn: ‘Smile when you say that...’ but you’ll smile anyway because this evening of fun is going to benefit our kids through the life-enriching programs and activities offered through our Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley!”
Make your reservations as soon as possible: the deadline is Wednesday, September 8 (although you might get in a little later with some sweet-talk!). Call the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, 805-525-7910, for reservations. But hurry: “The Great Train Robbery!” is leaving the station and you’ll want to be on it!
