The Little Winter Fest That Could

A day celebrating trains, music, and crafts filled the day at The Historic Dansbury Depot in East Stroudsburg, PA on Saturday December 15th as the first Dansbury Depot Winter Fest took place within and immediately outside a building which was part of the original depot complex that isn’t currently being used for commercial ventures. In spite of the winter season and the chilled temperatures that goes with it, a nice size crowd gathered to partake of this quaint little festival. They were met with displays created by local vendors, a Miniature Railroad, and music performed by individuals and choirs sharing the songs relating to the Christmas holiday.

Within the building there were displays recalling the history of the train station alongside a number of vendors including Bloom by Melanie who is a florist and educator in the skills relating to horticulture and Fudgez Fudge whose tempting display would cause the most ardent of dieticians to succumb to it chocolate charms. There were also crafts for children to create and opportunities to help support the work of the Historic Dansbury Depot Restoration Committee. In addition to his, Santa was on hand to greet the children who came to have their wish lists of gifts known to him.

As impressive as the displays, merchandise, and Santa’s presence was, the Miniature Railroad Display provided by The Pocono Mountain Garden Railway Society proved to be the focal point of most visitors to the festival’s indoor facility attention. Like many kids who visited their Uncle’s basement or saw an episode of the Addams Family during the 1960s, I became transfixed by the movement of electric trains as they traveled along winding tracks past miniature buildings. This gave me a sense of omniscient vision as it allowed me to see where the train was coming from and where it was going without being flown up into the air above the route. Although my uncle didn’t have the explosive devices like Gomez or Uncle Fester had, it was always a fun part of my visit with many times in which I would skip the family hugs and go right to the display.

The Pocono Mountain Garden Railway Society is a due free club serving the Pocono Mountain area of Pennsylvania and the north western part of New Jersey to promote the hobby of model train building. They hold their meetings at members homes and often include a joyful ride around some miniature tracks. You can learn more about The Pocono Mountain Garden Railway Society by exploring their website at www.pmgrrs.com.

Outside the depot building music lovers who especially enjoy the compositions associated with the Christmas holiday were met with a treat. There were individual singers such as Elaine Siptroth, Bonnie Childs, and East Stroudsburg Councilman Pete Begley along with the winners of the Shawnee’s Got Talent Competition who included Jordyn Albanese, Mackenzie Maula, and Julie Rubino. Choral performances were given by The East Stroudsburg Methodist Church Youth Bell Choir, The Pocono Grace 7th Day Adventist Church Choir, and Monroe County Commissioner Suzanne McCool and Friends. The salvation army was also outside supplying snacks and warm drinks to compliment the enjoyment of the music.

Other events taking place as part of the festival were a silent auction featuring items donated by local business, a trolley ride throughout the town, and a tree lighting ceremony featuring music by the New Approach Singers and some special words given by Mayor Armand Marinelli. There were also other displays of art and items befitting the season at businesses located throughout the town. I did not attend or experience all the activities and performances the festival had to offer, but from what I did experience I found it to be a great day to spend before the holidays emerged upon my consciousness. You’ll be able to find more photographs taken during the festival in The Dansbury Depot Winter Fest 2012 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151364766335421.531857.636000420&type=1.

The Winter Festival was sponsored by the Boro of East Stroudsburg, PA along with The Eastburg Community Alliance and its Historic Dansbury Depot Restoration Committee. The Eastburg Community Alliance (ECA) is a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports and develops positive social, cultural, educational, and economic opportunities in downtown East Stroudsburg, PA. The ECA is committed to historic preservation and the retention and promotion of local history and unique “sense of place” in downtown area. You can learn more about The Eastburg Community Alliance by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/EastburgAlliance.

The Dansbury Depot is located in East Stroudsburg, PA along Crystal Street. It was built in 1856 as part of the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad and was known as The East Stroudsburg Railroad station. It later became known as The Dansbury Depot in 1982 which was the name of the restaurant that was housed in the building. However, the Depot is listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places under its original name.

In October of 2009, a severe structural damage destroyed the building and it became a vacant shell of itself. However, local citizens and business owners endeavored to restore the depot and preserve its history to the benefit of the community and its people. Under the leadership of then Municipal Manager Cheryl Lyn Hayne, The Eastburg Community Alliance formed The Historic Dansbury Depot Restoration Committee to facilitate the process of raising funds and gain political support needed to manifest the will of the town’s citizens. Much has been done but there is still much more to do. You can learn more about The Historic Dansbury Depot Restoration Committee and how to help in restoring the historic Dansbury Depot by exploring their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/groups/132525546783790/?ref=ts&fref=ts.