Mayor Harlan Thompson has proclaimed Saturday, May 8, 2010 as National Train Day in Centralia, Washington.

National Train Day marks 141 years of connecting travelers coast to coast and commemorates the day the first transcontinental railroad was created. On May 10, 1869, in Promontory Summit, Utah, the “golden Spike” was driven into the final tie that joined 1,776 miles of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways, transforming America by crating the nation’s first transcontinental railroad.

To celebrate National Train Day in Centralia, the City of Centralia will be joining with cities throughout the United States and hosting an event for the public at the Train Depot (210 Railroad Avenue) in historic downtown Centralia on Saturday, May 8th, from 9 am to 4 pm.

National Train Day celebrates America’s love the trains. Visitors stopping by the Depot on May 8th will enjoy displays of….

Operation Lifesaver.

Plus…there will be refreshments and train-related give-aways for everyone. This is the first National Train Day event in Centralia and the City of Centralia invites everyone to stop by the Depot and join in the celebration.