Marina
The Emporia Sertoma Club has officially opened the 67th Miniature Train season at Sodens Grove Park with an exciting community event that also marked the club’s 100th anniversary.
The celebration took place on Sunday, drawing residents of all ages for an afternoon of free train rides, refreshments, bounce houses, and heartfelt community pride.
This double milestone recognizes not only the club’s rich legacy in service but also the cherished tradition of the miniature train ride—a seasonal favorite among Emporia families.
A Century of Service and Community Impact
Founded in January 1924, the Sertoma Club of Emporia has spent a full century championing hearing health, community grants, and youth scholarships.
Sertoma, short for SERvice TO MAnkind, is a national service organization with over 500 clubs across the U.S. and Canada. Emporia’s chapter is one of only four clubs to have continuously operated since its inception.
According to Jason Camis, Executive Director of Sertoma, Inc., “This 100-year legacy is incredibly rare and a testament to how deeply rooted the Emporia club is in its community.”
Camis further emphasized how the Miniature Train has been an effective way for the club to give back to Emporia, creating joyful memories while raising awareness for their mission.
Train Season Launch and New Features
To mark the occasion, the Birthday Bash began at 4:00 p.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a newly built pergola—a shaded structure that now covers the waiting and boarding area of the train.
This pergola was made possible through a $5,000 donation from Sertoma and additional support from Sutherlands, a home improvement store.
The Miniature Train, operated entirely by Sertoma Club members, has been a mainstay in Emporia since 2001. For President Vicki Brooks, starting the train season on the club’s 100th birthday couldn’t have been more meaningful.
“We are the fourth oldest Sertoma club in the nation,” Brooks shared. “To be able to celebrate that with the opening of our Miniature Train—something beloved in this community—is truly special.”
Free Rides All Season Long
In a generous move that reflects the spirit of the event, all train rides for the 2024 season will be completely free for the public.
This initiative is funded through a significant donation from Kent and Natalie Schnakenberg, two dedicated community members committed to keeping the tradition alive.
Train Schedule for 2024 Season
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Thursday (AM) | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
This schedule ensures that families have multiple opportunities each week to enjoy the ride.
Emporia’s Love for the Miniature Train
The Miniature Train has become more than just a ride—it’s a symbol of local heritage, volunteerism, and generational joy.
For many families, visiting the train is an annual tradition, creating moments that tie together Emporia’s past, present, and future.
The club’s ability to maintain and operate the train over decades is a reflection of its committed volunteer base and community-driven mission. It’s also a physical representation of Sertoma’s motto in action: “Service to Mankind.”
The Sertoma Club’s 100th anniversary and 67th Miniature Train season are milestones that highlight a century of giving back to the Emporia community.
With free rides, new enhancements, and lasting community spirit, the 2024 train season promises joy, tradition, and gratitude in every ride.