Crews have been busy getting ready for the Sumpter Valley Railroad’s 2022 season.

SUMPTER — The Sumpter Valley Railroad is up and running for the season with rides on weekends, and some special extended days coming up on Memorial Day weekend.

Riders will climb aboard the #3 wood-burning Heisler.

“This is an amazing steam engine,” said Kim Svaty, depot manager. “It’s a favorite of many and such fun to see run.”

Wood-burning, however, means that someone is splitting wood. Svaty said each round trip requires one bunker of wood.

“So if you hear a volunteer say they split wood all weekend you now know how important that job is,” she said.

The #19 Mikado is currently under repair after breaking down in December 2021. Svaty said it should be back in action by mid-July.

Memorial Day weekend

The annual Sumpter Flea Market happens again over Memorial Day weekend, and the SVRR will offer short runs from the Sumpter Station at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on May 28 and 29.

“These shorter runs have become very popular,” Svaty said. “It gives more people an opportunity to ride the train as well as take in all the events in town.”

Fares are $18 adults, $15 seniors/military and $11 for ages 3-17.

There’s also a rumor that The High Country Outlaws will make an appearance that weekend — and Father’s Day weekend, as well.

Looking ahead

“In a Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild” returns this year June 25 and June 26, at 4:30 p.m. both days. Tickets must be purchased in advance at inalandscape.org.

Short runs will return for the Fourth of July flea market weekend, July 2 and 3, and again during Baker City’s Miners Jubilee, May 16 and 17.

August features all full runs between McEwen Depot and the Sumpter Station. Fares are $25 adults, $22 seniors/military and $16 for ages 3-17.

Short runs return for the Labor Day weekend flea market, as well as a special Wine and Cheese full run on Sept. 3 featuring Copper Belt Winery and The Cheese Fairy. This is for ages 21 and older, and the fare is $60.

The Full Moon train is set for Sept. 10, the Hot Dog and Marshmallows Train returns Sept. 11, and October again features Fall Foliage train rides.

And those bandits strike every month.

For a full schedule, and to make reservations, visit sumptervalleyrailroad.org.