VOLUNTEER RAILROADERS

Making the Difference...

They come from all walks of life-different careers, different parts of the country, different ages and family backgrounds. But, the one thing that unites all of them now is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. They are the volunteers who help keep the railroad and its many events going without a hitch.

Many of the volunteers are retired, living their dream in Durango. Some will even tell you they have been railfans most of their lives and moved to Durango because of the railroad. They are former professors, engineers, nurses, firemen, sheriffs, and some even spent some time working for other railroads. Now that they have free time, the D&SNGRR reaps the benefits of their talents and passion.

The volunteer group, now close to 45-members strong, was established about six years ago, primarily to bring people in to help with Narrow Gauge Days, the kick off of the Silverton season, and Railfest, an annual five-day celebration of railroading. With railroad employees tied to their normal responsibilities, events can be a challenge as far as manpower. Over the years, the railroad has added to its list of special events, which biggest ones now include, Day Out With Thomas™, Peanuts™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express, and The Polar Express™, among others.

The volunteers put in countless hours during events, helping with anything that needs to be done, from applying thousands of temporary tattoos at the Thomas event to handing out candy at the Peanuts™ The Great Pumpkin Patch event, to dressing up as Santa and elves for The Polar Express™. This group is also invaluable as far as their roles as ambassadors to our guests and in our community and in providing the railroad staff with ideas from a different perspective.

The railroad definitely couldn't do all that we do without this generous group of people they are a priceless addition to the D&SNGRR family and really make the difference.