Travel

Belmont’s train got an locomotive yesterday, replacing the engine that was removed a couple of years ago.

The placement of the engine drew a crowd to an already vibrant downtown, right at the same time as the middle school dismissal.

Dozens of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders already regularly mingle in the downtown area at the Belmont General Store and Caravan Coffee, waiting for their parents to pick them up.

This event, however, brought out city staffers, employees of the busy downtown merchants, and the chamber of commerce. Train enthusiasts, passersby, and curiousity seekers all stopped to watch the placement

Everyone was busily snapping pictures of the two large cranes that lifted the axles onto the track next to the already placed caboose and dining car. Shortly thereafter, the body of the locomotive was raised and set into place.

This should complete the little train, bringing back some interest in the train-related heritage that Garibaldi Station/Belmont holds within its history. The train station was a museum until just a few years ago. It sat empty until the upscale clothing store, Jolie, began operating.  The volunteers who ran the Train Museum had decided to close because they struggled getting volunteers to staff the facility on a regular basis.

According to the now local entreprenuer, Richard LaVecchia  — owner of several downtown properties, including Piccolo, OldStone Steakhouse, and the old Leader building (now being called, “the Rose Building” — ’cause it was owned and sold by Art Rose) — “…several projects…” are planned, “…where people can get into the locomotive and take pictures”.  

Does the completion of the little train mean the return of a destination place in downtown Belmont?

(Christmas Town USA photos from website)

Some of the nicer things about Gaston County are the “good traditions”, such as the McAdenville Lights. “Christmastown” has been a joyful tradition for 52 years in McAdenville, drawing people from all over the world.

A few years ago, Steve Rankin developed a website, Christmas Town USA, that has promoted vistor participation. This website has driving directions and walking directions that will make the experience a lot of fun and minimize the hassles.

With the redevelopment of the old mill town, worries circulated that Pharr Yarns would discontinue the tradition. That worry was put to rest as the new houses have been built and new residents have embraced the slight inconveniences presented by millions of visitors each December.

(Christmas Town USA website photo)

Wow, the paving is now in the heart of Central Avenue in Belmont this week.

If at all possible, try to avoid Central between the Point and Keener.

It is amazing that the road crews ground the asphalt all the way down to the first level of concrete. Several areas are showing brick pavers in some sections.