Ionia Fair Train 2002 in Saranac, MI.

The Ionia Fair midway on a Mid Michigan Railroad train bound for Ionia in the early morning hours passes through Saranac, MI. The video was taken by the former Grand Trunk Western Witches Hat depot, which was moved a few blocks up and across the tracks by the local historical society and restored. The train belongs to James E. Strates Shows out of Florida, who did the Ionia Fair for many years, until sometime in the 1950s, I beleive. Strates Shows is the nation's last railroad carnival. Sadly, this was a one time return, as the rails were pulled at this location in June 2009, about a year after the last train passed the depot. Trains had rolled through here for over 150 years.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Michigan trains
• Michigan Railroads
• Saranac
• Ionia
• fair train
• Strates Shows

[qwandiddy]

@nickman912 Normally the MMRR between GR and Lowell aren't that long at all.

[qwandiddy]

@n8mrc At least, At NE of Grand Rapids which where I'm from, few weeks ago I did see a MMRR Train coming across Ada coming from Lowell, MI the same track that goes to Lowell (Used to go to Ionia). I mean, when did they shut the plant down in Ionia or how long has it been since the line between Ionia-Lowell been abandoned? I haven't seen no trains in Ionia since the 90s.

[qwandiddy]

@remnar2888 I'm so sorry for people of Ionia and Greenville aren't able to have trains around no more. Thanks to Stupid Poor Economy!!

[qwandiddy]

@n8mrc I was just notice that when I drove through Ionia last year and I was so shocked that Ionia is no longer have trains operating there no more (very odd), like "Where in the Heck did they do to tracks". Now you have to go to Lowell which the farthest that trains goes to from Grand Rapids, Even they tore off tracks (that goes via Belding to Greenville) north of Lowell High School the same time for a Bike trail. Hope and praying that trains will stay at Lowell.

[ConrailJon]

3839, 24 and HESR 3867! What a lash up!

[n8mrc]

they tore the tracks out couple weeks ago, trying to make in to a trail

[nickman912]

This is probably the longest train this line has ever seen!

[remnar2888]

i haven't seen them go from lowell too iona in awhile. wonder what happend.

[xXxXRubyxXxXx]

u never see them that much anymore

[n8mrc]

that was awsome I do miss the train tracks...