Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is expanding its event train schedule now that school is out and summer has started. The city is also looking for more volunteer drivers to help run the train. The event train gives rides around Heritage Park and is a popular summer activity. Volunteers are needed to help keep the train running smoothly.

Starting in June, the train will run three days a week—Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Riders can get on and off at the Foley Railroad Museum, located in the city’s historic 1909 L&N Depot on East Laurel Avenue.

The train usually runs on Saturdays all year long. But with the summer schedule adding more days, more drivers are needed. Volunteers help make sure the train stays on track during the busy summer season.

Each driver typically works a two-hour shift. Volunteers are an important part of keeping this tradition alive.

Foley has a strong railroad history that goes back 120 years. Volunteering as a driver is a way to connect with that past and share it with others.

“If you have the time, and you have the energy and all everything, that two-hour time period driving a train for little kids and old people is a lot of fun,” Miller said. Even though it’s just a two-hour time period, it fills your week.”

Each trip can be an adventure for the driver as well as the passengers.

“You talk to people about where they're from. I make it entertaining,” he said. ”The kids all chuckle, giggle and all of that. And the parents can be a little bit surprised sometimes that it's fun and it's not that long of a ride. It's 15 to 20 minutes. It's just most enjoyable for the kids. You can hear them. They're just excited about it.”

Interacting with the passengers is one of the joys of driving the train.

“I tell the kids when they get on the train, here are the rules. There really aren't any rules, but you have to listen to your moms, your dads, your grandpas, your grandpas. They make the rules and keep your hands and your toes and your knees and your nose, your hair, and your bonnets all inside the car. Do not leave anything behind. I have a schtick, and you just make it fun for everybody,” Miller said.

The train includes about four passenger cars that can each carry up to four people, depending on the size of the passengers. The train usually drives a route around Heritage Park.

Anyone wanting to volunteer to drive a train can apply at the Foley Welcome Center between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Because drivers are operating city equipment and carrying passengers, volunteer drivers must undergo standard background checks that are part of municipal policy for anyone working with the public and operating vehicles.

Anyone wanting more information can contact the Welcome Center during regular business hours at 251-943-1200.