This ride is no drag – or is it?

by Robin Dorner

Editor in Chief

Arkansas really does go “all out” for their “All OUT June” Pride month celebration. One tribute to that is an event held by the Arkansas Missouri (A&M) Railroad. It’s a six car train, Pride Ride & Drag Show and the proceeds of the show will go to the NWA Center for Equality.

“The A&M wanted to show our support for NWA Center for Equality and we appreciate their efforts on AIDS awareness and education,” said Brenda Rouse, A&M Passenger Train Operations Manager. “Everyone deserves equal rights.”

Rouse said she has friends and relatives who are part of the “family” and she believes they should all have the same rights everyone else does.

For the special Pride Ride & Drag Show event, several ‘special’ cars will be reserved: three 1920’s vintage coaches with velvet flip seating – Ticket price is $35 and includes wine tasting; one 1950’s Parlor Car with tables and chairs – Ticket price $70 includes full service dinner and wine; one 1950’s Silver Feather First Class Car with tables and chairs – Ticket Price $70 includes full service dinner and wine; one 1950’s Silver Feather Vista Dome (only 24 seats) – Ticket Price is $80 includes full service dinner and wine.

This is the first time the A&M has been involved in such an event, but they are involved in a lot of community outreach. Their belief is that good corporate citizenship serves best in the community’s long-term interest. Further, A&M’s passenger excursion is one of Northwest Arkansas's major tourist attractions that help support the region’s tourist industry.               

The railroad operates their passenger/tourist trips all year round.

-          January – March / Fort Smith to Winslow Lunch upgrade is available

-          March – December / Springdale to Van Buren

-          March – December / Van Buren to Winslow departs 11 am. Lunch upgrade is available

They also have specials throughout the year including : Private charters, holiday pajama trains, Dickson St. ‘dine-arounds’ and Troop Trains, Glory Trains, Micro Tours, Love Trains, and now the Pride Ride.

Not only will the Pride Ride & Drag Show raise money for the NWA Center for Equality. During the month of June, mention “All OUT June” when making reservations and the A&M will donate a portion of the ticket sales to NWA Center for Equality.

Right now the big surprise for everyone is which drag queens we’ll get to see for this spectacular show.

For tickets, visit www.amrailroad.com and go to reservations, call the depot at 800-687-8600 or 479-725-4017. You can also find them on social media under “Arkansas Missouri Railroad” and order tickets there.