Smoke is rising and whistles are blowing as the City of Summerville launches its highly anticipated annual “Steam into Summerville Railroad Days.” This six-week celebration, which centers around the historic Summerville Depot and its centerpiece—one of the few operating train turntables in the southeastern United States—is currently underway and runs through November 8th, promising an array of unique festivities for history buffs, families, and dedicated rail fans.

The historic celebration is anchored by the weekly arrivals of the Tennessee Valley Railroad’s (TVRR) Summerville Steam Excursion. These vintage steam engine passenger trains arrive weekly at the Summerville Depot every Saturday, with special Sunday excursions scheduled for October 12th, 19th, and November 2nd.

The highlight of each scheduled festival is the 1:00 p.m. train arrival, followed by the dramatic turning of the antique steam engines on the turntable—a rare sight thrilling to spectators young and old.

Tickets for the rail excursions, which follow a historic route from Chattanooga’s Grand Junction Station, must be purchased directly through the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum at www.tvrail.com. However, admission to the town’s corresponding events at Dowdy Park and the Depot is free to the public.

A Comprehensive Look at the Fall Lineup

This year’s celebration features a diverse calendar of events, ensuring every weekend offers a unique experience:

Sum-Nelly Arts and Crafts Festival (October 4)

The festivities begin in Dowdy Park on October 4th with the 50-year-old tradition of the Sum-Nelly Arts and Crafts Festival. This popular opening event features over 120 artists, crafters, quilters, musicians, and food vendors. The TVRR steam engine arrival and turntable operation is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Event hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Summerville Mini Renaissance Festival (October 11)

Travel back in time as the Summerville Mini Renaissance Festival returns to Dowdy Park. Guests are invited to dress as royalty, fairies, pirates, and peasants to enjoy pageantry, music, artisans, and games. Performers from Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama will be on hand from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The train arrival and turntable presentation is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.

Old Fashioned Sunday Dinner At The Depot (October 12)

On Sunday, October 12th, visitors can enjoy a slower pace of life with an “Old Fashioned Sunday Dinner” at the Historic Summerville Depot. Serving fried chicken, beef tips, and classic southern sides like dressing and fried okra, the meal will be accompanied by live gospel music. The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., coinciding with a special 1:00 p.m. Sunday train arrival. Meal prices range from $9 to $12.

Sequoyah Quilt Show (October 18-19)

The art of quilting takes center stage with the Sequoyah Quilt Show, held inside the Summerville Depot. Featuring large exhibits, live demonstrations, and a returning “Bed Turning” of quilts narrated by quilters, the show runs Saturday (9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) and Sunday (11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.). Food and craft vendors will also be on site, with the train arrival expected around 1:00 p.m. each day.

Pumpkin Palooza, Candy Walk & Night Of The Jack O’ Lanterns (October 25)

The excitement ramps up for Halloween on Saturday, October 25th. The day kicks off with the Pumpkin Palooza and Downtown Candy Walk (sponsored by the Summerville Trion Optimist Club) running from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Highlights include a Youth Halloween Costume Contest and vendors lining the East Washington Streetscape. The TVRR train will arrive at the depot at 1:00 p.m.

In the evening, the celebration continues with the Night Of The Jack O’ Lanterns from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Historic Couey House. Families are encouraged to bring carved Jack-O’-Lanterns for display (lit by flameless candles) and enjoy free refreshments, storytelling, and an appearance by “The Sanderson Sisters” and other surprise guests.

Trains and Tracks Expo (November 1-2)

For ultimate rail enthusiasts, the Trains and Tracks Expo at the Summerville Depot offers model trains, accessories, collectible toys, and railroad memorabilia. The Chattanooga Modular Modeler Train exhibit will be a major feature. The TVRR steam engine is scheduled to arrive at 1:00 p.m. on both days, with Sunday featuring a rare double steam engine arrival.

Salute To The Troops (November 8)

The six-week event concludes on November 8th with a solemn “Salute To The Troops.” Summerville Main Street will present an “Hometown Heroes” exhibit inside the Historic Summerville Depot, featuring photos, bios, and memorabilia submitted by families of local living and deceased Veterans. The final TVRR train arrival and turntable operation will occur around 1:00 p.m., accompanied by a special musical tribute to honor Veterans.

Most events are free to attend. For vendor registration or specific event details, contact Summerville Main Street at 706-859-0900 or email slocklear@summervillega.org.