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Glen Avenue Train Garden Continues To Delight More Than Half A Century Later

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Moms, dads, kids and grandkids have been going there for more than half a century. It's the holiday train garden at the Glen Avenue fire station.

Ron Matz has more on this great tradition in Northwest Baltimore.

The holiday train garden at the Glen Avenue fire station is right on track. Now in its 56th year, it's the longest continually operating train garden in Baltimore. Four trains run constantly.

The set-up begins in October.

"We start the first week of October. A small scene can take 10 to 12 hours to set up much less getting the other stuff all ready. So it's a lot of work. but it's a lot of fun," said firefighter Joe Weber, Truck Company 27.

It's 40 by 15 feet. From Harry Potter to winter wonderlands and even Mr. Boh, the display takes up half the firehouse. At Glen Avenue, it's all about tradition.

"It's our 56th year. Every generation of firefighters that come into the firehouse feel an obligation to keep it going. No one wants to be the one that it ends on. Many people say they've been coming here since they were children and now they're bringing their grandchildren, so it's pretty amazing," Lt. Michael Evans said.

"When I first got here I didn't know much about it. When I saw how many people come through and enjoy it, I help a good bit every year and help the captain get it ready," Weber said.

There's no charge to get in, but donations keep the trains running.

"We thank people for their contributions," Weber said. "This garden is self-sustaining, so your contributions help keep this going every year."

About 10,000 people are expected to visit the Glen Avenue train garden over the holidays.

"The families and the community enjoy it," Evans said. "We enjoy seeing the families come in and enjoy their time here. The kids, the faces, the smiles, it's just a joyful time of year, and we like to celebrate with the community we serve."

The train garden at the Glen Avenue firehouse is open from 10 a.m. through 9 p.m. every day through New Year's Day.

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