For 100 years, the Sertoma Club has played a significant role in Emporia’s history in many ways, but maybe none more recognizable than its miniature train in Soden’s Grove.
In fact, during Sunday’s kickoff of the 2025 train season, many residents in attendance were reminiscing about their childhood memories of riding the train while waiting to board it with their children. This includes Emporia Sertoma President Vickie Brooks, who spoke with KVOE News Sunday afternoon.
In attendance for Sunday’s kickoff was Sertoma International CEO Jason Camis, who says he hopes the memories created through the train and other Sertoma initiatives will spark a desire in residents, especially local youth, to get involved and help others make similar memories in the future.
In addition to the train rides, Sunday’s event also included a ribbon cutting of the train’s new perbola, as well as free hot dogs, inflatables, games, and much more. You might wonder why so much fanfare for the start of another miniature train season? Well, this year is not just another year for the club as 2025 marks the Emporia chapter’s 100th anniversary of existence, with Sunday’s train kickoff also serving as a community celebration of that milestone.
Emporia is the fourth oldest Sertoma Club chapter in the country and Camis says it’s important to celebrate such milestones as they don’t happen every day. Brooks says the club has been eagerly anticipating Sunday’s celebration, noting it made perfect sense as the train is usually the first thing that pops into the minds of residents when they hear the Sertoma name.
With the train season now moving full steam ahead, hours of operation will be 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, and from 9 am to 11 am on Thursdays. For those wanting to ride, there will be no cost this season thanks to a very generous donation from Team Schnak founders Kent and Natalie Schnakenberg.
For more information, visit the Emporia Sertoma Facebook page.
