The recently established Tamaqua Railroad and Tourism Committee is planning a new event for downtown Tamaqua.

“Tamaqua Railfest” will be held rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 26.

It will feature train rides and tours of area mining operations, said Dale Freudenberger, committee member and president of the Tamaqua Historical Society. The committee is also wants to hear ideas for the event from the public.

“Tamaqua Railfest is being planned in coordination with a Reading and Northern Railroad passenger train bringing passengers in to Tamaqua for this special event along with other local things to see and do during the train’s layover in town,” Freudenberger said.

The Lehigh Anthracite company will offer five 90-minute bus tours of its mining operations in Tamaqua and Coaldale.

In addition, the Tamaqua Historical Society will have a special exhibit on the Lehigh & New England Railroad at its 118 W. Broad St. museum.

Stokers Brewery, 36 Mauch Chunk St., will celebrate its fifth anniversary on this day.

“We hope to add many more fun things to see and do at the Tamaqua Railfest,” Freudenberger said.

He said that the borough has a rich history of railroads and related industries such as coal mining, trolley cars, heavy manufacturing and more dating as far back as 1829.

The committee welcomes all railroad-themed organizations, attractions, exhibitors, crafters, private collectors, businesses, museums, authors, artists, model railroad clubs to the unique event.

“We hope to focus the festival on mostly railroad or related industry themed items being displayed or sold by individuals, businesses and organizations participating in this first Tamaqua Railfest event,” Freudenberger said.

The committee has contacted a number of railroad-themed organizations and “hopes to find many others who would like to participate in the event,” he said.

Anyone with a railroad-themed idea should contact Freudenberger at dalefreud@gmail.com or 610-597-6722.