The charming and quaint Historic Downtown scene of Sykesville in Carroll County, Maryland will be all abuzz today with the seasonal return of the town’s beloved Farmers Market. An annual operation that runs every Sunday in late May through the end of October, this is a time when vendors bearing all kinds of goods (ranging from fresh produce to artisanal breads and baked goods) come out to set up shop around Main Street, continuing weekly throughout the season’s run. Loyal community members and visitors alike are forever making the most of this time, gathering together and bringing out the entire family for a day of fun follies and festivities.
The Farmers Market’s seasonal operation also marks the return of an especially enjoyable endeavor for children specifically. It’s the Little Sykes Railroad! Presented as a G-12 miniature train model, Little Sykes offers a unique and unparalleled opportunity to experience a small-scale train ride for free in what is for many young attendees their first-ever railroad encounter! In the nearly two and a half decades since Little Sykes Railroad has been operating, it remains one of Sykesville’s most popular area attractions, averaging somewhere around 4,000+ rides annually.
With the assistance of community resident Richard Doxzen, the Town of Sykesville acquired the small-scale miniature model between 1999 and 2000 from a private owner in Pennsylvania. Given Sykesville’s unique railroad history, it was a befitting addition to the Historic Downtown scene. Furthermore, the train itself is somewhat of a timepiece. It was built in 1949 by the Miniature Train Company of Rensselaer, Indiana, and modeled after a Pennsylvania Railroad F3 diesel engine and passenger train.
Doxzen and various volunteers throughout the area worked together to refurbish and then lay out the track for the miniature train. Operations officially began in tandem with Sykeville’s Fall Fun Festival in 2000.
In the four years following, with financial backing from local businesses and generous donors, a “station building” to support train operators and passengers was constructed onsite. This helps to convey the localized theme Little Sykes presents, working well with its paint job to reflect those of Baltimore & Ohio Railroad train cars.
Little Sykes Railroad is maintained and operated by an all-volunteer staff that varies by different age groups. You have adults leading as drivers and mechanics and several student volunteers working to instruct young children on safety practices and procedures. Service hours are even available to those students who have completed fifth grade. The train undergoes Maryland State Inspections annually to ensure everything is safe and up to code.
Once again, rides along Little Sykes Railroad are entirely free. Donations are always appreciated though to keep the good times rolling!
Little Sykes Railroad runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday during regular Sykesville Farmers Market seasonal operations. The site address is Little Sykes Railroad Park, 731 Sandosky Road, Sykesville, MD 21784. Click here to learn more or visit the Town of Sykesville site for additional details on all Main Street events, including seasonal Farmers Market happenings.