(F)all aboard

By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff

As the Newport/Priest River Rotary Club launches its season of fall rides aboard the Scenic Pend Oreille River Train (SPORT), many riders will seize the chance to see North Idaho from the seat of a historic passenger train. While gorgeous riverside views and wildlife are likely sights along the way, SPORT committee co-chair Scott Roberts said the leaves lining the tracks are quite the spectacle this time of year.

Conductor Brad Mingay waves to passersby. Courtesy photo.

“They’re just now starting to change, but by the time we really get into it — especially into October — [the colors] will just be fantastic,” he said.

The SPORT will make its inaugural fall 2019 voyage this weekend. Rides are scheduled for 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21-Sunday, Sept. 22, then every Saturday and Sunday in October at the same daily times. Rides, which run north from Newport to Dalkena, Wash. and back, last about 90 minutes. Organizers suggest that all riders arrive at the Newport Train Depot at least a half an hour before the train is scheduled to leave the station.

Roberts said the three finale rides Sunday, Oct. 27 will be Halloween rides, complete with costumes and goodies.

“We’re going to encourage our riders — especially kids — to dress up for that,” he said. “We’ll be giving out treats.”

The seven-car train features three open-air cars, which Roberts highly suggested for getting the full experience on fall rides — as long as riders dress warmly.

“If the weather is good, I believe it’s the best way to ride,” Roberts said of the open cars. “You really get to experience the outdoors.”

The SPORT also features three enclosed cars, an ever-popular caboose and a new speaker system that ensures all riders can hear narrator Brian Orr as he details the history of the land alongside the tracks.

“He does a phenomenal job,” Roberts said. “As we hit different areas, Brian will tell the story of the specific area that we’re going through.”

Riders should also beware the legendary Dalkena Wild Bunch Gang — train robbers who might just pay the SPORT a visit. However, the robbery is all fun and games, as the nefarious crew is often made up of local 4-H kids or similar groups simply looking for a good-hearted donation during the pretend stick-up.

Tickets to ride the SPORT can be bought ahead of time at sporttrainrides.com or by calling 1-877-525-5226 between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Buy tickets the day of your chosen ride at the Newport Train Depot. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children ages 3-12 and senior citizens, and children under 3 ride for free.

Profits from ticket sales go directly to the Newport/Priest River Rotary chapter, which then distributes it though secondary education scholarships, athletics and robotics programs, and other local and international causes. Roberts said last year Rotary spent between $4,000 and $5,000 and collaborated with local electricians to make sure downtown Newport would have Christmas lights for years to come.

Among the many missions of the Newport/Priest River Rotary Club — and one of particular importance right now — is replenishing membership with young locals eager about civic involvement.

“We need new, young Rotarians,” Roberts said. “We have an old guard that’s running things, and we need some new blood.”

For more information on the fall SPORT rides, visit sporttrainrides.com.