Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Lends Helping Hand to Flying W Ranch Performers

Rio Grande Scenic Railroad Lends Helping Hand to Flying W Ranch Performers

Flying W Wranglers without Income After Waldo Canyon Fire, Portion of Proceeds to Benefit Performers

ALAMOSA, Colo., July 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad today announced a special promotion to help Flying W Ranch performers who lost their jobs and primary venue after the Waldo Canyon Fire. Like hundreds of Colorado-based businesses, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad is doing its part to help those affected by the Waldo Canyon Fire.

Since the 1950's, the Flying W Ranch has served as a historical symbol and tourist attraction of the Pike's Peak Region. After the Waldo Canyon Fire jumped the ridge towards Colorado Springs on June 26th, the Flying W Ranch was among the businesses and residences hit the hardest. The Wranglers performed for tens of thousands of people since 1955 when they joined the Flying W Ranch to become an integral part of its western hospitality and traditions.

To help The Wranglers in this time of tragedy, Rio Grande Scenic Railroad will offer:


-- A $5 donation to the Wranglers for every Coach, Club or Dome ticket
purchased for trips out of La Veta.
-- An invitation to The Wranglers to perform at the Rio Grande Scenic
Railroad's venue, Fir, in September (date TBD).
-- An invitation to anyone who knows of other ways to supplement the income
of The Wranglers to contact the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad directly.
"I have worked directly with the Wranglers many times and jumped at the chance to help such a fine group stay on their feet despite the devastating wildfires," said Fred Hargrove of Rio Grande Scenic Railroad. "The Wranglers' sole means of income was performing at the Flying W Ranch, and we plan to do everything we can to help them get back on their feet after this tragic loss."

Throughout the remainder of Rio Grande Scenic Railroad's 2012 Mountain Rails Live Summer Concert Series, those purchasing a ticket from La Veta in Coach, Dome or Club class should use the promo code "Wranglers" to ensure a donation is made to The Wranglers.

Summer Concert Series tickets range from $19 to $129 depending on age and class of service. Trains depart from Alamosa or La Veta and take passengers directly to the concert site at Fir - an amphitheater powered solely by wind and solar energy. For complete information on Mountain Rails Live, visit us online at www.mountainrailslive.com

The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad depot is located at 610 State Ave., Alamosa, Colo., and the La Veta Depot is located at 111 Westmoor Street, La Veta, Colorado. To purchase tickets for opening weekend or for an upcoming excursion, or for more information call 877.726.RAIL or visit www.riograndescenicrailroad.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad conducts fun, nostalgic and entertainment-filled train excursions through one of the most beautiful and historic areas of the Rocky Mountain region. Founded in 1878 as the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, it played a critical role in the region's development for decades and today provides memorable trips from Alamosa to the Spanish Peaks and the San Luis Valley in Southern Colorado. The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad will host numerous special events during 2012, including a summer concert series onboard the trains, the Rails & Ales Brewfest, special steam trains to Antonito and Monte Vista, Saturday evening dinner trains, a Photo Spectacular excursion, and much more. The Rio Grande's sister railways include the Mount Hood Railroad in the Columbia River Gorge, the Copper Spike Train in Arizona, the Saratoga and North Creek Railroad in New York State and the West Texas Polar Express(TM) and charter excursions with High Iron Travel. For more information, visit www.riograndescenicrailroad.com .

SOURCE Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

Rio Grande Scenic Railroad

CONTACT: Kristin Miller, Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, +1-719-634-1180

Web Site: http://www.mountainrailslive.com


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