Romos encourage others to climb aboard

TRAINS AT NORTHPARK

By Emily Hargrove

Candice and Tony Romo are helping Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD) kick off the Holiday season as Honorary Chairs of its much-loved Trains at NorthPark, presented by the Bank of Texas. The Dallas Cowboys legend and his wife join 2021 chairs Kate McCoy and Kelley Schadt in bringing joy and wonder to thousands of families who visit the exhibit. Since inception, the Trains at NorthPark has raised more than $14 million for RMHD and helped provide a home away from home for 40,000 families with sick and injured children. In its 40th Anniversary year, RMHD is inviting everyone to participate in the celebration by purchasing a one-of-a-kind railcar now available for sale.

Returning November 13, the Trains at NorthPark is the largest miniature train exhibit in Texas with more than 750 railcars featuring the organizations, families and individuals who make this beloved event possible. Purchasing a railcar before December 7 will guarantee it being on the tracks before the end of the season. COVID protocols following CDC guidelines will be in place during the six-week run.

“The Holidays are always a special time for us but this year, as we celebrate four decades of serving families in need, it brings even greater meaning,” said Jill Cumnock, CEO of RMHD. “The last 18 months have been a challenge as we have worked to keep our families safe throughout the pandemic and burst pipes during the ice-storm. The Trains is the biggest fundraiser for the House, so we urge everyone to get involved.” 

Adds Candice Romo: “We are flattered and honored to be selected as the 2021 Honorary Chairs. The Trains at NorthPark is an annual holiday event we attend with our own kids, and we are excited to share how wonderful the Ronald McDonald House is in our community. We are thrilled to celebrate the support and joy that they bring to families and children around us.”

New for 2021 is a mint-green dining car for sale for $300. A caboose is available for $250, an engine for $350 and standard railcars for $200. All railcars come with customized artwork on the top and on one side. 

The Trains at NorthPark will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 13, on the second level of NorthPark mall. With 1,600 feet of tracks rolling from coast to coast on a whimsical journey across the United States, the Trains travel from the fall foliage of New England to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge with stops along the way in New York, Arizona and Colorado.

Tickets for The Trains at NorthPark are $5 for children ages 2-12 and seniors over 65. Adults are $10, while children under two years of age are admitted for free. Those interested in supporting The Trains at NorthPark through sponsorship, contact Diane Fullingim at [email protected]; for purchasing a railcar or Family Pass, contact Kathlyn McGuill at [email protected]; and Caitlyn Carter at [email protected] for volunteering. For event information, visit thetrainsatnorthpark.com.