All aboard!
After a 10-year hiatus, Galey Farms’ summer train is hitting its tracks again.
Rob Galey, the farm’s fourth-generation owner, introduced the locomotive to the business’ Blenkinsop property 19 years ago as part of a drive to attract agritourists.
“It really builds the farm’s name," he said. "Also, people see our products on grocery store shelves and buy it by name."
Despite the train’s popularity, Galey's busy schedule led to its final summer trip in 2014, though the owner continued to offer Halloween rides every October.
“It was just too much to juggle preparing the summer training and all the heavy, heavy harvest in berry season at the same time,” he said. “We were just too busy to do it.”
Tour the 40-acre property and you'll see first-hand the volume of work Galey and his team take on. At this time of year, the 86-year-old business employs 300 man-hours per day to pick blueberries, strawberries and raspberries, in addition to all the work for other crops, including potatoes, carrots, garlic, watermelon and corn.
Since 2014, however, Galey has assembled an even bigger team, which includes his son and daughter, allowing him to once again kick the train's engines into gear for rides under hot, sunny skies. Starting on Aug. 1, the farm will begin offering trips on its famed locomotive.
"I'm sure excited about this summer," he said. He has installed new features to the ride, including animatronic animals and robots, which stand close to a Sphinx statue, an old western town and the world's biggest gnome. "All my dreams and ideas from the last 10 years are coming true."
The ride, which slowly meanders around the property, also gives folks an up-close look at real-life farm animals, as well as the hard work it takes to produce the food Islanders rely on.
“I have a little bit of everything showcased here," said Galey. “We can show you how we grow things, we will give you an extensive tour ... through the fields and we will teach you about our practices and how we grow our food here on the Island.”
Today, the miniature locomotive boasts seven cars, up from its original four, and can fit an average of 120 people every 20 minutes – an experience Galey emphasized is open to folks of all ages.
“A lot of people have mobility issues and it's hard for them to go around,” he said. “We cater to all demographics, so grandma, grandpa, mom and dad – and of course the kids just love it.”
What Galey enjoys most about the train is the opportunities it affords him to connect with folks who have been visiting his farm for years.
“I love seeing these families come here, I love to see the families bond, I love to see the children smile,” he said. “It's a great life and ... it makes all of the hard work worthwhile at the end of the day.”
Train tickets will be available at the farm or online at galeyfarms.ca starting on July 15.
