This holiday season, the Medford Garden Railroad Club has transformed the former Eddie Bauer store location on the upper level of Rogue Valley Mall into a train-lovers paradise.
Shane Waggoner, who is the President of the club for just over a year, leads a group of around 35 dedicated members and volunteers. The club’s primary headquarters are at the Medford Railroad Park, however they use this new temporary location to showcase their Christmas trains.
Organizers remarked that the Rogue Valley Mall gifted the space to the non-profit organization. “They have been more than accommodating,” stated Waggoner.
Under Waggoner’s guidance, dedicated club members invested well over 40 hours to convert the former clothing store into a festive attraction for train enthusiasts, families, and children.
“My goal was to get everything up and running in time for Black Friday,” Waggoner remarked, highlighting the club’s commitment to spreading holiday joy.
The club traditionally has hosted the event at The Expo, but continuing pandemic-related challenges prompted a shift in strategy for the non-profit, emphasizing the importance of fundraising and community engagement.
Despite a 10% share of total sales going to the Rogue Valley Mall, the club benefits from the arrangement with no rent charges. “It’s a win-win,” Waggoner affirmed.
The club not only hopes for fundraising success, but also continued membership growth. “Since our time at the mall, we’ve added several new members,” Waggoner shared, underscoring the club’s success in attracting fresh faces at their new location.
The transformation of the empty store not only helps breathes life into the mall but also serves as a hub for interactive activities, drawing in families and sparking the imagination of children.
One member of the Medford Garden Railroad Club is a young man named Sean Spielde, who said he fell in love with trains at age of 5 after seeing a train up close in Gold Hill. At that time he told his dad, “I love trains, they’re so cool!”
Spielde has several of his own trains, that he purchased himself, at the location. “People should come out” he excited said as he pointed to one of his prized locomotives in the foreground.
Open until January 4th, 2024, the holiday location offers more than just visual delights. The club crafts train ornaments and whistles in-house, utilizing their 3D Printer. All proceeds from these festive items contribute to the club’s operational costs.
“It’s too early to predict, but if we meet our fundraising goal, we’ll likely return next holiday season,” Waggoner shared.
The club’s goal at their new holiday location, according to Waggoner, is simple: “We are here to give everyone enjoyment.”
The location features numerous G-Scale and 1:32-1:20 narrow gauge trains, meticulously modeled after their real-life counterparts. Along with a number of ornate town setups featuring holiday and winter themes. If you look close enough, you may even notice a small-scale replica of a very famous flying Delorean car.
For those interested in supporting the Medford Garden Railroad Club, donation boxes are conveniently placed at the location, open during all mall operating hours. There is no cost to enter the store and enjoy the displays.
In the spirit of the season, the club invites the community to join them in spreading joy through the enchanting world of trains.
