June 11, 2007

In trailers and on flatbeds, visitors of the equine and engine variety are arriving in Hood River.

Horses will fill the field near Mount Hood for the 16th annual Hunter-Jumper Classic starting June 13.

One of the most popular and prestigious shows of its kind in the Northwest, the Classic will draw top hunters and jumpers to the show site at Jensen Mills Meadow south of Hood River, according to organizer Lynn Everroad.

Meanwhile, iron horses — two historic Alco steam engines — wait in the Mt. Hood Railroad yard to pull trains this summer.

Beginning July 7, a 1910 Alco steam locomotive will power Mt. Hood Railroad’s excursion train on scenic tours through the Hood River Valley. The railroad has contracted with Brian Fleming, the owner of the Alco, to use his oil-powered steam engine and crew to pull the train’s six cars. The Dinner and Brunch Trains will continue to use the railroad’s diesel engines.

At the depot in downtown Hood River, the engines will be off-loaded by crane on the morning of June 9.

Look for details in the June 13 Hood River News, or go to www.mthoodrr.com.

The railroad’s depot, 22 miles of track and the four-acre park in Parkdale are federally designated as a National Historic Linear District.

The railroad is assembling a funding package for $1 million in track repairs necessitated by the November 2006 flooding.