Trains will bring visitors to key celebration of California’s unique African American history
(September 30, Stockton, CA) – Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is holding a celebratory “re-dedication” event on Saturday, October 9 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and the Amtrak San Joaquins has scheduled special trains at a 50 percent discount rate to bring visitors to the park for the historically significant event.
The re-dedication is one of four major annual events hosted by Friends of Allensworth (FOA), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to support, promote, and advance the educational and interpretive activities at colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. According to FOA, the re-dedication is “presented to renew the commitment of the citizens of California to help the Department of Parks and Recreation preserve the history of the ethnically diverse contributions made in the development of the state of California and our nation.”
Event activities will include square dancing, self-guided tours of historic buildings, historic games with prizes, storytelling, and arts and crafts. Food and refreshment vendors will also be present. Travelers can also bring their bikes and chairs aboard Amtrak trains and Thruway buses.
We are excited to be welcoming guests traveling from throughout the state aboard the Amtrak San Joaquins,” said FOA President, Sasha Biscoe. “We encourage any individual that is interested in the rich, ethnically diverse history of our state to consider taking advantage of the affordable, environmentally friendly, convenient, and fun transportation option provided by the Amtrak San Joaquins and join us on October 9th to celebrate Allensworth.”
Visitors interested in attending the re-dedication event will be able to take Amtrak San Joaquins trains to the Allensworth station, where they will be met by a free shuttle for the short ride to the main property. The Allensworth station is normally a whistle stop on the San Joaquins available to be booked by groups desiring to visit the park.
The southbound trains that will be running for this event include trains 702, 710, 712, and 714. Northbound trains include trains 713, 715, 717, and 719. Amtrak San Joaquins tickets to the Colonel Allensworth Park (CNL) will include an automatically applied 50% discount. In addition to the 50% discounted tickets, there are a variety of discount programs regularly available to riders:
- Children 2 through 12 years old ride half-price every day. Infants under 2 ride free.
- Buy one and save 50% on up to five companion fares with the Friends & Family discount.
- Seniors (ages 62 and older) save 15 percent.
- Students (ages 13 to 25) save 15 percent with a valid student ID.
- Veterans & active military members save 15 percent.
- Disabled riders’ safe 10 percent.
- Save up to 45 percent when you travel with a plus one using the saver fare.
More information on the discounts available for everyday travel aboard the Amtrak San Joaquins can be found at https://amtraksanjoaquins.com/promotion/share-fare/.
About Allensworth State Historic Park
The town of Allensworth is located in the heart of the Central Valley, about 30 miles north of Bakersfield, and has a rich history that is of interest to students, families, history buffs, minority community organizations, and anyone else looking to spend a fun day exploring the historic community and its restored buildings. In 1908, Allensworth was established as a town founded, financed and governed by African Americans. There were a series of challenges impeding the town’s long-term survival, but it is celebrated as a key historic icon, and in 1974 California State Parks purchased the land in order to maintain it as a site for visitors to learn and explore the Colonel’s house, historic schoolhouse, Baptist church, and library.
Health and Safety Aboard Amtrak San Joaquins Trains and Thruway Buses
In alignment with guidance from the CDC and state health officials for public transit, face masks will continue to be required on Amtrak San Joaquins trains, buses, and stations. Additionally, Amtrak San Joaquins will continue stringent cleaning and sanitation protocols to ensure the health and safety of passengers and employees. Disinfection wipe downs are performed multiple times each day on all high touch surfaces, and hand sanitizer is available for passengers. Amtrak San Joaquins encourages its riders to review the Visit California “Responsible Travel Code” for tips on how to plan thoughtful, safe, and respectful travel.
For passengers interested in monitoring capacity levels for trains and buses, travelers can utilize Amtrak’s capacity indicator system. This online tool allows customers to see in real-time the percentage of seats sold for each trip option. This gives customers the opportunity to book a train that is less crowded if they choose or cancel the reservation if needed. Amtrak has extended the waivers on change fees and cancellation fees until September 6, 2021. Reservations can be modified online or on the Amtrak app for free, although a far difference may apply to the new itinerary. For passengers wishing to cancel their reservation with no fee, call 1-800-USA-RAIL and speak with an agent.
All discounts can be accessed at amtraksanjoaquins.com/promotions/. Passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets prior to boarding at stations, online at AmtrakSanJoaquins.com, on the Amtrak app, or at a station kiosk.
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