Just got an email that the legendary TrainFest is back for 2024 in Milwaukee!
The venue has changed from the fair grounds to the Baird Center.
I‘m very happy to see this great event return!
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Dates?
M.H.M.
November 23 & 24
Cool. Thanks!
M.H.M.
I have had several potential attendees ask about the parking at the new venue.
They are worried about how far it is?
How expensive is it?
Any problems navigating the garages with a Ford 1 ton, long bed pickup?
Art
@Chugman posted:I have had several potential attendees ask about the parking at the new venue.
They are worried about how far it is?
How expensive is it?
Any problems navigating the garages with a Ford 1 ton, long bed pickup?
Art
Hi Art,
I’ve never been to the Baird Center so I did a little research. The center has its own parking garage that is attached, but from what I can find it looks ridiculously expensive at $65 for Saturday. There is also a garage 2 blocks away that is available for $10. If you go to the Trainfest website there are links to pre purchase parking. I use Spot Hero to find cheap parking.
For large vehicles and vehicles with trailers the event suggests you contact Josh or Anna at
info@interstateparking.com to arrange parking.
I hope this helps!
Pete
It’s game time!!!
Great show yesterday! Huge crowd, lots of space and natural light pouring in through the big windows.
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@bigtruckpete posted:Hi Art,
I’ve never been to the Baird Center so I did a little research. The center has its own parking garage that is attached, but from what I can find it looks ridiculously expensive at $65 for Saturday. There is also a garage 2 blocks away that is available for $10. If you go to the Trainfest website there are links to pre purchase parking. I use Spot Hero to find cheap parking.
For large vehicles and vehicles with trailers the event suggests you contact Josh or Anna at
info@interstateparking.com to arrange parking.
I hope this helps!
Pete
Not being familiar with downtown Milwaukee, we parked in the Baird Center garage. At $32, it was expensive, but not $65. Despite being part of the same building, it was not particularly accessible.
In addition to the parking, got the full "airport" experience - security screening to enter the building (all theater, not gonna say how I know 
) and $15 for a small lunch.
To enter (minutes after the doors opened), all one had to do was flash something that looked like a printed ticket. Despite the bar code, nobody was actually checking it. OTOH, there were plenty of workers around to help direct people, and the hall and restrooms were kept very clean.
Layouts on display were excellent as always - great job by all the volunteer exhibitors. On Saturday, it was much easier to move around in the hall than in previous years.
Was told by someone who should know that the local NMRA division has signed a 3-year contract to hold Trainfest at the fairgrounds. Hope they can make it work.
While I liked the venue of the Baird Center, it did seem like less turn out than year past. Word from vendors is it will be back at the State Fair grounds next year as it has been in years past.
I spoke with a couple of layout exhibitors - they mentioned that the Baird Center was a much more accommodating venue than the fairgrounds. Easier entry for setup, and nobody hassled them regarding how they were plugged in to the electricity.
Yikes $32 to park! Garages and lots were $9-$15 just two blocks away and I found plenty of open on street parking.
I also heard that the show will be back at the fairgrounds next year. Either is fine by me. Free parking at the fairgrounds versus better restaurants for lunch downtown…great train event either way. Just happy it’s back on the calendar!!!
We also added a stop at the Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club’s clubhouse. Always a great place to visit. Wonderful hosts with an amazing layout.
