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Train Mural
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
Spectators at the Folkston Railwatch in Folkston, Georgia, admire the city's new train mural on the side of a mercantile shop. Dubbed the "Folkston Funnel" because nearly all trains coming in or out of Florida have to pass through here, the town draws train enthusiasts from all over the world. In April 2009, the American Festivals Project was in southern Georgia for the annual Railwatch event, when hundreds of railfans come together to shoot the breeze and watch the tracks.
Read more about the Folkston Railwatch on the American Festivals Project blog.
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Railfans
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
An Amtrak passenger train rushes through Folkston as a railfan listens to live railroad communications on a radio.
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Freight Train
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
Train spotters watch as a freight train rumbles through Folkston.
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Young Railfans
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
Young railfans (from left) Evan, Ben, and Logan show their support with train t-shirts. The three live in different cities but share in their hobby online.
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Tripods
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
Tripods and video cameras are in position, awaiting the next train to pass through Folkston.
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Train IDs
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
A railfan's notepad lists the trains that came through the Folkston Funnel that day.
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Model Train Set
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
Young fans admire a model train set through the window of the Whistlin' Dixie shop in Folkston.
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Videographer
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
Many railfans photograph or take video recordings of trains as collectibles.
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Viewing Platform
Photograph by Andrew Owen, American Festivals Project
Folkston built a special rail-watching platform near the tracks to accommodate the thousands of railfans who flock to Folkston every year.
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End of Day
Photograph by Ross McDermott, American Festivals Project
The sun sets on the Folkston Railwatch. The event may happen only once a year, but train enthusiasts head to the Georgia city year-round to watch the tracks.
American Festivals Project Videos
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