From 2016 to 2019, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, located at 300 Gap Road, Strasburg, hosted an annual Rails & Ales event, where attendees could sample unique craft beer of all types from a variety of breweries while surrounded by the massive, historic trains in the museum's 100,000-square-foot Rolling Stock Hall. Shortly before the museum's 2020 event, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the museum to temporarily close its doors.

After a two-year hiatus, Rails & Ales will return on Saturday, April 9. General admission will run from 6:30 to 9 p.m. People must be age 21 or older to attend with the presentation of valid photo identification. Attendees will be strongly encouraged to wear masks when not eating or drinking and to social distance. There will be hand sanitizing stations around the museum, and hand washing stations will be setup near the portable restrooms.

"I am definitely looking forward to seeing brewers come back into the hall," stated volunteer and program coordinator Elizabeth Myers. "We have some great returning brewers from past years, but also quite a few brewers that are new to our event. Getting to see actual visitors out there enjoying the event, enjoying the beer, and having a good time is really exciting. We miss having people with us."

As of March 23, 17 breweries had confirmed their attendance at the event. Among them are Bespoke Brewing, Be Here Brewing Company, Lancaster Brewing Company, Spring House Brewing Company, Tröegs Independent Brewing, Big Dog Craft Brewing, and Iron Hill Brewery.

"This event is a really great chance to experience breweries that are hyperlocal to Strasburg, from the greater Lancaster County area, as well as from York County and Chester County," said Myers.

Food from vendors, including Smokestack BBQ, Brotherly Love Scratch Kitchen, Blazin' J's, Spanish Island Food Truck, Strasburg Bakery, and Ruga Rue Jerky and Banquet Hall, will also be available for purchase.

Tickets must be purchased prior to the event, which can be done by searching for "Rails & Ales" on http://www.eventbrite.com. There are several designated driver tickets available for purchase as well. "We want people to enjoy the evening and taste local flavor safely and responsibly," commented Myers.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Friends of the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, a nonprofit organization started in 1983 that is dedicated to supporting the museum's mission: to seek, preserve, and interpret the railroading history of Pennsylvania.

Food vendor, brewer, and sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, call 717-687-8628 or email info@rrmuseumpa.org. To learn more about the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, visit https://rrmuseumpa.org.