Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is holding a celebratory Rededication Festival on Sat. Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. The park is located east of Highway 43 near the Tulare County community of Earlimart. Facebook photo

Amtrak San Joaquins is running special discounted train rides to celebrate a site Central to the state’s African American history.

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park is holding a celebratory Rededication Festival on Sat. Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. The park is located east of Highway 43 near the Tulare County community of Earlimart.

Amtrak San Joaquins is partnering with the park, scheduling a special stop for multiple trains, bookable at exclusive half-price “Allensworth fares.”

The train will arrive directly at the gates of the historic landmark and festival.

Those wishing to attend the event are urged to book now to secure their seats and to use savings by combining discounts.

In 1908, Col. Allensworth and four other settlers established Allensworth, envisioning a town founded, financed, and governed by African Americans.

Today, Allensworth Park offers re-enactments, storytelling, and tours of the lovingly restored and reconstructed early 20^th century buildings.

Attendees can visit Col. Allensworth’s former house, walk through the historic schoolhouse and explore the church and library to experience a pivotal moment in history.

Allenstown face a series of challenges impeding the town’s long-term survival, but today it is celebrated as a historical icon.

California State Parks purchased the land in order to maintain it as a site for the visitors to learn and explore. Nonprofit Friends of Allensworth (FOA) President Sasha Biscoe said Amtrak San Joaquins has been organizing and coordinating special trains to the rededication events since 2019. FOA is hosting the event.

“We have seen these special trains become more popular with each passing year. This growth underscores our important partnership in reconnecting people with this significant cultural site,” said Biscoe. “Through 2024, we are proud to continue this partnership, offering a unique and convenient travel option that enhances access to our Rededication Festival.”

Event activities will include square dancing, self-guided tours of historic buildings, historic games with prizes, storytelling, horse and buggy rides, arts and crafts, along with food and refreshment vendors.

For more information, or to book tickets, visit: amtraksanjoaquins.com/deals.