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Trains track through Bloomfield hall

Display on track in Bloomfield

Emma Peterson of Bloomfield helps set up the train display at Bloomfield Township hall. The display will be shown through December.

BLOOMFIELD — For the past six years, members of the Bloomfield Historical Society have started each October setting up a special holiday model train display in the historic 1893 township hall.

Roger Peterson, a Bloomfield trustee and president of the historical society, said the idea for the holiday train displays, which include a large winter scene and large summer scene, was to provide a free location for families to stop for the holidays.

This year, new trains were added to run along tracks through a small village or community, such as a miniature Bloomfield, set up on large tables in the town hall.

Peterson over the years has created several small replicas of Bloomfield buildings for the display.

“It has taken us about eight weeks to set this up. We wanted to offer some home town enjoyment for everyone that is free,” said Peterson of the six volunteers who helped make the event possible.

Judi and Terry Sheridan, who live near the town hall, were among those setting up a Christmas tree and other holiday decor throughout the town hall.

The Sheridans and Peterson were assisted by Holly and Chris Ward, Mike Schmidt and Tim Rodgers, who took turns decorating parts of the town hall and will be on hand for the seven open house dates in December.

Peterson said the historical society had four months of the year with nothing scheduled so it was decided to have the train display in December or local families.

Peterson and his daughter, Emma, 10, spent Friday placing cartoon and movie figurine characters from “Frozen,” and “Sponge Bob,” along with superheroes and Mickey Mouse within the two displays for children and adults to find as part of a scavenger hunt.

“The scavenger hunt is always a big hit with the kids. They love looking for the characters,” he said.

Peterson said the elementary students from Bloomfield-Mespo schools stop over. In addition, many Amish families come.

“This has become surprisingly very popular with the Amish. It’s a safe place to bring your children for free,” he said.

The event also will include free holiday refreshments.

Peterson said the event is made possible through donations from the community.

Donations can be made at the event or sent to P.O. Box 94, Bloomfield, Ohio 44450.

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