Coupland’s Choo Choo Fest, the fundraiser to restore the caboose, was a great success, raising over $5,800.

The Coupland Civic Organization (CCO) and the Old Coupland Inn and Dancehall co-sponsored Choo Choo Fest. Thanks to Barbara and Tim Worthy, owners of the Inn and Dancehall, who donated the barbecue dinner, with potato salad, coleslaw, beans, and iced tea.

The Worthys, assisted by CCO members, served an estimated 200 meals. Sodas and bottled water were sold separately, under the direction of Cole Barton.

The bake sale, managed by Ruby Wabbel and Dottie Hahn, gathered a huge amount of baked goods, which sold out.

The silent auction, organized by Becky Sutton and Dottie Hahn, also was a big success, with about 20 tables of items, which included fine art prints, arts and crafts, handmade goods, services, dining coupons, garden items, décor, toys, and more. CCO directors and their families pitched in to help serve the dinner and drinks and to operate the bake sale and silent auction.

The Dancehall provided music throughout the afternoon, both recorded and live band performances. The planned line dance contest did not take place; the person who was to direct it was unable to attend due to illness.

CCO President Barbara Piper says, “The CCO would like to offer a huge thank you to Tim and Barbara Worthy, owners of the Coupland Inn and Dancehall for their enormous contributions to Choo Choo Fest 2013. We would like to thank the Elgin Courier, the Taylor Chamber of Commerce, and the Taylor Daily Press for publicizing Choo Choo Fest.” She adds, “A big thank you also goes to Wright Distributing for the great banners; Jody Krankel, Ella Jez, and Jennifer Dollins for forwarding information about our benefit to their email lists, and to KOKE for adding our fundraising effort to their website.”