WEST CHESTER — A popular train-themed attraction in West Chester will be closing its doors come January.
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The trains are still hitting the tracks at the 16-year-old EnterTRAINment Junction, but the creator has decided to bow out, our news partners at WCPO-9 TV reported.
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Don Oeters created the train-themed attraction in 2008 with the goal to build the world’s largest indoor train display for people to enjoy.
After trying for two years to sell the business to someone else, and getting no takers, Oeters announced he would be closing the display’s doors.
Bill Balfour, the general manager of the beloved attraction since 2007, said that making people smile was the main goal of EnterTRAINment Junction’s goal.
“Been here ever since. And so it’s kind of bittersweet because I’ll be here when we close. So it’s kind of a bookend — not one that I was hoping for,” Balfour said.
The business has 11 full-time employees, part-time high school and college students, and volunteers who put in hours to create the displays.
“They love doing the stuff, they love building, they love making models they just love playing with the whole train display,” Balfour said.
In addition to employees needing to find work after January 5, visitors are also sad about the closure.
For many, visiting EnterTRAINment Junction was a family tradition.
“I was really hoping that it can continue somewhere else. I want to thank them for all the fun that we’ve had over the after last couple of years,” John Langenderfer, a returning visitor from Toledo said.
All the exhibits will be available until January. Up until December 24, Santa and Mrs. Clause will be at the Journey to the North Pole at the A-Maze-N-Funhouse.
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