OBERLIN – Visitors to the Decatur County Fair in early August will hear a familiar sound as the Tumbleweed Express makes circuits of the fairgrounds and its whistle blows.

The miniature train has been one of the most popular rides at the fair since it was purchased in the 1980s from Uhrich Locomotive Co. in Strasburg, Colo. During the 2023 carnival season, it was discovered that the train was in need of serious repairs to prevent it from de-railing.

The GROW Decatur Foundation sponsored a Drive-In Movie night at the fairgrounds to help get fundraising started. The community foundation challenged other organizations to match its $5,000 donation. Oberlin Jaycees, Oberlin Knights of Columbus, FNB Bank and Nutrien Ag Solutions all met the match. St. John’s Lutheran Church held a pancake feed, which netted more than $6,000. Several organizations and members of the community also donated, and a Hansen Foundation grant was received.

Everything that needed fixed on the Tumbleweed Express got fixed. Wheel sets were replaced on three cars; the power train was rebuilt, and the exhaust on the locomotive was repaired. Wood beams for new rail ties, ballast to build the track up and new rail spikes were purchased.

The train is ready. All aboard!