Rebekah Anne can’t say enough about the Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway (ACWR). The events director for the company, Rebekah is in her third year in that role. Prior to moving into the position, she worked in another capacity with ACWR for 12 years.
A native of Lenoir in Caldwell County, Rebekah studied at Appalachian State University before finishing her education at a community college. According to what she revealed, working for ACWR has exceeded expectations.
“It’s a great company to work for. I have really enjoyed my time with them,” Rebekah said. “I absolutely love what I do.”
The ACWR Entertainment Division has been a hit with customers since it unveiled its historic passenger cars a few years ago.
“That was a public event,” Rebekah said. “We had full capacity.”
When passenger trains operate, they run on tracks owned by ACWR.
“It can go between Candor and Aberdeen on the company’s track,” Rebekah said. “For entertainment trains, we travel on our track.”
How far and where a train goes is based on what’s taking place. ACWR hosts a variety of private gatherings.
“We have wedding receptions, corporate events, birthday and anniversary celebrations,” Rebekah said.
Seeing all that’s available during public events leads people to make private bookings.
“Our public events typically sell out,” Rebekah said. “They have an experience – and they want to have a private event.”
As noted earlier, ACWR isn’t in the business of disappointing.
“The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive,” Rebekah said. “It’s taking a break from the hustle and bustle. You’re surrounded by history.”
Given the years the trains in the fleet were in their heyday, that history is hard to miss.
“They do vary in age. The oldest one is from 1908,” Rebekah said. “The cars we use range from anywhere from 1912 to the 1960s.”
Along with a feel for the past, those reserving a train get a made-to-order reception.
“For a private event, the sky’s the limit,” Rebekah said. “Any of the things you want – with a few exceptions – we can do. Nine times out of 10, we can come up with a menu you want. We create events based on the kind of event they want.”
Menus for public events also offer options for diners.
Depending on the nature of the gathering, up to 150 passengers can be accommodated.
“For a through-the-train event, you can flow from one car to the other,” Rebekah added.
Missing scenery because a train moves too fast isn’t likely to happen.
“Our train speed is about 25 mph,” Rebekah said. “For private events, we only travel about 10-12 mph. We do static events as well, which have a lower price range.”
While the calendar gets busiest for Rebekah and the Events Management Team from September through December, Engine Room 87, a locomotive bar, will be going to Aberdeen in July.
As per the company’s website, ACWR is the largest privately-owned short line or regional railroad in North Carolina. Outside of offering passengers unique excursion opportunities all year, ACWR is primarily a freight railroad. It transports a wide array of goods, including lumber, feed ingredients, sands, cement, agricultural products, chemicals, plastics and petroleum products.
Repair services are handled at the company’s shop in Candor. Tours of the shop are available.
To reach ACWR’s Events Management Team, call 704-266-0644, or go to acwr.com/entertainment.
Feature photo contributed.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications he’s contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
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