So the presents are all purchased and wrapped, the kids are out of school (or soon will be) and now it's time to wait until the big day arrives. What to do with a bunch of bored kids (and adults)? In Cleveland County the answer definitely is: Visit the Kings Mountain Historical Museum's Toys, Games & TRAINS exhibit! Now in its fourteenth year, the free exhibit has become an annual tradition for many, not only in our county, but also in the region. Last year more than 2,000 people came to visit during the exhibit's seven-week stay - that's more than a third of the museum's total annual visitation.
"As a nonprofit museum, we can think of no better way to fulfill our mission to serve our community during the holidays than this train display," says the museum's director and curator, Adria Focht. "Seeing the faces of the little ones light up as they explore the train display brings a special kind of magic to this time of year, and the exhibit has a way of making children of us all."
The train exhibit is the masterpiece of the Model S Gaugers, a local group that volunteers many hours to its setup and maintenance. Bill Ware, a local member of the club and show coordinator for the display is faithfully present for every moment of the exhibit's lengthy run and is affectionately known by the local children as "Mr. Bill."
"It's just an amazing display," says Focht. "There are miniature snow-covered scenes that line the tracks, and incredible interactive features such as a carousel, chocolate factory, hot air balloons and mailbag pickup." Fochts says parents and grandparents will likely also enjoy reminiscing with children about the toys and games of their childhood, such as cowboy memorabilia, doll houses, marbles and board games.
The exhibit is open now through Jan. 7, 2017, Tues - Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., and is located at 100 E. Mountain St., Kings Mountain. Admission is free.
To find out more about this or other upcoming exhibits and events at Kings Mountain Historical Museum, visit the museum web site at www.kingsmountainmuseum.org or call (704) 739-1019. The museum can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

By April Hoyle Shauf

Special to Shelby Shopper & Info