Children who ride the train during October get a free pumpkin. Usually these are the busiest days of the year for us, although we are only open weekends -- and Columbus Day, which is a school holiday up here. The kids like the free pumpkin and the parents like the colors this time of year. But as I have mentioned before, weather, economy and flu have hurt us badly this year.

Still, hardy folks and bundled up kids show up. We had about 20 on the first train this morning in the damp and chill.

Wisconsin folks are used to it!