Toy Trains of Belhaven

Visitors to the Toy Trains of Belhaven exhibit at the old town hall building will recognize familiar locations in the display, such as the Belhaven Public Library

For Belhaven resident Don Stark, model railroads have always been a fascination. Ever since he was a little boy, toy trains have been a part of his Christmas tradition. Waking up on Christmas morning, he and his brother would see not only gifts from Santa under the tree, but model railroads erected by his parents, who were also enthusiasts.

Now, many years later, Stark continues to share that passion each Christmas in Belhaven during the annual Toy Trains of Belhaven exhibit. The grand display of model railroading, which contains more than 350 feet of track, 100 houses and buildings and a variety of other whimsical features, will hold its grand opening for the season Friday, 12/2. Stark says the event came about in 2011 from a desire to make something special happen during the holidays in Belhaven.

In the past seven years, the event has come to be a time-honored tradition in Belhaven, with donated materials adding to the display each year. Stark says a number of locals volunteer their time to carry on the event, making each exhibit bigger and better.