When we talked to representatives from Ministers Island about the opportunity to do an event there, we weren't sure what to expect.

What we got, it turns out, was the most interesting event venue in MariLUG history! This national historic site, once the summer home of railway magnate William Cornelius Van Horne, is only accessible when the tide goes out, revealing a gravel bar that doubles as a road. Our display is located in the 'bathhouse', an outbuilding named for the saltwater pool it sits beside and for which it contains changing stalls. Van Horne himself used to use the upper level as a painting studio, taking advantage of its natural light and coastal views – qualities which also make it an amazing place for a LEGO® train layout!

In honour of Van Horne's legacy, RailFEST is a celebration of the Canadian Pacific Railway and railroading in general. We select our layout elements to suit the early 1900s, a time period some would consider the golden age of the CPR. Thanks to play brick graciously provided by LEGO Canada and additional parts sourced by MariLUG and Ministers Island, RailFEST features an interactive element where guests can build their own scenery and rolling stock to be added to the layout. Those additions are entered into a contest for fun prizes like LEGO gift cards and building sets. Awesome!

RailFEST is like MariLUG's very own summer vacation, and we couldn't ask for a better location than this storied site right next door to the beautiful resort town of St. Andrews, N.B.