The Barron Arts Center, 582 Rahway Ave., Woodbridge, will continue its holiday tradition of hosting an exhibition of model trains designed and set up by Michael Gelesky of Colonia.
The exhibit, now in its 23rd year, opens Nov. 30 and continues through December.
“It’s the most exciting event that we have here yearly at the Barron Arts Center,” said Cynthia Knight, director of the arts center. “Thousands of people come to see the train exhibit.”
The model-train display involves more than 400 feet of track and will feature a moving operational playground and three towns — Main Street USA, a small town in the snowy mountains, and a boardwalk setting with a Ferris wheel and tilt-a-whirl, according to Gelesky.
With the help of volunteers, friends and family, Gelesky works for approximately three weeks in advance of the show’s opening to set up the train display. Last year, he didn’t have as much time to work on the exhibit because of superstorm Sandy, which created heavy demands on his job as a Middlesex County employee.
This year, Gelesky has included a nod to Sandy in his boardwalk setup with a sandcastle that has the phrase “Stronger Than the Storm” etched into it. The beach scene also features more carnival rides and a lighthouse.
“I just enjoy doing it and watching the kids’ and adults’ faces,” Gelesky said.
Also this year, he has added more animated features and interactive elements that move when buttons are pressed.
There is also a hockey rink with a working Zamboni iceresurfacing machine this year.
The trains that visitors see will change every three days, as Gelesky takes trains off the tracks to clean them. He said he reserves his best trains for weekends, when he can be there to oversee the operation. Some of the trains are donated — and Gelesky said he never turns down offers of trains for the display. Sometimes, he said, he gives back by awarding a working train set no longer needed for the display to a young child who shows an interest in the trains, with the permission of the child’s parents.
“What goes around comes around,” he said, choosing a comment that rings especially true in the world of trains.
Knight said a favorite of many visitors each year is the “Seek and Find” challenge, in which Gelesky asks people to search for hidden objects within the display.
The exhibit will run Nov. 30 to Dec. 29, with the exception of Christmas Day. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 2-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A $5 donation is suggested per family, according to Knight. Donations will support future programming at the arts center.
For more information, call 732-634-0413.