Antiques and railroad show chugs into Hill City

Fifteen vendors will fill the Hill City Center for this year’s annual   Hill CityAntique/Railroad Show and Sale March 16-17. The show runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday and is free.

Rick Mills, curator of the South Dakota State Railroad Museum (SDSRRM) said  there is a really nice selection of antiques for people to come look at.

Four tables are dedicated solely to antiques with vendors from Gillette, Wyo., Piedmont, Hermosa and Hill City. 

“The Heart of the Hills will have its usual nice display,” Mills said. 

They will also be evaluating people’s own antiques for $3. The money raised during evaluations helps support the SDSRRM, a South Dakota 501(c)3 non-profit organization, operations. 

Mills says he might get involved in some evaluations as well.

James Wilmus will conduct a demonstration of model railroad electronics and sound in a new display at the show. A former Lionel trail repairman from Rapid City will also have a table set up with memorabilia. 

“He does model train restoration and will be happy to talk to people who want to have trains restored,” Mills said. 

Mills said aside from the memorabilia and antiques, the senior center members will serve homemade breakfast burritos and caramel rolls for breakfast in addition to sloppy Joes for lunch. The money raised  will benefit the senior center. 

“The partnership shared with the center and seniors benefits the community as a whole,” Mills said. “Eat, and enjoy, shop and visit. It’s a lot of fun. If you like antiques, trains or food this is your deal.” 

The SDSRRM will host another antique show in the fall to coincide with the buffalo roundup. It is already taking reservations for that event. For more information contact Mills  at 605-574-9000.