October train rides lead Backcountry bulletin of events

The Pumpkin Express is leav­ing the station this weekend in search of frights, screams and picturesque scenery.

Hosted by the Pacific South­west Railroad Museum in Cam­po, a decorated vintage railcar makes its way through San Di­ego County back country and through some of the most scenic parts of the historic San Diego and Arizona Railway.

The train rides are offered Saturdays and Sundays in Oc­tober. The cost of tickets varies, depending on the type of train participants choose to ride.

Passengers aboard a classic coach car enjoy the Pumpkin Express from one of the re­stored 1920s vintage commut­er cars. Tickets are $18.95 for children and $24.95 for adults, while children under 3 years of age ride free

Riders in first class riding aboard the Santa Fe lounge car #1509 will experience a “com­plimentary snack bar with at­tendant, parlor or dining-style seating, and a premium atmo­sphere. Those riding in Santa Fe lounge car #1509 may also step out onto the open air plat­form as the Pumpkin Express creeps its way through the countryside.”

Tickets for the first class ex­perience are $33.95 for children and $39.95 for adults, while children under 3 years of age ride free.

Train departure times are 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

For more information visit: https://www.psrm.org/pumpkin/

Other events taking place in the backcountry include:

• Pantry Friday: Every other Friday is Pantry Friday for Campo Elelmentary families. Bags of food pantry items are available to interested families.

Pantry items will be avail­able for pick-up at the school. Students in 2nd – 6th grade will be able to take items home on the bus.

You can request to partici­pate online. Visit: https://forms.gle/kk7zysjpuQuetGJX6

Campo Elementary is at 1654 Buckman Spring Road, For more information call (619) 478-5583

• Helpline: October is Domes­tic Violence Awareness Month. Stronghearts Native Helpline is hosting a Community Chatline Oct. 15 at 3 p.m. EST. Register at: https://bit.ly/4aVmmdx

• Oct. 4—Movie Night: “Ho­cus Pocus” at sunset, 1000 Sher­idan Road
• Frightful rail: Trains depart Campo train station Saturday evenings Oct. 5-26 at 6:30pm. According to organizers “As the sun dips below the hori­zon, casting long, eerie shad­ows across the tracks, the Sip and Scare Sunset Special sets off on its 45-minute spine chill­ing journey through the Campo back country. The air is filled with the haunting melodies of classic Halloween tunes, while passengers sip on a complimen­tary crafted cocktail at our new bar.” Tickets range from $39.95- $54.95. This is an adult-friendly event, participants must be 21 years or older.

School news and schedules:

CAMPO

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Oct. 7—Make Up Picture Day

Oct. 11 End of 1st Quarter, minimum day

Oct. 25—Donuts with Princi­pal Pawlicki, Campo Elemen­tary Library @9:30 a.m.

Oct.31—Costume Extrava­ganza, 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Students encouraged to wear costumes to school.

CLOVER FLAT

ELEMENTARY

Oct. 2—Progress reports go home

Oct. 7—Makeup picture day

Oct. 7—Fire safety week

Oct. 8—Board Meeting @ Clo­ver Elementary, 6 p.m.

Oct. 11 End of 1st Quarter, minimum day

DESCANSO

ELEMENTARY

Oct. 2—Progress reports go home

Oct. 7—Makeup picture day

Oct. 11 End of 1st Quarter, minimum day

PORTRERO

Oct. 11 End of 1st Quarter, minimum day

Oct. 14—Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Oct. 25—Fall Fest @Portrero Elementary, 5-8p.m.

1. EMPIRE

JUNIOR HIGH

Oct. 11 End of 1st Quarter, minimum day

1. EMPIRE HIGH

Oct.7—Homecoming Week

Oct. 11 End of 1st Quarter, minimum day

Oct. 23—Red Ribbon Week

Oct. 25—Fall Fest, 5-8 p.m.

Oct. 31—Costume contest