Funds generated by the benefit will support the Land Trust’s efforts to build a trail commemorating the route of the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad. The railroad was the lifeline between Colfax and this community from 1875 until 1942.

Mark Weyman, member of the NCLT Board of Directors and chairman for the event, said that net proceeds from the dinner more than doubled the Land Trust’s projections.

The trail, when built, will include interpretive signage to identify points of interest and significant railroad history. The vision for the trail, which will approximate the location of the former railroad, wherever possible, includes access for hikers, bicyclists, wheelchair and equestrian users.

"It is expected to take several years to create the Narrow Gauge Trail," said Weyman. "And the easements necessary to create it must come by voluntary donation or willing-seller-only purchase."

The Land Trust is committed to a long-term effort toward cooperation with property owners in combination with state and county rights-of-way.

Those who attended the benefit, held at the Trolley Junction, home of some of the last remaining Narrow Gauge locomotives and other equipment, were treated to the debut performance of the Railroad Bills, a quintet of local musicians including Charlie Brock, Jim Moran, Mark Moran, Sunday Oliver and Peter Van Zant.

The Railroad Bills, who regaled the crowd with an entire set of railroad-oriented songs, were a big hit — right down to their Choo-Choo Charlie engineer hats.

The highlight of the evening, though, was a 40-minute slide presentation by railroad historian and artist Tim O’Brien. A member of the Nevada County Historical Society, Tim presented slides of the Nevada County Narrow Gauge from its earliest days through its remnant locations as seen today.