BIG BOY 4014 – From the Village of Continental Facebook Page

BIG BOY 4014: In honor of America’s 250th birthday, next Saturday (6/6/26), the Big Boy 4014 will be stopping in town from approximately 11:45am to 12:15pm. This train is a twice in a lifetime (7/15/2026) experience for our area and community! The village has held meetings over the last several weeks to prepare for how this might impact our community. First, Main Street (SR634) will be closed prior to the arrival of the train and for a short period afterwards. Please anticipate the 3rd and 6th Street crossings being closed for a short period of time as well. South of the tracks, Main will be at least closed to Okuley’s Pharmacy while north of the tracks, Main will be closed to beyond Helena. Oak Street from 3rd to 6th Streets will also be shut down. These closures are being implemented to allow for as much of the viewing public to experience the train while not having any traffic issues that could jeopardize safety. Next, just beyond these closures the village will have temporary handicap parking setup for those needing it. Further, all regular parking will be beyond the handicap parking. The school has been gracious enough to allow for parking and if need be, the New Millennium lot can be used if we would see that sort of turnout. Golf carts will NOT be permitted in the viewing areas for everyone’s safety. Chief Weller has been calling the communities that the train has made recent visits to and while we anticipate an influx of visitors, the numbers have been too inconsistent to speculate how many people may travel our way. For the local residents and visitors, many of our local food establishments have adjusted their normal hours and are offering specials to put their best foot forward for the event as well. I would encourage everyone to solicit these businesses to help make the hours adjustment for them fruitful and well worth the change! Temporary port-a potties will be brought in as well. Safety is the #1 priority of the village for this event! The police, fire, and EMS departments have alternative plans in place so that they can respond in the best way possible during the period of closure if required to do so. I also would ask that if you see someone from out of town that looks lost, be helpful and willing to assist. This is a chance for us as a community to show just how hospitable Continental and Putnam County can be! Additional details will be released with mapping as well. Thank you!