The city of Snoqualmie’s first-ever Volunteer Appreciation Day went off without a hitch last Wednesday, April 30, as 150 volunteers and their family members climbed aboard the Snoqualmie Valley Railroad for a night of recognition and a trip to Snoqualmie Falls.

The family-oriented event was a way to reward not just volunteers, but their spouses and children, for their sacrifice of their time and effort. By bringing families together, it drew hundreds more people than a typical cake-and-punch meeting usually does.

“We’ve never had a turnout like that before,” said Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson, who proclaimed that the city gets much of its vitality from the efforts of volunteers.

There with her family, Gwyn Berry said she knew why she had been picked for the evening’s excursion.

“Each year, I volunteer to be the Easter Bunny,” said Berry. “The Easter Bunny is very serious business.”

Elsewhere in the train, Snoqualmie arts commission member Jeff Waters pointed out the sights of the Falls to his grandchildren, Jenny and John Morris.

Larson made his way along the cars, reading special proclamations to individual volunteers, including emergency training instructor Patricia Johnson. Her children Charlotte and Mark were along for the ride. They excitedly made their way down the cars to the buffet.

“We’re all helpers of the community,” said Charlotte, 8.

“Yeah, because we’re on this train,” said Mark, 11.