By, David Breen | Orlando Sentinel
SunRail isn’t due to start rolling through Central Florida until May, but plans are in the works for a special weekend preview.
The commuter trains may be used to carry visitors to and from the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, which is set for March 21-23.
"We’re proceeding down that path," said Florida Department of Transportation spokesman Steve Olson.
If the plan comes together, train service would take place only on the Saturday and Sunday of the festival, and it would be free to all riders. Olson said some logistical details are still being worked out, such as how often the trains would run.
The annual festival — this is its 55th year — draws an estimated 350,000 people into downtown Winter Park, and Park Avenue is shut down to vehicle traffic for the occasion while hundreds of artists display their wares along the avenue and in adjoining Central Park.
Having many of those visitors arrive by train would help greatly with parking, which is often in short supply in the downtown area.
Winter Park Chamber of Commerce President Patrick Chapin revealed the plan Thursday morning at the "SunRail Update" event at the Alfond Inn. He’s optimistic the details will be worked out.
"It’s beyond ‘in the works’ but not a slam dunk," he said.
SunRail begins regular Monday-Friday commuter service between DeBary in Volusia County and Sand Lake Road in Orange County on May 1.