Ogden Union Station seeks volunteers to assist with crowds during Big Boy visit
Rob Nielsen, Standard-Examiner
The old and the new are on display as a FrontRunner train glides past Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014 during its visit to Ogden on Saturday, July 20, 2024.OGDEN — It’s no secret that Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 draws big crowds wherever it goes.
And with the locomotive set to make an appearance in Ogden as part of its nationwide 2026 touring schedule in just over a week, Ogden Union Station officials are seeking volunteers to assist with those crowds.
On Tuesday, the Ogden Union Station Facebook page put out a call for volunteers to help during the Big Boy’s visit April 18-19.
“We’re looking for friendly volunteers to help greet guests, assist with directions, and keep the event running smoothly,” the Facebook post said. “No experience needed, just a great attitude! Grab a friend and sign up for the same shift (spots are limited!).”
Hope Eggett, museum administrator for the Museums at Union Station, told the Standard-Examiner on Wednesday that it will be a busy weekend and volunteers are needed.
“We are expecting tens of thousands of people over at Union Station over the course of the weekend,” she said. “With that, we’re seeking volunteers to help provide a friendly face and navigation instructions to help move the crowds through the building, help everybody have a fantastic experience with the Big Boy.”
She said there is no experience necessary and that the only requirement is that volunteers are over the age of 18.
Eggett added that Union Station is looking for 48 volunteers and, as of midday Wednesday, 40 of those spots had been filled.
“The community is really excited and engaged with this event,” she said.
She said there will be a lot to look forward to during the Big Boy’s visit to Ogden.
“We will have our museums free and open to the public so you can learn a little more in-depth about our railroad history,” she said. “In the Grand Lobby, we’ll have a model display by the Hostlers Model Railroad Club and we’ll also be giving out coloring pages and information about the museums.”
Eggett said Union Pacific will also be collecting items for the Utah Food Bank during the Big Boy’s visit.
On April 18, the locomotive will be on public display from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., while the display will be open from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 19.
For more information on volunteering, visit https://bit.ly/4snys7Q.
