Depot Day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArzgfoHzXf4

Depot Day in October is a Great time for one of the best car shows in Texas.

For more info on the car show check out the Gainesville Antique & Classic Car Club Gainesville Antique & Classic Car Club

Gainesville's Depot Day Festival is held annually on the second weekend in October in and around the downtown courthouse square. Varied in its attractions and appeal, Depot Day marks the importance of railroad history to Gainesville and celebrates fun for the family and enthusiasts of many walks. The After Dark Concert kicks off the Depot Day Festival on Friday, October 7 at 6pm on the Courthouse Square. Saturday morning there will be a Disco Bike Rally at Leonard Park. Depot Day continues on the square from 10am-5pm on Saturday. The festival includes a full day of live music & entertainment, an antique and classic car show, food of every flavor, craft vendors, education & health screenings, and the Kids Zone. The weekend closes with the Disco Half Marathon, 10K and Fun Run at Leonard Park on Sunday morning.

HISTORY OF THE SANTA FE DEPOT
January 12, 1887 - First Santa Fe passenger train arrived in Gainesville.

1887, the Gulf, Colorado, & Santa Fe line (later the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe) completed laying its rails from Galveston to Gainesville and was linked with one of the largest railroad systems of the United States.

1902 - Brick Santa Fe depot was constructed in Gainesville and contained the Harvey House Restaurant

1920s-30s - Rail traffic through Cooke County was at its peak.

1944 - Gainesville ranked 8th in passenger ticket sales of all Santa Fe cities due to the coming of WWII. Families often came to be with the men sent to Camp Howze, as the men were often sent overseas following their stay at the camp.

Late 60s - Only 2 passenger trains passed daily through Gainesville on the Lone Star route from Chicago to Houston.

1979 - Final Amtrak route through Cooke County discontinued and the Santa Fe depot in Gainesville was abandoned.

December 5, 1979 - An era closed in Gainesville with the death of the Lone Star passenger train serving the city.

October 19, 1981 - Santa Fe deeds Gainesville depot to the city.

June 15, 1999 - Passenger rail travel resumes in the city with the advent of the Amtrack Heartland Flyer scheduled from Oklahoma City to Ft Worth with a stop in Gainesville.

October 6, 2001 - The renovation of the Santa Fe Depot is completed by the city.