The May 18th premiere screening of “Back on Track: Rebuilding the Waupaca Train Depot” will take place at the Gerold Opera House in Weyauwega. The feature-film documentary depicts the history and salvaging of the Waupaca depot and its surprising impact on the community today.

Directed by Max Hauser, award-winning filmmaker of Iola and Appleton, in association with Emmy award-winning producer Ron Scott, the film focuses on Mike Kirk. Mike’s love of model trains inspired him to lead his family and friends in a decades long journey to restore an abandoned train depot back to its original glory as a beautiful historical site.

The role of trains in the history of America is romantic, nostalgic, and of course the lifeblood of the post industrialization world. Rural towns like Waupaca would not exist if it were not for the railroads that united the United States.

The film chronicles the remarkable saga of Mike Kirk, a devoted model train enthusiast whose unwavering determination, along with the support of a dedicated circle of family and friends, spearheaded the decades-long restoration of the long-abandoned train depot nestled in the heart of rural Waupaca. Through Kirk’s indomitable spirit and vision, the Waupaca Depot emerges as a phoenix rising from literal ashes, symbolizing resilience and community revival.

Doors open at 6:30pm, screening at 7:30pm. Interview with filmmakers to follow