On this episode of So That Reminds Me, co-hosts Dennis Hackett and Tyler Garnet talk with John Sacerdote of the Amherst Railway Society about one of New England’s most anticipated annual events — the Railroad Hobby Show.

Held January 24–25 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, the Railroad Hobby Show is the largest railroad-themed trade show in the United States and draws hundreds of enthusiasts each year with model railroad layouts, railroad collectibles, vendors, demonstrations, and entertainment. Sacerdote shares what makes the show unique, how it has grown over the years, and why interest in model railroading continues to span generations.

Welcome: 0:15

What’s News In Western Mass: 3:01

Railroad Hobby Show: 11:38

Wrap Up: 39:04

On this week’s episode of So That Reminds Me, Artistic Director Steve Hays joins host Chris Maza to talk about the Boar’s Head Festival at Trinity Methodist Church in Springfield, a recreation of a medieval festival celebrating the Epiphany. Their conversation explores the history of this beloved seasonal production, how it has evolved over the years, and what continues to draw audiences back. Hays also offers insight into the creative and logistical work that brings the festival to life, along with what attendees can expect from this year’s presentation.

• Intro: 0:12
• A brief history of the Boar’s Head Festival: 3:05
• What attendees can expect: 5:15
• The logistics of putting the festival together: 8:05
• Steve Hays’ creative approach to the festival: 10:41
• Diversity of the cast: 12:56
• Timing of the festival and connecting church and community: 14:26
• Continuously improving and tweaking the presentation: 17:06
• Ticket information: 18:44
• Steve Hays favorite parts of the festival: 19:30

Join So That Reminds Me for our end-of-year look back at the stories that defined Western Massachusetts, as co-hosts Chris Maza, Dennis Hackett, Ryan Feyre and Tyler Garnet review the biggest local headlines from the year that was. The four explore how federal actions impacted the local economy, health care, and programming, revisit notable political scandals, and break down some of the most interesting local election campaigns and results. The episode also highlights major school building projects — both recently completed and just getting started — along with other attention-grabbing storylines that kept you reading and listening all year long.

• Holiday Prep and Stranger Things: 0:11
• Federal Impacts on Western Mass: 10:53
• Local Election Campaigns and Results: 19:57
• School Building Investments and Debates: 52:51
• Holyoke’s Receivership Exit: 1:03:55
• Governor’s Staff Member’s Arrest: 1:06:57
• Courthouse Proposals: 1:13:16
• WESTCOMM Opens: 1:17:58
• New North Citizens Council Drama: 1:21:47
• Longmeadow School Library Arrest: 1:28.10
• Southwick Racial Bullying Settlement: 1:30:34
• Looking To 2026: 1:33:06