Meet Ray Loranger of the "Footloose Caboose Lodge" located near Camrose and Toefield, about 1 hour south of Edmonton. Ray is shown here in one of his old railway box cars which houses several hundred lanterns . Lanterns are only one of Ray's interests, along with restoring 2 old railway dining cars, cabooses, [yes, he has at least 8], and there are many other items on Ray's amazing collections list.

Ray is deceptive, just another one of the guys, until the topic of conversation touches on an area of interest. Ray is a reader, a researcher, with an insatiatable curiousity, and a remarkable memory for details, so if you get into a discussion with Ray, you had better know your stuff, because he sure does and has it at his fingertips.

The perfect guy to be running a "Lodge", Ray is personable and highly entertaining, and can be counted on to have an interesting view on things. Did I mention he can cook. Ray was in charge of the Saturday Night Barbeque as everyone filled up on grilled Hamburgers, smoked sausage and weiners, and his own version of "Patates Frites" [pan fried potatoes]

While the 2011 show was small, the collectors were enthusiastic, and everyone had a great time. I am looking forward to next years show at the Footloose Caboose, and expect that there will be many more collectors in attendance next year. Congratulations Ray on a great show. It was fun, and we'll see you next year.