May be of interest for some,
The 63rd run of the Santa Train takes place Saturday . The train starts
in Shelby, Ky. and makes it's way down to Kingsport, Tn. Stops will be in
Marrowbone, Ky, Elkhorn City, Ky. , Toms Bottom, Va. , Haysi, Va. ,
Clinchco, Va. , Fremont, Va. , Dante, Va. , St. Paul, Va. , Dungannon, Va. ,
Ft. Blackmore, Va. Speers Ferry, Va. , Kermit, Va. , Waycross, (right on
TN/VA line), and will end up at 3pm in Kingsport, Tn with Santa bringing up
the rear of the Kingsport Christmas parade.
Not only is the train just fun to see because the kids. Seeing all those
kids so happy can make the oldest among us feel young again. The bonus is
for railroad buffs, numerous historic cars will be in the train. The
Georgia, an observation car originally built as a 58 seat coach in 1953. The
Kentucky , power car built in 1950 by Pullman Standard as a dining car. The
Youngstown, a Pullman built in 1954 with 5 double bedrooms. The Mississippi,
a Pullman sleeper built in 1923, converted in 1980 as an 8 room state car.
Several more but it'd sure make this post long to list them all!
Several County Airports located around the trains route, and of course
there is TRI which may actually be the best bet. Rental cars are available
at TRI airport and then it's just a short drive to Kingsport. So if your
bored and need something to do this weekend come see the Santa train!
Charities , Churches and biz donations make it all possible . It's a
great tradition of Appalachia and a wonderful way to bring in the holiday
season. There will be alot of smiling children Saturday!

--
Patrick Dixon
student SP
aircraft structural mech