SANTA ABANDONS REINDEER FOR HORSEPOWER

10-27-2007

Nelsonville, Ohio – October 26, 2007 – 1,850 of them to be exact! While that may sound like overkill to pull Santa’s sleigh, 1,850 horsepower is just right for pulling the Santa train at Hocking Valley Scenic Railway — and it holds a lot more people than a sleigh.

 

Starting on Saturday, November 24, Santa Claus will begin riding the trains on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. The Santa ride begins as the train slowly pulls away from the station then pauses as wide-eyed children watch Santa walk out of the depot with his sack of toys and wave to them before boarding their train. Santa personally visits with each child during the ride and is happy to pose for pictures. His helper assists him by handing out treats to the children.

 

During the two-hour trip, the old-fashioned train will travel over the river — Hocking River, that is — and through the woods of scenic southeast Ohio returning to the depot. Unlike Santa’s sleigh, frosty noses are never a problem since the cars are heated. Each car is decorated for the holiday. The spirit of the season is evident as passengers sing along with Christmas carols played during the journey. Even Santa sings in with his rich baritone voice.

 

Santa trains are scheduled to depart from the Nelsonville, Ohio depot on every Saturday and Sunday from November 24 through December 16. In addition to the 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. trains, two new Santa trains at 6 p.m. on December 8 and 15 have been added due to demand.

 

While the train is old-fashioned, the railway recently upgraded it web site so tickets may be ordered online at www.hockingvalleytrain.com or by calling 800-967-7834. Advance reservations are strongly recommended. It is suggested that passengers arrive 30-45 minutes early because seating is first come, first seated.

 

Riding the Santa train in Nelsonville has become a time-honored holiday tradition for many people. The Binder family took their first ride 21 years ago when their son, Jeff, was only three months old. He slept through the entire trip. Since then, the Binders have returned annually. Last year, Jeff’s girlfriend joined them as they rode first class in the railway’s newly-refurbished heavyweight B & O car.

 

 “This year, their ride will be on the railroad,” said Larry Blake, vice president of mechanical. “After 21 years of riding, it’s about time we give them a free ride.”

 

The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is a non-profit organization. It was begun in 1972 and continues to be operated by volunteer members who maintain the equipment and operate the railroad in an effort to preserve its past while educating the public about trains.

 

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