(The following story by Jill Moon appeared on The Telegraph website on December 7.)
GODFREY, Ill. — Santa Claus is coming to town on the Kansas City Southern railroad, known as the Holiday Express.
The annual Santa train will roll into the Pearl Street crossing Monday, Dec. 15. Hundreds of children and their parents show up every year for the free event and photo with the man in the red suit.
This year will be even easier because Lewis and Clark Community College is providing parking, while the Godfrey Women’s Club will provide bus rides to and from Holiday Express. Alton Police Department cadets will help direct parking.
The train will pull in about 4 p.m. on Dec. 15. The train is not always exactly on time because it visits more than one location that day. It runs on old, unused siding tracks and moves rather slowly. Warm clothing is recommended in case there is a bit of a fun-filled wait.
The Godfrey Fire Protection District will have one of its engines at the event to provide light to Holiday Express and to give youngsters tours. Liberty Bank donated funds for the canteen, from which the Salvation Army will serve hot chocolate and cookies.
Holiday revelers can tour the Holiday Express’ 1,000 feet of decorated train cars and cabooses, which hold a running miniature model train and free goodies for all.
The village of Godfrey and Godfrey Schnucks are providing the candy. Schnucks assumed the role of helping hand from the now-closed Park-N-Shop that donated candy to the cause for years.
Godfrey rail fan and Holiday Express coordinator Keith Sherman began working with Gateway Western 22 years ago to give back to the community.
“They needed someone to coordinate it, and I haven’t given the role up,” said Sherman, a Godfrey Fire Protection District commissioner.
Kansas City Southern bought Gateway Western eight years ago and continued the Holiday Express.
“They wanted to continue reaching out and meeting the community,” Sherman said.