NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Epic recording artist Patty Loveless, who’s first Christmas record “Bluegrass White Snow – A Mountain Christmas” was released October 29, will ride the famed Santa Special through Appalachia this November 23 as part of a 60 year old tradition called Santa Train. Kingsport (TN) Area Chamber of Commerce and CSX Transportation Inc. team up every year to sponsor the train ride that originates in Loveless’ hometown of Pikeville, KY and travels 110 miles to Kingsport, TN.
During the ride Patty Loveless will help Santa distribute more than 15 tons of gifts at 14 stops along the route. Patty recalls visiting the train as a child, and the memories always stayed with her. The experience inspired her to write a song entitled “Santa Train” that appears on “Bluegrass White Snow – A Mountain Christmas.”
“Emory (Patty’s husband and producer) and I wrote this song after our experience of riding the Santa Train in 1999,” said Patty. “It goes through the Appalachians, with Santa passing out candy and toys for kids along the railroad track. We started thinking about all the little towns we had gone through, trying to put it all together. It was a way to remember a wonderful experience.”
Santa Train’s first run was in 1943 sponsored by a small group of business men who wanted to do something special for their neighbors in Southwest Virginia to show their appreciation for their support throughout the year. On the first run the participants distributed candy and pencils at stops along the way. The reputation and tradition of the annual event allows them to distribute over 15 tons of goodies, toys and gifts at several stops along the Pikeville to Kingsport route. After the event was featured on “On The Road” with Charles Kuralt and in a front-page New York Times article monetary donations started to come in from around the country allowing the Chamber to start an annual college scholarship to at least one person in the region.