KINGSPORT, Tenn. — On schedule, the 60h Anniversary Santa Train pulled into town Saturday after Santa Claus and singer Patty Loveless helped deliver tons of gifts to large crowds through Kentucky and Virginia, the Johnson City Press reported.
The train, sponsored by CSX Transportation and the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, enjoyed perfect weather and what officials believe to be record crowds at its 14 stops. Children of all ages caught or picked up items thrown off the back of the 11-car train.
Loveless drew special attention, adding excitement to the festive tradition that she has honored with its very own song. As the train neared Kingsport around 3 p.m., she and her bluegrass band performed the song “Santa Train” to St. Nick himself.
Loveless said the song was inspired by her last trip on the Santa Train that originates in her hometown of Pikeville, Ky. After the 1999 trip, she and her husband wrote the song.
“Back when I was growing up we would have a Christmas tree in one corner of a room, a bed in the other and a pot belly stove,” Loveless said. “Things were simpler then and we had the best times. Not having much, I was use to using my imagination to come up with things to do and write songs.
“I really enjoy the tradition of the train and love to see the kids excited about seeing Santa. Growing up we lived across the river from the railroad tracks and were not allowed to cross the river to see the train.
“One day I was on the porch and saw Santa going down the tracks. I was so afraid to tell anyone what I had seen because I didn’t think they would believe me. I was known by my family to have a big imagination.”
With safety in mind, the CSX officials began bringing the train to a stop to distribute gifts last year. Before that time, items were thrown along the route anywhere people gathered to see Santa. Officials said changes were necessary to prevent injuries to someone who may slip and fall on the tracks while the train was in motion.
At one stop in Speers Ferry, Va., Frankie Collins said seeing the train has been a family tradition for the past 24 years.
“When my oldest was born 24 years ago is when we started coming and she is here today,” Collins said. “She has kept it up with her children, too, and it has become a tradition with us. To my children, that is Santa Claus right there, even to my 18-year-old that is here.
“I would give anything to find out how to become a volunteer and help one year. I want to give something back to them. This is Christmas, this is Christmas! Just look at their little faces.”
Collins said she likes the new system of having the train come to a complete stop better than when it kept moving.
“I like this a whole lot better,” Collins said. “And I like it where the people are getting off the train and handing children toys along the outskirts. There is an excitement when you get out in the middle of that crowd and sometimes they get a little bit too excited or a bit competitive.”
Santa left the train with a noticeable tear in his eye Saturday when it reached its final destination. For 20 years, Frank Brogden has kept the spirit of Santa alive on the train. In a reception on Friday at the Landmark Inn in Pikeville, Brogden announced that he is passing his hat over to “Santa in Training” Don Royston.
Royston has trained for the past four years on the first section of the Santa Train before turning the honor over to Brogden, who would complete the route and continue in the annual Kingsport Christmas parade. Royston will be the official Santa on next year’s train.