All aboard!: Santa Express delights train passengers of all ages
Connor Kerwin, 5, points out the steam from the Everett Railroad’s Alco Mogul steam locomotive to his father, Matt Kerwin, both of Columbia, Md., at the Hollidaysburg station prior to the Santa Express departure. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
Santa chats with Owen Klucsick of Syracuse, N.Y., and his uncle, Bill Farnan of Duncansville, during the Everett Railroad’s Santa Express train ride on Friday in Hollidaysburg. Mirror photo by Cati Keith
Connor Kerwin, 5, of Columbia, Md., runs through the steam of the Everett Railroad’s Alco Mogul steam locomotive at the Hollidaysburg station prior to the Santa Express departure. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
Everett Railroad steam locomotive fireman Stephan Lane guides engineer Zach Hall to recouple to the front of the train at station for the next run. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
Connor Kerwin, 5, points out the steam from the Everett Railroad’s Alco Mogul steam locomotive to his father, Matt Kerwin, both of Columbia, Md., at the Hollidaysburg station prior to the Santa Express departure. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
Santa chats with Owen Klucsick of Syracuse, N.Y., and his uncle, Bill Farnan of Duncansville, during the Everett Railroad’s Santa Express train ride on Friday in Hollidaysburg. Mirror photo by Cati Keith
Connor Kerwin, 5, of Columbia, Md., runs through the steam of the Everett Railroad’s Alco Mogul steam locomotive at the Hollidaysburg station prior to the Santa Express departure. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
Everett Railroad steam locomotive fireman Stephan Lane guides engineer Zach Hall to recouple to the front of the train at station for the next run. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
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HOLLIDAYSBURG -- A steam locomotive, rather than reindeer, will be pulling Santa around the area on weekends until he makes his big journey on Christmas Eve.
The Everett Railroad had its first Santa Express excursion of the season on Friday. The weekend trips will continue until Dec. 23.
Jenny Perla of Latrobe was riding on the Santa Express on Friday with her family for the third year in a row. It was originally recommended by an area family.
They choose to go on the train every year because it is a great way to start the Christmas season, she said.
"It just gets you in the Christmas mood. The kids love to ride the train, see Santa and drink hot chocolate," Perla said.
In the evening, they had plans to see the Holiday Lights on the Lake at Lakemont Park, she said.
Railroad General Manager Jason Lamb said the 1920s steam engine is the same one that has run for the last eight years.
A newly restored railcar is on the track for its first season.
Excursion Manager Michelle Moyer said the new car was refurbished -- with central air and heat added
to make the excursions more comfortable for passengers.
The Santa Express was based in the Roaring Spring station until 2015, when it moved to Hollidaysburg.
"All of the railcars are about 100 years old -- a lot of people do not realize they are that old," Lamb said.
A lot of people appreciate the beauty, history, and the old world charm of the train, he said.
"Children of all ages can enjoy a scenic steam-powered ride through the winter countryside and a visit with Santa when they board the Santa Express at The Everett Railroad," said Mark Ickes, executive director of Explore Altoona.
The Santa Express has become a family tradition for some people.
"We love seeing the people who are here every year, and watching their families grow," Lamb said.
"People love it. It is just a great family event and people love the train," Moyer said.
Jan Stefanon of Altoona has attended the Santa Express every year with her family members from Columbia, Md.
"It is a lot of fun for my grandkids, and it has become a tradition that we enjoy doing as a family together," she said.
Moyer said while the railroad sees a lot of passengers from Blair and the surrounding counties, about 40% of its sales come from the Pittsburgh area and western Pennsylvania.
"Our train excursions bring a lot of business to local hotels, business and restaurants," Moyer said.
Lee and Bill Farnan of Duncansville were on the Santa Express for the first time with their nephews Miles and Owen Klucsick of Syracuse, N.Y., who were visiting for Thanksgiving.
"This is our first time here, but our nephews are very excited," Lee Farnan said.
She was also looking forward to the experience.
"When we grew up, there were no chances to (ride a) train, so this is really great for me as well," Lee Farnan said.
The Everett Railroad has seen more than 16,000 passengers attend its events throughout the years.
"The biggest groups are always between October and December," Moyer said.
She said that while the railroad has added a new treasure hunt activity this year, those who attend can expect their excursion to feature the same beloved activities that have been part of the experience from the beginning.
"People can enjoy being on the train while eating cookies and hot chocolate, see Santa and get to see the cars all decorated for Christmas," Moyer said.
Lamb said when people first arrive at the station in Hollidaysburg, hot chocolate and cookies will be available while they shop for treasures in the gift shop.
Kids who attend will also receive a small gift from Santa.
Moyer said tickets are still available for excursions.
Lamb recommended those interested in the Santa Express buy their tickets soon as they usually sell out.
Tickets are $32 for adults 13-64, $29 for seniors 65-plus, $27 youth 3-12 and $8 for children under 3 and can be purchased online at everettrailroad.com.
Mirror Staff Writer Cati Keith is at 814-946-7535.