By Lee Ann Sides Garrett
news@salisburypost.com
Children and adults pressed their noses to the windows. Passengers aboard the Santa Train at the North Carolina Transportation Museum on Saturday watched and waited for Santa to arrive.
Temporarily trading in his sleigh for ground transportation, Santa arrived in grand style on a bright red fire truck, siren blaring, complete with helpers and Mrs. Claus.
“I got to stand next to Santa while he was boarding the train,” the engineer gushed over the loud speaker. “Here he comes!”
Santa walked down the aisle, stopping to talk with each child and take pictures. His elves handed out candy canes and oranges.
“I can’t believe he came on the train,” Rebekah Little said.
Rebekah, 6, and her brother David, 8, and sister Jessica, 2, were part of a group from Old Fashioned Baptist Church in Farmer. Accompanying them were mom Kristy Little, Glenda Lambeth and friend Tricia Boyles, 8.
“Look at all the baby dolls,” Santa said, approaching their seats. “Here’s a Barbie, a Barbie and a Ken doll.”
Parents bobbed smaller children and sang with older ones to Christmas music while Santa made his rounds on the 25-minute ride around the train yard.
Martin Callaway from Kernersville said he hopes the Santa Train becomes a tradition with his family. Daughter Olivia, 3, gave Santa a big hug. Callaway said they’ll bring her 6-month old sister next year.
“We came last year. Olivia talks about it,” Callaway said. “She has a picture with Santa from last year in her room.”
“Keep up the good work. You all have been very good and smart this year.” Santa told the children. “I’m coming to see you in about two weeks.”
For more information about the Santa Train, log on to www.nctrans.org or call 704-636-2889.