By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
SPENCER — Sue and Dale Fandel had a whole day of activities with their grandson, Chase, that culminated in a visit with Santa Claus.
The Fandels traveled from Tega Cay, S.C., and spent the day at the N.C. Transportation Museum for its annual Santa Train event.
Guests board the train at Barber Junction train depot and ride the train around the property ending at the Roundhouse where trains and rail cars are stored.
“We came up early and had lunch. We decided to make a day of it,” Dale said.
The couple found out about the event online.
Minnie Dukes of Lexington brought her grandson Charlie Miller, 3, who is from Cary, to see Santa and ride the trains.
“It’s his first train ride ever,” she said.
Charlie was also looking forward to telling Santa what he wanted for Christmas.
Most likely, one of the youngest to visit Santa Claus was 11-week-old Brennan Yow. His parents, Amanda and Dale, were at the Transportation Museum for the first time along with other family. The Yows plan to start a family tradition — a photo with Santa. The couple traveled from Oakboro with Brennan who was dressed in red and white.
Eric and Terry Moser were also at the museum for the first time so their son, Matthew, 2, who loves trains, could ride and meet Santa.
“He gave all the trains names,” Terry said as they rode aboard one.
Daphne Language, a native of New Orleans, was visiting her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter for the holidays. The family decided to visit the museum.
They heard about the Santa Train event from someone else.
Language said she’s enjoyed her time in Salisbury and in the surrounding area. While in town she went fishing, shopping and went to the flea market.
“It’s my first time here. I love the hospitality,” she said.
Santa Train takes place Saturday and Sunday:
• Dec. 3-4
• Dec. 10-11
• Dec. 17-18
Saturday ride times: 10 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:15 p.m.
Sunday ride times: 1:30 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3 p.m., 3:45 p.m.
Tickets for the Santa Train can be purchased in advance or the day of the event.
• General public, $12
• Members, Basic Level, $9
• Members, Conductor Level, $6
• Members, Engineer Level, Free
Guests can take a 25-minute evening train ride to the Roundhouse to share hot cocoa and cookies with Santa on the following dates:
• Dec. 3, 10. 16-17
Ride times: 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Children can visit the storytelling and activity area to hear Santa’s elves read Christmas tales, make a craft and to mail Santa a postcard from the Railway Express Office train car.
Tickets for the evening Cookies and Cocoa with Santa event can only be bought in advance.
• Adults, $15
• Children, 3 to 12 years, $12
• Children, 2 and younger, free
The N.C. Transportation Museum Foundation is hosting a breakfast with Santa for children and their parents in the Moutrie dining car. Families will step into the Doris rail car to meet Santa.
Tickets are only available in advance.
• Adults, $10
• Children, 2 to 12, $8
• Children, 1 and younger, free
For more information, www.nctrans.org or 704-636-2889, ext 237.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.