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The Santa Claus Special - Cultural Background
In some of the most remote areas of Appalachia, the start of the holiday season traditionally begins with the arrival of the Santa Special, a train owned and operated by CSX Transportation with Santa himself on board. For over 57-years, thousands of rural families have turned out to welcome Santa along a 110-mile route that begins in Pikeville, Kentucky and ends up in Kingsport, Tennessee. The tradition began in 1943 when a small group of Kingsport businessmen wanted to do something to thank their customers in Southwest Virginia. They made arrangements with representatives of the Clinchfield Railroad (the predecessor of CSX), and created what would become the world's largest Santa Parade.
As it winds it way though the remote valleys, coal fields and lumberyards of Appalachia, the Santa Train touches many lives along the way. Santa and his team of volunteers (which have included country singers Travis Tritt and Patty Loveless) deliver over 15 tons of gifts along the way, along with plenty of holiday cheer and excitement. In addition, two high school seniors along the way are awarded the Santa Train Scholarships each year to help them fund their college educations.
If you'd like to read more about the Santa Special, check out these two outside links:
"Santa Train spreads joy along rails for 57th year"
Article from The Tennessean about one year's event.
Photos provided by the Kingsport Area Chamber of Commerce.
