Santa Train Chugs through Appalachia

For the 66th time, Santa rode on the back of a train, stopping 14 times through Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee handing out gifts and toys to children and their families.

Perched on the tail end of a train, Santa Claus pitched toys and candy to hundreds of people gathered along the 14 stops of the 66th annual Santa Train on Saturday. Joined by singer Kathy Mattea, the Santa Special made it’s way along a 110-mile route through Appalachia to handout 15 tons of toys and gifts to families. The Santa Train, which made three stops in Kentucky, is co-sponsored by CSX Transportation, the Kingsport Area Chamber of Commerce and Food City. Photo by David Stephenson | Staff