Kansas City Southern’s Holiday Express rolled into Newton on Sunday afternoon spreading cheer to thousands of local residents.
Grant Elliott, head elf for the Holiday Express, said that 2,126 people toured the inside of the Christmas train, which was decked out in all kinds of yuletide decorations along with several miniature trains.
“This is a way for Kansas City Southern to give back to the community,” Elliott said. “It’s our fundraiser for the Salvation Army. At each stop along the way, we donate gift cards to the local Salvation Army chapters for them to purchase toys.
“And it’s also a great opportunity for us to help spread some cheer. It’s a great opportunity for families to spend time together from waiting in line to board the train to taking pictures with Santa Claus. You can tell that everyone seems to be having a good time, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Newton Chamber Director Emily Pugh said she was thrilled with the turnout of the event, which unofficially serves as the kickoff to the city’s Christmas in Newton festivities.
“This is a great way to kick off this week, when we usher in Christmas with our annual parade, Whistlestop Marketplace and annual Chamber cash giveaway,” Pugh said. “The line at the beginning went down Church Street and was wrapped around Main Street to the Hope Mission. We’re just thrilled that the weather cooperated and that we had such a great turnout.”
Elliott said the Holiday Express crew, which made its fifth visit to Newton on Sunday, basically lives on the train that pulls the Holiday express from town to town.
“Some of our volunteers have been with us the whole 18 years,” Elliott said. “They really enjoy doing this and helping to spread cheer through the holiday season and give back to the communities that we serve.”
