Also on the agenda
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum will host an “unwrapping” ceremony Saturday, Nov. 19, to announce its loan of a historic locomotive to the new T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. Engine 349, built by Baldwin Locomotive Works for the Central of Georgia Railroad, was chosen for display at the new children’s outpatient center, the first phase of construction, because it was built in 1891, the same year Erlanger was founded. Children’s Hospital Miracle Children will help with the unveiling, which starts at 11 a.m. at Grand Junction Station, 4119 Cromwell Road. For more information on the planned facility, visit www.webelieve.build.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum is adding a magical, seasonal ride to the schedule this weekend. North Pole Limited train rides have become one of TVRM's most popular events since debuting in 1999.
On these trips, passengers will be treated to refreshments, storytelling and sing-alongs, and a number of lighted displays can be seen outside as the train rolls down the rails. Once the train pulls into the North Pole, Santa boards for a visit. During the return ride, he makes his way through the train cars, greeting all the children and giving each a keepsake.
The North Pole Limited will start out on a Friday-Saturday schedule, Nov. 18-19, then pick up Sundays starting Thanksgiving weekend through mid-December. The week before Christmas, rides will be offered weekdays as well, Dec. 19-23. North Pole Limited will extend the season with additional outings on Monday, Dec. 26, and Friday and Saturday, Dec. 30-31.
Most departures are at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. However, Saturday also has departures at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
Tickets are $22 for ages 1 and older. Traditional seating includes a boxed chocolate drink and a gingerbread cookie for each passenger. An upgrade into Santa's private car costs $45. First-class passengers receive a tumbler of hot chocolate, a fresh-baked cookie and a complimentary copy of the TVRM Christmas book.
Other holiday trains still to come are the Summerville Santa Special, departing from Summerville, Ga., on Nov. 25-26, Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18; Santa's Hiwassee Holiday Train, departing from Delano, Tenn., on Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10, 17; and the Christmas Special Dinner Train, departing from Chattanooga on Dec. 2-3, 9-10, 17, 30.
For more information, call 423-894-8028 or visit www.tvrail.com.