POTEAU (KFSM) -- Kansas City Southern is holding its 16th annual Holiday Express, and this year, the train is traveling to 22 communities and seven states in KCS territories.
One of the stops to make will be in Poteau on Monday evening (Dec. 12). The train will stop at Dewey Crossing in downtown Poteau. Volunteers will provide tours from 4 p.m. and continue until 7 p.m.
The tour consists of Santa and his elves will be showing off three cars of the six-car train as part of the tour.
According to the Poteau Chamber of Commerce, the 2011 Holiday Express stop recorded more than 3,000 visitors to the small town.
The Holiday Express will be led by KCS’ Southern Belle business train. The Holiday Express train also includes a smiling tank car called “Rudy.” There is also a flatcar carrying Santa’s sleigh, reindeer and a miniature village, a gingerbread box car, an elves’ workshop, the reindeer stable and a little red caboose. Each car is dressed in lights, according to a KCS press release.
“We are excited to be chosen to host the stop this year," said Karen Wages, CEO Poteau Chamber. "The brightly lit train brings a record number of people to Poteau. Historical Downtown is hosting the 'Old Tyme Christmas' downtown that same night. The LeFlore County Museum will also have an ornament decorating night for kids at the same time. The streets will be filled with the Christmas Holiday Spirit in great Poteau fashion, Holiday Spirit and many memories to be fulfilled with memories of a lifetime."
The Salvation Army will provide hot chocolate.
Limited parking will be available at the crossing sight. Parking with bus transportation is located at the City Hall parking lot at the Donald W. Reynolds Center.
During Kansas City Southern's Holiday Express, $153,290 in gift cards will be distributed to Salvation Army stops along the way.