November 27, 2016 - Tylerpaper.com

PALESTINE – Stunned Texas State Railroad passenger Bailey Parsons, 6, seemed almost speechless recently as her childhood hero ventured up the train aisle and extended a gloved hand in greeting.

The bigger-than-life figure, dressed in a velvety red and white winter suit, was just boarding the railcar when he spotted the tiny, wide-eyed youngster finishing up a cup of hot cocoa.


“I like seeing Santa,” she said, eyes twinkling in delight after a few moments of pleasantries with the jolly old elf.


The encounter was one of many heart-warming ones that unfolded during a recent excursion to the North Pole via the beloved Polar Express train ride, operated by the Texas State Railroad.



The annual, family-friendly attraction, which departs from Palestine station, 789 Park Road 70, represents one of the most popular attractions for the railroad, said Janet Gregg, special event manager.

Read more: http://www.tylerpaper.com/TP-News+Local/258995/texas-state-railroads-polar-express-takes-to-the-tracks-for-christmas-riders