Santa chugs his way through Appalachia for 66th year

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