REGION – The annual Lake State Railway “Santa Train” has been postponed until 2021, according to Coordinator Shasta Duffey.
“I received word, after a lot of discussion, the final decision is to not run the Santa Train this year,” Duffey said. “We are sad (we’re unable to) accommodate the communities for 2020.
“However, we are hopeful to move forward as planned in 2021.”
Mark Constance has worked with Duffey the past several years to help her organize the event at the local level.
Constance said Santa, Mrs. Claus (Duffey) and several elves travel North in an antique engine and rail cars from Lake State’s home base in Saginaw, stopping at depots in Standish, Roscommon and Grayling. The train slows down at the West Branch depot as well.
Along with being held the same day of Roscommon’s “Christmas in the Village,” and a live radio broadcast by WGRY from the Crawford County Historical Society in Grayling, Lake State collects donated toys for needy children through the “Toys for Tots” program as well.
“This is just a fun event,” Constance said. “Thousands of people turn out along the rail line and everyone is just so excited. It’s a great thing to be involved with.
“We appreciate the support of law enforcement and the volunteers who have helped with this over the past few years.
“We look forward to working with Lake State again in 2021.”
To see the Santa Train visit SANTA TRAIN.
