During Monday evening’s council meeting in Smiths Falls, Councillor Lorraine Allen brought a report from the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario (RMEO). Typically, RMEO hosts a North Pole Express event, in which the Railway Museum is transformed into the North Pole. This has included photos with Santa, visiting with the elves, as well as train rides.
This year, in an attempt to celebrate the season with Covid restrictions in place, RMEO will be hosting an event called the Santa Train, and will be a variation on the North Pole Express.
It will be held only on Saturdays, from 12pm-5pm. The train will run every 20 minutes; 18 rides in total each Saturday. Tickets will be available via Eventbrite, and will cost $10/adult, $5/child, or $30/family. All riders 12 years and older must show proof of vaccination to be eligible to ride. There will be opportunities for pictures with Santa in front of a gorgeously decorated train engine.
Due to Covid-19 social distancing requirements, the caboose will be limited to carrying 10 people at a time. Councillor Allen noted the challenges with making this event possible in the time of Covid. “We may still have to cancel at the last minute, but we are getting it ready.”
In spite of the challenges and changes they are required to make, Allen emphasized how eagerly RMEO is preparing to celebrate in this way. “We’re really looking forward to doing this great event because families really love it.”
Article by Janelle Labelle
