Clauses, Grinch help brighten Santa’s Train Off the Trail in Peters Township
Harry Funk/The Almanac
The Grinch greets Melissa Pithamber during Santa’s Train Off the Trail.
Harry Funk/The Almanac
Jaxon Torchia’s first Christmas season includes a seat on Santa’s lap.
Harry Funk/The Almanac
Ashley Estes volunteers as Santa’s helper.
Harry Funk/The Almanac
Aboard the authentic Kennywood Park trolley are, from left, Theresa, Chloe and Elizabeth Kosir.
"Conductor" Carlo Gentile is on hand to help visitors climb onto Santa's railroad Car, and Patrick Rodriguez waits for his turn.
Mrs. Claus greets visitors to Santa's Train Off the Trail.
The Grinch arrives from somewhere uphill, if not Mount Crumpit.
Clay and Sadie Anexandrowicz wait for their turn to see Santa Claus.
Visiting with Santa aboard the railroad caboose are, from left are Andrea, Alaina, Brock and Michael Edmonds.
Harry Funk/The Almanac
The Grinch, on the Montour Trail, waves hello.
Harry Funk/The Almanac
Helping to brighten the day are, from left, Kelly Goettel, Maggie Euless, Kayla Weil and Mary Robinson.
Harry Funk/The Almanac
Tanner and Alivia Rizza meet Santa.
Harry Funk/The Almanac
Megan and Hadley Kozleuchar have their picture taken with the Grinch.
Harry Funk/The Almanac
Reagan Farmerie visits with Santa Claus.
Harry Funk/The Almanac
Also on hand was a Peters Township Fire Department truck.
Rain, rain … well, it never did quite go away.
But despite the weather, everyone attending seemed to enjoy the second annual Santa’s Train Off the Trail in Peters Township.
The event, hosted by Tom Robinson at his TAR Outdoor Storage location on Valley Brook Road, centered around Santa and Mrs. Claus greeting youngsters – not-so-young, too – aboard an authentic railroad caboose, where quality lighting was set up to help provide for plenty of nice, bright holiday photographs.
Nearby to help keep visitors warm was a trolley, also the real thing, from Kennywood Park.
The train car is parked on the property just off the Montour Trail throughout the year, and a mailbox just outside is there to receive letters to Santa. Many who attended the Dec. 14 event are trail users who were happy to accept the hospitality of Robinson and his family and friends.
Along with the Clauses came another special visitor, who arrived walking down a hill, as if from Mount Crumpit: The Grinch. He got around quite well for someone age 72, which is how many years ago he made his first appearance in Dr. Seuss’ book version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”
And his heart, indeed, must have grown three sizes, as he wore a Santa-type suit and cap. Plus he was glad to stop and have his picture taken with folks in attendance, including guys who have been accused of being Grinches, themselves.
Meanwhile, Santa and his helpers handed out candy canes and other goodies for good girls and boys, none of whom seemed to mind waiting in the rain for a while before they had the opportunity to visit with their favorite rotund gentleman who manages to squeeze down chimneys.
Sponsoring the event were T.A. Robinson Asphalt Paving Inc. and Bowers Hill Preschool & Learning Center, with many of the people from each organization participating in festive attire to help brighten up what turned out to be anything but a dreary day.