Holiday Express on schedule to arrive in Gonzales Thursday; road closures announced
GONZALES - The CPKC Holiday Express -- a festive freight train that provides Santa Claus with alternative transportation each Christmas season -- is on its way to Ascension and East Baton Rouge parishes.
The six-car train got underway on its tour of the American South this week and was in LaPlace on Wednesday. There are thousands of lights covering the train, but inside, each car is decorated from the ceiling to the floor.
"It was cool. It's amazing how much they fit in all the small spaces," Michael said.
Each family found their own item they enjoyed.
"It was a Barbie dream house!," Stella said.
As announced in October, the locomotive will stop in Gonzales at 4 p.m. Thursday for tours and viewing.
Those attending are encouraged to donate money to the Salvation Army, who will be in attendance to collect contributions.
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The illuminated engine and railcars are operated by CPKC railways -- one of two several such trains on tour in North America in the runup to Christmas.
The Ascension parish stop will happen on E. Ascension at E. Railroad (behind Raising Cane's and across from Country Kitchen).
The City of Gonzales Police Department announced the following road closures related to the event:
Roads will shut down between 2:30 and 3 p.m. and will reopen about 9 p.m.
The train will make a stop in Baton Rouge at 4 p.m. on Friday, at the CPKC yard at 1400 Foss Street, near Memorial Stadium. This is a revised location, replacing a different stopping point that was previously announced.