The train pulls out of Tyrone at 9 a.m. sharp on Dec. 14, and guess what? There’s still tickets available.
Of course, we’re talking about the Third Annual Yuletyme Tyrone Train Ride. And again, tickets remain available.
Last year’s ride through a snow-laced valley to downtown Historic Bellefonte brought words like “amazing,” “wonderful” and “beautiful” from the more than 150 residents who boarded the vessels for a wintery wonderland ride.
“We still have about 20 tickets left,” said Bonnie Patton, executive director of the Tyrone Area Chamber of Commerce, the organization which sponsors the event. “Some people who had reservations may have had something come up or have made other plans since then, and they haven’t picked up their tickets. So we have a few left and they’re available up to the 11th.”
Those wishing to purchase tickets must contact the TACOC at 684-0736. Tickets are $18 for adults and the children’s fare is $12.
The train will depart from Tyrone’s Railpark at 9 a.m. and will arrive in historic Bellefonte just in time for arguably one of the most festive holiday events in the area – Victorian Christmas Days.
Prior to departure, the Tyrone Area Historical Society will hold a get-together time with coffee, hot chocolate and doughnuts. The social hour begins one hour before the diesel train hits the rails.
“We really had a wonderful time last year,” said Tyrone resident Grace Gonzalez, who was accompanied on the trip by her 31-year-old developmentally disabled son Scott Renwick. “Scott really enjoyed the trip. We met some really good people and had some pretty good laughs along the way. It was a terrific time and something I would recommend to anyone.”
The Tyrone couple of Linda and Larry Strong also enjoyed the trip. Linda said they were fortunate that it actually snowed that day and riding along the rails with the snow falling was “just beautiful.”
“The entire trip was totally relaxing,” she said.
Strong also noted the beauty of Victorian Christmas Days celebration in Bellefonte. Events there included crafts, a Santa house, the Festival of Trees, a Christmas museum and musical presentations.
“Bellefonte was absolutely beautiful,” she said. “We really enjoyed the horse-drawn carriage ride and just walking through all the little stores and doing some shopping. I’m sure we’ll go back.”
John Benn, a self-proclaimed “armchair train buff,” took his family, which included his wife Tammy, his then 12-year-old son Josh and his then 7-year-old daughter Shannon.
“I was really surprised that Josh enjoyed it as much as he did,” said Benn. “I would have never believed he would have enjoyed it as much as he did, but he, like the rest of us, just thought it was wonderful.
“We’re hoping to go back this year.”
