Published: November 21, 2008 11:32 am      

Children’s holiday trains will wrap up Scenic Railroad season

CUMBERLAND — Only a few chances remain to ride the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad during the 2008 season, according to officials at the Allegany County Department of Tourism.

Scenic railroad ridership has been steady this year despite early season challenges with high gas prices and national economic woes in the fall. Depending on new reservations made in the remainder of November and December, the scenic railroad has a good chance to match 2007 ticket sales of 34,719 riders.

“We are very pleased that the train is holding its own in the current economy,” said County Tourism Director Barb Buehl. “Our marketing team and the WMSR staff have done a great job of emphasizing our affordability, adjusting our Internet advertising geographically and developing new programming that brings potential riders to our community.”

The final two regular excursions of the year will run this Saturday and Sunday, departing the Western Maryland Railway Station for Frostburg at 11:30 a.m. Seats still remain available.

Youngsters can delight to the magic of the scenic railroad’s unique Santa Express and North Pole Express trains, beginning Thanksgiving weekend and running through the weekend before Christmas. Tickets are still available for all 11:30 a.m. excursions on Saturdays and Sundays and for Nov. 28. Santa Express Trains begin on Nov. 28 and conclude on Dec. 21. Normal standard and first class rates apply. Santa will ride each Santa’s Express train and hand out candy canes during the ride.

The North Pole Express departs Cumberland at 6 p.m., and the round trip lasts approximately 3 1/2 hours. Santa meets the train at the North Pole (Depot in Frostburg), where riders will be served cookies and hot chocolate. Space on evening trains is going fast and Saturday evening trains on Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Dec. 13 and Dec. 19 are sold out. As of press time, North Pole Express evening trains on Nov. 30, Dec. 5, Dec. 7, Dec. 12 and Dec. 14 still have available seats.

Tickets can be ordered by calling (301) 759-4400 or (800) TRAIN50. Online ticket sales are available at www.wmsr.com.

A complete calendar of Holiday events can be found on-line at www.mdmountainside.com.