Palmer Santa Train - 12/16

The Palmer / Monson Santa Train will run on December 16th starting about 8 AM. The train will run on the NEC on a half-hourly basis between towns. Tickets are required at Palmer but they are FREE and given on a fist-come / first-serve basis. Parking may be restricted at the station (Steaming Tender) except for handicap parking but shuttle busses will run from local parking lots. Cars will be heated. You can also board the train at Monson on the Washington Street crossing (signed waiver required there), which might be less congested, for the trip to Palmer. The Steaming Tender is expected to be open for refreshments such as hot chocolate.

Any word on when and where the tickets will be distributed?

Tickets at Palmer will be distributed inside the station (Steaming Tender) from the ticket booth beginning at 7AM on the 16th. Riders may select a scheduled time to ride depending on availability of the free tickets. Riders are instructed to be present an hour before scheduled departure time to assure a seat. Waivers must also be signed here. Experience has shown that an exact on-time schedule does not always occur.

In Monson, rides are believed to be on a first-come / first serve basis without the use of tickets. According to a newspaper report, a Monson spokesperson indicates that activity will be more "subdued" there. This report may possibly be interpreted to indicate less activity and maybe smaller crowds at Monson.

Be aware though that riders from either boarding point will not be allowed to leave the train and return to it for the return trip. That is unless they wish to leave the train and find their own transportation back to their original boarding point.

Stop by the Palmer Public Library too, to see the Railroad Research Room, and the Palmer Railroad Display Panels highlighting Palmer's vast railroad history, and visit the children's G-scale model railroad! The original PALMER station sign can be seen in "Town Square".

Inside the Palmer Union Station, aka the Steaming Tender Restaurant, you can also get a preview of the FIRST book all about Palmer's railroads, "One Town and Seven Railroads", written and created by the members of the Palmer Public Library Railroad Advisory Board, due to arrive in the Spring 2007!

Palmer is on the move! We have a clear track ahead!

Did anyone have a chance to take the ride?

I went and got there at 1 but it had been sold out at 9 so I followed teh SNE line for a little ways.