Pandemic doesn’t derail Colebrookdale Railroad excursions

The coronavirus pandemic has not derailed Colebrookda le Rai l - road’s annual holiday excursions — Santa’s Polar Bear Express Trains and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas trains.

“We are still chugging along here, but we are doing it a lot differently,” said Nathaniel C. Guest, executive director.

Guest said Fr iday he supports Gov. Tom Wolf’s new COVID mitigation restrictions issued Thursday, and is working on determining if additional restrictions are necessary.

“We, and our peers in the rail transportation industry, are working to interpret restrictions issued on Dec. 10,”

Guest said. “Pending further guidance or instruction from the commonwealth, all trains and all on board services will continue as planned.”

Wolf on Thursday issued a three-week ban on indoor dining, most social gatherings, school sports, gyms and indoor entertainment.

Guest said he understands some passengers may choose to not ride

the train at this time.

“We are instituting a no- questions- asked credit policy for the period through Jan. 4,” he said. “If you cancel before your scheduled departure time, we will issue a credit for a future experience at the full amount of your original ticket purchase.”

The train, which provides a 9-mile scenic ride between Boyertown and Pottstown, is running at 50 percent capacity.

One of the train cars has been transformed

into a Candyland Car with Santa seated in his throne outside.

“Santa is outside in the fresh air,” he said. “There are so many people today with so many problems. We are blessed to be able to provide this experience for the children.”

Children will receive a small gift, coloring books and crayons.

Guest said that the prices have not been increased even though the number of seats have been cut in half.

“It ’s important that we provide a meaningful experience for the children,” he said.

Guest said the organization continues to enforce COVID-19 protections according to established guidelines on board the train: mandatory mask wearing, temperature checks, hand sanitization, and limited food and beverage options.

Tickets are on sale now and are available at www. colebrookdalerailroad. com.

COURTESY OF NATHANIAL GUEST Santa Claus greets youngsters on an outside train car called Candyland as part of new restrictions at the Colebrookdale Railroad. The train is open but has special guidelines to prevent the spread of the cornavirus.

COURTESY OF NATHANIEL GUEST Colebrookdale Railroad continues its annual Santa Polar Express ride with new restrictions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.