Loveless to ride Appalachia Santa Train

KINGSPORT, Tenn. - As a child, Patty Loveless received gifts from the Santa Train that rolled through her native Eastern Kentucky mountains every holiday season.

On Nov. 17, the 50-year-old country singer will return as a guest on the train as it distributes 15 tons of toys and gifts in Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee.

This will be the 65th journey for the Santa Train, a holiday project co-sponsored by CSX Transportation, the Kingsport Tennessee Area Chamber of Commerce and the Abingdon, Va.-based Food City Grocers.

Loveless grew up in Pikeville, Ky., where the 110-mile trek begins. She rode the train in 1999 and 2002 and chronicled the trips in a song she wrote and recorded titled, "Santa Train."

"Patty's personal connection with Appalachia makes her a perfect on-board guest," said CSX President/CEO Michael J. Ward. "The Santa Train resonated with Patty, even as a child, and we look forward to providing lasting memories for all those who receive gifts during our 65th year."

Other celebrities who have taken the train include Alison Krauss, Naomi Judd, Travis Tritt and Rebecca Lynn Howard.