After two years of planning, shipping disasters and lots of anticipation, the Kiwanis holiday train has finally pulled into the station, or at least into the park.
The public will have to wait until next year for a full schedule of rides through Sibley Park, but Kiwanis Holiday Lights President Scott Wojcik says to keep an eye on the organization’s social media posts for updates on limited rides this season.
Funding for the train, which rides on tires rather than tracks, was provided by the Curt and Debbie Fisher Donor Advised Fund of the Mankato Area Foundation.
Curt Fisher, who has outfitted a Case steam engine for hayrides on his own property, said getting the train to its final destination in one piece was an arduous journey. After shipping from China, the train underwent major damages and needed to be repaired or replaced altogether. Finally, after more than two years, the train is worthy of passengers.
“I was so happy when it came and it wasn’t broken,” Fisher said of the replacement train cars.
Currently equipped with an engine and two passenger cars, the train is awaiting a third wheelchair-accessible car that will bring capacity to 55 seats. And when that happens, Fisher said, “It’s going to be awesome.”