Contact: Janet McGovern, 650.508.6356

Local Groups To Entertain Before Holiday Train Arrives

From a bell ringer group to model railroad exhibits, community groups are helping make the Caltrain Holiday Train even more enjoyable by providing free entertainment for crowds gathered to see the spectacular train.

At all four Peninsula station stops, a variety of entertainment will be available, starting at least a half hour in advance of the train’s arrival on Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 3.

Caltrain commuters can get a head start on the weekend celebration during a “train-lighting event” Friday, Dec. 1, at the San Francisco station. Santa Claus and his North Pole crew will be on hand from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to greet commuters on their way home. They can get the weekend toy drive started early by dropping off new, unwrapped toy and book donations for the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program and the Salvation Army.

A Salvation Army band will play, followed by the Ringmasters of the Golden Gate Boys Choir.

Saturday, Dec. 2

Burlingame Caltrain Station: An ensemble from the Peninsula Youth Orchestra will entertain, starting about 5 p.m.

Redwood City Caltrain Station: The Hometown Holidays festivities will take place downtown from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., culminating with a fireworks show. The Redwood City Children’s Chorus will sing at the Caltrain station starting at 5:45 p.m.

Menlo Park Caltrain Station: An ensemble from the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra will entertain a half an hour before the train arrives at 7:05 p.m. Meanwhile, the West Bay Model Railroad Association’s exhibits at the south end of the station will be open from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Santa Clara Caltrain Station: The South Bay Historical Railroad Society will open its doors from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., well before the train arrives at 8:06 p.m. A Salvation Army band from Santa Clara will play starting about 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 3

San Bruno Caltrain Station: The Foggy Dew folk ensemble from Pacifica will perform at the station starting about 5 p.m.

San Mateo Caltrain Station: The San Mateo Downtown Association plans a number of activities at the station before the train arrives at 6:01 p.m.

There will be musical entertainment and refreshments starting at 4 p.m., culminating in a holiday tree lighting ceremony just before the train arrives, and the Hillsdale High School Chamber Singers also will perform.

California Avenue Caltrain Station (Palo Alto): The Palo Alto High School Madrigals return for another year to entertain at the station a half hour before the train arrives at 7:09 p.m.

Mountain View Caltrain Station: A Salvation Army Band from Santa Clara will play carols at the station starting about 7:15 p.m.

11/08/06 - jrm