Santa Claus is coming to town.
From 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, kids will be able to have their picture taken with Old Saint Nick at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum in Historic Downtown.
He’ll be inside the restored Seaboard Air Line caboose, in front of the depot, Susan Gales, treasurer and tour director of the museum, said.
There is no cost for the annual event. Instead of a fee, parents may bring dolls, puzzles and other toys to the train museum. The toys will be donated to the Plant City Police Department’s toy drive and given out to local kids.
Last year, the museum was able to collect about 50 toys, according to the museum’s executive director, Benny Lubrano. Parents either brought a toy to donate or paid a small fee to have a photographer take pictures of their children with Santa.
This year, there won’t be a professional photographer, as many parents, grandparents and guardians will take their own snapshots with cellphones and digital cameras.
In addition to sitting on Santa’s lap and reciting a long wish list, the first 100 kids will receive a bag of train goodies. Gift bag items include a train coloring book, crayons, a bookmark and an Amtrak paper hat.
The event’s focus, Lubrano said, has never been monetary. The museum decided to donate the toys to the Plant City Police Department in appreciation of the department’s dedication, specifically in the downtown district.
“Anytime we need anything, they are so willing to help us,” Gales said.
Gales noted Plant City Police Officer Priscilla Clark, who frequently patrols the streets of downtown.
“We want to be a giving, charitable organization to give back to the community,” Gales said.
In the spirit of the holidays, the museum has decked its halls in preparation for its main event. A Christmas tree can be found inside the museum, and a decorative Santa will hang out of the caboose found in front of the museum. A Santa sack with gifts also will be on display. The decorations were finished by Thursday, Dec. 3.
Though the museum has considered the possibility of expanding its tradition, it plans on sticking with the annual toy drive and pictures.
“We want to do well rather than do a lot of things halfway,” Gales said.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
Santa at the Caboose
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11
Where: Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, 102 N. Palmer St.
Contact: (813) 719-6989
DON’T MISS
The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum isn’t the only Plant City location Santa is visiting this holiday season.
The Plant City Family YMCA will be holding its event, Breakfast with Santa, from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5. For $4, kids will be able to take pictures with Santa, enjoy breakfast and make crafts.
The YMCA will also be hosting a parents’ night out from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11. Kids will enjoy a Christmas bash, including dinner.