Kathy Mattea to Participate in 66th Santa Train

GRAMMY Award winner Kathy Mattea will be the special guest on the 2008 Santa Train, CSX Transportation (CSXT) officials have announced.

Mattea, a native of Charleston, W.Va., is no stranger to Appalachia. Her most recent album, Coal, released in April 2008, describes the hardships many coal miners face in Appalachia. Many of the songs on the album reflect the experiences of Mattea’s own family – both of her grandfathers were coal miners, and her parents grew up in coal camps.

“Riding on the Santa Train gives me the opportunity to participate in the lives of the people I have been singing about on Coal,” Mattea said. “There is a sense of community here, and a sense of place like nowhere else; riding a train through the mountains and visiting with the folks will be the highlight of my Christmas this year.”

The Santa Train will make 14 stops in Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee on Nov. 22, 2008, distributing 15 tons of toys and gifts to thousands of people. The annual project, co-sponsored by CSXT, Food City and the Kingsport (Tennessee) Area Chamber of Commerce, is one of Appalachia’s most anticipated holiday traditions. This year marks the train’s 66th trek through the region.

“Kathy’s love for the Appalachian community is evident in her music, and her contribution to this project will make the 66th journey of the train even more successful,” said Michael J. Ward, CSXT chairman, president and CEO.   
“We are thrilled Kathy Mattea will be joining us on the 66th journey of the Santa Train,” said Kingsport Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Miles Burdine. “Her presence will make for an even more memorable experience.”
“The Food City family and volunteers are excited to support the Santa Train and are looking forward to Kathy Mattea joining us on the ride,” said Kingsport’s Food City Manager Ed Moore. “The Santa Train means so much to this region.”