2015 KCS Holiday Express in Wharton, TX

The vast majority of locals that came out to see the Holiday Express were unaware of the KCS business train, and if they did notice it, didn’t care about it.

They came out to see the main event: the festively decorated and brightly lighted Christmas train. It’s led by “Rudy”, a smiling steam engine, a flat car carrying Santa’s sleigh, reindeer, and a miniature village; a ginger bread boxcar; an elves’ workshop; the reindeer stable; and a red & white caboose bringing up the markers.

The lines were long for the 3-car tour. The lines were even longer to visit Santa, who had set up outside along the north side of the depot.

As I didn’t brave the lines to visit Santa, I left the festivities empty-handed. But my sadness was short-lived.

Needing fuel, I pulled into the Buc-ee’s store in Wharton where I was the happy recipient of a surprise Christmas gift:

A full tank, 24 gallons, set me back a grand total of $32 and change. Thanks Santa!

Apparently, there’s a price war with the WalMart that’s across the street. Wal-Mart’s price was a penny more than Buc-ee’s. Buc-ee’s didn’t start the war, but they sure as hell don’t intend to lose it.

Regardless of the reason, it was a most welcome gift!