December 3 reigned high in the hearts of young and old as the CPKC Holiday Express rolled into Coushatta. The excitement began to build as the Southern Belle train including the Christmas engine pulled five cars full of Christmas joy to a stop on the tracks at 3:00 pm. Thanks to the hard work of the Red River Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Town of Coushatta Police, streets were blocked, and people began to line up. Officials estimated over 600 people from at least 4 parishes attended.  

It took almost an hour to get everything set up and guests onboard the train. The nostalgia of old trains and Christmas décor from days gone by filled the cars. Toy trains whistled through, and children’s faces lit up to know that Santa was waiting at the end of the tour.

Many thanks to Mr. Peter Drake, under the direction of the Town Council and Mayor Cox, who petitioned vigorously to have the train in our town again. The Christmas Spirit is alive and well in this small town.