Since 1997, the Oxford Court Christmas Train has been a holiday tradition that was started by two neighborhing residents, Randy Sangster and Carl Thornton.
Oxford Court (off of Minnesota) residents host a holiday train that is elevated 7 feet of the ground, pulls three cars containing a holiday ferris wheel as well as
Santa’s sleigh. The train runs from one end of the court to the other, covering 10 properties.
Due to the recent changes in the economy the neighborhood put the tradition on hold for the past two years, but with neighborhood support as well as an undying demand they are fortunate enough to be able to run it this 2010 holiday season.
Oxford resident and CSU Stanislaus student Tyler Harris put the information on facebook announcing that it’s like their version of “Christmas Tree Lane” and that it was coming back after a two year hiatus.
The entire neighborhood is lit up as well as Christmas music playing throughout the cul-de-sac. The neighborhood holiday display typically receives coverage from radio stations and television stations while also earning a spot as a top contributor to the Turlock Together food and toy drive.
Opening night was December 5th, and it runs 7 days a week from 6pm until 9pm through Christmas Night. The Christmas Train however will not run on nights with excessive winds or other extreme weather conditions as it poses a possible threat to the integrity of the train.
In the past it was not unusual for the residents of Oxford Court to see over 2000 cars and families drive through the neighborhood on any given night and are excited about bringing it that holiday experience back to the community.
The Oxford Court Christmas Train is funded by the residents and from their own pockets, though there are multiple donation baskets located throughout the court on nights the train is running if anyone is able to donate whatever spare change they may have.
“We do understand the rough economic times though, so any and all donations are graciously appreciated,” said Tyler Harris. “We just are looking to bring this excitement back to the community!”
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