Richardson Christmas Tradition May Have To Shut Down
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RICHARDSON (CBSDFW.COM) – A Holiday staple in Richardson may come to a halt.
Joel the "Train Man" Occhiuzzo brought the Holiday Express Riding Train to Richardson 15 years ago.
"I never thought it would grow to what it is," said Joel.
He started the free train rides in his backyard so stay busy during retirement. "It makes me feel like a little kid and brings people so much joy."
Joel said that his insurance is too expensive to continue to operate the train. Unless someone comes forward to purchase the train, it will not run again.
Another local Richardson man is fighting to keep the train on the tracks this year.
Jordan Noret created an online petition to take to the Richardson Parks and Recreation Department. Noret wants the city to incorporate the train into the Christmas Village at Richardson City Hall.
"It's a holiday staple and we don't want to lose it," said Noret.
Iif that doesn't happen, hopefully the petition will inspire someone to come forward to buy the train.
Click here to sign the petition to save the Holiday Express.
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