All aboard for great, nostalgic fun
with Odd Fellows Holiday Train Display
Published:  November 26, 2014

It will be all aboard for the seventh year of great, nostalgic holiday fun when the Odd Follows Lodge opens its doors Saturday to welcome the public to the annual Christmas Train Display!

The 7th Annual Christmas Train Display, sponsored by the Santa Paula Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is located on the second floor of the historic clock tower building at 868 E. Main St. 

According to “Chief Engineer” Wes Easley, “We will have our grand opening Saturday, November 29, directly following the end of the Christmas parade.”

The 67th Annual Optimist Club Christmas Parade starts at 10 a.m. and passes in front of the Odd Fellows Lodge; the Christmas Train Display will open to the public at 11 a.m. and remain open until 4 p.m.

The display is like no other you’ll see: there are hundreds of feet of tracks on multi-levels carrying engines and cars from vintage days of railroading to modern sleek vehicles passing all types of villages and towns, including a scale model of Santa Paula’s own Depot built by Easley. 

Easley and others put in long hours to work on the display that in years past has included a special “Nightmare Before Christmas” section belonging to train collector Carlos Juarez, who works closely with Easley each year to create the display. 

Said Easley, “We are feverishly working to complete the all new layout,” in time for Saturday’s opening.

“Each year there has been a new design and we are striving to be better than ever! There will be raffles and free contests during the show,” one of  the most popular events in Santa Paula. 

Held in the great room of the lodge, Easley said, “People are encouraged to come and stay a while. Have a seat in the comfy chairs and watch the trains and relax... enjoying the trains is easy and comforting,” as well as plenty of fun for the whole family. 

“Last year,” he added, “there were attendees from throughout California and the United States, people really enjoyed it, kids, adults whatever no one can resist the trains.”

There is an elevator in the rear of the building (off South Alley) for use by those who need handicapped access.

The next opening will be for regular December hours of Fridays 6-9 p.m., Saturdays 4-9 p.m. and Sundays 1-6 p.m. 

The last regular showing will be Sunday, December 28. 

Easley said, “Entry donations are the same as last year,” with kids 5 to12 years old $2, everyone over 13 years old only $3. Kids under 5 years old are free! 

Special group/family/business showings may be arranged for almost any time and day. 

For any questions, arrangement of special viewings and handicap access please call Wes Easley at 805-766-4400. 

Said Easley, “Although we had plenty of people last year we still hope to see a large increase in attendance this year,” as all proceeds from the event go to the rehabilitation/restoration of the historic Odd Fellows building, a structure so well known it is often used as a logo signifying Santa Paula. 




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