Devin Nguyen, 2 and a half, rides the Turkey train with his mother Brenda Nguyen and sister Sofie, four years old, at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston Saturday. Photo by Colin Stoecker/The Connection
Children and parents piled onto the Holiday train at Lake Fairfax Park on Saturday to celebrate Thanksgiving early with a ride on the Turkey Train. The event was held at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston on Saturday and offered families a chance to ride for $5 a person.
“I think it’s really nice,” said Pauline Tsai, a local doctor whose children were riding the train with her husband. “A lot of little boys love moving vehicles and mine is no exception! You can see all of the leaves this time of year in the fall,” she said. This was her first time at the event.
“This time of year, I am thankful for my kids, my two little boys,” said Tsai. “It may not seem like a big thing to adults, but for the kids its pretty awesome,” she said.
Other young families with little children were lined up to ride the four-car train after it returned from its steadily paced loop around the circle and the edge of Lake Fairfax.
Todd Thomas of Vienna and his wife Jennifer were also waiting for the train to pull off from the front of the visitor’s center with their two children, Chelsea, 3, and Grady, 1. “We’re excited, and we enjoyed waving as it rode by the first time,” said Jennifer Thomas.
Christina Wu, assistant park supervisor, was in charge of arranging the event. “It is a great opportunity for families to get outdoors and enjoy a train ride in the park,” she said.
The event has been going on for about five or six years. Saturday there were at least 30 families on a waitlist, as train conductor Andrew Edelman used a clipboard to keep track of whose turn it was to board.
“I just love to bring smiles to everyone and make sure that they’re happy. I also enjoy getting a good view of the lake,” said Edelman.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Edelman shared what he was thankful for this holiday season. “I’m thankful for having a job here at Fairfax County Parks Authority. Labor Day and memorial holidays are the busiest days for us here; when everyone’s off, we’re on!” he said.