By Jeff Stitt
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Each holiday season, the McKeesport Model Railroad Club holds its Holiday Open House to welcome visitors from around the Mon Valley to see what’s new and exciting along the tracks of the fabled Mon Yough Valley Railroad.
It’s full steam ahead at the club with Christmas music playing, decorations all around and Santa Claus greeting children. The event has been chugging along for 68 years, ushering in the Christmas season in McKeesport.
But, according to club president George Sharp and club member Mihal Chik the annual open house is more than a festive event, it’s the club’s financial lifeblood.
“The open house keeps us running every year,” Chik said. “Members do pay dues but that helps pay the electric bill, that helps pay the water bills and the taxes. Visitors will also be able to peak behind-the-scenes to see how club members prepare trains in the staging area before sending them out to the display.
The club is located at 2209 Walnut Street in McKeesport, the former union hall of the National Tube Works.
Open houses will be held each weekend in December. Friday open houses take place from 7 to 10 p.m. On Saturdays, the display can be viewed from 1 to 7 p.m. and from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Kids who visit from 1 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 15 and Dec. 22 , or from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 16 and Dec. 23 will be able to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him all of their Christmas wishes.
There are 34 club members who range in age from young teens to senior citizens. The group will be recruiting new members during the open house.
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