The Kahite Express rolled through the streets of Kahite for the first time last week thanks to a couple who wanted to spread some Christmas cheer.
Rick and Linda Walsh have lived in the Tellico Village neighborhood since fall 2020.
The Walshes visited Dollywood at Christmas with friends last year and fell in love with the Dollywood Express. As Linda marveled at the “magical, funness” of the train, it reminded her of the joys of the season.
A fondness for the Dollywood experience stayed in their minds throughout the year, and, a few months ago, Rick decided to bring the same magic to their little corner of Monroe County.
Rick and Linda love working on projects. While Rick is good with wood and construction, Linda excels at painting and designing. Although they’ve enjoyed other projects throughout their marriage, they’ve never done anything quite like this.
The project brought new skills and challenges for both, although Linda credits most of the work to Rick and their neighbor’s John Deere Gator.
For about six weeks, Rick worked tirelessly to make the Kahite Express more than a fond memory. With the recent passing of his mother, the project became a form of therapy. In her honor, the couple named the engine “Mighty Edie.”
During the train’s debut, Rick conducted as the engineer and Linda tagged along as the “Christmas Elf,” passing out candy and greeting neighbors who walked the road to see them.
“It turned out to be this nice, wonderful thing we could share with the neighborhood,” Linda said. “Kahite is already such a wonderful little neighborhood that already has its own traditions, and only in a place like this would I imagine people would be embracing (the Kahite Express).”
Linda said she has been amazed how much residents loved and looked forward to the train coming through. Some even have sat in driveways waiting for the Walshes to drive by.
“It’s just Christmas cheer all around,” Linda said. “It’s turned into a nice thing that I’m sure will become a tradition.”
Lavonne Mitchell, Tellico Village HomeOwners Association vice president of programs and a Kahite resident, said the couple is putting smiles on a lot of faces. Being a distance from the rest of the Village, Mitchell said Kahite residents have the opportunity to more easily bring everyone together.
While many try to keep the joy and spirit of Christmas alive, the season can also be a reminder of loved ones who’ve passed. Mitchell said they made a list of those in the area who may need a bit more cheer this year for the train to pass through and carolers to stop by.
“As time goes on, you lose your loved ones … Christmas is just a tough time of year,” Mitchell said. “Kahite, too, because we are such a close-knit group, we’ve lost a few people this year that really have impacted the neighborhood. We’ve had celebrations of life for them, but there’s still that underlying sadness. …”
She said many residents who have been struggling have stepped out of their houses and mingled with neighbors.
Due to positive feedback from neighbors, next year could bring an even bigger show.
“We’ve been toying with the idea of having a Christmas parade with golf carts, and he may just be the catalyst for that now that we have this Christmas train,” Mitchell said.
The Kahite Express will be rolling through the neighborhood through Christmas and parked outside the Kahite Pub & Grill several days this week for residents and guests to see and photograph. For more information, visit the Kahite group on Facebook.
