On the 'fast track' to Christmas

SANDUSKY — The trek originated outside of Baltimore, Maryland, and journeyed through many states before finally pulling into its new home — or what many now call "holiday junction" in Sandusky, Ohio. Motorists cruising down Meigs Street at the Garfield Avenue intersection have undoubtedly noticed a different mode of transportation capturing their attention in recent days. This past week, city resident Don Myers set up an elaborate and extravagant Christmas-themed miniature amusement park-like spectacle — officially named Pop's Holiday Train Display — outside his home, 534 Meigs St. While he's set up similar layouts in the past, at his former home in Maryland, this year's design features fresh elements. And it's the first time Myers unveiled one in his new hometown of Sandusky. Don Myers stands next to his holiday train display at his home on Meigs Street in Sandusky. Myers, who receives support from his wife, Pam, spent nearly 200 hours assembling, building and connecting all components. Most notably, five model train displays, totaling about 400 feet of track, loop within and around their home's perimeter. People can view Thomas the Tank Engine, observation cars and even a Baltimore and Ohio locomotive — an unintentional nod to Myers' past and present homes — chug along the lines. A "G" scale model train locomotive makes its way around the track within a holiday train display at the corner of Meigs Street and Garfield Avenue in Sandusky. There's also another dozen or so attraction sights placed in, around and on top of the tracks. This would include roller coasters, Ferris wheels and other theme park staples, like a scrambler, all made out of K'NEX materials. Strategically placed Christmas lights, illuminated bulbs and even decorative candy canes establish a border while filling in empty spaces to complement Myers' creation. "This is my expression of Christmas," said Myers, whose love for the Baltimore Orioles only rivals his passion for trains. "I have been setting up train displays since I was 8 years old, so we are talking about 52 years' worth of this." A K'NEX swing spins around within a holiday train display at the corner of Meigs Street and Garfield Avenue in Sandusky. Myers invites anyone to scope out the sights for themselves. It's open daily, weather permitting, with trains first running at dusk. "You can't get the full effect of what's going on just by driving by or sitting in your car," he said. "Come on out and see if for yourself." He also encourages all ages to stop by but especially children, All kids receive individually wrapped candy canes. Those with keen eyes, however, can win a larger one if they spot a Daffy Duck figure hiding somewhere in the display. Myers said he'll keep this year's display open through Jan. 1. Afterward, he'll tear it down and, simultaneously, begin planning for a new layout in 2021. "It will be done every year here," Myers said. "We will have a different display each year. There's plenty of room to do it." Amusement park rides spin as a model train travels on its track at a holiday train display at the corner of Meigs Street and Garfield Avenue in Sandusky. Want to go? What: Pop's Holiday Train Display, an outdoor spectacle featuring several model trains and miniature amusement park attractions laid out in a yard Where: 534 Meigs St., Sandusky, at the intersection of Garfield Avenue When: Weather permitting, the display is open nightly and begins at dusk. It'll remain open through Jan. 1. More: People can search for "Pop's Holiday Train Display" on social media. Donations are accepted, with all proceeds going back into the display. A holiday display with lights, model trains and K'NEX roller coasters fills a yard at the corner of Meigs Street and Garfield Avenue in Sandusky.