Will Huffman Toy Train Expo Brings Nostalgia, Household Enjoyable, and Holiday Spirit to Williamsport

November 17, 2025 | 4:17 PM

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  Asia Tabb
  
  Asia Tabb is the Host and Producer for WITF’s The Spark.

  She started her begin in radio when she joined legendary radio/ host producer, Doc Christian. She labored carefully with Doc for her position on “The Gospel Express, on WHOV 88.1 FM and was a host for “Unrestricted Praise” at Praise FM.

  Previously she was an anchor in Shreveport, Louisiana at KTAL/KMSS. Asia additionally labored as a Multi-Media Journalist at WHP-TV right here in Harrisburg, PA.

  Asia received her break into information at KTVO in Ottumwa, Ia. While the 2020 caucuses had been gearing up. Asia adopted many candidates by their marketing campaign path from Senator Cory Booker, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and forty sixth President of the United States Joe Biden.

  Asia was born and raised in Norfolk, Va. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2018 with a serious in Communications.

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The Will Huffman Toy Train Expo returns this season as considered one of Williamsport’s most beloved vacation traditions, providing households an opportunity to step right into a world of nostalgia, creativeness, and locomotive magic. Co-organized by brothers Bruce and Eric Huffman, the occasion honors their late father, Will Huffman, whose lifelong love of trains grew to become the inspiration for the expo practically 20 years in the past.

“He grew up in a time where three different train lines came into Williamsport,” Bruce mentioned. “When he was little, he would go with his father to watch real trains… that kind of just stayed with him his whole life.” After retiring from greater than 30 years as a fourth-grade instructor, Will channeled that childhood fascination into creating an area the place households may benefit from the marvel of mannequin trains collectively. That imaginative and prescient lives on at the moment by the annual expo.

Visitors can count on a full of life, hands-on expertise from the second they stroll in. Bruce shared that attendees are greeted with possibilities to win prepare units, get their fingers stamped to go to each occasion places, after which discover a vibrant show of mannequin layouts. Some setups characteristic push-buttons that set off animations, whereas others ship vehicles carrying small treats to ready youngsters. “It’s really just walking around and seeing all these different layouts,” Bruce defined. “And of course we have Santa Claus… and my brother as the conductor.”

The characters are a part of what makes the expo so memorable. Santa, Mrs. Claus, the conductor, and even Ebenezer Scrooge—performed by Thomas T. Taber Museum director Gary Parks—create playful interactions all through the house. “Parents love getting pictures,” Bruce mentioned. “There’s a special little area with a Christmas tree and train set, and kids can even get a cardboard conductor hat to wear.” The occasion additionally consists of small giveaways, like sweet from Santa and coupons donated by native companies.

But past the enjoyable, the expo faucets into one thing deeper: the enduring emotional pull of trains. “The train itself is just so large… you hear it, you can’t miss it,” Bruce mentioned. “People my age or older remember traveling on trains when it was a big deal. Or they come in and say, ‘I had a set just like that.’” For many, the expo presents an opportunity to reconnect with childhood recollections—particularly for many who not have their very own prepare units or don’t see trains frequently.

The expo’s connection to Williamsport’s Victorian Christmas celebration happened in 2006, after the expo’s longtime dwelling on the Thomas T. Taber Museum quickly misplaced its neighborhood room to a touring exhibit. A collaboration with organizers on the Park Place constructing emerged, and the partnership caught. Now, households touring the fantastically preserved Victorian mansions round city also can step into the nice and cozy, whimsical world of toy trains. “If walking through the mansions isn’t exciting for a seven-year-old,” Bruce laughed, “they can come over to the expo and really have a fun time.”

More than only a mannequin prepare present, the Will Huffman Toy Train Expo is a celebration of household, neighborhood, and the traditions that deliver generations collectively. This 12 months’s occasion guarantees the identical pleasure, nostalgia, and vacation spirit which have made it a Williamsport favourite for practically 20 years.