Everybody’s puts up festive model train display

FAIRFIELD — Those who enter Everybody’s Whole Foods in Fairfield can’t help but get in the Christmas spirit.

Store employees have made it an annual tradition to set up a bevy of holiday decorations, highlighted by a multistory model trail display. Co-owner Paul Praither said the display began about 20 years ago, and it’s grown over the years. He was the one who wanted to have model trains, because that was something he enjoyed as a child.

“It takes about a week to put it up,” he said.

Store employees normally put it up before Thanksgiving, though it was a little later this year. Praither said he gets a lot of positive comments about the display from store patrons.

“A lot of people help set this up. It’s like a group project,” he said.

Helping to set up the decorations and train are Lisa Ellis and Ralph Bianco. The store’s kitchen manager, Nanette Schoenewe, is in charge of the decorations other than the train board.

Praither said he’s purchased trains, tiny homes and other decorations for the display little by little over the years.

“It’s not cheap,” he said. “Everybody helps out on that, and when they find something they like, they grab it.”

Members of the public can view the display through the end of the year. Praither said employees normally take it down Jan. 2 or Jan. 3.

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com