North Pole Express taking passengers all weekend long

With a big puff of black smoke, a long whistle and an 'all aboard” passengers settled in for their ride to the North Pole via the North Pole Express on the Old Threshers Grounds.

Deb Crouch, membership coordinator for the Midwest Central Railroad, said this is one of her favorite events of the year. She estimates the train transports more than 5,000 people every year and has done so since its conception in 2000.

The idea for the North Pole Express came from wanting to do something for the Christmas holiday that involved the railroad, as they already hosted a ghost train event that runs in October in conjunction with Halloween. After some brainstorming, they decided a trip to the North Pole seemed to be just the ticket.

'It was something that was becoming popular and we decided to get in on it,” she said. 'It was something else to do with the railroad for fundraising.”

She said by the time the Ghost Train tours wrap up the last weekend in October, the crew has about three weeks to put everything together.

Everything includes getting all six train cars ready, the North Pole decorated and around 50 volunteers to help coordinate everything from decorations to taking tickets once aboard.

The train picks passengers up at the depot, then takes them on a journey to the North Pole while the story of the Polar Express plays in the speakers. Upon arriving at the North Pole, passengers have multiple options such as visiting Santa, having cookies and cocoa and decorating stockings.

'It's magic,” she said of the atmosphere. 'It's a safe, fun experience for them. We just have fun.”

Matt Crull, president of the Midwest Central Railroad was proud of how it turned out. He said the ability to give such an unforgettable experience is what sets Mt. Pleasant apart, noting there are not any other experiences like this in the area.

'It's a real unique thing to the area,” he said.

Among the attractions and people to meet was the snow princess, played by Iris Savage. Dressed in a gold gown with white fur lining, Savage passed out treats and posed for pictures with little passengers exploring the area.

The North Pole Express will depart for its final weekend of the season on Saturday, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m., 12, 2, 4 and 6 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m., 1, 3 and 5 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling: 800-838-3006.