'Polar Express' pulls into Memorial Park
The “Polar Express” is pulling into the station Dec. 19 at Butler Memorial Park.
The GFWC Junior Women's Club of Butler is building a Christmas experience at the park with a number of displays that take walkers through a story inspired by the 2004 animated film “The Polar Express.”
Dana Summerville, art chairwoman of the Butler club, said the club put this event on for the first time last December, and its popularity and positive reception, along with support from the city of Butler, prompted the group to put it on again this year.
“We just wanted to make sure the community has something fun to do,” Summerville said. “If you are a Christmas fan, you will probably love this.”
The event takes place from 1 p.m to 4 p.m. Prior registration is required.
There will be different stations set up at Memorial Park, which Summerville said involve sets, characters and music to give walkers an immersive experience to get people into the spirit of Christmas.
Even people familiar with the movie will be in for some surprises, Summerville said.
“As you go to each station, the story unfolds,” she said. “They get their golden ticket, go along the trail and head to the train station, and we twisted it just a little so they meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole at the end.”
The event is free for everyone who registers, and Summerville said the display can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Visitors will also get treats, including hot chocolate.
“We really want to make sure anybody that wants to be there can be there, so we went with the whole walking atmosphere,” Summerville said. “They go in groups, and each one has an elf guide; we estimated it takes about 30 to 40 minutes per group from start to finish.”
Summerville said members of the Junior club are organizing the “Polar Express” walkthrough to spread Christmas cheer to the community, and she hopes to see it work its magic.
“If it is successful and people enjoy it, we hope to supply it every year,” Summerville said.
People can register for free to attend the “Polar Express” walkthrough by visiting the club's Facebook page.
