This is the 20th year of the Polar Express in Old Sacramento and I have never experienced it until tonight. Thank you so much BarbaraL for inviting me and a few other friends to be a part of “friends and family night” – a free event for those who will be working the upcoming holiday season.
Except for the Santa and entertainers, everyone else is a volunteer.
We were in a first class car, the French Quarter.
Paper cups of hot chocolate inside a commemorative mug .. and hot! Just made.
On the way to the North Pole, the book Polar Express was read aloud. Copies of the book were passed out, nice to be able to see author/illustrator Chris Van Allsburg’s illustrations. When we arrived, Santa and entertainers greeted us, then turned and walked down some steps …
and suddenly appeared in our car and gave out an engraved jingle bell to every passenger.
While Santa made his way to the rest of the cars, staff interacted with passengers. A long-time friend of BarbaraL, they’ve worked together for years. She’s a retired teacher who can translate Russian and Ukrainian.
Coming back to the font of the car near the end of the ride. Santa “ran” down the aisle and make to .. ? as the train arrived back in Old Sac.
A final stop before heading home. This is where BarbaraL will be working for the next few weeks, attending to Santa.
Thank you Barbara for another wonderful experience. You are the best!
arletelouise 