Hundreds of students and parents descended on Stanton-Weirsdale Elementary School Thursday night for Polar Express Night, a winter festival based on a popular children’s book.
The students got a chance to make bells, bookmarks and other crafts. The event also featured a simulated train ride around the parking lot and the opportunity to chat with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.
Second grader Seth Rathmann said he asked Santa for Legos while his sister Shayla, who is in kindergarten, requested a Barbie doll. Parents Elisha and Andrew said the family recently moved into the school district.
Principal Christine Sandy said the event required the participation of “many elves.” She said the festival started as “just an idea” of a winter program for families.
“This is an opportunity for parents to become involved in the school,” Sandy said.
Wearing a Santa hat, Sandy greeted parents and students in a hallway outside a room where Santa and Mrs. Claus, who used to play the same roles at Disney World, greeted their young fans.
Assistant Principal Marilyn Hughes circulated through the crowd, hugging parents and students, before she jumped on the train for a quick ride. The train came complete with an engineer and a uniformed conductor who punched tickets.
The cafeteria was a hub of activity as parents and students gathered at round tables to make craft items and cookies.
The festival was inspired by Polar Express, a 1985 children’s book that is considered a classic Christmas story for young children.
