The illustrated children's book The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg is the story of a young boy who boards a mysterious train one Christmas Eve. The train, called the Polar Express, embarks on its journey to the North Pole. Along the way the boy and other children drink hot chocolate, eat cookies and sing Christmas carols. As the child selected by Santa to receive the first gift of the season, the young boy asks only for a bell from the harness of Santa's reindeer.

After losing the bell the boy finds it under the tree on Christmas morning. His mother notes that the bell is broken, because she can't hear any ring. But only those, like the boy, who believe in Santa can hear the sound. In 1986, the book was awarded The Randolph Caldecott Medal by the Association for Library Service to Children of the American Library Association, which annually recognizes the most distinguished American picture book for children.

This delightful tale was brought to life one Sunday in December in Hinsdale, Illinois, as 250 passengers boarded a Metra train en route to the "North Pole" (Aurora Train Station).

The idea for the trip was originated by Joe Ryne, a member of the Hinsdale Park and Recreation Commission. A local paper quoted Ryne saying, "It is a story that came into our

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children's lives and we have made it a holiday tradition. We would like to share this tradition with the community."

The Hinsdale community overwhelmingly responded to the Ryne family tradition. After only one short news article appeared in the paper, the first train car section of 80 people sold out immediately. Two additional sections were added, which also sold out in a matter of days.

Those who signed up received a specially prepared ticket. The tickets were sold at $8 for adults and $4 for children. Once on board everyone was treated to hot chocolate and cookies while a storyteller read The Polar Express. Upon arrival at the "North Pole," Santa greeted all the children and true to the story, presented each child with a bell. On the return trip Santa made his way through the train cars.

Arrangements for the event were actually quite easy to implement. Metra is accustomed to handling groups and the two additional train cars were added as a part of a regular Sunday train schedule. The total time of the trip was two hours. Group tickets were available in advance. The reading of the book, which is most likely available at your local library, was aided by the use of a portable public address system. Songs also helped create a holiday spirit en route to the North Pole.

Even the train's conductor became a part of the adventure, announcing when the North Pole would be the next stop. The bells were imprinted, "Hinsdale Polar Express," using a fabric paint pen and accented with holiday ribbon.

Overall response to the program was nothing short of "magical." A full page recap complete with pictures and quotes from children appeared in the next edition of the local paper. The article spurred interest from recreation agencies in surrounding communities to do the event next year on an even larger scale.

A complete summary of the program is available by writing or calling the Hinsdale Park and Recreation Department, 19 East Chicago Avenue, Hinsdale. Illinois 60521, (708) 789-7090.

Bob Kotula is superintendent of parks and recreation for the Hinsdale Park and Recreation Department and the current co-chair of the Joint IAPD/IPRA Publications Committee. Nancy Maki, recreation coordinator for Hinsdale, contributed to the article.

While on board the train a storyteller reads The Polar Express as everyone enjoys cookies and hot chocolate.

Photo courtesy of The Doings Newspaper.

46 • Illinois Parks & Recreation • January/February 1996