ELDRED, NY —Believing was a common theme during holiday happenings in Highland and Lumberland this past weekend.

On the evening of December 13, train tracks guided the Polar Express right into the children’s reading corner of the Sunshine Hall Free Library in Eldred. Waiting there were dozens of pajama-clad kiddies ready to hear, some for the first time, the story of a young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, during which he discovers that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

After the story was read to the attentive group, as well as many moms and dads, the children enjoyed cake and hot chocolate and then turned their attention to creating bell ornaments and penning letters to Santa.

The event was overseen by Adrienne VonBloch along with several volunteers, some of whom constructed stunning props supporting the theme of the evening. The children got to take turns sitting inside the creatively constructed Polar Express locomotive.

VonBloch said that this event was the first of what will hopefully be a series of monthly evening or weekend events to encourage use of the library by young readers.

Similar craftwork and goodies were also a part of festivities in Lumberland the following evening. Sponsored by the town and staffed by the town’s youth program volunteers, some of the handiwork of the nearly 100 children in attendance was added to the magnificent tree on display in the town hall. Christine Smetaniuk has spearheaded the evening’s magic for several years and said that this year’s turnout was one of the best.

Following the craft activity, the Santa Express rolled into Glen Spey after completing stops in Yulan and Eldred. All told, almost 200 children and children-at-heart participated in the nearly hour-long show as they danced with Santa and Mrs. Claus and the cadre of accompanying holiday characters. They sang along with the Christmas Angel, and especially belted out a rousing rendition of Jingle Bells.

The Santa Express is a true holiday treasure in Sullivan County and is sponsored each year by Lou and Frank Monteleone of Eldred and their families. The itinerary for this extravaganza has steadily increased over time, spreading the magic of the Christmas spirit into every town to all who believe.