It may not be snowing outside, but the city of Shelby was still filled with holiday wonder on Sunday afternoon during the second-annual Polar Xpress and Moments of Christmas Magic celebration.
The Shelby Area Business Group and Ashland Railway partnered to bring a variety of holiday events to downtown Shelby on Nov. 23, including a parade, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the arrival of the Polar Xpress.
Shelby Mayor Marilyn John stated she was happy the weather cooperated on Sunday, with temperatures in the 50s a stark contrast to last year’s frigid weather.
“We’re anticipating more people this year, and we’ve made provisions for that, and several of the activities we had last year are the same,” said John.
Returning events at this year’s Moments of Christmas Magic included photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, and the opportunity to write letters to Santa. Seven-year-old Mylee Shackle perfected her letter to Santa at Legend’s Restaurant.
When asked what she wanted from Santa, Mylee said “a karaoke machine from Anna and Elsa.” She said her favorite song to sing is “Let It Go” from the Disney movie “Frozen.”
Hot cocoa and cookies were available at both Calvary Baptist Church, where the movie “A Christmas Movie” was showing, and at the Shelby Fire Department, provided in part by the Shelby Foundation. The fire department gave out 34 dozen cookies during the event and ran out before the day was over.
The parade was new this year; and Kaylin Mahon, a fifth grade student at Shelby, took part as an honorary Shelby Police officer and rode with Chief Charlie Roub at the head of the parade. She won the distinction at a contest during the Shelby Car Show food drive.
Many other downtown businesses in Shelby offered holiday treats, including the Shelby Thrift Store where a Polar Xpress train set was raffled, Connie’s Place where free face painting and popcorn were available, and Pioneer Career and Technology Center helping children decorate cookies and create a Green Thumb craft.
Santa and Mrs. Claus visited with hundreds of children at the downtown gazebo after they appeared in the Shelby parade. Six-year-old Miley Green said Santa was her favorite part of Christmas. For Mayor John, she also enjoys another Christmas character.
“I love Santa…but I also was told that the Grinch was going to be here, and the Grinch is my favorite Christmas story,” said John. “I have the video at home and I had the book before my kids were even born, so I’m so excited that the Grinch is going to be here.”
The event-filled day ended with the ultimate moment of Christmas magic: the arrival of the Polar Xpress courtesy of Ashland Railway. The excitement among the crowd was palpable as the decorated train slowly rolled across Main Street.
Shortly after arrival, the Polar Xpress conductor led the crowd of children and adults, giddy with holiday spirit, down to the gazebo for the reading of The Polar Express story.
“At one time, most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them,” read the conductor. “Though I’ve grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe.”
As the night fell on Shelby at the end of the day, it’s safe to say the sweet sound of bells echoed in the thoughts of all who attended Moments of Christmas Magic.
Pioneer Career & Technologies Criminal Justice instructor Eric Winbigler and his crew provided security during the event. And event sponsors included Ashland Railway, the City of Shelby, iHeart Media, Donley Ford of Shelby, Verizon, ArcelorMittal, Glen’s Surplus, and the Sportsman’s Den.
