Editor's note: this story was previously posted on StratfordToday.ca.
A new attraction to this year’s Stratford Winter Wander-land has visitors calling out 'All Aboard', as the Polar Express is sure to bring families to Market Square.
“Over the past few years, we have done a carousel, which has been nice, but we thought we would change it up this year,” said General Manager of the Stratford Business Improvement Area, Jamie Pritchard. “We looked around and found this train which is an absolute showstopper.”
The Polar Express offers a new, unique way of touring people around Market Square as it is a trackless train.
“The train is electric powered, which makes it good for the environment,” said Pritchard. “ It’s equipped with both a smoke machine and sound emotions to provide realistic sound effects and smoke comes out of the chimney.”
On Stage Dance is a sponsor for Winter Wander-land, but also the sponsor of the Polar Express, making it free to ride for all.
“That’s the whole thing about Winter Wander-land and the train: you can come ride it for free,” said Pritchard. “When we put this event together, we are trying to make it so people are not pulling money out of their pocketbooks.”
The four-car engine can seat 12 to 18 children, and it will take everyone on quite the ride.
“The Polar Express will board on Marketplace, which will be closed,” said Pritchard. “It will come up Marketplace, and go along Downie on the sidewalk beside City Hall, then it will go down Wellington Street and finish up at Marketplace.
Stratford Winter Wander-land will take place November 30 and December 1.
