Polar Express Comes to Parkersburg for Annual Christmas Open House
PARKERSBURG — The beloved Polar Express train experience will be featured at the Mid-Ohio Valley Model Railroad Club’s annual Christmas Open House this Saturday, December 16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event, held in the basement of NOE Office Equipment located at 610 Green St., is a highlight of Downtown PKB’s Winterfest and will precede the Parkersburg Christmas Tree lighting ceremony scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Attendees will delight in model trains running on seven intricate layouts, including the iconic Lionel Polar Express in miniature form. As part of the festivities, the club is offering a Lionel O scale Polar Express train set, along with a Lionel Polar Express passenger and freight station as prizes. The event welcomes all, with free admission and parking, although donations are appreciated to help maintain the trains.
“Our largest open house draws families year after year,” said club president Jonathan Insley. The atmosphere is enhanced by holiday decorations, seasonal music, and activities for children, such as golden Polar Express tickets and coloring sheets for the first 250 guests.
Celebrating its 43rd year with 63 members, the club boasts one of West Virginia’s largest HO scale layouts, alongside an exceptional O scale layout, G scale trains crafted from natural materials, and a detailed N scale layout that features Parkersburg landmarks.
In addition to the Polar Express, the event honors National Lionel Trains Day, recognizing the toy manufacturer’s rich heritage since 1900. The club also invites the community to a special event on December 15, featuring the Belpre Industrial Parkersburg Railroad’s Christmas Train, with Santa and Mrs. Claus in attendance.
Join the Mid-Ohio Valley Model Railroad Club for a memorable holiday experience, rich in tradition and community spirit.
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