Polar Express to return to Rockingham Dec. 20
Santa Claus reads letters and last-minute Christmas lists from children traveling on the 2020 Polar Express.
Gavin Stone | daily newspaper
ROCKINGHAM – The Polar Express returns to downtown Rockingham this December.
The pandemic forced Will Wright, the conductor of the Express, to re-imagine what a winter wonderland could look like. So this drive-thru event was born.
Christmas carols, elves, the Grinch and more lined the sidewalks of downtown Rockingham to convey something positive and optimism at the end of a difficult year. Hundreds of cars were decked out like a fleet of Santa’s sleighs while the cheerful man himself checked some Christmas wish lists outside the Richmond Community Theater.
“All companies want to be able to give back to the community,” Wright said. “The reason we’re doing it again is because we had such a huge turnout. We hope to see this participation again, if not more. “
Last year, Hillside Florist, Coldwell Banker, the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce, Pattan’s Downtown Grille, Remax and other partners in the event. Wright said there will be more stores and vendors this year, and hopefully a cookie cart serving freshly baked cookies. Santa Claus and other popular Christmas characters will join in the fun.
The volunteers spent around four weeks preparing for the event over the past year. A total of around 2,000 people took part in the event.
Wright noted that traffic was an issue last year, but they are working to fix it. An updated route and all new information about the event will be posted on this year’s event Facebook page. Local agencies have already volunteered to optimize traffic flow, and Wright said no attendees need to turn away from the celebrations.
The Polar Express 2021 will travel through the city on Monday, December 20th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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Contact Matthew Sasser at 910-817-2671 or [email protected]