Danville Mayor Scott Eisenhauer donned his pajamas Monday to read ‘The Polar Express’ to hundreds of youngsters at the David S. Palmer Arena. The story recreates the magical journey made famous in the book ‘The Polar Express’. ”You know this is probably one of the greatest things that I get to do – and that is read ‘The Polar Express’ to school children who come through the courtesy of the Julius W. Hegeler II Foundation. And we’re so thrilled that once again he sponsors the opportunity for the grade school kids from around our community – as well as from around the county — who get to hear all about ‘The Polar Express’, plus experience the North Pole here at The Festival of Trees,” said Mayor Eisenhauer.
The story recreates the magical journey made famous in the book ‘The Polar Express.’ It is just one of the things the children got to enjoy as they attended the Presence United Samaritans Festival of Trees.
Mayor Eisenhauer notes the Festival of Trees is one of the largest tourism events in the Danville area thanks to a lot of people who help. ”What I really appreciate about this event is not just the number of people that come in from outside the area, as well as inside, to see it…but the number of businesses and organizations that step-up every year to make this such a huge success. The committee chairmen who do such a great job, and spend the whole year planning the activities – and then the hundreds of volunteers that they have who come together to make this a big event,” added Mayor Eisenhauer.
Each child who heard the story of The Polar Express was presented with a miniature bell by Santa.
The festival features dozens of decorated wreaths and trees, free entertainment and special events during the festival. They include everything from The Crystal Ball and McDonald’s Star Wars Lunch to Family Bingo and an Ugly Sweater Party.
Proceeds from the Festival of Trees support programs of the Presence United Samaritans Medical Center Foundation. They include the HALO Project, I Sing the Body Electric, Young Women/Men Aware and Faith-in-Action.
