[ On the Radar :: All Aboard ]

12.23.2020 …

The Polar Express has been a Christmas staple for children everywhere since the animated movie was first released in 2004.  In fact in Indiana many Hoosiers have made the trek south to French Lick to ride the “Polar Express.”  But this year the train was yet another Covid casualty.  For the Mann’s that was not how the story ended.  It was how it began.  Jeff and Kyra Mann decided to take matters into their own hands.  Kyra made all the decorations and mailed out the “Tickets.”  The couple decided they would reconstruct the Polar Express in their living room in Merom.

So their four grandchildren made the trek to Sullivan County.   Justin and Amber Mann brought their two children Jackson age 4 and Waylon age 2. Jamie and Jocelyn Mason brought their two children Ren age 3 and Lainey age 4.  The put on their pj’s and settled in for a special treat.  Jeff and Kyra were determined that the Express was going to run no matter what.  In fact Jeff even set up his childhood train set so the grandkids could have some fun with his childhood.  

The Polar Express doesn’t usually make a stop in Merom but this is not a typical year.  This year the Mann grandkids didn’t have to make the trek south.  2020 will be remembered for many things but for these kids it will always be the year the Polar Express came to them.

Feature by Kevin Rader
Photos Submitted by Joscelyne Mason

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