The Scenic Regional Library in Warrenton is hosting Polar Express Holiday 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 17, with special guests “Conductor Dan” and Santa Claus, who will be arriving by helicopter.The evening will feature a showing of “Polar Express” and activities with themes from the 2004 animated movie. Its predecessor was a children’s book written by Chris Van Allsburg and published in 1985.Guests are encouraged to sign up, arrive early for a parking spot and bring a camera, said Laura McBride with the Scenic Regional Library Warrenton Branch, 912 S. Highway 47, Warrenton.She said supplies are limited and will be given to guests as they arrive as long as supplies last.“My goal was to create a free, fun-filled evening for families in our community and with the help of community resources, staff and volunteers,” said McBride. “I think we will have done just that.I’m excited to see the kids faces as Santa arrives at the branch and hope that they will enjoy all of the others things that we have for them to do.”Dan Hudson, AKA Conductor Dan, Lake Sherwood, will be greeting and entertaining guests. He said kids will have a chance to win prizes.Hudson comes from a railroad family. He will be dressed in a conductor’s uniform with the name of the railroad line the Hudson family started in 1823 in Missouri.Hudson is a fan of the “Polar Express” movie.“To me, It’s one of the best animated movies that’s ever been made,” he said. “In the movie the little kid gets a reindeer bell from Santa and he loses it. Everything then rests on the word ‘believe.’ The question is what do you believe? In the movie if they don’t believe, they don’t hear the bell. It makes you think, what do you believe in? You can take that question all sorts of directions.”The event opens with Hudson’s arrival by fire truck. Santa will arrive shortly after by helicopter, McBride said. Then indoor activities begin.Kids will receive a “golden ticket.” They can visit with Santa, Conductor Dan and the hot chocolate bar, make their own believe bells, have a Frosty from Wendy’s, write letters to Santa and more.Pajamas are welcome attire.To sign up call 636-456-3321, stop by the library or visit www.scenicregional.org.

Lake Sherwood resident Dan Hudson will make an appearance as “Conductor Dan” at the Polar Express Holiday event at the Scenic Regional Library in Warrenton.

Submitted photo