Depot seeking volunteers for annual Polar Express rides
Dennison Railroad is currently seeking volunteers to fill the roles that accompany the annual Polar Express Christmas trek through Tuscarawas County.
Dennison Railroad is currently seeking volunteers to fill the many roles that accompany the annual Polar Express Christmas trek through Tuscarawas County.
“The Polar Express is an incredibly great time for families and especially for children, and it has brought a great deal of attention to our depot and the railway, but it is a huge amount of work,” said Wendy Zucal, executive director of Dennison Railroad Depot Museum.
One of only two licensed Polar Express trains in Ohio, the winter event has become a beloved train trip for young and old. The depot has been presenting the Polar Express ride for the past two decades.
What has made the Christmas trek based on the book written by Chris Van Allsburg so special is that in addition to getting a glimpse of Santa Claus at the North Pole as he comes on board, there also is a narrator who tells the story to kids as the characters of the book come to life before their eyes.
What the Polar Express needs is volunteers, both children and adults.
Positions available for volunteers include several inside the depot including the first-class waiting room, gift shop bagging and several positions on the grounds.
The Polar Express positions they need to fill include car hosts who help passengers on and off the trains, the role of storyteller, an assistant storyteller for those who would prefer not to tackle the larger role of storyteller, and plenty of elf positions filled by children.
At the North Pole, both kids and adults can volunteer to be elves at Santa’s workshop.
“It’s pretty involved, and normally we have between 100-150 volunteers for every ride,” said Chealsey Cunningham, experience coordinator at the depot. “We have different shifts on each night so people can volunteer to do a shift or take on a whole night. The on-ground shifts are shorter, but if someone is on the train, they have to do two rides.”
There also are positions available to play the hero boy, who is the main character and experiences the joy of Christmas firsthand, as well as a soloist position. Anyone interested in volunteering for the role of the hero boy can call the depot for further details. The soloist goes from car to car singing one of the selected songs from the Polar Express.
Anyone volunteering to be part of the on-train experience must complete some safety training, and those volunteering on the grounds can get their instructions over the phone.
As far as the storyteller position, Cunningham said they leave plenty of leeway in allowing each storyteller to put their own spin on the story.
“We kind of want to have them make it their own,” Cunningham said. “They have a basic script to follow, but by letting them add their own perspective, it makes for a different experience for those who have gone before. The storytellers sing songs, they read the book, and help pass out hot chocolate and cookies. They do have a pretty big role, but it’s a fun one.”
Older elves and perhaps the assistant storyteller also are included in the time when the chefs pass out the hot chocolate.
“It’s an amazing experience, and we have had people coming back year after year, both as volunteers and as riders, just to experience the joy of it all,” Cunningham said. “The show has evolved every year, and first class is a different experience than coach.”
Anyone wishing to volunteer can do so by calling the depot at 740-922-6776, or they can email Zucal at directoratdennisondepot.org.
The Dennison Depot is currently selling Polar Express tickets.
Dates for the Polar Express are Dec. 6 at 6 and 8 p.m.; Dec. 7 at 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m.; Dec. 8 at 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m.; Dec. 13 at 6 and 8 p.m.; Dec. 14 at 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m.; and Dec. 15 at 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m.