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All Aboard!
Utah's Polar Express Adventure
By Kendeyl Johansen
After creating a Utah version of Van Allsburg's Polar Express in 1998, three trains sold out in a week. "We added two more trains and they sold out in a day and a half so we added two more," says McConnell, laughing. "The new trains sold out in four hours." This year all 30 holiday trains are sold out.
McConnell loves acting as conductor, breaking the ice at each journey's beginning with his mandatory smile rule. "I walk through the compartments a few times each trip and people laugh and smile. It makes me feel great," he says.
Enthused by the Christmas train's success, McConnell hopes to create a summertime Hogworth Express based on the best-selling Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling.
Other Heber Valley trains feature murder mysteries or scenic tours. Trains are available for charter, and one couple booked the train for a wedding, where in lieu of wedding gifts, outlaws "robbed" the passengers, collecting donations for the couple's bed and breakfast dream.
To book a train ride, or for more information on the Heber Valley Historic Railroad, visit the Heber Valley Railroad Web site. Don't forget to make reservations well in advance; the trains are popular. And for good reason, as evidenced by my entertaining, magical Christmas train adventure. Max and I plan to board the Polar Express again next December.
