There’s nothing like putting a little jingle into your step before the Christmas season gears up.
This weekend the Jingle Express returns to Fruitvale, with the usual suspects involved, including an appearance by a red suited fellow of some note.
The Jingle Express will be offering free train rides again on Saturday as part of the Village of Fruitvale’s annual Jingle Down Main community event, the second year the Village, along with Columbia Power and Atco Wood Products, is sponsoring the event.
“This is so nostalgic and a great way to bring the community together,” said Audrey Repin with Columbia Power, who contributed $2,000 to the event.
The decorated Atco train will depart from the pole yard in the centre of Fruitvale starting at 9:30 a.m., then at the bottom of every hour — 10:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m.; 12:30 p.m.; 1:30 p.m.; and 2:30 p.m. — and travel down to Beaver Falls and back.
An extra train ride was scheduled for this year, allowing 240 participants to take part. A visit from Santa Claus, hot chocolate and goodies will also be offered to the train riders.
But there is some work you will have to do in order to partake. Anyone who wants to ride the train gets a seat, however, you must pick up a ticket from the post office in Fruitvale.
Tickets are limited and are available with a non-perishable food donation or toy. These items will be provided to the Fruitvale Community Chest for their Christmas Hamper program.
Atco CEO Scott Weatherford said the day will start early with a Santa Claus breakfast at the Fruitvale Memorial Hall from 9-11 a.m. with Fruitvale firefighters flipping pancakes and members of the Nighthawks hockey team waiting tables.
From 5-8 p.m., street vendors will be serving up delicious fare and businesses will offer seasonal discounts.
There will be a firefighter’s bonfire and the children’s choir singing Christmas carols to complete the festive atmosphere.
No ticket is required for children under two but an adult must accompany those under 12.