All aboard!

A Christmas lighted train engine will join the 2021 community holiday plans, which kick off with fireworks Nov. 28 in Luverne City Park.
Under a “Polar Express” children’s story theme, individuals, businesses and organizations have been decorating lighted displays in the park.
Ellis and Eastern Railroad will transport Santa and Mrs. Claus through several communities on Sunday, starting at Rushmore at noon with stops in Adrian and Magnolia before ending in Luverne.
The jolly couple will meet families and pose for photos at the Omaha Depot on Freeman Street from 5 to 6:15 p.m.
At 6:15 the city park will open to let cars into the park to watch fireworks, which will begin at 7 p.m. Each car will be charged $10 to enter, and the first 500 children will receive a Santa bell, chocolate milk, a Christmas cookie and Polar Express candy.
A fireworks display will begin at 7 p.m. and the grand park lighting will be at 7:30.
When Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at the park, people in cars will be instructed to roll down their windows and ring their bells.
“They’ll be told that if Santa hears the bells, the park will light up,” Chamber Director Jane Wildung Lanphere said.
“When the lights come on, those cars inside the park will get to circle the displays first, and then we’ll open up the park to everyone.”
She said the lighted park evening is a solid plan, regardless of pandemic shifts.
“This will totally be a fun thing to experience for families,” she said.
“It’s been another trying year for families and individuals, and if the pandemic flares up again, we’ll be safe. Everyone will be in their cars with their own families.”
More information is on the Chamber website or by calling 507-283-4061.