Jamestown, CA..Railtown 1897 State Historic Park (SHP) is looking for interested volunteers to help support THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride experiences that will be available this holiday season. Interested adult volunteers are encouraged to attend one of the Volunteer Open House events that are scheduled on two upcoming Saturdays – September 23 & 30, 2017 – from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Park. While no previous experience is necessary and training will be provided, volunteers will conduct a number of festive activities that include welcoming greeters, line monitoring, cocoa pouring and serving, hospitality support, story narrating and more (depending on their skills and areas of interest). Complimentary refreshments will be provided at the Volunteer Open House events and potential volunteers will have the opportunity to talk to the leads of the program who can answer questions and provide additional insight.

As background and showcased by a festive locomotive decked out to reflect Christmas magic, the staff and volunteers at Railtown 1897 SHP go to great lengths to re-create the holiday experience depicted in the classic children’s book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. The holiday experience includes keepsake souvenir tickets, hot cocoa, festive holiday cookies, Santa Claus sightings and even the coveted silver bells – the first gift of Christmas for those who still believe in Santa Claus. More than 8,000 guests are expected to experience THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in 2017 at the historic park in Jamestown.

Railtown 1897 SHP is known for its century-old steam maintenance shops and train rides, including popular rides behind the famous “Movie Star Locomotive” Sierra No. 3™. In addition to weekend excursion steam trains (April through October) and THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride experiences, Railtown 1897 SHP offers daily tours, roving interpreters, and many special events. Interested volunteers can download a volunteer application at www.railtown1897.org or call 209-984-4408 for more information.

California State Parks Mission
To provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high quality outdoor recreation.