The Polar Express comes alive in Newfield

On Dec. 1, Newfield welcomed a unique holiday event that transformed the season into a living storybook. The Polar Express, a magical train ride experience inspired by the beloved children’s book, was brought to life by Ken Serfass, a seasoned storyteller and train conductor. Serfass, known for his work as Ulysses S. Grant during history talks, found December to be the perfect month for a new seasonal event as interest in his regular talks decreased.

The inception of this enchanting experience dates to 2018, when Serfass was employed at the Strasburg Rail Road in Pennsylvania, operating steam locomotives. His journey from brakeman to conductor there, coupled with his role in reading “The Night Before Christmas” on the train, inspired him to create a similar experience in a library setting. Serfass’s passion for trains is evident in the details of the event; from his conductor’s uniform, a gift from a college band he directed in San Diego, to the Lionel train set he received in 2005 from the Polar Express, each element contributes to the authenticity of the experience.

The Polar Express event is a meticulously crafted affair. Serfass has been expanding his train set over the years, adding such features as a frozen lake, a tunnel and an area in the woods where wolves lurk. The setup mimics a passenger coach, with two rows of seats and an immersive environment that transports attendees into the story.

“Kids at Christmas time — and I’m one, too — we love trains,” Serfass said. “You come in, and the trains run, I punch the tickets, turn the train off and then tell the story.”

Serfass takes on the role of the replacement conductor in his narrative, adding a personal touch to the experience.

“I spun the story to be the replacement conductor,” Serfass said. “I don’t look like Tom Hanks. I’m not bald, and I have a bit of a beard, plus I’m in a different uniform. My story is that he’s finally retired, and it’s my turn.”

The storytelling session, which lasts about 15-20 minutes, culminates in a unique interactive element where Serfass challenges the audience to close their eyes and envision the story as he reads it. The event concludes with a reading of Clement C. Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” the poem commonly known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” which takes about five minutes.

According to Serfass, his favorite part of the event is witnessing the children’s reactions. Many know they are coming to some kind of event, but they don’t know what is exactly going on, he said. You hear kids say that the experience is just like the movie.

The Polar Express at Newfield was more than just a storytelling session; it was a full sensory experience. Each child received a gold ticket, similar to the one in the movie, and they were encouraged to wear pajamas to add to the ambiance. The event, hosted at the Newfield Masons’ King Hiram Lodge, two doors down from the library, also served hot chocolate and cookies, further enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Serfass travels across 14 states each year doing various historical and railroad programs and has made this event a traveling show. The show offers versatility in programming, including sensory and diminished sensory sessions for children with different needs, which demonstrates Serfass’s commitment to making history and stories accessible and engaging for all.

As the Polar Express chugged into the hearts of Newfield residents, it marked the opening of the season’s sessions. This event, a first for Newfield, had been eagerly anticipated since Serfass’s intended visit last year was thwarted by traffic in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. After Newfield, he planned to take the Polar Express to locations in Pennsylvania, including the Lehigh Valley, Easton and the National Museum of Industrial History in Bethlehem. The event has been booked for seven shows in different areas.

The Polar Express is more than just a holiday event; it’s a testament to the power of imagination and the enduring appeal of classic stories. This unique experience, combining storytelling and a love for trains, has indeed brought a new kind of holiday magic to Newfield.

“Everybody leaves with Christmas spirit,” Serfass said.

Newfield Notes appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.