French Lick makes Polar Express wish come true in July

Last Wednesday saw a balmy 82°, but in French Lick, it was Christmas.

Christmas in July.

It seemed as if half the town of French Lick worked together to make the dream of a five year-old boy come true.

Five-year-old Kaleb Stanley-Border had three things on his wish list: 1) Ride the Polar Express, 2) go to Disney World and 3) go to the beach.

Kaleb is being treated for brain cancer. Unsure of what the future will bring, Kaleb’s Aunt Beth contacted the French Lick Scenic Railway.

Manager Rick Olsen, in turn, contacted events coordinator Phillip Gootee at the French Lick Resort.

Within three weeks, they recreated a ride on the Polar Express every bit as wonderful as the holiday event — in July.

The Polar Express is an official, licensed event, subject to royalties, so they first had to check with Warner Bros. Studios. Just what would be involved in staging an extra ride?

After they explained the situation, the studio jumped on board. There would be no royalties or fees, and the studio even sent Kaleb a gift basket, including an authentic conductor’s hat and a blanket, among other treats.

Although a trip to Disney World was beyond French Lick’s capabilities, Big Splash Water Park provided rooms and passes for the family — the nearest thing to the beach that was number three on Kaleb’s list.

French Lick Resort provided their world-famous, made-from-scratch hot chocolate and homemade sugar cookies. And, half the staff was on hand to wave the train on its way, just like the send-off given holiday riders.

The conductor (Steve Kimbeley), adorable elves (Selena Drew and Charlotte Olson) and Santa and Mrs. Claus gave up vacation time to put on an all-volunteer show.

One train compartment was decorated for Christmas, with twinkling lights and sparkling red garland.

The “North Pole” was decorated as well, although snow was conspicuously absent.

The Polar Express is a community event in November and December. In July, it was no different.

Santa himself called Kaleb the night before to invite him aboard the Polar Express. Tickets were issued for about 30 members of Kaleb’s family.

Finally, the day arrived. The Conductor called, “Well, are you coming?”

To which the children asked, “Where?”

“Well, to the North Pole, of course!” replied the Conductor before intoning, “All Aboard!”

Lights twinkled, Christmas music played and, as the train left the station, the Conductor punched tickets, showering giggling children with confetti.

The train wound its way through lush green woods, but inside the car, it was Christmas Eve.

As the story was read over a loudspeaker, the Conductor made his way up the aisle, holding the book for children to see and turning pages, finally settling in beside Kaleb, who eagerly followed along (not that he lost his place — his mother, Ronni, says he knows the story by heart).

Elves followed behind, passing cups of luscious hot chocolate and scrumptious cookies.

The air cooled suddenly as the train entered a “magic tunnel.” Lit solely by Christmas lights, one could imagine it was snowing outside.

Beyond the magic tunnel, Santa waited at the North Pole. Since he was, technically, also on vacation, he was free to ride beside Kaleb on the return trip, after bestowing upon each passenger a silvery sleigh bell.

Two photographers, with press passes tucked into their fedoras, took pictures of each child with Santa, which they gifted them with when the ride was over.

The elves, perhaps excited to have their big boss aboard, pulled out all the stops on the return trip, dancing and singing with the children on board, even turning some into living Christmas trees, wrapping them in garland and flinging tinsel as Kaleb giggled in appreciation.

Kaleb, along with his parents, Ronni and Thomas, beamed as they and their passengers debarked from his July ride on the Polar Express.

“This is a dream come true for him,” Ronni enthused. “He watched the movie four times this morning. He knows it by heart.”

There was plenty of “heart” in French Lick last Wednesday.

Here is a Facebook page about Kaleb.