Mia Johnson and her daughter, Addyson, were greeted by Santa on the first run of the Polar Express Wednesday night. Families and friends of employees of the holiday train were invited to ride during the practice run. Paying customers will board Friday for the first of 24 days of round trips to the North Pole and back. Last year more than 60,000 people rode the Batesville Polar Express during the holiday season. The fantasy excursion, which is inspired by the popular book and movie of the same name, is operated by Iowa Pacific Railroad, holder of the lease on the Grenada Railway line.
Photo by Andy Young