We started the 2018 season of the North Pole Express with a bang. The weather was good, enough snow to be beautiful, and a big crowd for our 100th train trip. The village of Ashley marked this occasion with a give away. As the train passengers were getting off the train there were many vouchers given to people for free gifts from the various vendors in the village. And there was our big Golden Ticket program. Through out the evening the vendors were counting their visitors and the 100th visitor to each venue received a Golden Ticket. After Santa gave away the first gift of Christmas the village gave the key to the city to representatives of the Steam Railroad Institute. Then Santa started drawing names for the Golden Ticket give away. The first prize was $100.00 and then several gift baskets were awarded to people who had received a Golden Ticket.
