To the Editor,

In early November, a seemingly simple idea was hatched to create a celebration of the Christmas Season. There were only a few basic criteria. The event would be outdoors, there'd be music, it would be family-friendly, free and open to all.

That modest concept, in just a few short weeks became, The Peabody Polar Express. Over 1,000 attendees took delight in seeing Lt. Ross Park transformed into a Christmas Wonderland complete with Santa, Christmas Sing-a-longs on a hay ride, face painting, elves of all descriptions and, of course, “The Grinch.”

The smiles on the children’s faces would have been reward enough for all the work and planning, but thanks to the generosity of many, $1,600 was raised to help needy Peabody families with their grocery bills this holiday.

At the risk of forgetting contributors to this hugely successful event, we'd like to thank Mayor Bettencourt, Mary Bellavance, the Peabody Fire Department, the Peabody Parks Department, the Police Department, Brooksby Farm, Peabody Superintendent of Schools Joe Mastrocola, Peabody Rotary, Tom and Robin Rossignoll, Ed and Nancy Charest, Karen Mayo, Lisa Alperen, Samantha Charest, Kathy Covino, Joel and Carole Saslaw, Tracy Gangi, Cathy and Michael Geomelos, George Katsarakes, Danny and Jan Katsarakes, Tom Gould, Pam Oliveri, Kathy Mahoney, Lynn Lapponese, Carol Mills, Erika Salvaggio, and Jessica and Steven O’Hara.

With a full year to plan, one can only imagine how fantastic the 2nd Annual Peabody Polar Express will be. Stay tuned. 

With gratitude,

Stephanie and David McGeney