“Trains bring out the kid in everyone,” said Mike McVey, who will be bringing his Polar Express toy train set to the Trinity Star Art Gallery next month in Fairfield.
Toy trains are closely associated with Christmas time.
“Put a toy train around a Christmas tree, and everyone is drawn to it,” McVey said. “It crosses the generations.”
He has been collecting and repairing model trains and antique toys for several decades. The tradition started with his grandfather, Mike Wade, who had one of the largest collections of miniature locomotives in the state.
McVey serves as pastor of First United Methodist Church in Fairfield, and as chaplain for the Game Warden Service in Freestone and Limestone counties, and as an ACS chaplain at the United States Coast Guard base in Galveston.
He will be sharing his family’s love of trains with the community during the special Polar Express Wonderland” exhibition held Dec. 5 and Dec/ 8/ In addition to the Polar Express, McVey also plans to have a Lionel freight train in operation, as well as a display of some older toys to dress up the Christmas scene.
Bring the children and see the electric trains in action, making their way through a Christmas village during the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce “Sip, Snack & Shop” event on Thursday evening, Dec. 5, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
There will be treats and refreshments at the gallery, along with performances by the Fairfield Eagle Choir and harpist Diane Repp.
Also featured will be Christmas art pieces created by local students.
The miniature train exhibition will also be available to view from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, during the City of Fairfield and chamber’s annual “Christmas on the Square” event. Treats will be served during the Saturday event, as well.
“Come enjoy the nostalgia and fun,” McVey said.
Trinity Star Art Gallery is located on the square in downtown Fairfield, 115 S. Mount St.
For information on additional upcoming events, visit TrinityStarArtsCouncil. org.
