FORT SMITH, Ark. — In this festive episode of Around the Corner, Tiffany and Jo hopped aboard a beloved Fort Smith tradition — the Creekmore Park Holiday Express.
This year, the iconic train ride celebrates its 25th anniversary!
"It's a generational event for everyone," Fort Smith Parks and Recreation Director Sara Deuster said. "It's something we're proud of and glad we get to make those memories."
For the special milestone, Deuster revealed an exciting update — extended operating days for the season.
"We're starting something new," Deuster said. "We've had a lot of requests from people to go past the Christmas holiday, so we're going to see how it works out."
For the first time, the Holiday Express will chug along until Dec. 27.
"If it works out, hopefully we can do something past the New Year next year," Deuster said.
Of course, the magic of the Holiday Express doesn't happen overnight. Deuster said maintenance staff begins preparations in September.
"It is certainly a process," Deuster said. "We have hundreds of displays out here."
All these preparations are worth it once opening night comes around.
"Opening night is probably my favorite because all of our maintenance staff, who you see their work out here, and they get to see the faces of all the families light up," Deuster said. "That's the most rewarding part for them."
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