OHuddle, ORHS hold Cocoa Express

OHuddle, in partnership with the Orrville Railroad Heritage Historical Society, presented Cocoa Express on Dec. 9.

This event, which sold out, benefited sustainable mentorship in Rittman Local Schools. The experience each guest had was evident by the smiles on their faces — especially Trevor, an elementary mentee who loves trains and dreamed up the event.

Elves greeted guests as they entered the train station, where they picked up their tickets and agenda for the event at the ticket booth. Next, they had the opportunity to get their picture taken with the conductor. As families boarded the train for the 40-minute train ride, they were given an ornament and paper to fill out as they waited for Santa to visit with each family.

Participants took part in singing on the train as they rode to Winter Wonderland to see a display of lights and other winter wonderland decorations. After the Cocoa Express train ride, guests went to see Miss Amy Claus and her elves and were given homemade hot cocoa and a cookie. Each child received a cookie with an image printed on it and a paintbrush and edible paint to decorate their cookie. The last stop was to receive a full-size gift donated by Xcess Limited for each child to take home.

OHuddle said it’s grateful for event sponsors HBA Home Builders Association of Wayne and Holmes Counties, The J.M. Smucker Co., Circle of Grace Farms, Miss Amy’s Bakery, and Xcess Limited. Decoration sponsors included Edward Jones, Orrville Area United Way, Project Live and the Orrville Railroad Heritage Society.