‘Polar Express’ will be shown in Magdalen Square

Children will have an opportunity to hop aboard the “Polar Express” in Abbeville, in a manner of speaking.
Movie Under the Oaks: Polar Express will be held on Friday, Dec. 4, in Magdalen Square in downtown Abbeville. The free event is presented by the Abbeville Film and Visitors Commission and Abbeville Mayor Mark Piazza and the Abbeville City Council.
Gates open at 5:45 p.m. The movie will begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free.
“The main reason we wanted to do it is because so many people have asked when we would do another movie in the square,” said Debbie Garrot, a member of the Film and Visitors Commission. “We did one three years ago and people always tell us it was so much fun.”
The timing was right for another go.
“I thought Christmas time would be a great time to do it,” Garrot said. “This is a great movie for the season.”
The film, based on Chris Van Allsburg’s book by the same title, tells the story of a young boy who embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express. During his adventure he learns about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.
Children are invited to attend in their favorite PJs. Children 12 and under will receive one free cup of hot chocolate and a cookie compliments of Mason and Liz Romero of Thrifty Way Pharmacy in Abbeville. Abbeville High School Project Graduation will be selling chili, hot dogs, and refreshments, including hot chocolate.
Bring lawn chairs and blankets.
The “Polar Express” showing will coincide with other Christmas celebrations occurring in the city. The annual Christmas Stroll is set for Thursday, Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m. The Downtown Abbeville Farmers’ Market will be Saturday, Dec. 5 at 8 a.m. The Abbeville Sonic Christmas Parade will be later that day at 6 p.m.
“We wanted to do something that would develop into a Christmas weekend,” Garrot said. “We wanted to tie it all together.
“We are so excited about it all.”