The Real Polar Express: Visit the North Pole in Michigan
With an album by Maralyn Fink
Village of Ashley Country Christmas
This past Saturday I had the opportunity to spend some time with my daughter from Midland. We decided to go to Ashley to visit their Christmas Village.
Upon arrival, my first sight were the beautiful black carriage horses. Anything four footed is where my heart is. They are very well behaved and I enjoyed being able to give them a rub or two. The owners, P.J and his wife, Jato said that they are allowed to do a 2 hour ride and they are returned to their comfort zone and are rested for two hours and fed. The owners are P.J.’s Percherons L.C. from Owosso and book any carriage ride for two up to a whole group doing Weddings, Anniversaries, Parades, Prom, Parties, Funerals or just for fun. To contact them, their number is 989-277-9387. You won’t be disappointed.
We moved on to the shopping experience and found a large selection of items in the stores to anything you could want. As we were looking around, someone hollered “trains coming”. Everyone was rushing to see the train pull in. The Polar Express is quite the attraction for this event and has been sold out for all the weekends.
We moved on down the street because I was anxious to see the hobos and their camp. Wanting to get a picture of the two hobos on the corner, I hurried up and one of them said my name. As I got in closer, I did indeed know her. Her name is Karen and is an Animal Control Officer from Gratiot Co. Their camp was cozy along with their soup kitchen….I thought I could fit right in here!
I met the “Mayor” and he told me he was the Mayor just for the Christmas event. Okay, that works for me. We were unable to see Santa in his tent due to the line up outside but did manage to get a snap of the reindeer.
Well, that about covers the time we were there. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Seeing the train up close was awesome. I told my hobo friends I would see them next year.
Have A Merry Christmas and a great New Year!