To the Editor:

The Wareham Village Association is a nonprofit organization whose intent is to enhance a sense of community and character in downtown Wareham.

The WVA’s largest fundraiser is the annual Polar Swan Express. This family event brings more than 2,400 ticket-holders to downtown Wareham to experience the advantages of the town. It highlights the cooperation and partnership among various town businesses and departments.

The fourth annual Polar Swan Express, held in November, was a resounding success and could not have been possible without the help of the following:

• Ready, Kiernan & McNally for their continued sponsorship
• The Cape Cod Central Railroad for their courteous service and friendly staff who added to the spirit of the event
• The Showstoppers and elves who heightened the train experience
• Anne Ames and Rose Berry, the spirited readers of the Polar Express story
• Francis Gay for providing the Brockton/Plymouth trolley to transport our guests throughout the town
• The full support of the Municipal Maintenance department at all venues
• The Wareham Police Department for friendly traffic and crowd control in keeping with the spirit of the weekend
• Dale Evans of EMS for providing emergency lighting
• Steve Ruiz of WCTV for the sound system and continuous music
• Ronald Dunham and Donald Heselton for their respective talents constructing the sleigh and group of presents at the Town Green
• Saba of Nessralla Farm for the "Yule tree"
• The Historical Society for the use of the property
• Joan Chipman for giving the children the joy of seeing her unusual animals
• Tihonet Village Market for providing the supplies for the hot chocolate for our guests
• EncorENTERTAINMENT for the ambassador of good cheer
• Eastern Bank for the supplies for the ever-popular face-painting
• The more than 100 volunteers who gave of their time and talents over the many hours of this event. Folks from Eastern Bank, Mayflower Bank, and TD Bank, from area schools and organizations, from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and friends of friends and relatives. You were the heart of this success with your camaraderie and unwavering spirit!
• The more than 2,400 parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles who purchased the tickets to make this happy kick-off to the holiday season possible
• Last but definitely not least, the 2011 Polar Express Committee. You had a vision and proceeded to make it happen, ignoring adversity and setbacks. The accolades of the many positive e-mails and feedback from the participants belong to you. A job well done!!!

Thank you to all and mark your calendars for the fifth annual Polar Swan Express, scheduled for November 24 and 25, 2012.

Phyllis A. Decas

Chairman, WVA Polar Swan Express