As the holidays arrive, parishioners at St. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church have put together a model train display that will, hopefully, add to the local holiday spirit.
The families of the late John Ubbes and Lane McFarland, as well as Phyllis Altemann, Nick Gonzales, Margaret Irish, and Cathy Pfiester, have donated train track, the eight trains, over 50 Department 56 figurines and buildings to add to the impressive display at the church, located at 7925 Sashabaw Road.
Thrivent Financial and the Great Lakes Ace Hardware have also donated gift cards and paint to add to the display.
Fred Hohnstadt (pictured), Dave Hahn, and Jake Ramig built and maintain the display, which is free and will open to the public on Tuesday, November 30, and will run through Thursday, December 30. Hours are Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m., Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., and Sundays from noon-2 p.m.
Guests coming to see the trains are asked to enter the church at door No. 3.
A mini “market” will also be part of the church’s presentation.
Hohnstadt said if the trains are a hit with local people and families, he is hoping they can be kept at the church and the display possibly opening back up for public showing next summer as part of a potential “Christmas In July” event.
For more information on the train display, call 248-625-4644.
— Matt Mackinder