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McCormick-Stillman Railroad rolling full throttle

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

After scaling back much of last year’s festivities, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park organizers have brought back crowd favorites and given guests longer exploration times during the Holiday Lights celebration.

They re-opened the park’s model train building, which was closed last December amid the pandemic. Santa has also returned and guests now have two 1-1/2 hour time slots to explore the park.

“Overall, the event structure is similar to what we did last year but with added time,” said Darryl Grimes, the special events coordinator for McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.

“This gives customers another 30 minutes to get into the event space and have free reign for people to go ride the train and carousel as many times as you can, go into the model train building, visit Santa or take pictures all over the park.”

Grimes said the longer time slots have been a hit with guests and something he plans to keep in the future.

“We plan to stick with this format structure as it gives guests a better overall experience,” he said.

The longer slots have also increased the park’s capacity of the park as 600 people can be allowed in per time slot, and Grimes expects to sell out most nights leading up to Christmas Day.

“The closer we get to Christmas, the later slot will likely sell out as the earlier slot has already sold out for the most part,” Grimes said.

He feels guests will be dazzled by the array of shining lights scattered around the park.

“You will experience a magical train ride and be dazzled by a lot of lights,” he said. “From the moment people come into the park and are greeted by a large train decorated with lights, people will be wowed with lights everywhere.”

The vast array of lights also are synchronized to music for a unique experience.

“We have two separate zones that are linked to RGB lights with color changing lights that are synced to music as well as a 40-foot tall RGB tree and �ive smaller trees that are also synced to music,” said Grimes.

Mary Hays, Emily Robertson, Megan Holden, Michael Holden take photos of Emma Holden, Rylee Holden, Oliver Holden and Reagan Hays sitting with Santa (Eric Watson) at the Holiday Lights event at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale,

Arizona. (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

The Paradise & Pacifi c Railroad rolls through the lights at McCormick-Stillman Rail-

road Park in Scottsdale, Arizona. (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

The park has added an elf village equipped with �iberglass elves and reindeer and decorated the bathroom to light up like the home from the 1989 �ilm “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”

“There’s a lot of little scenes going on that tell a story,” Grimes said.

Families can create their own stories by taking their photos in front of the structures around the park.

“We have giant ornaments that people can take pictures in and we have custom made props that are unique to the park. We also see people taking family photos for their Christmas cards in front of our tree or in a sleigh we have at the park,” said Grimes.

“With how everyone is cognizant of taking photos and sel�ies for social media, having the photo opportunity at the park is next to none.”

Along with the new attractions, an old one has garnered a large amount of fanfare upon its return.

“The model train exhibit offers something for everyone and was missed heavily last year,” Grimes said. “Now that it’s back open, people are thrilled.”

Still, the main attraction is the train ride.

“What separates us is the fact that we offer the opportunity to ride on a classic steam locomotive that has been doing this for over 35 years,” said Grimes. “It brings a sense of tradition since people come back every year with their family.”

Overall, Grimes is happy to be back to providing a fun time for the family and lighting up the park for the holidays.

“People are leaving happy and it’s a great overall event this year,” he said. “I hope that people have a good time and this was worth it for their family. As long as people had a good time, we’re happy.”

If you go

What: Holiday Lights at McCormickStillman Railroad Park Where: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park 7301 E Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale. When: Now through Jan. 2 with 6-7:30 p.m. 8-9:30 p.m. time slots. Cost: $15 per 90-minute slot, tickets must be purchased online. Info: Therailroadpark.com/holidaylights

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 19, 2021 35 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

This woman makes partiers feel like royalty

BY DANA TRUMBULL Progress Staff Writer

When planning your career choices, did you ever consider Fairy Godmother? Gretchen Landin did. And with her background in theatrical set design – she interned with the Walt Disney Company – and professional event planning, she has achieved that goal.

On Dec. 1, the Royal Soirée opened the castle gates on a new boutique event décor rental company. Based in Mesa, the team of three fairy godmothers deliver elaborately themed event packages designed to make your child’s dreams come true.

“My goal is to take on the task of building the perfect setting for your celebration,” Landin explained, “so that you can focus on being present in those special, priceless moments.”

Every event features hand-painted and custom-embellished props to truly make guests feel that they have entered a magical world of celebration. The fairy godmothers, dressed in brocade, lace and rhinestones, handle delivery, set up and removal of the fully designed set.

All the client adds are food and guests.

Although the themes are magical, Landin designs with the reality of sustainability in mind.

Rather than using mass-produced, non-recyclable party decorations to create the desired ambience, the unique decor pieces are sourced from antique stores and vintage resellers, or handmade and intricately embellished so that the items can be reused. Even the dinnerware is reusable: elegant melamine plates and metal cutlery. All linens, napkins, and chair covers are washed between uses with eco-friendly detergent.

“The Royal Soirée is dedicated to bringing sustainability to the world of event planning,” Landin said. “The event industry creates countless amounts of waste per year, and we want to change that!”

A few of the available themes include “Cinderella,” “Beauty and the Beast” and the “Frog and the Princess.”

Landin anticipates launching a new theme each month. Currently, the company has more than 40 themes planned, including a pirate theme, a wizarding academy – and “elegant, yet fun” adult themes. In fact, they are currently working on their first bridal shower theme and anticipate adding small wedding packages as well.

“Due to the detailed and curated nature of our events, we are not currently offering custom themes,” she said, “but we absolutely welcome suggestions for new themes.”

Events can be set up indoors or outdoors. Although seating can be adjusted to work with the available space and floor plan, Landin recommends a space that is approximately 20’ x 15’ for the ideal layout.

Event services for 12 to 16 guests by The Royal Soirée LLC are available starting at the introductory cost of $900. For more information, email info@theroyalsoiree.com, or visit theroyalsoiree.com.

Gretchen Landin is the owner and founder of The Royal Soirée in Mesa.

(Courtesy The Royal Soirée)

ArtWalk joy

Plenty of people headed over to the gallery district on Dec. 9 for the Gold Pallet ArtWalk. Sherstin Sutherland took photos while Jay and Desmond Sutherland watched Ailyn take her turn using a pottery wheel with help from artist Daina Meyer at The Sacred Heart Gallery as painter Dusty Kinman worked on a live painting in the front window at Mainview Gallery while carolers sang outside The

Signature Gallery. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)