“Trains bring out the kid in everyone,” said Mike McVey, who will be bringing his Polar Express toy train set to the Trinity Star Art Gallery next month in Fairfield, Texas.

Toy trains are closely associated with Christmas time.

“Put a toy train around a Christmas tree, and everyone is drawn to it,” McVey continued. “It crosses the generations.”

He has been collecting and repairing model trains and antique toys for several decades. The tradition started with his Grand Dad, Mike Wade, who had one of the largest collections of miniature locomotives in the State of Texas.

McVey serves as pastor of First United Methodist Church in Fairfield, and as chaplain for the Game Warden Service in Freestone and Limestone counties, and as an ACS Chaplain at the United States Coast Guard Base in Galveston.

He will be sharing his family’s love of trains with the community during the special ‘Christmas Express’ exhibition held December 4th & 6th.

In addition to the miniature trains, the TSAC gallery will also feature an exhibition of Christmas art created by students from Pleasant Hills Children’s Home. The artwork will be sold through Silent Auction (must be present to bid), with proceeds donated back to the Children’s Home.

There will be two opportunities to enjoy the exhibition and make a bid on Christmas art.

The gallery will be open on Thursday evening, December 4, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to coincide with the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce ‘Sip, Snack & Shop’ event.

There will be treats and refreshments at the Gallery, along with performances by Jeff Harrison with several of his bluegrass players.

The miniature train exhibition will also be available to view on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. during the City of

Fairfield and Fairfield Chamber’s annual ‘Christmas on the Square’ event. Treats will be served during the Saturday event, as well.

“Come enjoy the nostalgia and fun,” said McVey.

Trinity Star Art Gallery is located on the square in downtown Fairfield, Texas at 115 S. Mount Street.

For information on additional upcoming events, visit TrinityStarArtsCouncil.org