Pullen's Holiday Express event nearly sold out

Pullen Park's Holiday Express event in Raleigh is nearly sold out.

The very popular features holiday lights and displays, along with a lighted train ride, live entertainment, a special menu from Pullen Place, rides on the carousel, crafts and a visit with Santa. The event runs from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Dec. 5 to Dec. 9. Ticket sales began July 31 and there are, at last check, less than 200 tickets remaining for Dec. 5. All other nights are sold out.

Tickets are $8 per person. Kids under 2 get in free with a paying adult.

On Tuesday, crews were getting ready for the big event. Garland hung on some of the fences. Lights hung from a few of the buildings. Richard Costello, the park system's recreation program director, told me they were just getting started. Some of the lights and decorations, but not all, will remain up at Pullen Park through the holidays.

Another new feature at Pullen in the last week or so: There is now a penny press machine at the Welcome Center. The machine presses designs, such as a carousel or train, into pennies.