A memorable display

(Edaville Usa)

Who: Globe Living editor Steve Greenlee; his wife, Kelly; and their three kids, ages 6 to 9

What: Christmas Festival of Lights

Where: Edaville USA

Memories came flooding back as we parked the car and walked toward the dazzling display of colored lights that welcomed us to Edaville USA. I came here as a child - I can still vividly recall how the weather froze my fingers and toes as we waited for the narrow-gauge train to pick us up - and now I was bringing my own children. At least now we could wait for the train in a heated tent.

There is more here than there was back in the 1970s, including several amusement rides such as a carousel and Ferris wheel, though the collection of antique train cars is gone, bought in the '90s by a museum group in Maine. But my kids never saw them, so they don't miss them as I do. What the children see is the magic of Christmas coming alive through the holiday-themed train ride and displays throughout the park. The train, of course, is the marquee attraction, taking visitors on a 2-mile course by animated Christmas lights and cranberry bogs. It lasts 20 minutes, and visitors can take as many rides as they like.

Word to the wise: Despite the state of our economy, the place was mobbed on a recent Saturday evening. Other days are less crowded, and it is easy to find coupons (in the newspaper, in convenience stores) offering weeknight discounts off the $18 price of admission, which this family of five considers a bit steep. Still, it's hard to attach a monetary value to childhood memories.

STEVE GREENLEE

Edaville USA, Carver. 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, through Jan. 4. Admission: $18 per person; free under age 2.