Transit buses take holiday lighted tour of Charles City

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

Haila Reinhardt of Charles City got an early birthday present on Tuesday evening.

“I turn 65 tomorrow,” said Reinhardt.

Reinhardt, along with many other regular riders of the Charles City public transit system, took part in a holiday caravan to view the Christmas lights around town.

All four city/regional buses started their journey in the Hy-Vee parking lot and drove past festive decorations and lights that adorn homes and business in Charles City.

Tammy and Dan Elthon, owners of Circle K Communications, joined forces with their drivers to come up with the idea to allow people who don’t normally get the chance to view the holiday lights to do just that.

“It’s something different. I’ve never done this before,” said Reinhardt, who is a foster grandparent in town and rides the buses frequently to help mentor young students in the area.

The Elthons planned the route in advance, so for most riders the trip was a special surprise to see where the buses took them on their holiday jaunt to see Charles City lit up in the evening.

“They have no idea where they’re going. They know it’s about a 45-minute to an hour ride,” said Tammy Elthon. “This is the first time ever trying to do this.”

Circle K Communications partnered with the city, Floyd County and NIACOG (North Iowa Area Council of Governments) to form a new contract to take over the public transportation system more than fourth months ago.

This ride around town to see the lights was a way for the Elthons and everyone associated with the transit system to give back to their customers they appreciate so much.

“It’s kind of a thank-you to our regular riders,” Tammy Elthon said.

The rides were paid in full by a “Secret Santa,” who donated money earlier in the month to cover the cost of the trip.

Janice Eichenberger was waiting on one of the buses in anticipation of the caravan starting on its initial path down Clark Street. She couldn’t remember the last time she had seen the holiday lights at night.

“It’s been a long time,” she said.

Susan Marvin said she was most happy about being with the ones she loves and getting the opportunity to bask in the holiday spirit — “Being able to go out and see the lights and being with friends.”

Elthon said that one house featured on the route on Freeman Street, owned by the Sinclairs, is decked out in red, white and blue holiday lights — an honor to soldiers that can’t come home for Christmas.

Robert Brandt, a driver of one of the buses, said the bonds created with many of the passengers who he takes near and far have had a lasting impact on him.

“We’ve all actually become fairly close with the majority of our riders,” said Brandt. “I thought it was a really good idea and volunteered right away to help drive around. Not a lot of people have an opportunity to be able to get out and about anymore.”

Jim Smith, a longtime attorney in Charles City, was also happy to be part of the group, saying the ride meant a lot to him.

“Getting out — that’s worth a whole lot,” he said.

Steve Karels, a recently retired teacher in the Nashua-Plainfield School District, was wearing a Santa hat in the parking lot before the buses took off. Holiday music played inside the buses as the caravan was minutes from starting its journey.

Karels said he was thankful that people in the community joined hands in creating a special moment for many folks that will cherish the memories for the rest of the calendar year and beyond.

“What is shocking to me, is if we didn’t have this, I don’t know what some of these people would do,” he said.