Polar Bus Express traveling through Copperas Cove

By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press 

Christmas lights are aglow in the windows of businesses in Copperas Cove, and Camp Caylor Wine & Beer Yard is providing a way for locals to enjoy the sights, each Friday and Saturday night from now through Dec. 21. 
The Polar Bus Express departs promptly at 6 p.m. on Friday from Camp Caylor, at 146 CR 4814, on the corner of West Highway 190, approximately one-half mile on the left after the traffic light at Big Divide. 
Shannon and Jonathan Caylor, owners of Camp Caylor, have come alongside the Light Up Cove initiative in order to give locals a festive way to see the businesses’ lights and décor. 
Businesses are competing for a slew of prizes and trophies for their decorations this year, thanks to the effort of a team of volunteers spearheaded by Jennifer White, owner of Candy Outfitters. 
For a special rate of $15, the Friday night Polar Bus Express trip – perfect for families – includes hot chocolate and cookies, with stops along the way. One of those stops is at Candy Outfitters, to greet Santa Claus and get a bag of candy. After that, the trip continues along Business 190 east, where passengers can see all the Copperas Cove businesses decked out in lights. 
The next stop is at the very east end of Copperas Cove, for a snack at Jersey Mike’s in the Five Hills Shopping Center. The trip will then conclude at Camp Caylor for a viewing of the Polar Express and drinking hot cocoa. 
The Saturday night trips from Camp Caylor are the Polar Buz Express – this time, it’s an adults-only bus ride to see the lights starting at 6 p.m., for those 21 and over. There will be the same stops at Candy Outfitters and Jersey Mike’s, but also at FUBAR for special drink deals. 
The trip concludes at Camp Caylor with more opportunities for celebration. Camp Caylor serves a variety of Texas wines and Texas beer, offering wine and beer flights, and has a number of games available, both indoor and outdoor games. There is a food truck on site on the weekends, and live music on the stage by the tasting room. In addition to food truck fare, Camp Caylor also offers, trail mix, chees trays, and s’mores are on the menu by the outdoor campfire.
Shannon Caylor said the Polar Buz Express is also available for private bookings, which requires at least 10 riders for a private booking of up to 14 guests. 
“Or, we can open it to the public on the date of your choosing and see if we can get the minimum 10,” Caylor said. 
In addition to the Polar Bus and Polar Buz nights, Camp Caylor will be hosting a mystery night on Friday, Dec. 14, called “Ho Ho Homicide” from 7-9 p.m. The event features appetizers and two drinks for $45, with tickets available online. For more information about Camp Caylor, call (254) 518-5920, visit their website at www.campcaylor.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/campcaylor. Camp Caylor’s regular hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 4-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. – midnight, and Sunday from noon until 6 p.m.