Polar Express agents

It’s been a tough year statewide in the real estate field — so when Weichman Associates, a Costa Mesa-based firm, put on its first annual “Polar Express” family festival Saturday at Fairview Park, the staff members got in some welcome holiday cheer.

Starting at 3 p.m. at the Westside park, President Larry Weichman suited up as Santa Claus, Vice President Kurt Galitski donned an elf costume, and colleagues dressed as reindeer, snowmen and other holiday staples.

The free event featured train rides, face painting, cookie decorating and plenty of refreshments.

“With the real estate market being down a little bit, it’s time for us to take a little breather and give back to the community,” Galitski said.

In honor of “The Polar Express,” the book and movie that inspired the event, Weichman employees offered tiny sleigh bells to all the children in attendance.

Loan consultant Keith Cotarelo said the firm hoped to do the event every year.

“We just do it for the kids of Costa Mesa,” he said.