CP Holiday Train returns to Radium
Already on its way -- the train arriving today in Kahnawake, QC (YouTube video)
Tues Dec 13 (6 pm), Radium –
It began in 1999 with a handful of communities and a few lights on a freight train. Today, 13 years later and bedecked with hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights and a live music show, the CPR train (2 trains, actually) is on its way from Rouses Point, NY to Port Moody, BC, through about 150 communities in 8 states and 6 provinces. It is one of Canada’s most famous ambassadors of good will and the only fundraiser of its kind for food banks in North America.
Since the first train rolled to its first stop, CPR holiday trains have brought individuals, businesses and communities together to raise more than $5.6 million and collect over 2.45 million pounds of food in Canada and the United States for local food banks.
At each stop along the way, crowds of eager local folks, young and not-so-young gather to watch as the train rolls to a stop and the sides of one of the boxcars open to reveal a mobile stage, with Santa for the opening act. This year, the entertainers on the Canadian train will be Canadian music legend Valdy. Joining Valdy on stage will be young Ottawa rockers, Brothers Dube’ and Canadian Country Music Hall of Famer Tracey Brown.
The CP Holiday Train as it last passed through Radium in December, 2009. (CVGuide video)
“The magic of the Holiday Train is phenomenal,” says producer Randall Prescott, who is into his 10th year of putting together the entertainment for both trains. “To be able to bring this level of talent to thousands of people on this musical roadshow for food bank programs is very special and something I am proud to be a part of.”
The CPR Holiday Train is scheduled to make a stop in Radium Hot Springs again this year. So mark Tuesday, December 13th at 6pm on your calendars. Bundle up in your warmest gear and come at least 15 minutes early since the times are approximate.
Since this event is usually a local food bank’s major fundraiser for the year, members of the public are encouraged to bring an item of non-perishable food and/or a donation of cash.
