For the 17th consecutive year the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will be making a visit to southeast Saskatchewan as part of the company’s ambitious travel plans that sees these specially outfitted rail units make their way across Canada and the United States.
The purpose of the train, other than entertaining crowds along the way with top-notch musical talent, is to raise money and promote nutritional food awareness through contributions to local food banks.
The Holiday Train which makes most of its stops on the American side of the border, will find its way into southeast Saskatchewan and Estevan on Dec. 16. The train will arrive at a local siding along Souris Avenue and Seventh Street around 3 p.m.
The entertainment being provided this year by Kira Isabella and Doc Walker, will be free, encouraging donations to the Estevan and area food bank.
The train will first enter Canada and pass through border inspection processes at North Portal, around noon and then slowly make its way to Estevan and then, on to Weyburn for another appearance.
Since it’s launch in 1999, the Holiday Train program has raised more than $10.6 million plus 3.6 million pounds of food for North American food banks.
“Year after year, the Holiday Train brings great talent and memorable experiences to families across our network while raising money for local food banks,” said E. Hunter Harrison, CP’s president and CEO. “Regardless of circumstances, everyone should have access to healthy, nutritious food. The Holiday Train plays an integral role in broadening the conversation around food and hunger issues across North America.”
The two brightly lit trains kick off their respective tours in Montreal on Nov. 27 and 28 on their way to visit about 150 communities. The Canadian train travels west, staying in Canada as it completes the trip at Port Coquitlam, B.C. The United States train visits communities across the U.S. northeast and midwast and turns back to Canada for shows in southern Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Specially redesigned boxcars serve as stages for the entertainers which will include the Chic Gamine band of Winnipeg/Montreal with Francophone performances in Quebec. Holiday Train veteran country singer Kelly Prescott will then take the reins on the Canadian train with Devin Cuddy and the CP Holiday Train band.
When the Canadian train arrives in Calgary, Cuddy will reunite with his father, Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo fame who will continue the journey to the west coast.
The American train, which will make its stop in North Portal and Estevan, will feature Kira Isabella once again and she will rock the stage first with Wes Mack who will then be replaced by Doc Walker who will come aboard in Chicago to continue the trek west.
Doc Walker is also featured in this year’s annual Festival of Trees in Estevan, a promotion brought to the community by the
St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation.
Those who pay a visit to the train are encouraged to enter the Capture the Spirit photo contest and a chance to win an exclusive ride on next year’s train. Details about the program will be posted on the Holiday Train Facebook page.
Fans are also invited to follow the trains on social media during their separate journeys.
