CP Holiday Train. (Supplied by CP Rail)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Dec. 7-8, 2023

CPKC Holiday Train rolls into central Alberta this week

Dec 6, 2023 | 1:59 PM

The CPKC Holiday Train (formerly the CP Holiday Train) is back in the province this week, with stops planned throughout central Alberta.

The train rolls through Ponoka, Lacombe, and Blackfalds Thursday night, and Innisfail, Olds, and Didsbury on Friday.

December 7
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Camrose 1:05-1:45 – 52 Avenue and 50 Street

Wetaskiwin 3:25-4:00 – CPKC ES building, 4009 50 Street

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Ponoka 5:00-5:45 – 50 Street and 47 Avenue

Lacombe 6:50-7:30 – Len Thompson Fish Pond

Blackfalds 8:05-8:45 – CPKC tracks at Gregg Street between Broadway Avenue and East Avenue

December 8
*Band: Anyway Gang

Innisfail 12:45-1:25 – 50 Street railway crossing

Olds 2:20-3:30 – 50 Street level railway crossing

Didsbury 3:30-4:15 – CPKC tracks, 20 Street and 18 Avenue

Airdrie 5:15-6:15 – Nose Creek Park, 1641 Main Street

Schedule (more details here).

Each year, officials say this beautifully illuminated train travels across CPKC’s network spreading holiday cheer and raising donations to help people struggling with food insecurity. This year’s Holiday Train tour will include 191 live music shows in six provinces and 14 states.

“The Holiday Train program is close to the hearts of our CPKC family. Our railroaders take great joy in joining communities across our network as they come together in the giving spirit of the holidays,” said CPKC President and CEO Keith Creel. “We are proud to support local food banks as we fight food insecurity by collecting food and raising money and awareness. I am grateful to all the railroaders and community members who have supported the Holiday Train over the past quarter century and made it such a success.”

Since the Holiday Train program began in 1999, officials note it has visited hundreds of communities and raised over five million pounds of food and more than $22.5 million for community food banks.

Each event is free, with CPKC encouraging every attendee to make a monetary or heart-healthy food donation to ease hunger needs in their community. Local food banks will be accepting donations at each stop to help ensure those in need can access adequate food this holiday season and year-round.

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