Holiday Train will stop in Wabasha, Lake City

The 10th anniversary CPR Holiday Train will make stops Thursday evening in Wabasha and Lake City en route to the Twin Cities.

The train, which began its Midwest journey Dec. 5 in Illinois, will visit more than 100 communities in seven states and six Canadian provinces as it raises food, money and awareness for local food banks.

Its final destination is Saskatchewan. Over the years, it has brought in more than $3 million and 1.6 million pounds of food. Donations brought to the train go to meet local needs, and CP Railway also makes a donation.

The Holiday Train will leave Winona at 5:45 p.m. Thursday and is scheduled to arrive in Wabasha at 7:15 p.m. People are invited to come to the Gambia Avenue railroad crossing near Bruegger Park. Complimentary hot cider and cookies will be served during the 30-minute visit.

Moving on at 7:45 p.m., the train is scheduled to arrive in Lake City at 9 p.m. It will stop at Hearth and Home Technologies, 800 W. Jefferson St., for 30 minutes. Treats will be served.

On Friday, the train will be at the Canadian Pacific Depot in Hastings at 4:15 p.m., then head to Cottage Grove, Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The train carries a cadre of entertainers and musicians who will perform during each stop. Featured this year are Shaun Verreault, best known as the virtuosic singer/guitarist/songwriter for blues-rockers and Canadian favourites Wide Mouth Mason, and Juno award-winning singer and songwriter Melanie Doane.

“The Holiday Train is North America’s largest rolling fundraiser and a cherished tradition for our employees and the communities where we operate,” said CP President and CEO Fred Green.

Tags: community, holiday, train, lake, city, wabasha