CCX News Gets Peek Inside CP Holiday Train
When most people think of the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train, the immediate image that comes to mind is of a band playing Christmas classics while hundreds of fans sing along.
But behind the music and flashing lights is a cozy atmosphere. The train is filled with hot chocolate, coloring activities and plenty of smiling faces.
“It’s really cool to see our communities from a different perspective,” said Golden Valley Mayor Shep Harris. “And most importantly when we arrive here, to see how the community comes together and just celebrates the holiday spirit.”
Harris was one of the people who got to ride the train Tuesday evening.
Riding is a Privilege
Riding the train is a privilege reserved for Canadian Pacific employees, representatives from local food shelves and other important people.
“We’re just here to bring the party a little bit. Just to sort of kick it up a notch energy-wise,” said John-Angus MacDonald, lead guitarist for The Trews, one of the train’s musical acts. “The reactions have been fantastic. We try to do a lot of holiday theme songs, especially on the back half.”
The train itself is 1,000 feet long and includes hundreds of thousands of LED lights decorated in holiday themes.
Golden Valley is just one of 170 stops throughout the United States and Canada.
“It’s a lot of fun,” said Andy Cummings, a Canadian Pacific spokesperson. “We have a great time, and at the same time, we’re really focused on what this train is all about.”
Yes, the train is known for bright lights, entertaining music — and for those fortunate enough to ride — a comfortable atmosphere.
But above all else, the holiday train is about helping people in need.
“People probably feel like Canadian Pacific just rolls through the community day in and day out and doesn’t care about the community,” Harris said. “This says that they do care about our community because they’re part of our community as well.”
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