Holiday cheer arrives on the Holiday Train

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Published on Thursday, December 7, 2017

Photo by Diane Warner

By Micah Waddell

Neepawa Banner & Press

The holiday season is back and along with it, the wonderful annual tradition of the Canadian Pacific Railways’ Holiday Train. The lights and music make it fun for everyone involved. This was Neepawa’s first year as a featured stop on the Holiday Train schedule. The train arrived ahead of schedule on Sunday, Dec. 3 and the Neepawa area residents appeared to greet it in full force. With an estimated 1,500 people from across the region gathered to see the train, both CP Rail officials and local leaders are deeming this a very successful debut.

Neepawa’s Salvation Army received $1,000 from CP as a donation to their food bank, as well as raising another $1,000 and 1,000 pounds of food from the community during the stop. Amanda Naughton-Gale said, “It was an amazing day for everyone, with lots of Christmas cheer.”

Adrian de Groot spoke at the event saying, “When I found out it was going to be a short show, I said woah, not a short show, we’re going to have to put some bodies in front of the train, just to keep them here longer.” during a later interview he went on to say that CP would like Neepawa to be a destination again the next time they run the northern route in 2019. Eileen Clarke spoke as well. The Hope group from NACI was selling hot chocolate during the event and even sold out. 

Photo by Eoin Devereux

This years holiday train was a special one done up for Canada 150, it consisted of a GP locomotive (GEEP) as well as for cars with the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train written on them, followed by a few decorated cars. Next came the stage car, a modified railcar with a fold out concert stage built on it. The remainder of the train was made up of passenger cars covered in decorations.

As a whole, the event went very well even if it was a short show. The band that played was made up of Colin James, Emma-Lee, Jonathan Roy and Alan Doyle. The group of musicians performed a variety of Christmas and winter themed music including Last Christmas I gave you my heart.