CPKC Holiday Train bringing Christmas cheer to Saskatoon on Saturday

All aboard! Next stop is Christmas!

The CPKC Holiday Train is rolling into Saskatoon on Saturday, bringing Christmas cheer and collecting donations to support local food banks.

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The special train, adorned in lights and festive holiday decorations, features a stage for free musical performances at every stop.

“Since its inaugural journey in 1999, the CPKC Holiday Train has raised more than $26 million and collected approximately 5.4 million pounds of food for community food banks in Canada and the U.S.,” the railway said in a statement.

“CPKC donates to the local food bank at each stop and encourages all attendees to make a monetary or heart-healthy food donation.”

The train is set to stop at the CPKC railway overpass at the corner of Warburton and Seventh Avenue North from 8:45 to 9:15 p.m., with performances by Jade Eagleson and Teigen Gayse.

“Every year, our railroaders take great pride in bringing the Holiday Train across our network, this year reaching even more communities for the first time,” Keith Creel, CPKC’s president and CEO, said in a statement.

“We are thrilled to send this beautiful train filled with lights and music to spread the joy of the season and proud to support the giving spirit of the holidays assisting people experiencing food insecurity. It’s incredible to see communities come together every year to celebrate the holidays while supporting local food banks.”

Road closures in effect

The City of Saskatoon said a few roads will be closed on Saturday to accommodate the event.

The city said the following routes will be closed to traffic from 6 p.m. on Saturday to noon on Sunday:

• Seventh Avenue between Empress and Duchess streets;
• 33rd Street between Sixth and Eighth avenues;
• Warburton Street at Seventh Avenue; and
• Lauriston Street at Seventh Avenue.

“Detour signs will be in place to guide motorists around the event area,” the city said in a statement.

“Drivers are reminded to drive carefully and watch for participants. The City thanks everyone for their patience.”

Other Saskatchewan stops

The holiday train has several other stops in the province scheduled over the weekend, including visits to Bredenbury (Sat., 10:30 to 11 a.m.), Yorkton (Sat., 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.), Foam Lake (Sat., 2:50 to 3:30 p.m.), Wynyard (Sat., 4:30 to 5 p.m.), Wilkie (Sun., 1:30 to 2 p.m.) and Macklin (Sun., 4:40 to 5:10 p.m.).

The train will also stop in Estevan (Dec. 19, 3:15 to 3:45 p.m.), Weyburn (Dec. 19, 6 to 6:30 p.m.), Regina (Dec. 20, 6 to 6:30 p.m.), Moose Jaw (Dec. 20, 8 to 8:30 p.m.), Swift Current (Dec. 21, 9:45 to 10:15 a.m.) and Maple Creek (Dec. 21, 1:45 to 2:15 p.m.).

The full schedule can be found on the CPKC website.