Annual Holiday Train Arrives in Hartland

According to cpr.com, the Canadian Pacific Railway was founded in 1881. It was formed to unite Canadians. Seventeen years ago, the train began traveling through communities, collecting food and cash donations for the North American Food pantry.

Since the first stop in 1999, the train has collected over 3.3 million pounds of food donations.

The Holiday Train, which runs on the Canadian Pacific Railway, is decorated with bright lights and Christmas decorations. Two separate trains travel through over 150 communities–one train through Canada and the other through the US.

When the trains arrive at a community, it provides concerts.

According to the Holiday Train Schedule, the train is scheduled to arrive in Hartland on Friday, December 4, 2015 at 8:50 pm. The train will leave at approximately 9:25 pm. Everyone is welcome to take part in the event.

Thelakecountrymom.com states, at the Hartland stop, the train will be located by the parking lot adjacent to Cottonwood Avenue and Pawling Avenue. There will be free parking. Popcorn, glowsticks, and appearances by santa will be among the activities.

Taylor Stoll, a senior at Arrowhead said, “My family and I have gone to see the holiday train the past three years. It’s a fun way to start off the holidays and it’s something unique and unlike any other festivities and that’s why I like it and it’s just really fun.”

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the train will be making 12 different stops throughout Wisconsin. At each stop, Kira Isabella and Doc Walker, Canadian country music stars, will be performing.

Sarah Smith, a senior at Arrowhead, said, “I have never been to see the holiday train, but I’ve heard it’s pretty cool, so I hope I can make it this year. The whole reason for it is also really cool how they’re going around and collecting food for those in need, especially during the holiday season.”

According to cpr.ca, Jim Cuddy, a legendary canadian singer-songwriter, will be on the canadian train this year along with his son Devin. “The Holiday Train is an amazing expression of old timey-Canadian joy. As we pull into towns and cities along the way, we also see all the people assembled to celebrate and who are filled with the Christmas spirit — it is an incredible experience for those of us on the train,” said Cuddy.

“The CP Holiday Train is such a unique and amazing experience, benefitting people in need at this most important time of the year,” said Isabella, according to cpr.com. She is one of the performers on the US train.

According to metroparentmagazine.com, the Holiday Train is bejeweled with thousands of twinkling lights. Hartland is the only stop in Waukesha County. Although the train won’t be able to give rides, there will be a mini train available for kids to ride.

Arrowhead Freshman Cari Nelson said, “The Holiday Train is a tradition in my family, I remember going when I was very young. It’s funny because it seems to have a bigger crowd every year. I guess more people are making the train a christmas tradition”