The festive glow of the CPKC Holiday Train will light up Merrickville, Smiths Falls and Perth this Friday evening as the cross-country attraction makes its annual stop in Lanark County.
In Merrickville, the trail will roll into the south side of the Broadway Street railroad crossing near By Street at 5 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. in support of the Merrickville Food Bank.
From there, the train is heading west.
In Smiths Falls, it’s going to be a party, starting at 5 p.m. Free hot chocolate will be on offer in Smiths Falls, courtesy the Smiths Falls Community Theatre and PuroClean. Vendors on site include Beaver Tails, Junibel’s Bakery, Sugar Rush Carnival Delights and more. Holiday music will be provided by The Wizard of Sound. The train will pull into 55 Victoria Ave from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The show then continues to Wilson Street railway crossing in Perth, where the train will be on site from 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Food donations will be contributed to the Table Community Food Centre’s Good Food Bank.
The event is free to attend, but visitors are encouraged to bring a cash donation for local food banks. The Holiday Train tour supports community food programs across Canada and the United States. Since its launch in 1999, it has helped raise millions of dollars and significant quantities of food for local agencies.
It’s also recommended to park a few blocks from the areas where the train will be stopping, and walk to your destination, if possible. Expect road closures, and heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic during the event. Use caution and patience, organizers stress.
Jade Eagleson and Teigen Gayse are scheduled to perform at these three stops. Concerts take place from the train’s fold-down stage, drawing families, photographers and fans who follow the tour each year.
Local food-bank representatives say the event comes at a critical time. December often brings a sharp increase in demand for support, and donations collected during the Holiday Train visit help stock shelves heading into winter.
People planning to attend are advised to arrive early and dress for the weather. Parking may be limited around the viewing sites, and train staff urge visitors to use caution near the tracks.
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