Dec 2 report from the Canadian Train

The Canadian Holiday Train has really come together.  We've now got a total of eight shows done, with another two scheduled for today, December 2. The Beaconsfield, Qc, kick-off show was a very popular event. The Harvest Montreal food bank was inundated with donations and Mayor Bob Benedetti was very impressed by the work of CP employees and of all of the volunteers. The second and final show in Quebec for the Canadian Train, at Les Cèdres, gets better with age and experience. This is only the third year at Les Cèdres and, even at that, the second with a full show. The first time the Holiday Train stopped there, Mother Nature didn't cooperate, throwing an ice storm that brought down trees and wires, only hours before the show. The first show in Ontario was fantastic. The crowd was one of the largest we've ever seen there and the municipality was very pleased to have us back on a night-time schedule. According to the residents: "The train is so beautiful when it comes into town."

 

Yesterday, December 1st, was the day where it showed just how the whole team of artists, on board staff, volunteers and Operating staff were coming together. Nothing brings a team together like five shows in a row. Arriving with CP and local police protecting the crossings, setting up the stage, finding the local food bank and elected municipal officials coming on board, the show and then closing up leaves no room for error. And the legions of fans coming out for Johnny Reid and Tracey Brown are phenomenal.

 

Michel S.