A Canadian Christmas tradition will be returning to Castlegar this year when the CPKC Holiday Train rolls into town.
The train will stop on Dec. 13 in the train yard near the Castlegar Station Museum located at 400 - 13th Ave. It is expected to arrive at 4:20 p.m. with the 30-minute event program officially beginning at 4:45 p.m.
The stop in Castlegar will feature live performances by Tyler Shaw & Kiesza.
As the goal of the Holiday Train is to assist food banks in the communities it visits, the Community Harvest Food Bank will be set up on site to collect food and cash donations.
Food bank president Deb McIntosh says the boost the food bank receives from CPKC Holiday Train events is much appreciated and sets the organization up to start off the new year in good financial shape.
This year the food back expects to provide about 250 Christmas hampers that include food and gifts.
“Whatever it is that your family likes to eat, that is what our clients like to eat,” says McIntosh.
Beyond the usual pantry staples, donations of things like pickles, coffee, tea, toiletry items and personal care products are always appreciated.
Hot drinks and hot dogs will be on sale with proceeds going to support the Castlegar Heritage Society, who operates the Station Museum, Zuckerburg Island and the seasonal farmer’s market.
As parking is very limited, visitors are asked to walk or carpool if possible.
READ MORE: A December to remember coming to Castlegar