The CP Holiday Train will hit the tracks for Okotoks again this Christmas.

The train will roll into town on Dec. 10 as it raises funds for food banks across North America, with it's Okotoks stop directly benefiting the Okotoks Food Bank.

Bill Robertson, Mayor of Okotoks, says he's thrilled to see the train return.

"We haven't had it for two years and before that I can't remember when it ever stopped here, so, that we're able to get it just two years after we had it is phenomenal. It was such an awesome activity two years ago with thousands of people coming out, I'm looking forward to the same thing this year.

Robertson says the train's visit is fitting due to Okotoks history with the railway.

"Okotoks originally being a CP community, so to speak, with the train having gone through here for virtually it's entire history, is that we embrace trains in this community, we have our own train station at Champion Park, but more than that, it's the fact that we're able to bring a historical event to the community and celebrate it all for a good cause."

Since 1999, the CP Holiday Train has raised over $15.8 million and $4.5 million pounds of food with the total raised in each community directly benefiting their local food bank.

The train will arrive at 12 p.m. on Dec. 10 and be stationed along Dagget Street between Northridge Drive and Veterans Way.

Live performances featuring country music artist Terri Clark will begin at 12:15 p.m.

 

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