The Canadian-Pacific Holiday Train made a spectacular entrance at Lion’s Park on 37th Avenue and Stinson Blvd, Tuesday, Dec. 13. Despite the cold, windy and rainy conditions, approximately 500 people came out to witness the illuminated train. For many families it was their first time seeing the Holiday Train and they didn’t let the conditions deter them.
The turnout Tuesday night even surprised Ted McCullum of Bloomington who was the Holiday Train’s locomotive engineer for this stop. “This is unique, actually. There usually isn’t this many people around,” said McCullum. As for the conditions, he said water on the track is typically the worst as you can lose adhesion on the rails. Snow and ice are not really a factor as the wheels break it up fairly easy. For Cole Peterson, the train’s conductor, the rain was a bit more challenging. The conductor stands as the eyes and ears of the train, letting the engineer know how much room he needs to go forward or backwards depending on his location.
The community made the best of the event with food trucks, hot chocolate, light-up toys for kids and live holiday music for everyone to enjoy. Jeff Dahlman, vice president of advancement for East Side Neighborhood Services (ESNS) was there to receive a check from Canadian-Pacific in the amount of $15,000. “We support greater Hennepin County through a variety of engaging programs including employment programs, food service program, a high school for students impacted by trauma, we have a daycare and an after-school program as well. The program supported tonight through our partnership with Canadian Pacific was for our food program. Guests were able to bring non-perishable foods for donation and provide monetary donations as well. We’ve been a proud partner with Canadian-Pacific for over ten years.” When asked if he was surprised by the turnout despite the unfavorable conditions Dahlman said, “A little surprised, but we’re hardy Minnesotans and we always make the most of these opportunities to get out and support the community.”
Below: Chyna Lynn Robbins (9617) was with her mom Cathrine and younger brother getting some of the cool light-up toys old at the event. “We missed the train the last two years due to COVID, so we’re excited to be here this year!” said Cathrine. Charles Nelson and Megan Sutherland from Minneapolis came to witness the Holiday Train for the first time. “Rain in mid-December, that’s rare,” said Nelson “Happy to be here, free hot chocolate woo-hoo!” Sarah Godfrey and her family including daughters Calla (6) and Kate (8) said the rain and wind didn’t deter them from seeing the Holiday Train for the first time. Jeff Dahlman, vice president of advancement for ESNS (far right) received a $15,000 check from Canadian-Pacific for ESNS Food Service program. “Guests were able to bring non-perishable foods for donation and provide monetary donations as well. We’ve been a proud partner with Canadian-Pacific for over 10 years,” said Dahlman about the event. Also with him was First Ward Council Member Elliott Payne (far left). After that, are various scenes from the 2022 Holiday Train visit to Minneapolis. (Photos by Mike Madison)
m was First Ward Council Member Elliott Payne (far left).