WISCONSIN — The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is back after taking a two-year hiatus amid COVID-19.
It will make 13 stops in Wisconsin, including in Sturtevant, Caledonia, Wauwatosa, Hartland, Oconomowoc, Watertown, Columbus, Portage, Wisconsin Dells, Mauston, Tomah, Sparta and La Crosse.
Along the route, the train will raise money, food and awareness for local community food backs.
“We are excited to be back out on the rails and in our communities, taking these two beautiful trains across our network and sharing the joy that comes with gathering in the spirit of giving," said Keith Creel, CP’s president and chief executive officer.
This year’s 2022 tour will hit the tracks on Nov. 23, with 168 shows in Maine, Canada, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota and more.
Wisconsin stops will take place from Thursday, Dec. 8 until Saturday, Dec. 10. A full schedule with information about locations and times can be found here.
Live music is a huge part of the event every year. In 2020 and 2021, the organization hosted virtual concerts.
This year it’ll be back in person on the train. In Wisconsin, the train will feature performers Alan Doyle, formerly known as the frontman for the Newfoundland folk-rock band Great Big Sea, and Kelly Prescott, a third-generation singer-songwriter that made her Grand Ole Opry debut as a guest of Terri Clark.
All shows are free to attend. However, if you’re able, Canadian Pacific asks you to bring a non-perishable food donation or cash to benefit local food banks.
Since the Holiday Train began in 1999, it's raised more $21 million and collected 5 million pounds of food for food banks across North America.
“Food banks and communities across Canada are so excited to see the CP Holiday Train return, as it brings together the City of Calgary to kick off the holidays and give back at the same time,” said Calgary Food Bank President and CEO James McAra. “The Calgary Food Bank is so grateful for CP’s continued support to help us build a Canada where no one goes hungry.”
With the absence of the train last year, many communities found alternatives to help donate to local food banks.
This is the Holiday Train's 24th year.