Holiday train returns to locations in Capital Region

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Every year around the Holiday season, a special train makes it way to parts of the Capital Region from Canada, benefitting local food banks and bringing entertainment to the station it stops. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Trail (CPKC) will follow route, making stops in Fort Edward, Saratoga Springs, Mechanicville and Menands.

This year, the tour by train includes music by The James Barker Band, Clerel, Tyler Shaw, Shawnee Kish, Magic!, Seaforth, Alana Springsteen and more. In the Capital Region, each stop will include performances by the James Barker Band and Clerel.

"The Holiday Train unites people in the spirit of the season as it travels across Canada and the United States, while generating critical support for our neighbors in need through the program’s support of local food banks," Keith Creel, CPKC President and CEO said. "We are pleased to again send this magical train on a four-week trip across our network spreading holiday joy as we collect food and raise money to fight food insecurity. We look forward to again seeing all the smiles and cheers from people young and old coming together in the spirit of giving."

Local spots include:

• Fort Edward
  • Amtrak Station, 70 East Street
  • Nov. 26
  • 1:10 p.m. to 1:40 p.m.
• Saratoga Springs
  • Amtrak Station, 525 East Street
  • Nov. 25
  • 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Mechanicville
  • 300 Park Avenue
  • Nov. 25
  • 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Menands
  • Ganser Smith Memorial Park
  • Nov. 25
  • 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

"We are thrilled to welcome the CPKC Holiday Train back to Mechanicville! With 26 years of dedication, the CPKC Holiday Train has been instrumental in helping us combat hunger and raise awareness about food insecurity in and around our local community," Tammy Alikonis, director of outreach & development at the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center, said. "It’s a festive way to kick off the holiday season, bringing the community together and supporting food pantries along the way. We are extremely grateful for their commitment and continued support."

Non-perishable food donations of all kinds will be accepted for distribution to local food banks and resources. Train staff will collect donations during each show. The train has 167 live shows planned across the country; for more information or to see the full train schedule, visit the holiday train's website.