INNISFAIL – The weather was perfect for the 25th anniversary CPKC Holiday Train visit through Innisfail.
And the hundreds of holiday season-happy citizens who came to the annual show could not be more joyous and excited.
It was not too cold outside. There was fresh snow on the ground, and as the holiday train rolled in close to its scheduled 12:45 p.m. arrival time at the Main Street rail crossing, there was even light snow falling gently from the sky.
Toronto-based group Anyway Gang delighted the crowd with an engaging 30-minute show of alternative rock songs mixed with holiday season favourites.
And then a break came for Town of Innisfail Mayor Jean Barclay to take to the stage to welcome CPKC for their annual visit.
“It is just an absolutely perfect day today,” Barclay told the crowd. “I just want to wish Innisfail a very merry Christmas, best wishes for the new year and thank you so much for coming out today and supporting the food bank.
“And a huge thank you to Santa Claus.”
Barclay then passed the microphone to Heather Taylor, co-coordinator of the Innisfail and District Food Bank.
Taylor was officially presented with a cheque from CPKC for $3,500; money that will go a long way to help the needy over the holiday season.
“Thank you CPKC. Once again you come through for us, and that is awesome,” said Taylor.
She then thanked the Innisfail Lions Club for providing hot chocolate for scores of citizens who attended, and to members of Blair Team Real Estate for supplying a truck to transport donations.
“And lastly thank you to the Town of Innisfail for arranging all of this, and thank you to you for your generous, generous donations,” said Taylor.
Anyway Gang then completed their uplifting set. They thanked the crowd, and said farewell.
The CPKC Holiday Train then rolled on to Olds.
