The Historic Downtown is the place to be tomorrow for the whistle stop of the CP Holiday Train.

On Thursday, Dec. 13, the train arrives at 2:45 p.m. on the tracks by the Provincial Building, 213 1st St. W. By 3 p.m. the converted rail car will open to stage performances by top Canadian musicians. The Sam Roberts Band, Kelly Preston and Tracey Brown will all be performing and they'll be a special appearance by Jolly Ol' St. Nick himself. The show will last about a half hour before the train heads to Morley in time for their next performance at 4:25 p.m.

For 20 years, CP has had two brightly-lit holiday trains travelling the tracks to spread Christmas cheer in both Canad and the US. In addition, they provide a cash donation at each location for Christmas charities.

Every two years it arrives in Cochrane and the proceeds support the Cochrane Activettes Share Your Christmas campaign that complements its operation of the local food bank.

Ann Beatty, of the Cochrane Activettes, says several of their members will be on site by the truck with an Activettes banner. Cash and food donations are welcome.

"Last year we were able to give Christmas to 240 families in the community and we'll be able to help at least that many this year," explains Beatty. "The community support has been great."

The train stop offers a lot of fun for the community and not provides supplies for food bank but creates greater awareness in the community.

The Activettes have several other initiatives for their Christmas campaign. In partnership with the Cochrane Area Events Society, there's a Stuff-a-Bus event this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of Canadian Tire. They'll be accepting unwrapped toys, gifts for adolescents and teen as well as nonperishable food and cash donations.

The Clothesline, which is owned and operated by the Activettes, also contributes to the campaign.

"The Clotheslines is gearing up for Christmas season, too," says Activettes member Kathy Hubman. "For all the hampers that go out for Share Your Christmas we give each person a voucher for $15 so they can come shopping."

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CP Holiday Train Stop Features Sam Roberts Band