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Leigh Blenkhorn photo and video Barrie Advance

Canadian Country Music Association’s Male Artist of the Year Johnny Reid performs for the crowd at the Canadian Pacific Railroad Holiday Train event Wednesday.

Hundreds welcome holiday train

BY Leigh Blenkhorn, STAFF December 03, 2008 15:12

Hundreds of people came out to see the Canadian Pacific Railway Holiday Train roll into Midhurst Wednesday.

“This is our first time coming to Midhurst and this crowd is by far the largest crowd in a first-time city ever,” said Michel Spenard, spokesperson for Canadian Pacific. “This is just outstanding.”

The train decorated in thousands of lights, wreaths and ribbons is currently on a cross-Canada tour collecting donations for local food banks and providing live entertainment.

Spenard, who has been onboard since the train left Montreal Nov. 29, said the trip has been going great so far.

“The crowds have been fantastic, the outpouring of support for the food banks has been amazing,” he said.

The train pulled into the station with donations for the Barrie Food Bank and the Elmvale and District Food Bank.

Dennis Willer, executive director of the Barrie Food Bank, said he was overwhelmed with the $500 donation he received.

“This is just a ball,” he said while enjoying the entertainment. “What a phenomenal idea to have this train travel the country supporting all the food banks.”

Springwater Township Mayor Tony Guergis said he couldn’t believe the number of people who came out.

“This is incredible, it really shows the spirit and generosity of the people of Springwater,” he said. “I think this is the largest fundraiser for the Elmvale and District Food Bank.”

While Canadian Pacific made cash donations, local residents helped fill food bank vans with non-perishable food items.

After a performance by Santa Claus himself, musicians Johnny Reid and Tracey Brown entertained the crowd. Reid is the 2008 Canadian Country Music Association’s Male Artist of the Year, and Brown is a country music hall of famer.

The Holiday Train headed out at 2 p.m., bound for the next stop on its 70-city tour, Sudbury.

The train’s trip ends Dec. 18.

Video Zone

Hundreds greet holiday train - Watch the Video

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