News & Events: The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train

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The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train returns to the communities of Cottage Grove, Newport and St. Paul Park for its 16th year, on the evening of Monday, December 10, 2018.  Event festivities will begin at 4:30 p.m. and the train is scheduled to arrive at 5:15 p.m. The train will arrive again this year at West Point Douglas Road, just south of the 80th St. Bridge / Belden Crossing (across from the Youth Service Bureau).
 
The brightly lit train will arrive with a trainload of fun and entertainment.  All cash and donations of personal care items collected at the “Cottage Grove Stop” go directly to our local Friends in Need Food Shelf; serving the residents of Cottage Grove, Grey Cloud Island, Newport and St. Paul Park.
 
The Holiday Train is truly a gift to our communities.  Last year our communities raised an astounding $99,961.97 and collected 17,071 pounds of toiletries, food and toys for our local Friends in Need Food Shelf.  In the past 15 years, the Holiday Train event in Cottage Grove has raised over $1,027,384.69 for our local food shelf! Last year, our milestone goal of 1 million dollars raised in fifteen years was met. This year, a new goal of raising $90,000 was set.

Special Features 
Holiday Train Festival of Wreaths
You or your organization are invited to sponsor a wreath to display at the "Stop" for $125. For additional details and to reserve your wreath, click here.

Other features of the event returning this year include:
  • Holiday Musical Performances by The Trewes and Willy Porter
  • Merchandise for sale including: sweatshirts, knit caps, fleece mittens, fleece blankets, and more! 
  • Glo-sticks will be given to children in attendance courtesy of Old National Bank, Merchants Bank, Spartan Promotional Group – Mary Slusser and MidWestOne Bank, while supplies last. 
  • Free hot beverages and cookies (while supplies last)
  • Food to purchase from Mountain Mike's of which a portion of the proceeds will benefit Friends in Need. 
  • Brats & Hot Dogs available for purchase, specially grilled for you by:  Cottage Grove Lions Club
  • “The Lodge” warming tent, sponsored by RE/MAX Professionals.
  • Visit with Santa and enjoy some holiday music before the train arrives.
​
WHERE TO PARK:
  • Park and Ride lot on West Point Douglas Road
  • All Saints Lutheran Church
  • The Cottage Grove Armory
  • Limited handicap parking can be found in the Youth Service Bureau Lot
  • *West Pt. Douglas Road will close at 4:00 p.m. SHARP. Closures at both Belden Corssing and near the Park and Ride.

If you are unable to attend the event and would still like to donate to the Friends in Need Food Shelf, please send checks payable to the Friends in Need Food Shelf, noting “Holiday Train” in the memo line. Checks can be sent to the Friends in Need Food Shelf, P.O. Box 6, Cottage Grove, MN 55016.

Pre-Stop Fundraising Events:
  • Purchase Holiday Loaves ($5/each) specially baked by SuperMom’s in St. Paul Park
  • A Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction at The American Legion in St. Paul Park on Saturday, November 3rd from 2 to 8 p.m., sponsored by our local Lions Clubs, America Legion Post 98, Thrivent Financial, Red Savoy’s, SuperMom’s, and the Holiday Train Committee.
  • Get your groceries bagged by our volunteers at Cub Foods in Cottage Grove, Sunday, November 18th. Donations accepted.
  • “10 Days of Giving” at local schools sponsored by Merchants Bank with assistance from Werner Electric Supply, the City of Cottage Grove and South Washington Schools.
  • Purchase “Train Cut-Outs” at local businesses, sponsored by Old National Bank

Stay tuned for corporate sponsorship opportunities or contact Sonya Fox at 651-209-3946.