Cold noses, warm hearts welcome musical train
December 15, 2009 by Lynn Knell
Filed under Arts, Columbia Valley, Community, Invermere, Local news, Video
A chilly breeze did not cool the hearts or voices of the impromptu choir welcoming the CP Holiday Train to the harmonies of Silent Night.
The thermometer said -23 but we were sure it must be much colder as the parking attendant directed us into the parking area near the railroad crossing on Forester Road. There were about 80 to 100 cars parked at the roadside and just about everywhere else. A group of school-aged children were singing carols and people were huddled around roaring bonfires, sipping free hot chocolate and eating hot dogs and hamburgers. The air was electric with excitement as everyone waited for the sound of the CPR Holiday Train in the distance.
Just as the last carol was finishing, we heard the whistle blowing in the distance and the CPR Holiday Train lumbered into view, alit with thousands of festive lights. People around us said it was much longer than last year’s train. Such a sight one could not have imagined!
The train came to a stop and doors were opened in the side of one of the cars, revealing a full stage. Then a totally rockin’, singin’ Santa greeted the crowd. The music was great — The Odds and Shaun Verrault of Wide Mouth Mason. Playing guitar with gloves on must take a bit of practice.
We didn’t stay around too long after the performance because we were beginning to feel like icicles but were glad we went and will certainly go again next year. A wonderful family event. Later we happened to read in a blog from Pincher Creek, Alberta, that the Holiday Train arrived in the middle of a blizzard with about a -40 wind chill, so we’re not complaining.
