Train to bring holiday cheer to Pingree Grove, Gurnee
A train is running through Pingree Grove Friday, bringing the spirit of giving with it.
For the first time ever, the Canadian Pacific Railway's holiday train, complete with 14 cars dressed up in Christmas lights, is making a stop at the village's Reinking Road crossing.
It is scheduled to be there from 10 to 10:30 a.m. offering live musical performances while collecting food for the hungry - non-perishables will be sent to the Northern Illinois Food Bank.
Village leaders have asked dozens of schools, churches and libraries in Hampshire, Elgin, Burlington and Pingree Grove to pitch in.
"We're thinking people will come to show up if the weather is nice," said Marjorie Morton, the village's utility clerk, who also helping coordinate the appearance from the village's end.
The unexpected announcement has left Village President Wyman "Clint" Carey beside himself with glee.
"We were pleasantly surprised and absolutely look forward to it," said Carey, who plans to attend.
Canadian Pacific selected Pingree Grove because the company recently bought Dakota Minnesota and Eastern Railroad Corp., whose subsidiary previously owned the tracks in town, said Mike LoVecchio, a CP spokesman.
"We are limited to running on tracks that we own and ... so we've extended the holiday route to 11 new territories and we are very excited that among the new stops is Pingree Grove," LoVecchio said.
The train is due to make 128 stops this season, including at 4460 Old Grand Ave. in Gurnee at Viking Middle School Park, from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9.
Depending on the turnout, Pingree Grove might become a destination next year as well.
"The reality is we do go where we're popular and we also like to try new communities and try different routings," LoVecchio said.
Reinking Road in Pingree Grove will be closed between 9:45 and 10:45 a.m. to make way for the train and its performances. If you are unable to attend and want to donate money or non-perishables to the food bank, visit www.northernilfoodbank.org.