Holiday Train making stop in Gurnee

Watch out Santa, the Canadian Pacific Railway's Holiday Train is coming to town. Fourteen decorated rail cars lighted with tens of thousands of L.E.D. lights will arrive at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, in Viking Park, 4374 Old Grand Ave. in Gurnee. In addition to ringing in the holidays, the train is used to raise awareness, food and funds for hunger relief in support of the Northern Illinois Food Bank.

“The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train has become a regular part of the Northern Illinois Food Bank's Christmas tradition in Lake County” said H. Dennis Smith, NIFB President and CEO. “The ongoing recession and sustained high levels of unemployment are really taking their toll on the people we serve. In Lake County, the most recent unemployment figures show that 9.6 percent of people are without a job. We are so grateful for the Village of Gurnee Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Pacific Railway for their generosity in providing hope to families in need.”

The festivities will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and will include an array of musical entertainment, treats donated by various food vendors and Santa. The Holiday Train is sponsored by the Village of Gurnee Chamber of Commerce. The event is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items or a monetary donation to help fight hunger in Lake County.

For details about how to help the food bank, see northernilfoodbank.org or call (630) 443-6910.