The Canadian Pacific Railroad Holiday Train will stop in Loretto along West Railway Street, Monday, Dec. 14 from approximately 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.
Loretto is the main stop as the train comes out of Minneapolis. The Holiday Train is decorated with 8,000 Christmas lights and will carry Santa Claus and several musicians.
The focus of the Holiday Train is to raise food, money, and awareness for North American food banks.
The city of Loretto will be assisting the Hanover Food Shelf (located in St. John’s Lutheran Church, Hanover), which serves Loretto, and the Delano Food Shelf.
The event in Loretto is sponsored by Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc., Doboszenski & Sons, the Hanover Food Shelf, and the city of Loretto.
• Loram Maintenance of Way, Inc. of Medina will serve cocoa and cookies.
• Sts. Peter and Paul School choir will entertain.
• A kiddie train will be available for small children to ride.
• Santa will also be on-site, along with a horse and wagon ride.
Volunteers sought
City volunteers are needed; call city hall at (763) 479-4305 if you can help; or
• send a check to the Loretto City Hall made out to the Hanover Food Shelf. Money is preferred, as the food shelf is able to purchase food at greatly reduced prices.
• drop off any food at Loretto City Hall before Sunday, Dec. 13,
• bring food and/or money to the event and place it in the Doboszenski & Son’s semi-trailer, which will be located on West Railway Street.
• for customers of 21st Century Bank, the bank is matching food shelf donations made at the bank dollar-for-dollar.
Tips for food donations
• Bring only non-perishable food items.
• Consider bringing baby food or food for small children, such as peanut butter and jelly.
• Money is desirable, as food can be purchased at greatly reduced prices by the food shelf.
Tips for enjoying the event
Organizers are planning for more than 1,000 people at the event, depending on the weather. The crowd will be large, since Loretto is the only stop in the western suburbs. Two shuttle busses will be available.
Assist the city by following these suggestions.
• Walk if at all possible. Dress warmly. A shuttle bus will be available between the parking lot at the ball field, the church parking lot, and West Railway Street.
• Invite family and friends to the event and have them park at your house.
• Mail a check, or donate food early.
• Don’t park an extra car in the downtown area before the event to “reserve” a good location. Parking downtown is very limited.
• Decorate your house for the season. Make sure your lights are on that night.