Two Juno-award winning Canadian country stars will roll into the Tri-Cities next Tuesday, wrapping up a cross-Canada journey that has collected thousands of goods and hundreds of thousands of dollars for food banks.
Terri Clark and Dallas Smith started their leg of the 20th annual CP Rail Holiday train journey Tuesday from Okotoks, Alta.
And the pair will perform 29 times before stopping in Port Moody on Dec. 17 at 5:20 p.m. (behind the recreation complex) and concluding in Port Coquitlam (at the West Coast Express station) at 7 p.m.
Terri Clark
Their often chilly outdoor shows — on a stage that extends from a train car — will reach such B.C. towns as Jaffray, Chase and Savona to help to fill food bank shelves.
“Touring with Terri on the CP Holiday Train is an honour and privilege,” Smith said in a press release. “I look forward to performing from the train and seeing Canadians giving generously to help their neighbours in communities large and small.”
Described as North America’s longest rolling fundraiser, the CP Holiday Train has seen big headliners including: the Sam Roberts Band; Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea fame; The Odds; and Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo.
As in past years, both PoMo and PoCo will have activities around the train Dec. 17:
The CP Rail Holiday Train arrives in Port Moody last year. Photo: Tracy Riddell
PORT MOODY
Enjoy a hot cocoa, bowl of chili or hot dog (for a donation) behind the Port Moody recreation complex (300 Ioco Rd.) from 5 to 7 p.m. and hear the tunes from the Port Moody Community Band.
Port Moody police officers and firefighters will also be available to chat and stoke the bonfire. As well, there will be a mini soccer game and beanbag toss at the Trasolini practice field.
Inside, the rec centre gym and wellness room will have kids’ activities and Santa Claus will make an appearance in the city hall galleria from 6 to 8 p.m. As well the Share food bank truck will be onsite to receive donations (last year, the agency raised more than 714 lb. of food and $5,153 in cash).
To get to the event, you can take the Evergreen Extension to Inlet Centre Station; overflow parking is also available at Inlet Field on Murray Street.
PORT COQUITLAM
Before the train finally stops at the PoCo West Coast Express station, the city will serve free hot chocolate between 5:15 and 7:15 p.m. There will also be an arts and crafts station for children.