🎉 CPKC Holiday Train Lights Up Simmesport and Raises Over $7,000! 🎶

Simmesport welcomed the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Southern (CPKC) Holiday Train on Dec. 3 at the North Live Oak crossing beside the Piggly Wiggly, marking the train’s only stop between Baton Rouge and Pineville.

The brightly lit railcars and live stage performances brought a festive atmosphere to Avoyelles Parish as residents gathered to enjoy music, holiday displays, and a celebration of community giving.

The CPKC Holiday Train, a tradition for more than two decades in Canada and now the United States, featured live performances by country artists Dylan Marlowe and Emily Ann Roberts. As the train’s stage unfolded, the musicians delivered a free concert for attendees. Both performers were also presented with their “Simmesport Reeboks” as a token of appreciation from the community.

In the spirit of the season, the event placed strong emphasis on supporting families in need. CPKC donated $3000 to the Food Bank of Central Louisiana. The Louisiana State Medical Society Alliance and the Avoyelles Medical Society and Alliance were among the many supporters that donated $4,000.

Dr. Rose Kuplesky, President of the State Medical Society Alliance, stated,

“Healthcare extends beyond medicine. It includes the love and care we give to one another. Small acts of love and giving can make a big difference in someone’s life.”

A special thanks to Canadian friend, Shane Carmichael, for spearheading this event. Hopefully this becomes a yearly tradition for the community.

Former Simmesport Councilman at Large Jacob Coco shared his appreciation for the event, stating,

“What a great afternoon in Simmesport today.”

The Holiday Train encourages attendees to bring food or monetary donations while CPKC makes its own contribution at each stop. Since its inaugural run in 1999, the initiative has raised more than $26 million and collected over five million pounds of food for community food banks in Canada and the United States.

Because the stop supports hunger relief efforts in the region, the visit also aligned with the Food Bank of Central Louisiana’s annual Christmas Cheer Food Drive, sponsored by the Tunica Biloxi Tribe and coordinated through schools across five central Louisiana parishes including Avoyelles.

Simmesport’s enthusiastic turnout and the success of this year’s fundraising efforts reflect the strong community support behind the event.