Canadian Pacific Xmas Train
Is No More, OFO Announces
ONEONTA – Opportunities for Otsego has been notified by the Canadian Pacific Railroad that the annual Holiday Train of Lights event has been discontinued in Oneonta, according to OFO President Dan Maskin.
In the past, Canadian Pacific ran its Holiday Train over the D&H South line. However, due to the recent sale of 280 miles of track to Norfolk Southern, Canadian Pacific can no longer bring the Holiday Train to the Oneonta community.
Every year, Holiday Trains travel through the United States and Canada, raising food and cash donations food banks. For over a decade, OFO has been the recipient of food and funds donated through the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train event.
Canadian Pacific will make one final donation to OFO. However, additional cash and food donations raised through the event will create gaps for local food programs.
Since 2013, OFO has shared proceeds from the Holiday Train event with the Salvation Army. Combined, the two agencies serve over 800 low-income families through their Holiday Basket programs.
Donations to Opportunities for Otsego’s Holiday Basket program may be made online at www.ofoinc.org/donate or mailed to 3 West Broadway, Oneonta NY 13820.
Will the new railroad honor tradition and do the same? Can we expect a holiday train in 2021?