The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is returning for its annual stop at Cottage Grove, Newport and St. Paul Park on Dec. 10.

The brightly lit train will arrive at 5:45 p.m. on West Point Douglas Road just south of the 80th St. Bridge/Belden Crossing. All cash and nonperishable donations collected at the "Cottage Grove Stop" go directly to the local Friends in Need Food Shelf that serves residents of Cottage Grove, Grey Cloud Island, Newport and St. Paul Park.

Last year those communities raised $142,480 and collected more than 23,202 pounds of toiletries, food and toys. In the past 11 years the Holiday Train event in Cottage Grove has raised more than $660,800.

Pre-stop fundraising includes selling Holiday Loaves baked by SuperMom's at area churches; a Pancake Breakfast at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Cottage Grove on Dec. 7; bagging groceries at Cub Foods in Cottage Grove Nov. 23; "Ten Days of Giving" at local schools sponsored by Merchants Bank with assistance from Werner Electric Supply, Edwards Plumbing and South Washington Schools. Anchor Bank is sponsoring the sale of "Train Cut-Outs" at local businesses.

Donations also can be made by sending checks to the Friends in Need Food Shelf to the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 16, Cottage Grove, MN 55016.

stillwater

Investigators of the paranormal return

"Paranormal Investigations: Techniques & Theories" a second annual presentation by Johnsdale Paranormal Group, will be presented at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Warden's House Museum, 602 Main St. N., Stillwater.

Since last year's event, the group has investigated reportedly haunted locales such as St. Cloud State University, Palmer House Hotel in Sauk Centre, the Mantorville Restoration House and the Warden's House itself.

During their presentation, founder Justin Miner and his co-investigators will delve into the evidence they have gathered over the last year and will also explain exactly what goes into a "ghost hunt."

They will also showcase their state-of-the-art equipment, such as their latest acquisition — a FLIR Thermal Imaging Camera. Several books containing collections of haunted houses and businesses in Minnesota will also be available through Washington County Historical Society, sponsor of the free event.

Weekend open for trick-or-treaters

Trick or Treat on Main Street takes place in downtown Stillwater from noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 26.

Participating merchants will have a Trick or Treat sign in windows of their store or restaurant.

afton

Halloween trail to enliven Old Village

The fourth annual "Trick or Treat Trail," put on by the Afton Area Business Association, takes place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25.

Kids are invited to follow St. Croix Trail through the historic Old Village from Sail Away Café to Selma's Ice Cream Parlour for a free Halloween event. Children will visit more than 15 participating shops, businesses and restaurants to collect free treats and enjoy fall activities such as pumpkin decorating, Halloween crafts, ghostly games, cookie decorating and more. Selma's Ice Cream Parlour will again host a contest encouraging children to "Scream for Ice Cream."

Complete schedules are available at participating merchants. This non-scary event is best suited for children ages 10 and under. Costumes are encouraged.

Afterward, families are invited to take a fall drive to Afton's apple orchards, preserves and nurseries. For more information, visit www.exploreafton.com

lake elmo

Spooky tales to be told around campfire

Spooky Campfire Tales will be presented from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Av. N., Lake Elmo.

A limited supply of s'mores and roasting sticks will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring treats to roast at the bonfire. The Nordic Center provides indoor restrooms, water, vending machines and Wi-Fi; outdoor picnic tables offer program seating. Bring camp chairs to ensure seating.

The free event is sponsored by Washington County Parks, but requires a park pass ($5 daily/$25 annually). 651-430-8370.

mahtomedi

Organist to help set mood for Halloween

Organist Bill Chouinard will present the 10th annual "Tricks and Treats with the Mighty Organ" at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Rd., in Mahtomedi.

The performance, with added special lighting and effects, is designed with young listeners in mind. Children are invited to come in costume and join in a parade inside the room. The concert will also include the famous Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by Bach. Refreshments and treats for kids will be served after the program, and an offering will be received.

More information is available at www.saintandrews.org or by calling 651-426-3261.

Jim Anderson