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."
