Last night, the CPKC Holiday Train rolled mightily into LaPlace, transforming the local station into a festive scene right out of a holiday postcard. In an evening that locals will not soon forget, attendees were treated to a concert-style show featuring musical talents Emily Ann Roberts and Dylan Marlowe. According to a social media post from St. John the Baptist Parish, the performances filled the night with a collective spirit of holiday cheer as the melodies of classic and contemporary Christmas tunes resonated through the air.
The appeal of this annual tradition extends well beyond the music and holiday cheer. Santa Claus made a special appearance, delighting children and families and adding to the festive energy as attendees posed for photos to capture the moment. St. John the Baptist Parish encouraged residents to share their snapshots using the #cpkctrain and #stjohnparish hashtags, creating a shared online gallery that complemented the in-person celebration. The collection of images formed a digital extension of the night’s festivities, highlighting the community spirit that defined the event in LaPlace.
At its core, the CPKC Holiday Train aims to deliver more than festive cheer—it seeks to provide meaningful support to communities in need. The initiative places food security front and center during a season defined by generosity. At each stop, the Holiday Train collects donations and raises funds for local food banks, offering vital assistance to families facing food insecurity during the otherwise high-spirited holiday period.
The appeal to give back was met with strong community support, as residents turned out with enthusiasm. As the train moved on to its next stop, it left behind a community brightened not only by holiday lights but by generous displays of goodwill. "Thank you to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable holiday tradition!" the St. John the Baptist Parish post exclaimed, the gesture underscored appreciation for the crowd’s involvement and their shared dedication to supporting neighbors in need. It is rare for a single event to encapsulate the spirit of the season so completely, but residents of LaPlace say the CPKC Holiday Train does just that—transforming an evening of celebration into a meaningful moment of community connection and genuine generosity.
