Saskatoon crowd braves downpour for Canada 150 train
Train brought hoop dancer Dallas Arcand and country singers Dean Brody, Kelly Prescott to Saskatoon to perform
A special Canada 150 train chugged into Saskatoon Tuesday evening, carrying politicians, country crooners, and a renowned hoop dancer to celebrate the country and its rail history.
A diesel locomotive from 1958 led 10 restored Royal Canadian Pacific heritage cars, and one special "Spirit of Tomorrow" car, decorated with cards from children across the country.
The children wrote down their hopes and dreams for Canada's future, and their cards will later be pasted to the train which will be included in CP's Holiday Train program later this year.
"We thought it would be kind of cool to see the train and the thing about putting stickers on the train with all the hopes for our youth, I thought that was kinda cool," said DJ Vogelsen, who was among those in attendance Tuesday night.
His wish?
"I just hope that we can all get along and love one another."
Country singers Dean Brody and Kelly Prescott entertained the crowd, despite some rainy weather. Dallas Arcand, a champion hoop dancer, was a draw for many.
Most youngsters at the event had never stepped foot on a train, or even seen a train car up close.
William Steeney sat atop his father John's shoulders to get a good view of the long line of railcars.
"William loves trains and we wanted to see this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said John.
I'd like to see the whole country come together and have peace, and everybody get along like the railroaders used to do.- Cliff Silbernagle, former CP employee
Others, like Cliff Silbernagle, have a special affinity for the Canadian Pacific railroad. CP is in his family's blood.
"It was quite a thing. My grandfather, my dad, a couple brothers, a son that worked there for a little while," said Silbernagle, who worked for decades as a section foreman and in maintenance from Revelstoke, B.C., to Ignace, Ont.
"If it wasn't for the railroad getting across this country, how would you get things from coast to coast? It was a great feat to get through the mountains," he said.
Despite their differences in age and experience, Silbernagle's wish for Canada's future mirrors young DJ Vogelsen's.
"I'd like to see the whole country come together and have peace, and everybody get along like the railroaders used to do," said Silbernagle.
"It would be a great thing."
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