It's not unusual to see trains chugging through this community carrying freight and passengers to and fro.

But to see a train, decked out in thousands of Christmas lights and hauling a car or two full of entertainers and celebrity well-wishers (including ol' St. Nick) is still a little shocking.

Tonight (Tuesday), the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will roll into the Port Haney station - across from the Billy Miner Pub - at 7: 45 p.m.

People are once again invited down to see the spectacle, to be entertained by carollers from the Port Haney Neighbourhood Change Initiative, and to listen to country performers Doc Walker and Miss Emily sing on the boxcar stage.

The holiday train has been raising food, money, and awareness for food banks in communities across Canada and the U.S. since 1999. Almost from the beginning, Maple Ridge has been one of the stops along that route, with all food and funds raised during the local visit staying in the community to help the Friends In Need Food Bank.

Last year alone, the local food bank received more than $20,000.

Spectators are asked to dress warm and bring a cash donation or non-perishable food items such as infant formula, canned meats, peanut butter, or canned vegetables and fruit to help those in need.

Since the holiday train's inception, it has helped raise $5.6 million and 2.45 million pounds of food.