Crystal is originally from Waseca, Minnesota and attended Winona State University. She enjoys reading, hiking, spending time on the water and coffee.

LA CRESCENT, Minn. (WXOW) -- The CPKC Holiday Train rolled through La Crescent Tuesday afternoon, bringing holiday cheer while fundraising for a good cause.

People from around the area gathered Tuesday to see the Christmas-themed train during its first stop of the day.

For many, families it's a long running tradition to kick off their holiday season.

"We come every single year. It's [Blair's] favorite thing," Haley Moore said. "Then she talks about it for literally the whole year until we come back. She loves coming and seeing all the kids, the lights, and singing along with the music."

Those who stopped to see the train were also treated to live music from the Lone Bellow and Tiera Kennedy.

It wasn't just family-fun Tuesday as the CPKC Holiday Train also raises money and items for area food shelves.

Tuesday, they were supporting the La Crescent Food Shelf, which included a $5,500 check.

After La Crescent, the Holiday Train then brought some holiday cheer to Winona.