Meet Thomas The Friendly Steam Engine

DANBURY — All aboard!  Thomas the Tank Engine, Gullane Entertainment’s No. 1 Engine, and the star of the award-winning TV, book and video series, will return to The Danbury Railway Museum July 13-15, bringing joy to young fans with the grassroots event “Day Out With Thomas™.”

Thomas the Tank Engine will roll into Danbury for the three-day event, which offers children and their grown-ups a unique opportunity to meet the beloved Thomas as they take a 20-minute ride through the historic rail yard aboard vintage coaches pulled by a real-live 55-ton steam engine replica of the helpful train. Visitors who spend a “Day Out With Thomas” will also experience the excitement of railroading as they play games, watch Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends videos, interact with exhibits and enjoy a wide variety of live hands-on entertainment.

The event will also include amusement rides, such as a mini Ferris wheel and a slide, clowns (Sparkles, Cricket, and Ms Bubbles), magicians, food, and a petting zoo. The museum’s gift shops will be stocked with all the latest Thomas & Friends merchandise and Sir Topham Hatt, the character that runs the railroad on the Island of Sodor where Thomas and his friends live, will be on hand to meet with fans.

“Day Out With Thomas” has been a popular event with families since its inception in 1996.

Tickets are $13 per person and reservations are strongly recommended. Call 798-5825 or visit the museum, at 170 White Street, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, or Sunday between noon and 5 pm for ticket purchases.

An order form is also available on the museum’s Web site at www.danbury.org/drm/thomas01.htm.

The event will run July 13-15 with gates opening at 9 am and remaining open until 6 pm each day. Due to Thomas’ popularity, tickets are selling very rapidly to fans throughout the Northeast; the Danbury event is expected to sell out.