Between 17,000 and 18,000 people are expected to ride the Heber Creeper during Thomas' five-day visit, said Craig Lacey, the railroad's executive director.
"It helps to connect the generations," Lacey said. "This is something that ties kids in with trains."
The cheeky Thomas will be attached to the "Heber Creeper," making a 25-minute run that begins and ends at the HVRR's station, 450 S. 600 West, Heber City. The train leaves every 45 minutes, starting at noon Thursday and Friday and at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Tickets are $14 for anyone 2 years old and up. Tickets are available through SmithsTix outlets or by phone (800-888-TIXX), or online at http://www.hebervalleyrr.org. Some of the prime departure times are already sold out.
The railroad has several related events around the depot, including musicians, a magician, rides on a 7 1/2 -inch-gauge miniature train, an arts-and-crafts booth and the chance for kids to have their picture taken with Sir Topham Hatt (the character who runs the railroad on the Island of Sodor where Thomas and his engine pals toil). This year, the Barnyard Bash petting zoo in Herriman will bring its animals for children to meet.
The "Day Out With Thomas" tour has been running since 1995, and the Heber Valley Railroad has been one of its stops since 2002. Lacey said it's one of the HVRR's most popular events.
Children "come in with beaming anticipation, to see what kind of adventure we can have here," Lacey said. "I don't think very many leave disappointed. Most of them kicking and screaming, because they don't want to go home."
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Contact Sean Means at spmeans@sltrib.com or 801-257-8602. Send comments to livingeditor@sltrib.com.
Thomas Timeline
* Inspiration: The Rev. W. Awdry's father builds him a model railway in 1917 in the backyard garden of the British vicarage where they lived.
* A story: Christopher Awdry, in bed with the measles in 1943, becomes the first boy to be told a "Railway Series" story, about an engine called Edward. That same year, The Rev. W. Awdry sketches pictures to go with his stories.
* A book: Edward's Day Out is published in 1945, the first in "The Railway Series."
* TV debut: "Thomas and Friends" animated series is broadcast in 1984.
* Celebrity voices: Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr in 1985 is first celebrity to narrate the TV series. Alec Baldwin narrates new episodes in the U.S. in 2002.
* Atlantic crossing: "Thomas and Friends" in 1989 arrives in America on PBS; Japan is the next international stop, in 1991.
* Family fest: Thomas travels to Wisconsin in 1996 for the first U.S. "Day out with Thomas" event.
* Bigscreen: In 2000, Thomas stars in the movie, "Thomas and the Magic Railroad."
* Anniversary: In 2005, Thomas and Friends celebrate 60 years of railway fun.
-Source: http://www.thomasandfriends.com/
usa/funfacts.html
If you go
Thomas the Tank Engine will be visiting Heber Valley Railroad, starting Thursday and running through Memorial Day. The train will make 25-minute runs that begin and end at the railroad station, 450 S. 600 West, Heber City. The train leaves every 45 minutes, starting at noon Thursday and Friday and at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. There will be other festivities as part of the event.
Tickets are $14 for anyone 2 years old and up. Tickets are available through SmithsTix outlets or by phone (800-888-TIXX), or online at http://www.hebervalleyrr.org. Some of the prime departure times are already sold out.
