The classic storybook engine Thomas the Tank Engine will roll into the historic Billings Depot, July 10-12, for a Day Out With Thomas 2009: The Great Discovery Tour, presented by Montana Rail Link, the event railroad sponsor, and HIT Entertainment, a worldwide leader in children’s entertainment.

This fun-filled event will offer children and their families the opportunity for an approximate 25-minute train ride on a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends series. Departure times for the train rides will be from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

In addition to train rides, the Day Out With Thomas Great Discovery Tour will offer an opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, controller of The Railway; inflatables of the engine friends; and free activities for the entire family, including arts and crafts, storytelling, video viewing, live music, a Thomas Bounce House, and more.

The tour, now in its 14th year, will make stops in only select cities throughout the U.S. “Because Billings has the beautifully-renovated Depot, as well as one of the nation’s top rail lines, Montana Rail Link, we were fortunate to be chosen as a host site for Thomas the Train,” said Tamra Millikan, chairwoman of the weekend-long event, who encourages families to take advantage of this unique opportunity by purchasing their tickets early.

Tickets for the train rides are $18, with reduced prices of $14 for groups of 20 or more. All family activities are free. For tickets, visit the Web site at www.ticketweb.com/dowt, or call Ticketweb toll-free at 866-468-7630.
For information on Thomas & Friends, visit www.thomasandfriends.com