Directions
From U.S. 56, turn south onto Eighth or 11th streets, then west onto High Street. Signs will lead travelers to the Midland Railway Depot.
Midland Railway volunteers have been spending weekends preparing the historic Baldwin City station to share with children the magic of Thomas and Friends’ Day Out.
Thomas, a replica locomotive of the Thomas the Tank Engine of PBS fame, will return to Baldwin City this weekend. Rides will be available on the Midland Railway route Friday, Saturday and Sunday as well as June 8, 9 and 10.
Mildred Davis, telephone information volunteer for Midland Railway, said ticket sales for the event were slower than in the past, but interest in the event was starting to pick up.
Volunteer Art Davis said railcars could carry 2,700 riders a day, and he’s hoping for as many as 3,000 visitors each day Thomas is at the depot.
The magic Thomas works on children requires a little sleight of hand. The train replica is hooked up to the front a Midland Railway locomotive. Although Thomas isn’t actually pulling the train, a conductor who rides inside Thomas is able to make the engine blow steam for watching children.
“The kids just go wild,” Mildred Davis said.
Tickets cost $20, and are available online at www.midland-ry.org at a discounted rate and at full-price at the depot on the days of the event. They will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Children under the age of 2 ride the train for free.
The event grounds will open at 9 a.m., and the first train is scheduled to run at 9:45 a.m. Trains will run every 45 minutes until 3:45 p.m.
The depot grounds will feature Thomas the Train merchandise, storytelling, a magician, putt-putt golf and food vendors that will include barbecue, funnel cakes, hamburgers and hotdogs.
Day Out with Thomas will take place rain or shine.
Comments
Joe Berns 2 years, 8 months ago
We did this several years ago with my son (who is now 11). It was a very fun time, if not a bit hot in the train, but he remembers it.
catchagrenade 2 years, 8 months ago
We were there 2 years ago. It was hot and dusty, but fun and exciting. Expect to PAY (gas + train ride + activities ~~ approx $100 for a family of 4).
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