All aboard for the best birthday party ever!  Thomas the Tank Engine is coming to Essex to celebrate with all of his fans.  Thomas, the beloved and courageous storybook engine, is set to roll into Essex Steam Train for the Day Out With Thomas: The Celebration Tour 2010, presented by HIT Entertainment, a worldwide leader in children’s entertainment, and sponsored by MEGA Brands, a leading toy company.  This fun-filled event offers preschoolers and their families the opportunity to take a ride with a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends series. Children will ride along with their favorite hero on his latest adventure.

Highlights of the tour include:

- A 25-minute (approximate) ride with Thomas the Tank Engine
- An opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of The Railway
- Activities for the whole family, including arts & crafts, storytelling, video viewing, live music, magic, face painting, Kaboose the Clown, and the thrill of climbing aboard a Diesel Locomotive Simulator to drive the engine, toot the horn and ring the bell!
- NEW!  A special display at every DOWT location celebrating 65 years of Thomas the Tank Engine
- NEW! 2010 commemorative merchandise and giveaways, including a mini-view finder giveaway that tells the story of Thomas upcoming adventure, Misty Island Rescue
- NEW!  A photo opportunity with Roary the Racing Car
- NEW!  An authentic rail yard experience complete with a tour of Essex Locomotive Works

DATE: May 8-9 and May 15-16 

TIME:  9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Essex Steam Train, 1 Railroad Avenue, Essex, CT  06426

Purchase Tickets: http://essexsteamtrain.com/dowt2010/main_MoM.html 

** Enter promo code: MOM for a $2 discount! **

For more information and directions, contact Essex Steam Train & Riverboat at 800-377-3987 or visit www.essexsteamtrain.com.  For information on Thomas & Friends, visit www.thomasandfriends.com