Thomas the Tank Engine - Date? Photographer? *1.

Heber City Utah - Thomas the Tank Engine, star of more than 66 books, a children's television show, and a series of videos, will make his first appearance in Utah beginning 30 May 2002.
 
"This is the first U.S. tour of this engine this side of the Mississippi, and Heber Valley is the only place this engine will appear this year," said Ken McConnell, marketing director for Heber Valley Railroad.
 
"This is going to be a really popular annual event," said Craig Lacey, executive director for the railroad.
 
"Tickets are selling a lot faster than we anticipated."
 
Created in 1945 by Rev. Wilbert Awdry of England, Thomas the Tank Engine celebrates his 57th birthday this year.
 
Families will be able to take photos with Thomas and his partner, Sir Topham Hatt, before embarking on a 30 minute train ride to the Provo River and back.
 
"It's a family-oriented activity that we put on for good, clean, wholesome, family entertainment," McConnell said.
 
Thomas will visit the Heber Valley Railroad on 30-31 May 2002 and 1, 6, 7, and 8 Jun 2002.
 
An estimated 15,000 people are expected to visit the Heber railroad during Thomas' stay.
 
In addition to a train ride aboard Thomas, visitors can enjoy temporary tattoos, magic shows, an Imagination Station where kids can play with Thomas toys, steam locomotive displays, Thomas videos, live music, and more.
 
Festivities begin at 09:00 with the first Thomas train leaving the depot at 10:00.
 
Trains will operate every hour on the hour until 18:00.
 
Author unknown.