CRISP COUNTY, GA (WALB) -
Classic storybook engine, Thomas the Tank Engine, rolled into Georgia Veterans State Park Sunday. It's part of the "Day Out With Thomas: Mystery On The Rails Tour."
Thousands of people from all over the Southeast drove to Cordele this weekend for one reason.
"We are here to ride the train Thomas the train," said Kelly Gagne.
"This little guy loves Thomas, I think one of his first words was choo choo," said Colleen Katzenberger.
This fun-filled event offers little engineers 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 and participate in Thomas-themed activities.
The Gagne family drove an hour and a half so two year old Jackson could see his favorite animated character up close.
"Whenever it comes on, he loves it, he sings the songs, dances," said Gagne.
This year, the train attracted about 8,000 riders, providing much needed revenue to the SAM Shortline Excursion Train.
"We really have to have this event to help us to subsidize the regular excursions we operate," said Lee Kinnamon.
The event also a major economic engine for Sumter and Crisp counties.
"The money that is brought into the communities in terms of the tax collected for hotels, the gas, the food, the merchants who see the tourists who come for this event," said Kinnamon.
Each year the tour grows, traveling to new destinations, adding new activities and welcoming new visitors.
You can find out information on the holiday train excursions coming up in November and December by clicking here.
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