Thomas the Tank Engine whistles into Tweetsie Railroad

May 23—BLOWING ROCK — All aboard! Thomas the Tank Engine, everyone's favorite blue engine, is heading to Tweetsie Railroad and bringing a colorful new spin to Day Out With Thomas events. For the first time, Thomas and Friends will be celebrating the magic and beauty of color with Day Out With Thomas: The Color Tour. The Color Tour will be stopping at Tweetsie Railroad (300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln., Blowing Rock) on June 9-12 and 15-18, 2023.

Day Out With Thomas is a fun-filled, family event that takes place at Heritage Railways across the country. Every ticket includes an interactive train ride with a life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine as well as access to a full day of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Guests will be able to enjoy live entertainment, photo ops with Thomas and Sir Topham Hatt, lawn games as well as stop by the gift shop for exclusive Thomas swag.

This year, Day Out With Thomas is celebrating color. Guests can expect plenty of colorful, family-friendly activities. Even Thomas will be getting in on the fun. Fans will be able to snap photos with Thomas, who will be adorned with colorful paint splats. With plenty of fun for everyone, guests are encouraged to invite friends and family to create new memories that are certain to last a lifetime. This celebration of color is one you won't want to miss.

Friends and families will take a 20-minute interactive train ride featuring a talking Thomas the Tank Engine locomotive.

There will be a number of activities and entertainment featuring:

— Snap some photos, take part in a painting activity and have some lawn game fun in The Color Corner

— Play with your favorite Thomas & Friends toys then pick out a temporary tattoo in the Play Pod

— Photo opportunities throughout the event, including with Thomas himself

— A Digital Color Pass that will guide guests through the event experience highlighting the four key station stops to visit for a free giveaway

— Live entertainment including dance performances in the Tweetsie Palace and musical performances in Miner's Mountain Theater

— Outdoor activities including amusement rides for all ages, gold panning and gem mining, the Miner's Mountain playground and the Deer Park Zoo

— Say hello to Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway

— A full day of family fun and entertainment at Tweetsie Railroad Wild West Theme Park

— Gift shop on-site with exclusive Thomas & Friends products only available at Day Out With Thomas

— Food and drinks available on-site for purchase

Select your designated train departure time when purchasing tickets at www.tweetsie.com. Ticket prices are $60 for adults and $40 for children ages 3-12. Children 2 and under are always admitted free. Advanced tickets are required. Walk-up sales will not be available.

For more information and directions, contact Tweetsie Railroad at www.tweetsie.com or call 877-TWEETSIE (877-893-3874).

For more information about Thomas & Friends please visit: www.thomasandfriends.com, www.facebook.com/thomasandfriends and for bonus material and exclusive content www.youtube.com/user/thomasandfriends.

Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children's and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, Masters of the Universe, Monster High, and MEGA, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world's leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com.

Tweetsie Railroad, North Carolina's first theme park, has been creating memories and offering family-friendly Wild West adventure since 1957. Visitors to Tweetsie Railroad enjoy a variety of interactive experiences including an unforgettable and exciting three-mile trip into the Old West on a train pulled by historic narrow-gauge steam locomotives. Other attractions include live shows, classic amusement rides, the Deer Park Zoo, gem mining, and more.

Tweetsie Railroad is open Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day Monday, through May 29th. Beginning June 1st, the park will be open Thursday through Monday and July 4th (closed Tuesday and Wednesday), through August 13th. Beginning August 14th, the park will return to its weekend schedule, open Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day Monday through October 29th. The park's regular hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and nightly during Ghost Train and Tweetsie Christmas.