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All Aboard For Fun: "Day Out With Thomas" In New Jersey!

Last revised: March 18, 2024

By: Adam Burns

A "Day Out With Thomas" is a family-friendly event that offers a range of activities for children and their families.  In New Jersey, Thomas will make an appearance at the Delaware River Railroad Excursions in Phillipsburg, hosted by the New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society.

Every location celebrates Thomas's visit in a slightly different way but here are some typical activities that you can expect to find at the event:

Train Rides: The main attraction of the event is a 25-minute train ride on a full-sized Thomas the Tank Engine train. Children and their families get to ride in train cars decorated with Thomas and Friends characters.

Meet-and-Greet: Children can meet and take pictures with Thomas and other characters from the series, such as Percy and Sir Topham Hatt.

Live Entertainment: The event features live entertainment such as magic shows, storytelling, and music performances that are designed to engage and entertain young children.

Interactive Activities: There are a variety of interactive activities for children to enjoy, such as arts and crafts, face painting, and a petting zoo.

Thomas & Friends Merchandise: Fans can purchase exclusive "Day Out With Thomas" merchandise, including t-shirts, hats, and toys, as a keepsake to remember the special day.

Overall, "Day Out With Thomas" offers a fun and interactive experience that is perfect for families with young children who love Thomas and his friends. The event provides a unique opportunity for children to ride on a full-sized train with Thomas and take part in a range of activities that are sure to delight and entertain.

The "Day Out With Thomas" events are based on upon the popular television series, "Thomas & Friends" which originally debuted in 1984.

The British series was aimed at young children and has been entertaining audiences since its inception. The show is based on The Railway Series books by Reverend W. Awdry and his son Christopher, and features a cast of lovable anthropomorphic trains who live on the Island of Sodor. In this article, we will explore the characters, themes, and history of this beloved children's show.

Characters:

The show's main character is Thomas the Tank Engine, a cheerful and plucky blue engine who is always eager to help his friends. Other notable characters include Percy, a small green engine who is Thomas's best friend; James, a red engine who is vain and sometimes boastful; Gordon, a blue engine who is proud and sometimes grumpy; and Emily, a green engine who is kind and resourceful. The show also features a wide array of other trains, as well as non-railway vehicles such as buses and helicopters.

Themes:

Thomas & Friends is known for its positive messages and educational content. The show often teaches children about important values such as friendship, teamwork, and perseverance. Each episode has a clear moral lesson, and the characters learn and grow from their experiences. The show also introduces children to basic concepts such as colors, shapes, and numbers.

History:

The first episode of Thomas & Friends aired in the United Kingdom in 1984, and the show quickly became a hit with young viewers. The series has since been translated into numerous languages and is broadcast in over 100 countries.

The show has undergone several changes over the years, including updates to the animation style and the introduction of new characters. In recent years, the show has also incorporated more diverse characters and storylines to reflect the changing world around us.

Conclusion:

Thomas & Friends is a beloved children's television show that has captivated young audiences for almost four decades. The show's enduring popularity can be attributed to its lovable characters, positive messages, and educational content. With its cheerful trains and catchy theme song, Thomas & Friends has become a staple of children's entertainment and is sure to continue entertaining generations of young viewers to come.

Delaware River Railroad Excursions

(Phillipsburg): The Delaware River Railroad Excursions is operated by the New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society.  The excursions have grown into a popular attraction for the Phillipsburg region, witnessing around 100,000 passengers annually.  Throughout the year the railroad features everything from wine trains to the official "The Polar Express" train rides.  In addition, they also host a "Day Out With Thomas" the tank engine during one weekend in the summer.

2024 Dates

• August 16 - August 18

The Delaware River Railroad Excursions have grown into a popular attraction for the Phillipsburg region, witnessing around 100,000 passengers annually.  The heritage of these train rides begins with the New York Susquehanna & Western Technical & Historical Society (NYS&WT&HS), a non-profit organization founded in 1988.

The excursions were founded in 2004 in partnership with the town of Phillipsburg, it's Urban Enterprise Zone, and the NYS&WT&HS with the goal of revitalizing the South Main Street area.  They currently operate excursions over 15 miles of track along the Delaware River between Phillipsburg and Riegelsville, New Jersey (with Riegelsville, Pennsylvania situated directly across the river).

This track is owned by short line freight carrier Black River and Western Railroad, which also hosts its own public excursions.  Some of its trips are even pulled by a historic steam locomotive, 2-8-0 #60.

All Delaware River Railroad Excursions are hosted within restored passenger cars dating from the 1950s, which originally ran on the Long Island Rail Road in New York.