By BECKY CRISSMAN
becky.crissman@cordeledispatch.com

CORDELE — Beloved storybook character and star of the animated children’s television series Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends will be chugging back into the Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park on the SAM Shortline railroad for the fifth consecutive year with the Leader of the Track Tour.
Fans of Thomas, both young and young at heart, can enjoy the “Day out with Thomas” event at the Park for two weekends October 16-18 and October 24-25.
Patrons can enjoy a 25 minute ride on the famous tank engine down the SAM Shortline railroad, have their picture made with Sir Topham Hatt or Gopher the GA State Parks Mascot. They can visit and play at the covered imagination station, join in on storytelling and crafts, music and more. There will also be a maze and mini golf, inflatable bouncy house, face painting and temporary tattoos. There will be a variety of food vendors on sight selling goodies from burgers and sandwiches to cotton candy and ice cream. A Day out with Thomas would not be complete without visiting the large souvenir shop which will be overflowing with Thomas toys and apparel.
Tickets for the Day out with Thomas are available online at ticketweb.com or contact Ticket Web at (866)468-7630. Walk-ups could be available for various times during the event but are not guaranteed, so it is better to have your tickets in advanced. Pre-ordered tickets can be picked up at the event.
Patrons may choose from six different riding times each day: 10 a.m., 10:45, 11:30, 12:45 p.m. 1:30, or 2:15 and 3 p.m. It is recommended that participants arrive at the state park at least one hour prior to boarding time. Parking is available inside Georgia Veterans State Park for a $5 daily fee. A free shuttle will be available for transport to the train station. The park is located at 2459 Hwy 280 West.