Article & Photos by Mark Girdauskas

Today, I was a 5-year-old and loved it. I spent a Day Out with Thomas where the smiles and laughs were contagious. St. Thomas is proud to have Thomas the Tank Engine from July 15,16,17 and 22,23,24. This event is located at St. Thomas-Elgin Memorial Centre 80 Wilson Ave.
Thomas has been making children smile for 65 years now in 45 cities in Canada and the U.S. I talked with Bill Watson from the Elgin County Railway Museum and he is so happy that the museum is able to have this event in St. Thomas. This is one of the few local events for children ages 1-6. Around 300 people help out and are all excited to make sure there are smiles aplenty on both children and parents.
Thomas has been making children smile for 65 years now in 45 cities in Canada and the U.S. I talked with Bill Watson from the Elgin County Railway Museum and he is so happy that the museum is able to have this event in St. Thomas. This is one of the few local events for children ages 1-6. Around 300 people help out and are all excited to make sure there are smiles aplenty on both children and parents.

As you walk in and see the Bubble Truck, you can't help but want to make a giant bubble. The Imagination Station is a world of fun with bouncy Thomas & castle, arts & crafts, play tables, models, and the Thomas & Friends Gift Shop. Another great attraction is the daily live entertainment. Don't forget to get a photo taken with the one and only Sir Topham Hatt or have a balloon made by Dotsy the Clown.
When its time for a bite or a drink, there is a great choice of vendors, including Rotary Club of St. Thomas, Pretzel Wagon, Candy Zone, Why Not Cookies and Shaw's Ice-Cream.
When its time for a bite or a drink, there is a great choice of vendors, including Rotary Club of St. Thomas, Pretzel Wagon, Candy Zone, Why Not Cookies and Shaw's Ice-Cream.

Inside, there is also a story telling & video viewing section where you can sit down for a while in air-conditioned comfort.
It was a fun sight to see the little ones run around the Island of Sodor Hay Bale Maze. I saw two very excited guys just as they completed the maze with their grandma. (Left: Nolan & Cole with Grandma Nell)
New this year was the Petting Zoo where you can grab some feed, and make new friends.
As you make your way past the animals you reach the tracks and the star of the event, Thomas himself. Don't forget your tickets for a 25 minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine.
It really is a day of family fun!
It was a fun sight to see the little ones run around the Island of Sodor Hay Bale Maze. I saw two very excited guys just as they completed the maze with their grandma. (Left: Nolan & Cole with Grandma Nell)
New this year was the Petting Zoo where you can grab some feed, and make new friends.
As you make your way past the animals you reach the tracks and the star of the event, Thomas himself. Don't forget your tickets for a 25 minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine.
It really is a day of family fun!