(NEWS RELEASE)
Amtrak celebrates the past, present and rich future of trains with an event in Chicago on the fourth annual National Train Day, Saturday, May 7, 2010. Amtrak is calling "all kids - young and old" to come to Union Station from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. for one of the four, free signature events taking place nationwide. The celebration will feature live entertainment, interactive and educational exhibits, kids? activities, model trains, tours of Amtrak freight and commuter trains, a train tour of the Amtrak Chicago Hub facilities and notable private railroad cars.
"This year?s event will kick off during Amtrak?s 40th anniversary and is an opportunity to celebrate the company?s contributions to the history and future of passenger rail in this country," said Emmett Fremaux, Vice President, Marketing and Product Development, Amtrak. "National Train Day promises to delight the kid in all of us with a day dedicated to celebrating all things rail."
Exclusively in Chicago
Unique to the Chicago event will be three excursions to transport adults and children by Amtrak train through the facilities where today?s Amtrak trains are prepared to meet the record-breaking numbers of Amtrak passengers. Tickets for the 40-minute trip are free, but advance reservations are required through the National Train Day website. Also exclusive to Chicago this year will be an exhibit honoring the contributions made by Hispanics? to our nation?s railways. "Hands On The Past: Mexican Contributions To The Railroad," will focus on the thousands of Mexicans that came to the U.S. during World War II under the guest worker program, "Railroad Braceros," to build and maintain our nation?s passenger railroad system.
The event will include a live performance from the Million Dollar Quartet, Chicago?s hit Rock „N? Roll musical inspired by a true story - the night Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash made history. Also, the locally and nationally recognized children?s entertainment group, Mr. Singer and the Sharp Cookies will perform. Captivating children and families, the group will perform some of the most popular songs from its album "Muddy Water Beaver Dam Band." For more information about National Train Day events, visit NationalTrainDay.com.
Annual National Train Day
Union Station
Saturday, 11am - 4pm
nationaltrainday.com
