Thomas lures large crowds to Heber City

HEBER — Chilly weather and stormy skies weren't enough to keep children away from ogling a certain blue engine at Saturday's "Day out with Thomas" event at the Heber Valley Historic Railroad.

An estimated 9,500 people filtered through "Shining Time" station since Thursday, with another 8,000 expected to attend before Thomas chugs away on Tuesday— hopefully in better weather.

"We try to plan for everything," said Craig Lacey, executive director of the Heber Valley Historic Railroad. "We were sunburned on Thursday and cold on Friday, but you have to learn to go with the flow."

White circus tents covered tables with Thomas toys, tattoos and T-shirts in case of rain, but the children didn't seem to mind as they shrieked and cooed over the baby goats in the petting zoo.

Pony rides, a balloon artist and live entertainment also helped distract from the chilly temperatures while waiting for a turn on the 25-minute train ride with Thomas.

"We have such extreme weather in Utah — we're either freezin' or fryin'," said Lynett Ward, who came with her daughter and grandchildren. "We're used to freezing."

Still, parents made makeshift coats for the kids out of over-sized sweatshirts and blankets, and huddled in the outdoor car as noses ran and cheeks grew red.

As the train lurched down the track, the cold was forgotten as cries of excitement filled the air and more than one little boy could be heard to say "this is awesome!"

It's more than just Thomas the character that draws the crowds, Lacey said. It's Thomas the Train that fascinates young and old, and connects people to the railroad.

"On the plane you go so fast," Ward said. "In the car, you have to watch the road. But on a train, someone else is driving and you have more time to observe — just rambling along."

Lacey said the proceeds from special events like the "Day out with Thomas" are what keep the railroad going. The railroad is owned by the state of Utah, is a non-profit organization, and has no other source of income.

The railroad spends approximately $1.5 million per year on maintenance and upkeep of the 100-year-old engines and cars that run through Heber valley.

"Everything we earn, we just put right back in," Lacey said. "We have the incentive here to do all we can to maintain the railroad."

Even though having Thomas come to town helps pay the bills, Lacey said, the real thrill is seeing the eyes of a two-year-old light up as the steam of an old-fashioned blue engine comes into view.

"It's exciting," Lacey said. "There's never a dull moment."

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E-mail: achoate@desnews.com