(Amtrak issued the following on April 7, 2011.)
LOS ANGELES — Amtrak celebrates the past, present and rich future of trains with an event in Los Angeles on the fourth annual National Train Day, Saturday, May 7, 2011. 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, 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 Los Angeles
Unique to Los Angeles this year, there will be an exhibit showcasing archived photos, facts and stories about the 19th century Chinese contribution to the development of the railroad in partnership with local Asian community and cultural organizations.
In addition, there will be a second exhibit featuring the 21 California Missions along the El Camino Real (also known as The Royal Highway located between San Diego and San Francisco), a California Mission docent will be on hand to speak about the history of the Missions and their connection to the railroad, as well as an Amtrak representative that will speak about current travel routes and trips.
The event will also include a live performance from The Never Land Pirate Band, who provide all of the original pirate rock music for Disney Junior’s #1 series, Jake and the Never Land Pirates. Band members Sharky and Bones will perform some of their biggest hits “Hot Lava,” “Roll up the Map,” and “Talk like a Pirate.” Music from The Never Land Pirate Band can be heard weekdays on Radio Disney Junior.
National Train Day Exhibits and Festivities
National Train Day marks 142 years of connecting travelers coast to coast and commemorates the day the transcontinental railroad was created. On May 10, 1869, in Promontory Summit, Utah, the “golden spike” was driven into the final tie that joined 1,776 miles of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways, transforming America by creating the nation’s transcontinental railroad. All who attend will enjoy the following displays:
– State Partnership Display: Learn about how Amtrak partners with each state to provide specialized service. A locally-focused exhibit will be on display at each major National Train Day celebration.
– Amtrak High Speed Rail Display: Take a look at an exhibit that showcases Amtrak’s leadership, expertise and experience with high speed rail.
– K-9 Unit Demonstrations: Witness Amtrak Security K-9 Units, one of the largest programs in the country, perform demonstrations with the dogs and their handlers.
– Amtrak: Dining the Rail Way: Catch a glimpse of the history of dining on trains, view live cooking demonstrations from Amtrak chefs and sample meals offered in Amtrak’s dining cars.
– Train Equipment Displays: Get up close and personal with Amtrak railcars to experience first-hand the modern amenities and accommodations offered by passenger rail. Then take a peek at how passengers traveled in generations past by touring a variety of historic train cars and privately-owned luxury coaches. Commuter and freight equipment displays (featured in select markets) will highlight today’s modern rail passenger services and how “green” locomotives are transforming the nation’s freight fleet. For this exhibit, participants will be able to order tickets prior to the event at www.nationaltrainday.com.
– Amtrak Train Tour: An optional tour will transport adults and children by Amtrak train through the Chicago Hub facilities to show how today’s Amtrak trains are prepared to meet the record-breaking numbers of Amtrak passengers.
– Model Train Displays: Delight in the craft of model train displays and take a closer look at these miniature masterpieces.
– Amtrak 40th Anniversary Display: On May 1, 2011, Amtrak will celebrate 40 years as America’s Railroadsm. Explore the history of Amtrak and find out more about the future of passenger rail, as well as current routes, amenities and onboard offerings.
– AmtraKids Depot: Attend the Amtrak 40th birthday party at the AmtraKids Depot and discover the kid in you by creating party decorations, engaging in fun arts and crafts and playing interactive games with surprise giveaways throughout the day.
For more information about National Train Day events, visit www.NationalTrainDay.com.
About Amtrak®:
Amtrak is America’s Railroad, the nation’s intercity passenger rail provider and its only high-speed rail operator. A record 28.7 million passengers traveled on Amtrak in FY 2010 on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Amtrak operates trains in partnership with 15 states and four commuter rail agencies. Amtrak also is a strong financial performer achieving an 85 percent cost-recovery ratio in FY 2010. Enjoy the journey at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Amtrak.