Amtrak will celebrate the past, present and future of trains with an event in New Orleans on the fourth annual National Train Day, on Saturday, May 7, 2011. Amtrak is calling “all kids – young and old” to come to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. to join in its 40th anniversary celebrations.
The celebration will include operating model trains as well as railroad, tourism and historical exhibits, with tours of the Amtrak Sunset Limited train and luxury private railcars “NYC 43” and “Hickory Creek.”
“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, Amtrak vice president, marketing and product development.
National Train Day commemorates the 142nd anniversary of the transcontinental railroad’s inception by bringing to life the rich history of how trains transformed America.
The National Train Day celebration in New Orleans will feature drawings for Amtrak prizes, operating scale-model trains, displays from the National Park Service and its Trails and Rails Program, Louisiana Steam Train Association, Operation Lifesaver safety information and ideas for food and travel activities from Southeast Louisiana Gumbo (selagumbo.com) and LouisianaTravel.com.
Visit www.amtrak.com or www.nationaltrainday.com.
