Published: May 08, 2008 01:23 am      

MEDINA: Thomas the Tank Engine pulls in Friday to railroad museum station

MEDINA — The beloved storybook character Thomas the Tank Engine will be pulling into the Medina Railroad Museum station on Friday to the pleasure of many children — from Orleans County and around the world.

Owner, conductor and Museum Director Marty Phelps said in the past, they have had visitors from throughout New York state and the rest of the country as well as from Toronto, Montreal, Japan and Australia, to name a few. With Thomas’ fourth annual visit to Medina, he isn’t expecting any less of a combination of cultures.

“It’s really nice to see the comments from the fanatics that come from all around the world,” Phelps said.

As the designated conductor — a title that is complemented with an outfit Phelps traditionally wears that comes complete with pocket watch — he said the weekends Thomas is in the area are simply an incredible experience.

But that’s not to say there isn’t a ton of hard work that goes into having the two weekends the train is in town go off without a hitch. That’s where the museum’s event director Linda Klein comes into play. Since January, she has been busy preparing for Thomas’ arrival — filling out paperwork, signing contracts, finding volunteers and now setting up tents, tables and blowing up balloons.

“Two weeks before Thomas is just 24-hours-a day work,” Klein said. In years past, Klein said they have had between 15,000 and 16,000 visitors, which means there is a lot to prepare for. But, with much of the planning and preparation behind her, it’s time to get down to the business of having fun.

This year there will also be a beekeeper on site — minus the bees, Klein said — which ties in with one of the Thomas stories, “James Goes Buzz Buzz.” In the children’s stories, James is a bright red engine with too many important things to do. Though he can’t be bothered with bees, they enjoy cozying up in his boiler, which drives him buggy. Along with the beekeeper, there are many other events within the event, such as a magician, clowns and live music, Klein said.

“We have a big Thomas bouncy house this year. It’s just adorable. The kids are going to love that,” she said, adding there are safety measures to be taken along with the fun. “(We’ve put) fencing up around the property for safety for the kids.”

And the kids are exactly what the entire weekend is about ... for the most part. Klein said one repeat customer has told the event director that when her children grow up, she would probably continue coming because of the pure enjoyment of the event.

“It’s a great event for all of us,” Phelps said. “Just to look at the joy and the fun of everybody of all ages — it’s just fun for everyone.”

Volunteers really help the event continue to be successful. Klein said she has approximately 125 volunteers on site per day, many of whom are from civic and non-profit organizations. For example, the Medina Lions Club takes care of the parking; the American Red Cross in Orleans County handles all the train-boarding areas; and members of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library offer their time to read Thomas stories to children at the Senior Citizens Center, which is across the street from the museum. In return for their help, once the profits and number of volunteers are counted, the museum gives over a donation to the organization.

“They all have so much fun. We’re so fortunate there’s always people from the community wanting to help,” Klein said.

Contact reporter Miranda Vagg at 798-1400, ext. 2225.



Get on the train

• WHAT: Day Out With Thomas

• WHERE: Medina Railroad Museum, 530 West Ave., Medina

• WHEN: Noon to 6:30 Friday; 9 a.m. to 6:30 Saturday and Sunday. Hours will be the same for the May 16, 17 and 18 events.