The Little Engine That Could comes to life

The premiere children's entertainment event of 2005 returns to the Smoky Mountains! The Little Engine That Could, with her cars full of good things for boys and girls, will cross the mountains, steaming into the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot in Bryson City, North Carolina. Sporting a bright blue engine, a big yellow bell and yellow wheels, the brave Little Engine will chugg off the pages of a beloved children's book, coming to life to inspire a whole new generation.

Based on the timeless book series by Watty Piper first published in 1930, cobblestone streets, old time gas lamps, and warm, friendly people will guide the way to the depot in the middle of town. The Little Engine That Could will visit Friday through Sunday; April 14 - 16 and 21 - 23, - with her stack pipe stretching high to catch sight of the boys and girls, the Little Engine will be waiting on the track to once again carry the children up the mountain, proving her courageous words "I think I can, I think I can."

What a time and place to plant memories! Never will you (nor your children) forget the royal blue smile on the smokestack of the Little Engine, the wide-eyed joy in the faces of your children, the lush new leaves of spring accenting the dogwood blossoms of April, the glistening Tuckasegee River meandering through the mountainous terrain. When "I think I can, I think I can" turns to "I thought I could, I thought I could," there will not be one sad face on the train, and amid the cheers of success, quiet satisfaction will rumble in the hearts of all.

Accompanying The Little Engine That Could are the characters from the classic book-a clown, dolls, bears-all there to bring alive this enduring story of motivation and courage. Live musical entertainment, story reading, a petting zoo, face painting and other children's activities will abound.

Ticket price is $15.00 for ages one and over, which includes the train ride and an full day of fun and activities. Advance ticket sales are available by calling the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad at 1-800-872-4681 or 828586-8811. Reservations are strongly suggested. Seating is on a limited basis and tickets are expected to sell out quickly.

Launched by an agreement with Rail Events, Inc., (through Universal Studios and Penguin Group Inc.), the full-sized replica of The Little Engine That Could (built by Strasburg Rail Road Company) will make a dozen appearances nationwide.