Chamber seeks volunteers for 'Thomas' train runs
Free train tickets offered
BY LELAND ACKER

Thomas the Tank l Engine will chug into Rusk the last two weekends in October with special activities and train rides. Between 10,000 and 20,000 visitors are anticipated, and American Heritage Railways confirms ticket sales of 2,208 so far.

With Thomas the Tank Engine scheduled to arrive with 20,000 visitors to the Rusk Depot of the Texas State Railroad in October, the Rusk Chamber of Commerce is scrambling to find volunteers.

Connie Brown said the chamber needs 30 volunteers per day for a total of 90 volunteers each weekend for the last two weekends in October. That means that the Chamber needs 180 volunteers for the entire event.

Currently, Ms. Brown said they have about ten percent of what is needed.

"We have 18 volunteers signed up so far," Ms. Brown said. "They have only signed up for certain days."

Ms. Brown said the Rusk chamber contacted other chambers from the East Texas area to recruit volunteers. So far that effort has not produced results.

"We haven't heard from the other chambers," she said. "They are having trouble getting people to volunteer, too."

Ms. Brown said people who volunteer for the Thomas the Tank Engine event will be rewarded with one train ticket for every four hours of work.

The tickets can not be used to ride the Thomas train, Ms. Brown said.

People who are interested in volunteering for the Thomas the Tank event are urged to contact the Rusk Chamber of Commerce at (903) 683- 4242.

Thomas info

Thomas the Tank Engine is a widely popular character known for his cartoon series and children's books.

His public appearances draw big crowds.

Thomas the Tank Engine is also a factor in American Heritage Railways of Texas being selected as the private operator of the Texas State Railroad.

Prior to American Heritage being named the private operator, the state railroad was unable to host a Thomas event due to insurance regulations.

Thomas the Tank Engine is scheduled to be at the Rusk depot Oct. 19-21 and Oct. 26-28.

American Heritage officials estimate that 20,000 people will ride the Thomas train.

The volunteers will be responsible for helping riders board the train, line up for pictures and will keep the train area safe.

There will be a day for training for the volunteers, Ms. Brown said.

As of Sept. 17, American Heritage Railways reported that 2,208 reservations had been made for Thomas the Tank Engine tickets.

Those wishing to purchase tickets may do so by logging on to www.Thomasand- Friends.com.

Thomas and Friends

Up to 20,000 persons are anticipated over two weekends in October when Thomas the Tank arrives at the Texas State Railroad American Heritage Park. Here is a breakdown of reservations as of Sept. 17.

Oct. 19	271
Oct. 20	1,074
Oct. 21	250
Oct. 26	67
Oct. 27	511
Oct. 28	89
TOTAL	2,208

GRAPHIC: CHEROKEEAN HERALD