National Train Day is back to celebrate train travel and the ways trains touch our lives and those across America. This is the day where train stations and other venues across the country, host activities and exhibits that highlight the past, present and future of trains and travel. Amtrak will host major events in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles with free live entertainment and activities for both children and adults: interactive and educational exhibits, model train displays and tours of Amtrak equipment, and notable private railroad cars.

National Train Day marks the 143^rd anniversary of the creation of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. 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, forever transforming the face and character of America.

This year, festivities will highlight the unique perspective passengers enjoy as they take in the vastness and beauty of the American landscape, from cities big and small, to country vistas and everything in between, when traveling by rail.

National Train Day features live entertainment, interactive and educational exhibits, kids’ activities, model train displays and tours of Amtrak equipment, freight and commuter trains, and notable private railroad cars. Walk through privately owned, luxury railcars and explore freight and commuter trains, as well as current Amtrak equipment and enjoy the sights and sounds of Union Station Los Angeles. Award-winning actress, writer, and philanthropist, Rosario Dawson will serve as the National Train Day spokesperson.

Events

AmtraKids Depot – Bring the kids and let them build, explore and compete for surprise giveaways happening all day long at the AmtraKids Depot.

Model Train Displays – Take a closer look at the miniature masterpieces and marvel at the wonder of the model train displays that will be featured on-site at National Train Day. Orange County “N” Gineers will be displaying their model trains in Los Angeles.

K-9 Unit Demonstrations – Interact with Amtrak Police K-9 Units, one of the largest K-9 programs in the United States.

Amtrak Culinary Experience – Enjoy live cooking demonstrations by Amtrak Culinary Advisory Team chef, Bob Rosar, and taste free samples of regional culinary specialties.

“See More on a Train” with Dora the Explorer – Popular Nickelodeon character, Dora the Explorer, will wow the crowd at Union Station in Los Angeles during the 5^th Annual National Train Day Celebration. Dora will greet fans, take photographs and explore various train travel adventures with attendees.

Live Entertainment

The Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus – Clowns will be on-site to celebrate National Train Day in Los Angeles. The Greatest Show on Earth travels by rail to 90 different cities across the US, and will be back in LA this summer from July 11 – August 5 at an arena near you. Join in the fun on National Train Day as Clowns perform and teach basic clowning skills such as juggling, balancing skills, improvisation, and movement.

The All-American Boys Chorus – has completed four decades of remarkable growth and significant achievements. The All-American Boys Chorus‘ program is acclaimed for its musical excellence, and for instilling and fostering leadership skills and characteristics in its current membership of 110 boys and 1,000+ alumni. Artistic collaborations with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the William Hall Master Chorale have given the Chorus a notable stature. Community outreach performances in schools have reached more than 80,000 children.

Aaron Nigel Smith – brings a fun, inspired, and lively show guaranteed to get kids and adults alike off their feet. His songs have been described as “Some of the best targeted music for kids today.” His entertaining shows have been featured around the country as a part of the NBC/Universal, Sony, Warner Brothers, Paramount, and Fox studios Family Concerts. He has also picked up the NAPPA and IParenting awards for his “Let’s Pretend” release.

The ‘railway’ comes to life for attendees, as well as those participating online and through social media. Only on a train do we see more of the world around us, and live more of the experiences we have when we discover the ‘railway’. Look out your window. What do you see? Look around the car. Who do you see? It’s all part of the journey. Join in the celebration by attending National Train Day, or submit your photos, videos and stories to the National Train Day Gallery, and enter for a chance to win great prizes.

National Train Day celebrates the sense of experience that only trains and train travel can give. Watch the video, be inspired, and share your own journey.

Space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis so be sure to arrive early. Let the journey begin!

WHAT: National Train Day
WHEN: May 12, 2012 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
WHERE: Union Station | 800 North Alameda Street | Los Angeles, CA 90012

CONTACT INFO: http://www.nationaltrainday.com

DETAILS: General Admission: Free

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