Thomas & Percy say ‘Hi’ The Biggest Little Engine in the World comes to Two Harbors

By Ken Buehler

Recognized the world over as the No. 1 engine on the Island of Sodor, Thomas the Tank is a regular visitor to the North Shore Scenic Railroad. He’ll be back again in August with a little bit of a change. Our annual Day Out With Thomas is moving to Two Harbors. We’re excited about the opportunity to partner with Lovin’ Lake County to bring this nationally recognized event to the grassy area right in front of the Two Harbors Depot.

Thomas is moving from one tourist destination town to another. This allows us to run our regular excursion schedule in Duluth and still give fans of Thomas and Percy their opportunity to ride with them. Everything you love about Thomas will be as usual with the added treat of having Percy back with him. Sir Topham Hatt is coming, the bounce houses will be inflated, we’ll have festival foods and some local Two Harbor treats as well. Ample parking in Two Harbors is FREE!

Sensory Friendly Day is also returning and will be held in Two Harbors. While Thomas is for everyone, not everyone can be with Thomas. For people with autism the crowds, noise and apparent confusion of any big event, such as a Day Out

With Thomas, can be off-putting. So to make sure all his friends can spend some time with

Monday: Roast beef dinner $10.95

Tuesday: Turkey dinner $11.95

Friday: Country fried steak & eggs $10.95

Country fried steak dinner $9.95

Featuring our own

• Homemade pies - 50 kinds!

• Cranberry wild rice bread

• Sourdough dinner rolls & hamburger rolls.

THOMAS continued from PAGE 13 their favorite engine, we offer a toneddown, slower and more orderly experience. Working with Autism Speaks Minnesota and the Depot Foundation, tickets for a family member on the Spectrum and a chaperone are FREE. The North Shore Scenic Railroad was the first in the nation to offer a Sensory Friendly Day and it’s now a part of every Thomas event.

Thomas and his bestie Percy will be in Two Harbors on the North Shore Scenic Railroad the first two weekends in August. Sensory Friendly Day is August 7. For tickets go to www. duluthtrains.com.

As new cars of proper length replaced the old wooden ones, several were rebuilt as gravel spreaders. One of these spreaders designated as spreader #2 had been sold for scrap in 1934. It was immediately repurchased by the company and reconfigured to the #251 on display. It is the only surviving wooden ore car left from either the D&IR or DM&N. Amazingly the restoration of these two cars was accomplished for under the $500 limit.

The ore car and caboose have been on display now for 88 years. In another 11 years, in 2034, they may be celebrating 150 years of transporting iron ore as well as a 100-year-old restoration.