HEBER CITY -- The fields of Heber Valley turn into the mystical island of Sodor as Thomas the Tank Engine takes a ride on the Heber Valley Historic Railroad.
Day Out With Thomas begins Friday, May 25, and continues daily through May 28, with rides departing from the station at 450 S. 600 West.
Sir Topham Hatt, the controller of the railway, will visit with miniature engineers and their parents in Heber City, along with a 15-ton replica of Thomas the Tank Engine, modeled after the popular children's toy and the star of the television series "Thomas and Friends."
Other activities in addition to the 25-minute train rides include hands-on arts and crafts, games, magic shows, and storytelling and live music with the Pied Piper of Percussion.
The blue engine's "Mystery on the Rails Tour 2012" will visit more than 45 cities in the United States and attract more than 1 million passengers. The train typically draws some 20,000 riders to Heber City during its annual visit.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 25 and 26, and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. May 27 and 28. Trains depart every 45 minutes, rain or shine, at varying times each day.
Tickets are $18; children under age 2 are admitted free of charge. To purchase tickets, call Smith's Tix, 800-888-TIXX, or the railroad, 435-654-5601.