PORTLAND – All aboard to celebrate 60 years of Thomas & Friends!

Thomas the Tank Engine will roll into Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Friday, Aug. 19, for “Day Out With Thomas 2005: The Celebration Tour.” This fun-filled family event, Aug. 19, 20 and 21 and Aug. 26, 27 and 28, will give preschoolers and their families a chance to take a 25-minute ride (approximate) with Thomas the Tank Engine. Narrow Gauge wis located at 58 Fore St.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the introduction of “The Railway Series,” the classic storybooks of “Thomas & Friends.”

Families will get to meet and take a photo with Sir Topham Hatt; and to enjoy Imagination Station featuring hands-on arts and crafts activities, as well as storytelling, magicians, the Children’s Museum-On-The-Go, balloon animals, inflatables, video viewing and live music.

The train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine will depart every hour, rain or shine, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. Tickets are $16 for ages 2 and up. Advance purchase is recommended. For tickets, call 1-866-468-7630; logging on to www.mngrr.org; or visit www.ticketweb.com/thomas. For more info: (207) 828-0814 or www.mngrr.org.