May 2014

17th Edition

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad to Introduce Officially Licensed "Chuggington: A Traintastic Adventure" Event

All aboard to discover a world of Traintastic Adventures! The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, in conjunction with Rail Events, Inc. and Ludorum plc, is proud to announce a partnership to bring an officially licensed Chuggington event to Bryson City on June 28-29, 2014. The licensed event brings the popular children's television series to life as young participants become "Trainees" and work to earn recognition through a series of exciting and educational challenges based on the show. Tickets are now on sale at www.gsmr.com

Rail Events, Inc. is thrilled to offer this new licensed event to partners across the US. The popular Chuggington series follows the adventures of three young trainees - Wilson and his friends Brewster and Koko - as they ride the rails and take on exciting challenges that test their courage, speed and determination. Along the way, and with the help and support from a strong community of engines and people, they learn positive values and new skills empowering them to become the best trainees they can be.

We wish The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad a fantastic first season. Please contact raileventsinc@raileventsinc.com for more information regarding hosting this new licensed event at your railroad or museum.

Partner Spotlight: Mount Hood Scenic Railroad

The line south out of Hood River, Oregon was first built in 1906 and extended to the present-day end of track at Parkdale in 1909. The line starts out parallel to the Hood River for the first three miles until it reaches a switchback- one of only five remaining in the United States. The Union Pacific operated the line from 1968 until 1987 and carried primarily fruit and lumber. With reduced freight business, a group of local investors purchased the railroad 1987 and began to offer passenger excursions in addition to the freight business. The line was sold again in 2008 to Permian Basin Railways, a subsidiary of Chicago-based Iowa Pacific Holdings.

The railroad offers scenic and historic tours with dramatic views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams along with the surrounding orchards and farmland of the Hood River Valley. The railroad is well known for its expertise in hosting special events including The Polar Express Train Ride, Jim Henson's Dinosaur Train, Murder Mystery Dinner Trains, Western Train

Robbery Trains, Sunday Brunch Trains, and several Tribute Artist Dinner Trains featuring "Elvis". The schedule of special efforts makes the Mount Hood

River Scenic Railroad attractive to all ages throughout the year! Congratulations to Ron Kaufman and his staff for their well-run railroad!

Congratulations!!!

Thanks to Heather K. of Amite, LA for sending this great photo of her son and their prizes from The Polar Express "I Believe" Contest. You can view all of the finalist essays (including Heather's) at www.thepolarexpresscontest.com

Philanthropy Goes a Long Way

We've all heard the saying "giving is better than receiving," but sometimes we forget how easy it is to practice in our personal and work lives. Railroads and museums are organizations that have experiences they can provide to others who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity. Many of these charitable actions require minimal expense and no added man hours.

Set an example and encourage others in your community to give back. Rail Events intends to partner with our hosting railroads and give back this Polar Express 2014 Season. More details coming soon.

Rail Events, Inc. Management Team

Allen C. Harper - Owner/ CEO

alharper@raileventsinc.com Ph. (970) 259-6505 Cell. (305) 458-8074

Cathy Swarts - President/ Chief Financial Officer

cswarts@raileventsinc.com Ph. (970) 385-8841 Cell. (970) 946-8351

Dave Schranck - Brand Manager/ Event Development

dschranck@raileventsinc.com Ph. (970) 385-8843 Cell. (970) 946-5979

Jeff Johnson - Director of Operations/ Events Development

jjohnson@raileventsinc.com Ph. (970) 247-1086 Cell. (970) 946-2105

Jamie Ryan - Marketing Manager/ Brand Assurance

jryan@raileventsinc.com Ph. (970) 247-1162 Cell. (970) 238-0917

Abi May - Events Coordinator/ International Sales Representative