In 1946, a Brit by the name of Wilbert Awdry wrote a book about trains called Thomas the Tank Engine. The book was set on the fictional Island of Sodor, and every year Awdry wrote another book about Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends, until 1972, when he published his 26th and final story. Who would have thought that all these years later Thomas the Tank Engine would be a household name to anyone with little kids? Thomas and his friends are chugging into Grapevine Friday for two weekends of activities at the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, 709 S. Main St., such as a 25-minute train ride behind a life-size Thomas the Tank Engine. Kids can meet Bob the Builder and Sir Topham Hatt. There will also be clowns, a magician, a bouncy house and other entertainment. Tickets are $18 for adults and children ages 2 and up. For tickets call 1-866-468-7630.
Fridays-Sundays. Starts: March 23. Continues through April 1