Thomas gets young kids on learning track

Thomas the Tank Engine will be pulling into River Park Square on Saturday.

He’ll be there for pictures with little ones, as well as some fun.

After their photo op, children will get to play in Thomas, said Shawn Claypool, KSPS outreach and project manager. Buttons will turn on lights and let out puffs of smoke.

And parents, don’t worry about kids getting bored in line.

The Spokane County Library District and Spokane Public Library will have coloring and other “fun projects for them to do while they’re waiting in line,” Claypool said. And Clifford the Big Red Dog will be working the line, too.

Station manager Gary Stokes said the event is part of the KSPS Kids Forward initiative, a campaign aimed at providing resources for early childhood education. In November, the station will provide free training for preschool teachers on ways to use Thomas in their classrooms.

“It’s a way to meld what we do on air and online with what we do in the community,” Stokes said.

Kimberly Lusk

What: Thomas the Tank Engine

When: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: River Park Square, 808 W. Main Ave.

Cost: Free

Bring: A camera for photos with Thomas

Info: www.ksps.org