Hi there,
So a month of events with the blue train and many happy kids should have come and gone, any reports on the success of Thomas events this year? Are the gas prices or general economic conditions being reflected in attendance or sales?
Thanks,
O. Anderson

Our DOWT event starts next weekend. Pre-ticket sales are way down, but the number of inquires we are getting asking if tickets are available at the gate are way up. I'm guessing people are taking a wait and see approach because of the price of gas, and the fact Ticketweb's service charge has significantly increased from previous years.

I noted that the Northwest Railway Museum webste indicates their event is sold out (starts today).

Northwest's event does seem to be sold out. They had many complaints about the Ticketweb fee of $3.50 per ticket - it started out six years ago at $2 per ticket. Some cited it as a reason to not attend the event.

It seems clear that families still want an enjoyable outing that is affordable. If the venue is many miles from a major center or the major center is one of the regions hit hard economically attendance at this type of event may decline, especially if the family suv will burn a tank of fuel there and back. Some events seem much better organized and well produced than others - it seems obvious that that will impact repeat visitation if money is tight.

Does anyone know the trends at the events that have been running for five or more years and have a track record of being well produced and managed?

The B&O Museum's DOWT was by and large a sellout. I know one day when I brought family there, they were selling discounted museum tickets at the door that excluded the train ride. A good way to make an extra buck.