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The Trains has become a local holiday tradition since the exhibit began in1987. Chugging on 2,500 feet of winding track, the display is the mostelaborate toy train exhibit in all of Texas, with vintage locomotives whizzingon a journey across America, past miniature national landmarks including SanFrancisco's Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Rushmore, Dallas' skyline, New YorkCity's Times Square and Washington, D.C.
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Last year, more than 80,000 people visited the attraction, the proceedsfrom which provide nearly half the annual operating budget for the RonaldMcDonald House of Dallas.
"This exhibit offers sights and sounds to captivate train lovers and theirfamilies and has become a holiday tradition for many who live and visitDallas," said Barbara McDermott, executive director of the Ronald McDonaldHouse of Dallas.
As part of the tradition each year, the agency chooses one or morehonorary kid conductors. Parker Jones, a four-year-old from Midland, Texas,and her brother Preston will serve as this year's kid conductors for TheTrains at NorthPark.
Hours and times are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; andSunday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The early closing dates are November 21,Thanksgiving Eve, at 6 p.m.; December 24, Christmas Eve, at 4 p.m.; December31, New Year's Eve, at 6 p.m. January 1, New Year's Day, at 6 p.m. Theexhibit will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas days, but it will be openon New Year's Day.
The cost is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children (ages 2 to 12) and seniorcitizens (65 and older). Children under 2 admitted free. Discount ticketsare available at Tom Thumb ($1.00 off regular admission).
In its 26-year history, the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas has served asa home-away-from-home for more than 22,000 families of seriously ill childrenwho have traveled to Dallas seeking medical treatment in area hospitals. Formore information, contact the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas at 214.631.7354,or visit the website at http://www.rmhdallas.com.
SOURCE Ronald McDonald House of Dallas