All aboard! 'The Little Engine That Could' coming to town

"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!" Who doesn't recall reading about "The Little Engine That Could" in one of their first childhood books? Well, the bright blue engine featured in the book will be making its only stop in our state this weekend at the Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish.

Along with special guests Bubble Lena, Shan Banana and Kozmos Clown, the weekend will offer lots of food, face-painting, storytelling, inflatable bouncers and dress-up characters. There will be a special appearance by Mote Marine Laboratory's touch tank.

Advance tickets, priced at $15 for all passengers over age 1, are available online at www.frrm.org or by calling (877) 869-0800. The trips are scheduled hourly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Volunteers say the first trip on Friday is nearly booked, so reserve seats soon.

Parrish parade

Saturday is a big day for the community of Parrish for other reasons, as folks there celebrate their annual Heritage Day.

At 10:30 a.m., a colorful parade will move through the community, winding up at the former schoolhouse, where a variety of festivities will take place. Food, music, a display of arts and crafts and more will be offered. Admission is free, and information is available by calling 776-9108 or 722-3403.

Fogartyville tour

A walking tour of the once-prosperous village of Fogartyville will be held Thursday, beginning at 10 a.m. from Lewis park in the 3100 block of 1st Avenue West.

Many of the historic homes and sites of the community, founded in the 1880s by the Fogarty brothers, will be visited. The pair was literally blown into our area by a storm and returned to establish a town that once contained a boat yard, stores, post office, churches and other businesses.

The tour lasts about two hours and those attending are advised to wear comfortable shoes. For information, call 746-7700.