The day begins at 9:45 a.m. at the Western Maryland Station in Cumberland, Md., with a ride aboard Mountain Thunder, an event that includes train songs and rhymes to entertain passengers on their journey up the mountain to Frostburg. Once the train arrives in Frostburg, buses take participants to the Frostburg Palace Theatre on Main Street for a talk by children’s author and illustrator Matt McElligott, who will speak about his books, “Backbeard: Pirate for Hire,” “Backbeard and The Birthday Suit” and other titles. Those who are unable to ride the train are welcome to join the free Frostburg fun by registering at the Palace Theatre at 11:15 a.m.

A flurry of activities including face painting, craft workshops, sidewalk art, storytelling, a treasure hunt, a costume contest and store visits continue throughout the day on Main Street. The Thrasher Carriage Museum will also be open for walking tours. Train passengers gather back at the Frostburg Depot for the return trip to Cumberland at 2:30 p.m. Train tickets are $10 each and are available for purchase at Main Street Books in Frostburg, The Book Center in Cumberland and the Children’s Literature Centre in 206 Framptom Hall on the FSU campus. For those needing financial help, a limited number of complimentary tickets are available, courtesy of SECU Credit Union. For more information about the complimentary tickets or other details, call the FSU Children’s Literature Centre 301-687-3133.

This event is made possible through the assistance of FrostburgFirst, Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, SECU Credit Union, FSU’s Summer School, Frostburg City Parks and Recreation and the Allegany Arts Council. FSU is committed to making all of its programs, services and activities accessible to persons with disabilities. To request accommodations through the ADA Compliance Office, call 301-687-4102 or use a Voice Relay Operator at 1-800-735-2258.

Situated in the mountains of Allegany County, Frostburg State University is one of the 13 institutions of the University System of Maryland. FSU is a comprehensive, residential regional university and serves as an educational and cultural center for Western Maryland.