Thomas the Tank Engine

Press Release from HIT Entertainment

New York, NY - May 17, 2010 - HIT Entertainment, a leading provider of quality children's entertainment and owner of the world's number 1 pre-school brand - Thomas & Friends - is sending everyone's favorite true blue engine full steam ahead with celebrations from coast to coast to honor 65 years of making tracks to great destinations.

The first major component of his U.S. celebration includes a partnership with Minor League Baseball and Celebration Foods. Celebration Foods and the beloved Carvel ice cream cake brand are the Presenting Sponsor of Thomas' 65th Anniversary, activating exciting retail programs this spring and summer, as well as joining Thomas for events at MiLB games.  Thomas & Friends title nights take place with 22 Minor League Baseball teams between May 15 and June 30.  Activities may include a special sneak peek of upcoming Thomas & Friends movies, photo opportunities for kids and free Thomas goodies. Celebration Foods will serve as the exclusive Thomas partner for these events and will offer free Carvel ice cream cake samples and coupons to fans at the games. Celebration Foods will also extend promotion of the 65th anniversary at grocery retailers by running free consumer offers at select regional stores.  Minor League Baseball and its participating teams will feature Thomas & Friends on their website.

Also, celebrating "65 on 6/5," Six Flags Entertainment will host Thomas birthday parties at park locations with Thomas Towns, including Six Flags New England in Springfield, MA; Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vajello, CA; Six Flags Over Georgia in Atlanta; Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles, CA and the all-new Thomas Town at Six Flags America in Baltimore/Washington, D.C. which also will host its Grand Opening on June 5, 2010. These parties will feature entertainment, activities for kids, visits from Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor and special giveaways of Thomas goodies. Global partner Mega Bloks will donate a giant replica of Thomas made out of Mega Bloks to every Thomas Town and will challenge guests to guess how many blocks make up Thomas!  Select parks will also feature a screening area showcasing the all-new DVD, Thomas & Friends: The Greatest Stories, released by Lionsgate Home Entertainment as part of the 65th Anniversary celebration.  The special edition 2-disc set contains a collection of 20 beloved Thomas & Friends stories, including the first-ever episode and 18 bonus features.

On Friday June 4, The Sunny Side Up Show on Sprout