Community Development

The Community Development Department is responsible for planning and zoning; enforcement and permitting of building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical activities, flood prevention ordinances and permits; issuing structure and official addresses; enforcing unsafe building, premises, and abandoned vehicles ordinances; coordinating local historic district certificates of appropriateness, Downtown Development Authority, Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund, and applying for and executing loans and grants, and numerous other special projects.

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Day Out with Thomas

The Party Tour

This is a big year for Thomas the Tank Engine.

Everyone's favorite #1 blue engine is coming to Southwest Georgia, and we’re celebrating Thomas’s 80th birthday. Day Out with Thomas: The Party Tour will be stopping at SAM Shortline Railroad on June 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, and 22, 2025.

Day Out with Thomas is a fun-filled family event. Each ticket includes a train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine and access to a full day of activities for all to enjoy. Activities include live entertainment, photo ops with Sir Topham Hatt, lawn games, and shopping at the pop-up gift shop for exclusive Thomas swag.

This year, Thomas & Friends is celebrating eight decades of entertaining children and families with its timeless railway adventures. Since its debut in 1945, the beloved franchise continues to captivate young fans with new and exciting adventures. The special birthday celebration will feature family-friendly activities like a Party area, bounce houses, and fans can even take commemorative photos with a festive Thomas adorned in confetti.

The Party Tour highlights includes:

  • Friends and families will take a 30-minute train ride featuring a talking Thomas the Tank Engine locomotive.

  • Activities and entertainment include:

  • Party activities in Celebration Station

o   Play with Thomas & Friends toys and get a temporary tattoo in the Play Pod

o   Photo ops with Thomas himself.

o   An activity sheet that will guide guests through the event experience, highlighting the four key station stops to visit for a free giveaway

o   Outdoor activities

  •   Meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway IN PERSON

  •   Pop-up gift shop with exclusive Thomas & Friends merch only available at Day Out with Thomas

  •   Food and drinks are available on-site for purchase

THREE BIG WEEKENDS:  June 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22, 2025

Select a designated train departure time when purchasing tickets at www.DayOutWithThomas.com

Tickets for an unforgettable day at Day Out with Thomas: The Party Tour ARE on sale NOW!  Ticket prices are $23.00 for ages 1 and up (service charges and fees may apply). Advanced tickets are required. Walk-up sales are available.

Download the 76th Annual Watermelon Festival Event Brochure: 2025 Watermelon Festival Schedule of Events

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