Contact:

Amy Davidson
Seigenthaler Public Relations
(615) 327-7999
adavidson@seig-pr.com

Virginia Crowe
Director of Marketing
(615) 401-5059
vcrowe@adventuresci.com

Nashville, TN (October 26, 2006) - The Adventure Science Center will celebrate 20 years of ringing in the holidays with a whistle during this season’s annual Whistlestop Weekend, a much-anticipated tradition taking place November 10 through 12 that gives visitors throughout the region a chance to marvel at intricate model train displays erected by area enthusiasts.

This year’s railway extravaganza, which will take place Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., will give engineers-at-heart the opportunity to view and interact with an array of models, including N, Z and G scales and Standard, S and HO gauges. Local train club members will set up the tracks and be on hand to share their knowledge and love of all things locomotive.

“For 20 years now, we have seen enthusiasm for Whistlestop Weekend only heighten season after season,” said Larry Dunlap-Berg, an Adventure Science Center educator. “Once visitors explore these intricate displays, they can’t wait to see what the train club members will have in store the next year. And these dedicated aficionados always rise to the occasion. They’ve created something magical that has transformed Whistlestop into an annual part of many families’ holiday season.”

Adventure Science Center’s own Lionel O train will also be on display through mid-January. This track features five loops and tiny replicas of Nashville landmarks. Visitors will be able to control parts of the tracks by pushing buttons and pulling levers.

Adventure Science Center will host additional train-themed activities on Saturday, November 11 and Sunday, November 12. On Saturday, visitors can enjoy storytelling with Adventure Science Center volunteer director Kevin Wesley at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Kids can also play on a 50-foot inflatable train obstacle course that will be erected in front of the Center.

On Saturday and Sunday, visitors can take a ride on a “trackless” train around the Adventure Science Center’s campus. Train rides will be available between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday. Operation Life Saver will give train safety presentations at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Visitors can also make a train whistle and compete in a coal shoveling contest throughout both days.

Whistlestop Weekend is sponsored by Will and Joan Cheek, Dr. Jack and Clare Fisher, and Phillips Toy Mart. The first 250 guests on Saturday will receive a train whistle. For additional event information, please contact Christy Whitney at (615) 401-5065.

About Adventure Science Center

For 60 years, Adventure Science Center has brought science to life for children in Middle Tennessee, Southern Kentucky, Northern Alabama and beyond. The center offers hands-on, interactive exhibits and engaging programs that encourage children of all ages to explore how science, invention and innovation affect their lives. Adventure Science Center encourages imagination and curiosity, and engages the senses in the fascinating world of science.

Adventure Science Center is located at 800 Fort Negley Boulevard. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $9 for adults; and $7 for children ages 3 to 12, and seniors 65 and older. For more information, call (615) 862-5160 or visit our web site at www.adventuresci.com.