TRI-RAIL CELEBRATES 25^TH ANNIVERSARY DURING ITS “RAIL FUN DAY” ON JANUARY 25

Free community event to feature “South Florida Kids Got Talent” with 12 talented young singers

 Fort Lauderdale, FL (January 16, 2014) – Tri-Rail’s “Rail Fun Day” will return, celebrating the commuter rail system’s 25^th anniversary, on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at         Tri-Rail’s Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport Station at Dania Beach. The sixth annual community celebration will offer families a FREE, fun-filled afternoon of arts and crafts, interactive games, face painting, giveaways, food trucks and the highly anticipated “South Florida’s Kids Got Talent” singing competition, featuring the talents of 12 kids ages 17 and under.

Tri-Rail is encouraging families to catch a ride to the event with roundtrip fares for just $5, in addition to free rides for kids 12 and under on this day only.  Plus, the first 100 people to visit the Tri-Rail booth and present a valid Tri-Rail ticket dated January 25, 2014 will receive a special gift.

“Tri-Rail is excited to welcome the community to celebrate our 25^th anniversary with a free day of fun for the entire family,” said Bonnie Arnold, public information officer for SFRTA/Tri-Rail. “Events such as Rail Fun Day encourage families to explore Tri-Rail and recognize the ease and convenience of using the service to travel to South Florida attractions and events, work, school and the major airports.”

South Florida families will have a chance to meet Tri-Rail’s mascot Conductor George Green, enjoy food samples from Pollo Tropical, participate in cookie decorating with Winn-Dixie and interactive games from the Miami Marlins, South Florida Parenting and more.  Prizes, giveaways and activities will be provided courtesy of i9 Sports, Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Museum of Discovery & Science and many more.

As part of Tri-Rail’s “Rail Fun Day,” 12 young stars under 17 will show off their singing talents as they compete in the “South Florida’s Kids Got Talent” competition and vie for the $500 grand prize. The competition will be judged by City of Dania Beach Mayor Walter Duke, Parker Playhouse Operations & Event Services Manager Peter Damien Loza, Posche Models Owner Tyler Molinari, Florida Youth Orchestra President Myra Weaver and Le P’Ti Club President/CEO Jimmy Moise.

The following contestants will compete:

Maalik Alexander, Miramar

Gabriella Edwardo, Wellington

Eugene Gilmore, Ft. Lauderdale

Tamara Hoffenden, West Palm Beach

Emily Kaufman, Davie

Jade Evori Master, Royal Palm Beach

Casandra Ortiz, Hollywood

Biana Pinchuck, Sunny Isles Beach

Savannah Rae, Pembroke Pines

Sophia Sanabria, Doral

Isabelle Swickle, Davie

Cameron Wheeler, Pembroke Pines

To learn more about Tri-Rail’s “Rail Fun Day,” visit www.tri-rail.com. For train schedules and more information, call 1-800-TRI-RAIL.

About Tri-Rail

Tri-Rail, South Florida’s premier commuter rail system, serves Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties with 17 conveniently located train stations, bus and Metrorail connections and service every day of the year. For more information about Tri-Rail, visit www.tri-rail.com or call 1-800-TRI-RAIL.