The St. Louis Wheel Turns Red Tonight for Drug Prevention Awareness Red Ribbon Week 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 30 Wednesday night at 7 p.m. the DEA will host a small ceremony at The St. Louis Wheel outside The Soda Fountain to show appreciation for those involved with Red Ribbon Week events. Entertainment will be provided by the Spirits of New Northside Drum Line. This event is the culmination of a month’s long effort to educate the community about the dangers of drug misuse and abuse. We hope the media will use this visual opportunity of The St. Louis Wheel at Union Station lit red for photo coverage, during evening newscasts, for bump shots and weathercasts to help create awareness and call attention to these important efforts.    FROM THE DEA: (St. Louis, MO) - The Drug Enforcement Administration hopes cities all across the country will “Go Red” throughout the remainder of the month of October in honor of Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program.    At a Red Ribbon Flag Raising ceremony at the St. Louis Division Office earlier this month Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, William J. Callahan, III, encouraged community and business leaders in St. Louis to “Go Red” in support of Red Ribbon Week by lighting up buildings, landmarks, business and bridges throughout the metropolitan area. We are excited to announce that The St. Louis Wheel at Union Station has accepted that challenge and will be lit red on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 in honor of the DEA’s Red Ribbon Week campaign.   “We have had tremendous support from St. Louis area community and business leaders who believe coming together to work with law enforcement will make this region an even more enjoyable, safe place to live and visit,” said Special Agent in Charge Callahan, “to have the brand-new, 200 foot St. Louis Wheel at Union Station lit up in honor of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s community outreach efforts is truly an honor.”       Drug overdoses continue to be a leading cause of death across this country. In 2018, an estimated 68,500 people died as the result of a fatal overdose. More than a thousand of those deaths were right here in Missouri. In an effort to reduce the supply of lethal drugs we must reduce the demand using all the tools available including unrelenting enforcement, prevention efforts and treatment opportunities.   Red Ribbon Week takes place every year between October 23-31. Throughout the week Special Agents, Task Force Officers and Outreach Specialists from the DEA share the story of Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena with students, staff and community leaders. SA Camarena was brutally tortured and killed in 1985 during an investigation of a dangerous, Mexican cartel. We continue to honor SA Camarena’s sacrifice year after year by shining a light on the dangers and violence associated with drug misuse and abuse.   Wednesday night at 7 pm the DEA will host a small ceremony at The St. Louis Wheel outside The Soda Fountain to show appreciation for those involved with Red Ribbon Week events. Entertainment will be provided by the Spirits of New Northside Drum Line. This event is the culmination of a month’s long effort to educate the community about the dangers of drug misuse and abuse. We hope the media will use this visual opportunity of The St. Louis Wheel at Union Station lit red throughout the day during bump shots and weathercasts to help create awareness and call attention to these important efforts.    Niagara Falls, the Empire State building, and the Capital Wheel in the Washington DC harbor are among other landmarks who have gone red for Red Ribbon Week. For more information or to access the Red Ribbon toolkit visit www.dea.gov/redribbon and follow us on Twitter @DEASTLOUISDiv   # # #

FOR MORE INFORMATON: Nancy Milton 314-962-6400 Nancy@InsightRocks.com All Aboard for Volunteer Opportunities at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station The St. Louis Aquarium Foundation Hosts Two Volunteer Fairs Thursday, November 7 & Saturday, November 9 St. Louis -- October 30, 2019 -- The St. Louis Aquarium Foundation is hosting two volunteer fairs to fill opportunities at the new Aquarium currently under construction at Union Station and opening in December 2019. Anyone interested in attending the volunteer fair events is asked to RSVP in advance. Walk-ins are welcome, but priority will be given to those who are on the RSVP list. The fairs are: Thursday, November 7, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Follow this link to RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-louis-aquarium-foundation-volunteer-fair-registration-77869755535.   Saturday, November 9, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Follow this link to RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-louis-aquarium-foundation-volunteer-fair-registration-77878325167. Anyone 18 years or older is invited to attend the events to learn more about volunteering with the St. Louis Aquarium Foundation. A volunteer information presentation will be held at the top of each hour and volunteer interviews will take place after each presentation.   The Foundation is currently recruiting for the following volunteer positions:   VOLUNTEER AMBASSADORS who will help provide exceptional guest service, including welcoming groups and daily visitors, helping with guest movement within the Aquarium and answering guest questions.   EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS who will interact with guests to interpret exhibits in the Aquarium's Conservation & Education Center (CEC). They also may assist in more formal classroom settings, with school group visits and in youth education classes and programs..   Youth volunteer applications from those under 18 years of age are not being accepted at this time. Please note that volunteer diver positions also are not open at this time, but the Aquarium Foundation encourages anyone wanting to volunteer in this role in the future to apply to be a Volunteer Ambassador or Education Volunteer in the meantime.   For questions about the Volunteer Fairs, contact Jessica Rhodes at (314) 923-3934 or jrhodes@stlaquariumfoundation.org.

PEANUTS ™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express Train Ride

Weekend Train Departures and Halloween Activities Debut in October

St. Louis -  - PEANUTS™ The Great Pumpkin Patch Express Train Ride arrives at St. Louis Union Station this fall. Meet Snoopy and Lucy in the St. Louis Union Station pumpkin patch and join the Peanuts crew as they travel around St. Louis on a real train ride.

Tickets for the real train rides are on sale beginning Tuesday, September 8 at www.STLPumpkinExpress.com or by dialing 314-690-1105.

The fun-filled trains will depart St. Louis Union Station on Saturdays and Sundays, October 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 and October 31 and November 1 at 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., and 5 p.m.   Special Friday evening trains will run on October 23 and 30 at 4:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The excursions, which are themed after Charles M. Schulz's classic story, "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," will leave from historic Union Station's train tracks.

Guests will experience great views of St. Louis including Busch Stadium, the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River.  Riders will listen to themed music and hear the narration of Schulz's story by one of the crew members as the train travels along the rails.  

Prior to the train adventure, passengers will be greeted by Peanuts characters and have a photo opportunity with Lucy and Snoopy at the Great Pumpkin Patch.  Kids can pick, decorate and bring home the perfect pumpkin, enjoy cider and sugar cookies, write a letter to the Great Pumpkin, and take part in festive, family-oriented activities.  Kids (and their parents) are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes to the event.

Three classes of train tickets are available for the Great Pumpkin Patch Express.  Coach tickets are $25 for children 12 and under and $35 for adults. First-class seating is $35 for children and $45 for adults in the train's scenic dome car.  Peanuts characters ride along on the VIP class train cars, priced at $59 each, sold in sets of four tickets only.

Discounted hotel rooms are available for Great Pumpkin Patch Express Train Ride ticket holders at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel, a DoubleTree by Hilton.  For hotel information, click on www.STLPumpkinExpress.com or dial 314-690-1105.

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New Date and Tickets Released for  The Polar Express™ Train Ride  December 10 Excursions at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.  On Sale Now Enter to Win Four Tickets in New Facebook Contest

Due to overwhelming demand, St. Louis Union Station announces that a new date for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is being released for sale. The new excursion date is Wednesday, December 10 for trains departing at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase now at www.STLPolarExpressRide.com. Tickets are priced at $38 and $68 for coach and first class. THE POLAR EXPRESS™ train ride runs from St. Louis Union Station on select dates through December 30, 2014. WIN TICKETS TO THE POLAR EXPRESS Want to win four tickets on the December 10 Polar Express excursion? Check out the St. Louis Union Station Hotel's Facebook page to take part in a new Family Holiday Photo Contest.  HOLIDAY DINNER ADVENTURE MEALS Inside St. Louis Union Station, adult and children's themed dinner buffets -- where guests meet characters including the Conductor, Santa's elves and the Chef -- will be served in the Grand Hall each excursion evening to coordinate with train departure times.  Polar Express evenings will end with an elaborate Holiday Dessert Buffet at 10 p.m. Guests without Polar Express train ride tickets also may enjoy the character buffets and light shows in the Grand Hall as well as Holiday Magic entertainment and events at St. Louis Union Station.  The themed Holiday Dinner Adventure buffets are priced at just $15 per person. A $25 First Class ticket includes a commemorative Polar Express mug. Reservations are available at STLPolarExpressRide.com.  A 3-D Panoramic Light Show featuring scenes from The Polar Express movie will play on Union Station's Grand Hall ceiling on all excursion dates during the holiday dinners.  NEW YEAR'S EVE WITH THE POLAR EXPRESS On December 31, a family friendly Polar Express New Year's Eve package will be available at St. Louis Union Station. The package includes hotel accommodations, a screening of The Polar Express movie, adult and children's buffets, games and activities, ice carving, a Midnight children's present drop and breakfast the next morning.  MORE INFORMATION: Learn more about the Polar Express Train Ride at St. Louis Union Station here at www.STLPolarExpressRide.com.

Due to Overwhelming Demand, 

Additional Dates are Scheduled for:

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride

At St. Louis Union Station

New, Themed Dining Experiences

At The St. Louis Union Station Hotel, a DoubleTree By Hilton

Add to the Holiday Fun

Due to overwhelming demand, St. Louis Union Station announces that additional dates have been scheduled for THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, and new themed dining options are now available in the newly reinvented Grand Hall.

Excursions on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride have been added on Thursday, December 4; Thursday, December 18; Monday, December 22; Tuesday, December 23; Monday, December 29; and Tuesday, December 30.  Previously announced excursions will take place beginning Saturday, November 22 and continuing on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through December 28. The magical story comes to life when real trains depart St. Louis Union Station at 4:30, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. for a round-trip journey to the North Pole.  Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas on the train.

To purchase tickets, visit www.STLPolarExpressRide.com or dial 314-942-6942.  Coach tickets are $38, First Class tickets are $68, Premium Class tickets are $75 and Diamond Class tickets are $89.

HOTEL PACKAGES EXTEND THE EXPERIENCE

Hotel Packages, which include tickets on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, are now available at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel, a DoubleTree by Hilton.

 Coach Class Packages, which include hotel accommodations, four tickets on the train, a souvenir Golden Ticket, hot chocolate and cookies, start at $229. A letter from Santa and a small bedtime treat complete the magical evening. Premium Class Packages include hotel accommodations, four premium-class seats on the train, four commemorative ceramic THE POLAR EXPRESS™ hot chocolate mugs, a Holiday Magic snow globe, and The Polar Express book, starting at $349. Guests also receive an in-room delivery of a letter from Santa and a small bedtime treat. A Diamond Class special packages offers all the amenities of the Premium Class Packages plus limited seating on the upper level of the Dome Car with larger than normal windows for viewing the train ride experience. 

The AAA Four Diamond St. Louis Union Station Hotel, a DoubleTree by Hilton, is located in the National Historic Landmark St. Louis Union Station. Built in 1894, the station was once the largest and busiest rail center in America.  St. Louis Union Station is owned by Lodging Hospitality Management. The hotel has been named one of the world's top railway themed hotels by Condé Nast.

Dial 314-942-6942 for hotel packages or visit the hotel tab at www.STLPolarExpressRide.com.

FESTIVELY THEMED HOLIDAY MEALS

Holiday-themed meals featuring well-known characters have been added to the calendar at St. Louis Union Station.  Families will be served by Chef characters and will meet a Conductor and Santa's elves during the dinners.  

Dinners will be in Grand Hall and will include entertainment by a projection show featuring THE POLAR EXPRESS™, face painting and photographs. The dinners will feature festive adult and children's buffets and are scheduled for 5, 6, and 8 p.m. with an elaborate holiday dessert buffet at 10 p.m. The dinner buffets and the dessert buffet will be priced at just $15. Themed dining experiences can be reserved online at www.STLPolarExpressRide.com with or without tickets on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride or as an add-on to already-purchased train excursions.  Families are encouraged to wear their pajamas during the events.

HOLIDAY MAGIC EVENTS AT ST. LOUIS UNION STATION

In addition to THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride, St. Louis Union Station will be the epicenter of seasonal celebrations with Holiday Magic entertainment events on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from November 22 through the end of December. The station's beautiful Grand Hall will be home to a spectacular, one-of-a-kind projection show featuring THE POLAR EXPRESS™ on train excursion dates.

On November 22, the Salvation Army Tree of Lights, located in the plaza across Market Street from Union Station, will be illuminated during the Festival of Lights celebrations that include a stunning fireworks display and an appearance by Santa, who will be arriving at St. Louis Union Station by train.

Thanksgiving Day weekend, November 27-30, begins with the Ameren Missouri Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Thanksgiving Day Run on Thursday. Both events will be broadcast live at St. Louis Union Station. Throughout the weekend musical performances will take place throughout the station, a holiday model train display will thrill rail fans and a gingerbread house contest and Hall of Trees auction will add to Christmas cheer.

On December 13 and 14, events for the Hot Chocolate 15/5K Run will start at St. Louis Union Station. The race's VIP party, Saturday, December 13, features chocolate vendors, tastings and holiday events in the station's Midway. Sunday, participants run a route that begins and ends near the station and includes a chocolate stop along the race course.

ABOUT THE POLAR EXPRESS™ TRAIN RIDE

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, passengers will relive the magic of the story as they are whisked away on THE POLAR EXPRESS™. Once onboard, hot chocolate and treats are served as passengers read along with the classic children's book, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg. Santa and his helpers greet passengers at the North Pole and then board the train, where each child is given the first gift of Christmas - a silver sleigh bell. Chefs aboard each car lead passengers in singing Christmas carols on the ride back to St. Louis Union Station.  

Official THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides are licensed by Rail Events, Inc. on behalf of Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Inc. Since 2005, Rail Events, Inc. has held the exclusive license to operate THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides in the US, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

                                                 

THE POLAR EXPRESS Film

The Academy Award winning team of Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis reunite for THE POLAR EXPRESS, an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg.  When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Sony Pictures Imageworks and visual effects supervisor Ken Ralston, Oscar winners for their innovative work, help bring the story vividly to the screen in full CG animation through Imageworks' next-generation motioncapture process that allows live-action performances to drive the emotions and movements of the digital characters. Warner Home Video will once again offer THE POLAR EXPRESS in standard-definition, Blu-ray and 3D DVD versions this holiday season.

                                                                       

THE POLAR EXPRESS Book

THE POLAR EXPRESS film is based on Chris Van Allburg's classic Christmas picture book, which tells the story of a boy who takes a magical Christmas Eve train ride to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa. First published by Houghton Mifflin Company in 1985, The Polar Express became an instant family favorite and has sold more than 6 million copies worldwide. In 1986 it won the prestigious Caldecott Medal for Illustration.  

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

About Rail Events Inc.

Rail Events Inc. is the industry leader in rail-related special events management. In 2013, we hosted over 600,000 guests at 50 licensed events with 34 partner railroads in the US, Canada, and the UK. Rail Events Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Heritage Railways, which is the premier operator of heritage railroads in the United States.

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Oktoberfest at St Louis Union Station October 3, 4 St. Louis has a rich German heritage and what better way to celebrate it than at the only Oktoberfest event sanctioned by the St. Louis German-American Committee! Join us at Union Station on October 3rd and 4th for St. Louis Oktoberfest under the fabled Train Shed.

Enjoy fine food and beverages while you immerse yourself in  all things German! Highlights of St. Louis Oktoberfest at Union Station include:     • 16 Hours of live German music (Uber Cool headlines Saturday night - how cool is that!)     •Authentic German dinners     •The Muchen Draft Wall with over 50 taps of flowing bier     •The JagerHaus featuring the Jager Girls     •The Wine and Beer Garden offering German wines     •Spaten Bier School where you can learn about the time honored craft of brewing from a skilled brewmaster     •The Volks Stage featuring non-stop German cultural performances such as Schuhplatter, human Glockenspiel, chorale performances and traditional German Dance    •Pictures with the Budweiser Frauleins    •A German Market offering authentic German goods from Bavarian craftsman    •Wurst Platters    •Beir Steins    Did we mention bier? ​ PURCHASE GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS HERE!

The Spaten Bier School Sessions Interested in learning the craft of brewing? Then the Spaten Bier School Oktoberfest at Union Station October 3rd and 4th is for you. The Spaten Bier School is a 45-minute up close and personal session that includes:    • Brewing 101 presented by an Anheuser-Busch Brewmaster    • One (1) complimentary five-ounce sample each of  Becks,  Franziskaner, Spaten and other beers with guided tasting    • A coupon good for a Stella Artois Chalice when exiting    • $5 from each entry will benefit the youth sports programs of the Police Athletic League (PAL) assisting at-risk youth in St. Louis Advance purchase of ticket includes entry to the festival ($10 value).  Click Here to Purchase Tickets

Be A "Baron" By Purchasing Your VIP Tickets! Celebrate Oktoberfest at Union Station like a German Baron!!! Experience Oktoberfest VIP style! VIP tickets are $50 and include:    • Entry to the festival grounds    • Guaranteed seating in the VIP Area    • One complimentary stein filled with Budweiser upon entry    • One additional complimentary fill with Budweiser    • One complimentary shot of JagerMeister    • One complimentary authentic German dinner prepared on-site by Kenricks    • Picture with the Budweiser Frauleins    • Dedicated restrooms for VIP use only    • VIP Only Bar offering a selection of premium brands available for purchase    • Complimentary soft drinks and water To purchase VIP tickets CLICK HERE OKTOBERFEST AT UNION STATION Get in touch with your inner German at the October 3rd and 4th St. Louis Oktoberfest at Union Station! For tickets and to stay up to date as we make further announcements visit us at www.oktoberfest.com, follow us @OktoberfestSTL, or like us at Oktoberfest Union Station.