Tweetsie Discussions

To say Fred Kirby had a lot of friends would be a serious understatement. Like Will Rogers, Fred never met a man (or child) he didn’t like. You could not go anywhere with the man and not feel like you were with royalty. Walk into a restaurant with Fred and you’d be lucky to eat. Before I could be hired to be the Marshal at Tweetsie, the Robbins brothers insisted that I spend a couple of days with Fred and his wife Mary at their home in Indian Trail. They wanted to make sure that Fred was okay with who would be wearing the badge and representing the “good guy”. Those couple days of looking through old photos, listening to records and stories were fantastic. I not only had a chance to see what an amazing spirit Fred had but also see the real man. He was just what you saw on television. He loved all children, horses, music and life. A friend to everyone, I am especially proud to say he was mine. Happy Birthday Fred! Up on the Big Rock Candy Mountain, I’m sure the horses are fast, the children are all playing sweetly and the chorus is on key.

Tracy Brown
Executive Director Blowing Rock TDA
Tweetsie Marshal and friend of Fred Kirby

After a great Memorial Day weekend at Tweetsie, we’re getting ready for Day Out With Thomas’s 9th visit to the park. Thomas pulls in to Tweetsie Friday, June 4 through June 13. Several train rides on Saturday, June 5 and 12, have already sold out, and our ticket office says several others are close to selling out, so get your tickets in advance.
This is Thomas’ 65th birthday season, and fans can enjoy the Imagination Station as well as a special birthday display highlighting special moments and events over the years.  Tweetsie guests can make birthday cards for Thomas and participate in other fun activities. And, don’t forget, trains depart every 30 minutes, rain or shine!