BLOWING ROCK, N.C. - Enjoy a memorable day at Tweetsie Railroad theme park and an evening under a beautiful mountain sky as Tweetsie once again lights up the Blue Ridge Mountains with the High Country's most spectacular 4th of July fireworks show. North Carolina's first theme park is a true American treasure, making it the perfect place to celebrate our nation's independence.

Now in its 51st season, Tweetsie Railroad will honor America with an event to remember on Friday, July 4, with festivities including evening entertainment and more than 200 large-caliber pyrotechnic mortar shells to dazzle guests of all ages. Due to this special event, the park will remain open until 9 p.m., instead of the normal closing time of 6:00 p.m. The famous Tweetsie Railroad Wild West train ride adventure will continue into the early evening as the excitement builds in advance of the fireworks display. Additional live shows will be scheduled throughout the day.

North Carolina's first theme park opened on July 4, 1957, and was a dream of Grover Robbins, Jr. who brought the famed East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Engine Number 12 (known as "Tweetsie" to the local residents) back home to the mountains of North Carolina. The original run on that July 4 was a one-mile scenic trek that took guests to a picnic area and then backed up into the Tweetsie train station. Today visitors are taken on a scenic and exciting three-mile journey through the mountains into the days of the frontier.

Parking for July 4 is $5 per vehicle, while Tweetsie's Golden Rail Season Pass holders may park for free. In the event of inclement weather, rain date is July 5.

Print at home tickets are available on tweetsie.com. Admission includes a full day of fun at Tweetsie, including the adventure-filled Wild West train trip, live entertainment, country fair rides, a visit to the Deer Park zoo and much more.

Tweetsie Railroad is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains on U.S. Highway 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock.

For more information about the 2008 season at Tweetsie Railroad, call 1-877- TWEETSIE or visit www.tweetsie.com.