To continue the Chattanooga Choo Choo’s year-long centennial celebration, WTCI-TV (PBS) and the Chattanooga Choo Choo are hosting a preview screening of Tracing the Tracks, a WTCI-produced documentary, on Tuesday, June 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Centennial Theatre. The screening is free and open to the public.
"Tracing the Tracks" explores the history of the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the history and evolution of the rail system in the eastern and southern regions, focusing mainly on Chattanooga. The use of the song, “Chattanooga Choo Choo”, made famous by the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1941, is a unifying theme of the documentary.
“As a PBS station, WTCI strives to uncover and tell the important stories of our community,” said Paul Grove, WTCI President and CEO. “Tracing the Tracks is a documentary that has allowed us to explore the history of one of Chattanooga’s most recognized icons, the Chattanooga Choo Choo. We are proud to partner with the Chattanooga Choo Choo as they celebrate 100 years.”
This screening marks one of many events the Choo Choo has already hosted this year to celebrate its anniversary, including a recent performance by the Glenn Miller Orchestra and a kick-off party in December.
“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate our 100th year with the premiere of a documentary focused on the history of the Chattanooga Choo Choo,” said Jim Bambrey, General Manager of the Chattanooga Choo Choo. “I can think of no better way honor this milestone and look back on our incredible past. To have our community’s PBS station produce this documentary with support from numerous community sponsors has been amazing.”
Production of the documentary is sponsored locally by the Chattanooga Convention and Visitors Bureau, Comcast, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, McKee Foods, and Coca-Cola.
"Tracing the Tracks" will premiere on WTCI Wednesday, July 15 at 9 p.m. with repeats scheduled July 15 at 11 p.m., July 16 at 8 p.m., July 26 at 2 p.m., and July 30 at 8 p.m.