CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – August 3, 2009 – WTCI-TV (PBS) will air Chattanooga Choo Choo: Tracing the Tracks, a WTCI-produced documentary, on Thursday, August 6 at 8 p.m. 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, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.”

The documentary debuted to a crowd of more than 250 at a special screening event in June, one of many events the Choo Choo has hosted this year to celebrate its anniversary.

“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 Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Comcast, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, McKee Foods, and Coca-Cola.