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AWO WELCOMES "THEODORE TUGBOAT" TO NATIONAL MARITIME DAY CELEBRATION

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American Waterways Operators (AWO), the national trade association for America's tugboat, towboat and barge industry, announced today that it will host an invitation-only event celebrating National Maritime Day, Saturday, May 20. The event will feature "Theodore Tugboat," the friendly star of the award-winning children's television series airing on PBS and in over 70 countries. AWO will commemorate the day with Members of Congress, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Coast Guard, Maritime Administration, and National Transportation Safety Board officials and their families aboard "Theodore Too," the life-sized replica of Theodore Tugboat. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Old Town Alexandria's Waterfront Park, located at Prince Street at the water.

Both the American Waterways Operators and "Theodore Tugboat" promote water transportation safety. The AWO Responsible Carrier Program, a condition of membership in AWO, emphasizes safety and environmental protection in the transportation of waterborne commerce. "Theodore Tugboat" promotes water safety programs for children and recreational boaters.

Complete with large, movable cartoon eyes and a big red baseball cap, "Theodore Too" was built in response to a flood of requests for personal appearances by the popular TV star. "Theodore Tugboat" has been featured twice on the NBC-TV Emmy-winning Rosie O'Donnell Show. Cochran Entertainment, which produces the television series for pre-school children, commissioned the tug, which was launched on April 19. "Theodore Too" is making its first appearance in the Washington area to commemorate National Transportation Week and National Maritime Day.

Guests attending this special event will not only be able to tour the famous 65-foot tug, but will also have the opportunity to meet "Theodore Too" Captain Bill Stewart, learn about water transportation safety, and enjoy activities and refreshments.

National Transportation Week provides an opportunity to promote greater awareness about the importance of waterways transportation to America's economy, environment, and quality of life. National Maritime Day is traditionally observed on the third Saturday in May, and is the concluding day of National Transportation Week.