Digging National Train Day

Actor Taye Diggs is vouching for Amtrak and helping to lead National Train Day events this weekend.

Taye Diggs (Getty Images)

Diggs, a train fan, kicked off festivities Friday in New York, then boarded a train to Washington for events on Saturday.

Amtrak also is hosting exhibits and activities in Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles on Saturday. They will feature options for high-speed rail and the fuel efficiency that trains offer over planes and cars. Historic train cars will be on display, as well as a look at the history of dining on trains.

This year marks the 141st anniversary of the first transcontinental railroad.

Diggs says riding the train was his first real travel experience. As a New Yorker, Diggs says he and his wife, actress Idina Menzel, have always found trains convenient.

In Washington events will be held at Union Station from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here are some schedule highlights:

-- 11 a.m.: Opening Ceremony with Taye Diggs
-- Noon: Culinary demonstration with Washington's own Michel Richard
-- 12:45 p.m.: Performance by Rocknoceros
-- 1:30 p.m.: Amtrak Ambassadors presentation
-- 2 p.m.: Ballou High School Marching Band

-- Associated Press and staff reports