In honor of Thomas & Friends’ 65th anniversary, HIT Entertainment has lined up a series of US promos, headlined by a partnership with Minor League Baseball and Celebration Foods.

Celebration Foods’ Carvel ice cream cake brand is the presenting sponsor of Thomas’ 65th Anniversary, propelling a series of retail programs this spring and summer and accompanying Thomas for events at MiLB games.

Thomas & Friends title nights will take place with 22 Minor League Baseball teams between May 15 and June 30 across the US. Activities may include a special sneak peek of upcoming Thomas & Friends movies, photo opportunities for kids and free Thomas goodies. Celebration Foods is the exclusive Thomas partner for these events and is handing out Carvel ice cream cake samples and coupons to fans at the games. Celebration Foods will also extend its promotion to grocery retailers by running free consumer offers at select regional stores.

Also, celebrating ’65 on 6/5,’ theme park owner Six Flags Entertainment is hosting Thomas birthday parties at park locations with Thomas Towns, including those in New England, Atlanta, L.A. and the new Thomas Town at Six Flags America in Baltimore/Washington, D.C., which will also host its opening on June 5, 2010. Select parks will also feature a screening area showcasing the new DVD, Thomas & Friends: The Greatest Stories, released by Lionsgate Home Entertainment.

The Thomas birthday celebration will hit the airways on PBS Kids Sprout with a special broadcast of The Great Discovery on June 5 and 6.