The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is seen at 1 Cathedral Square in Altoona. The Cathedral will offer tours to coincide with the increased number of tourists expected to be in the area for the visit of the Big Boy No. 4014 locomotive. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona is getting ready to roll out the welcome mat for thousands of tourists anticipated to visit the region.

The historic Big Boy No. 4014 locomotive will be in the Altoona area July 8-11 as part of its nationwide tour in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

To greet the thousands of visitors expected to be in the downtown Altoona area, the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is opening its doors and spotlighting the landmark church and its historic Steinmeyer organ.

Free guided tours of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament will be offered on the following dates and times:

— Wednesday, July 8, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

— Thursday, July 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

— Friday, July 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

— Saturday, July 11, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Each day, Mass will be celebrated at noon in the Cathedral, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered at 3 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 8; at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 9; at 3 p.m. Friday, July 10.

Cathedral Music Director Robert Long will play the Cathedral’s Steinmeyer organ at various times throughout the days when the Cathedral is open for the special tours.

Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 is the world’s largest operating steam locomotive.

Besides the Altoona area, the tour includes events and stops in multiple cities and states.