Joyland sale may result in expansion
"The future of one of Wichita's [KS] top tourist attractions, Joyland Amusement Park, will start to become clearer after a sheriff's sale next month. The property and equipment of Joyland, at 2801 S. Hillside, is scheduled to be auctioned at 10 a.m., Dec. 15 at the Sedgwick County Courthouse." From MSNBC.

A Trip Through Cypress Gardens Adventure Park
"As Cypress Gardens Adventure Park opens its doors today, we provide you with a look at some of the sights, sounds and tastes you will encounter at the refurbished attraction. The Winter Haven landmark, which closed its doors in April 2003 after 67 years of offering ski shows, indigenous plants and a taste of early Florida, is also under new ownership." From The Lakeland Ledger.

IAAPA 2004 Trade Show Report: Best New Products for the Amusement Industry
I'm back from the IAAPA's annual trade show in Orlando, and here's my report on the show's most impressive new rides.

Future of Santa's Village up in the air
"Santa's Village amusement park, beloved by preschoolers and nostalgic adults alike, is facing a big question mark in its future, now that a Chicago developer has a contract to purchase the 40-acre site in East Dundee [IL]. The park has stood at Illinois 72 and Illinois 25 in the far northwest suburb for 45 years, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. 'It's a cornerstone of our community. It has been for many years. There are families I've talked to that are bringing their grandkids out there,' said East Dundee Village President Roger Ahrens." From The Chicago Sun Times.

Congratulations to Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana for winning The Applause Award, presented by Amusement Business and Sweden’s Liseberg Park today at IAAPA's Annual Convention and Trade Show in Orlando [FL]. With annual attendance of 883,000 in 2004, Holiday World is the smallest park ever to win an Applause Award. Couldn't have gone to a nicer park.

Bangor's 'Whip' won't get back into shape
"Bangor [PA] is wrestling with what to do with ''the Whip'' -- the carnival-style ride the borough installed decades ago in its Memorial Park. It's been at least 12 years since anyone took a spin on the Whip's eight rotating cars. With the ride collecting dust in storage in two locations, borough officials are hoping to find someone willing to buy it." From The Morning Call.

Cedar Fair, L.P. Announces Plans For Major Water Park Addition At Geauga Lake
"Cedar Fair, L.P. (NYSE: FUN), a publicly traded partnership which owns and operates seven amusement parks and five water parks, has announced plans to build a multi-million-dollar water park at Geauga Lake, located near Cleveland, Ohio. In addition, the Partnership reported that Geauga Lake will lower its 2005 general admission price to $24.95, down $10 from last season." Press Release from Cedar Fair, L.P.

Disney World unions end feud
"A legal skirmish between leaders of Walt Disney World's largest group of unions ended Monday afternoon, but the fight over a new employment contract for more than 20,000 theme park and hotel workers raged on. The three-year contract heads to a vote on Thursday." From South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Charity Ride Auction hosted by Knott's Berry Farm
"On December 7, 2004, 60 people (28 people in the first train and 32 people in the second train) will have the opportunity to be the first official riders of the new inverted roller coaster at Knott's Berry Farm." All proceeds from this event will support the facilities and programs provided by the Speech & Language Development Center of Buena Park. Auction on silverbulletrideauction.com.

Support for Theme Park Growing
"A Brockville, Ont., businessman's petition has gathered over 300 signatures in support of Leisureville, a proposed amusement park that would include a harness racing track and gaming facility. Brockville's city council is encouraging members of the community to show the provincial government they support the project, according to the Recorder and Times." From Standardbred Canada.

Dozens of police officers converge on crowded amusement park after several fights break out
"JACKSON, N.J. -- A series of fights involving dozens of people erupted at a crowded amusement park late Sunday, forcing authorities to seek assistance from more than a dozen area law enforcement agencies. At least one person was arrested at the Six Flags Great Adventure theme park, authorities said, but no serious injuries were reported. Authorities said about 36,000 people were in the park at one during the day, and the first of several large fights broke out around 8 p.m., about an hour before the park's normal closing time." From Newsday.