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Ray P Coral Cove User is Offline Joined: 12 Jul 2007 Posts: 500	Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 2:03 pm    Post subject: September 1999... · Quote Warning: Memories of years past are contained within this post.     Picture it.  Geauga Lake.  September 1999.  I remember it well.  I was exiting Time Warp, one of the three new rides that year and was heading over towards Serial Thriller, the park’s SLC.  A pair of corporate suits were pointing off in the lake’s direction and making corkscrew-like patterns with their hands.  I overheard one saying that “they will probably build a bridge to get to it.”  As I worked my way back towards Raging Wolf Bobs, there were more suits talking about where “the entrance” would be located.  Land was cleared and pink flag markers were all over the place behind the Double Loop.  They couldn’t possibly be building something in that spot, can they?  The Rotor and Euroracers Grand Prix had been removed.  A big pit was being dug near the monorail station in the shape of a wave pool while the park’s original wave pool was being demolished.  The park’s old arcade was just a memory as it had been leveled a few weeks prior.  Casino, Black Widow and Mirage were nowhere to be found.  Signs with the Six Flags logo on it were littered throughout the park stating “Excuse our dust”.  There was legitimate excitement in the air as rumors swirled.  Each week during Fright Fest, there was something new to see.  What exactly did Premier Parks have in store for our beloved Geauga Lake?  It must be big with all of the construction going on.   Speaking of SF’s Fright Fests...  I think back to the old Fright Fests and how much effort SF put into them.  After 6:00 PM, no one was safe in the park.  Chainsaw ghouls would attack from behind, scarecrows would blend with the scenery only to lunge out at unsuspecting passers-by.  A bloodied teen lying on top of a bloodied ice cream truck would suddenly spring up at visitors foolish enough to get too close to the carnage.  While I’m not a fan of haunted activities, you could tell SF wanted to put on a heck of a show and they usually succeeded as evidenced by the large crowds.  I’ll never forget FF 2000, sitting on the porch of the Saloon and watching lines for 3 haunted houses stretch throughout Western Village.  Trying to move was nearly impossible.  The line for Villain filled the queue.  It was just incredible to see in person.   Once again this September, there will be no Fright Fest.  No upcharge haunted houses.  No chainsaw ghouls attacking guests on the midways.  No Zambora the Gorilla Girl.  No Alice Cooper’s Brutal Tent.  No enormous crowds to battle on your way to the restrooms behind the Dodgems.  Only the rotting remains of what once was will haunt the grounds of Six Flags Ohio from now on.   Have a great day!   _________________ http://rayp.smugmug.com
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Gunkey Monkey Site Admin User is Offline Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Posts: 1102 Location: Cleveland, Ohio	Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 5:13 pm    Post subject: · Quote I did not get to the park that year, I really regret it now, but I remember seeing all the photos posted on the Net showing the leveled 50's midway. Big Dipper was fully exposed with everything around it gone. IIRC they moved some of the Rainbow Island rides to the area next to the Main Gate when the construction started. I think it was obvious what was going on. By that time the rumors were already circulating that the park would be next on the list for a Six Flags conversion since Darien Lake had just been converted that year. _________________ On September 21, 2007, a historic 119-year old amusement park had been secretly murdered. Never forget it.
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coasterdad Site Admin User is Offline Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Posts: 2153	Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 5:29 pm    Post subject: · Quote Ray, You truly depress me. I fondly remember the summer of1999. My son was 10 and loving amusement parks, especially GL. I recall telling him that next year will be amazing, he couldn't wait. Much to our surprise we were treated with three spectacular new coasters and an array of other things, what a place! The magic and smiles he and my daughter had in that place are priceless. Fast Forward to 2009, less than ten years later, the only inhabitants of the park are wild animals a few rotting coasters and the occasional trespasser. Wow, I think Ive depressed myself even more than Rays post. _________________ GL's demise was caused by one mans foolish greed. In the end the truth will come out as it always does.
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Rollercoaster Kev Beaver Land Mine Ride User is Offline Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 74	Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 6:51 pm    Post subject: · Quote Summer 1999 I was about 13 and had the best time of my life. _________________ -Kevin
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dsloban Thunderhawk User is Offline Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Posts: 1073	Posted: Sun Sep 13, 2009 8:29 am    Post subject: · Quote Does anyone have any of these photos? _________________ Life is like a rollercoaster. It is full of ups and downs!
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