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I may try to visit....The site seems like a very attractive location. Smile

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Geauga Lake I will miss you!

According to the Norton Auctioneers of Michigan site, the Big Dipper will be auctioned off Tuesday, June 17, 2008. They would know. See http://www.nortonauctioneers.com/upcoming.htm Two other wooden coasters are also being auctioned: Raging Wolf Bobs & Villain.

Sad, first Nelson Ledges, then Erieview Park at Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH, then Conneaut Lake Park failing to open, then Geauga Lake Park closing. NE Ohio is really taking a beating when it comes to the old trolley & lake parks. These auctions are depressing. Why do I go?

But the sale of Dipper and any other coaster is still subject to approval by Cedar Fair. This has been stated in other press releases directly from Cedar Fair.
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Greed is what caused GL's demise and that just makes me sick. Lets do what we can to rat out Kinzel - hes a snake.

In the end the truth will come out and we will then see whos laughing at who.

I'm not clear what your comment means. Cedar Fair has contracted with Norton Auctioneers to auction off the park including the Big Dipper. That indicates "approval" to me. Are you saying Cedar Fair has to approve the buyer? I'm not an expert on Ohio auction law but that usually wouldn't be a seller's option once something is offered at public auction.

Dipper was in the auction, then it wasn't, now its back again. At one point CF made a statement that said that the sale of BD is subject to approval by CF.
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Greed is what caused GL's demise and that just makes me sick. Lets do what we can to rat out Kinzel - hes a snake.

In the end the truth will come out and we will then see whos laughing at who.

I hope someone else buys the BD I would rather see a new coaster built at CP.

jdiv wrote:

Its not a "public auction" in the sense of government taking over the property and selling it to help pay taxes, etc. Its a private auction that is open to the public. The rides still belong to Cedar Fair until a bidder is found and approved. Technically, I think they can reject any bidder for anything being auctioned if they want.

- Jeff

Yes, it is a "public auction" and there are state and common laws that apply. It's been 35 years since I completed law school so I won't attempt to give a legal opinion but generally when items are offered at public auction there are no restrictions save those required by law. Depending on state law and since I have not seen the legal term, "absolute auction", in the public notices, it may be possible for CF to "buy back" any items which could effectively be the same as setting a reserve or "approving the buyer. This would have to be done at the time of the actual auction. Since no buyer qualifications are stated in the auction announcement, I doubt there are any restrictions. If you want to erect the Big Dipper in your backyard or cut it up for memorial plaques as was done at Idora park, just be the highest bidder.

I apologize if I used a wrong term, I admit to not being an expert on this. I am right in that there are differences in laws between government run auctions and owner-initiated auctions (I guess based on the state), right? I do know that at a recent auction from Norton (in Florida) a carousel was auctioned and the owner rejected the highest bid. So simply asking Norton to auction off your rides does not imply approval.

- Jeff

I think we're saying the same thing. Since it has not been advertised as an "absolute auction" nor a reserve stated as far as I know, CF can presumably reject any offer by doing a "buyback" if they are allowed in Ohio.

BTW, AFAIK, there's no significant legal differences between a commercial auction and a government auction. Both are normally public auctions. A private auction is one where the bidders are invited privately and no public announcements are made. Companies and items of great value are sometimes sold this way. I'm not sure if auction laws apply to them, possibly just normal contract law.

The color brochure, which does not include the Big Dipper, states on page 3 "EVERY ITEM SELLS TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER No Minimum Price! No Minimum Reserve! Sells at Absolute Auction." In contrast, the one-page flyer includes the Big Dipper and states "1926 National Amusement Landmark Coaster - This famous Big Dipper wood roller coaster will be offered at the auction subject to the Seller's approval of buyer. Subject to prior sale." So it appears that in addition to any other rights, Cedar Fair specifically reserved the right to approve the buyer of the Big Dipper. http://nortonauctioneers.com/Auctions/GeaugaLake/Geauga.jpg

Memorial plaques made out of Big Dipper pieces would be a really bad idea. Even though it is the 12th oldest in the world, it was running fine the last time the gates were open in September.

The fact it was left it out of the color brochure, in my opinion, potentially reduces the chance that viable bidders will be aware it is up (or back up) for auction. If they don't have any viable bids submitted on May 23 to preserve it on site (or other good options for doing so), I really hope they respect the history of the ride and either sell it to a park operator or promptly relocate it to another Cedar Fair park (maybe Cedar Point, Kings Island, Worlds of Fun with the Carousel or Valleyfair). Selling it to someone who will scrap and plaque it would be a travesty and would only make a bad PR situation worse. I could see a lot of bad press coverage, maybe even the long-rumored pickets and boycotts if they do that.

Cedar Fair has had nothing but negative press on the Big Dipper issue. They have a great opportunity to get a lot of positive coverage by preserving the Big Dipper. I hope they take advantage of that opportunity, it will be good for Cedar Fair and the community.
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"It's a very special ride. We want to make sure it has a proper home." Cedar Fair's Innes on Big Dipper, 12th oldest roller coaster on Earth.

"There will not be a lot more work being done on the property" in 2008 said Innes. CF save BD in 09.

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