Conneaut Lake Park meets eligibity status as National Historic District!

The historic Blue Streak rollercoaster at Conneaut Lake Park

I am thrilled beyond words for one of the parks that is closest to my heart, Conneaut Lake Park!  This is a super step toward preserving this wonderful, historic space.

Just saw this posted by CLP on Facebook:

Here's a sneak peek at a release we're sending out. This is some of what we've been working on in the "off season." It just validates what we know and work so hard to prove: this park deserves to be preserved!



CONNEAUT LAKE PARK MEETS ELIGIBILITY STATUS AS NATIONAL REGISTER HISTORIC DISTRICT


Conneaut Lake, PA – In this, the Park’s 120th anniversary year, it is cause for additional celebration a...s the Park was just informed that it has met the eligibility status to be deemed a National Register Historic District by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC). According to its website, the mission of the PHMC is to “preserve the Commonwealth's memory as a teacher and champion of its heritage for citizens of Pennsylvania and the nation.”


Conneaut Lake Park is tied for 10th oldest operating amusement park in the nation (source:NAPHA) and has won awards and support from several organizations such as Preservation PA, National Amusement Park Historical Association, American Coaster Enthusiasts, and the National Carousel Association.


The eligibility status allowed the Park to apply for a $25,000 grant (via the Conneaut Lake Institute) for the Blue Streak through the PHMC’s Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program; grant recipients will be named in 5 or 6 months.

Happy 120th Birthday, Conneaut Lake Park!

CLP bears the distinction of being the only park I visited numerous times for my book.  I did so because I wanted to watch its progress, I wanted to champion it, and, most importantly, I yearned to learn more about its history each time.  As Conneaut Lake Park will be celebrating its 120th anniversary this very year, I give you some of my most favorite photos, taken in 2009, when the park had just re-opened, in 2010, on a rainy day when the park was closed (more about that coming up) and in 2011, when I witnessed the miracle that having faith can accomplish.

In 2009, the park was back, after being closed for two years.  I absolutely fell in love with it, for some of the following reasons:

There be gentle ponies you can ride.  The same family has been in charge of the ponies for over fifty years.

A magnificent carousel, teeming with beautifully-appointed steeds, greeted us with a pipe organ "ta-da"!  The center portion of the ride boasts hand-painted images of the park's history.  If you look closely, you can see the Kaylee Belle, the park's lake excursion boat.

And then there's the Devils Den.  Back in 2009, this sinister harpy greeted you to the dank depths of this classic dark ride.

In 2010, we visited the park, only to have it be closed due to the weather.  However, that didn't hinder the special event going on at the Beach Club: the team from T.V.'s "Paranormal State" were there to lead folks through the haunted Hotel Conneaut.

Happiness prevailed in 2011, when the Blue Streak rollercoaster was back up and hopping, due to the great fortune of the park winning a $50,000 Pepsi Challenge prize. 

Now, I can't really "do" coasters, but I can thrill to the rarest of rare rides when I need to.  And I NEEDED to ride the Tumble Bug, one of only three in existence.  It makes me gleeful.

We set aside some time to take in the schnazzy new mini golf.  Heavens to Betsy, I actually won.  I never win at mini golf, but the putt putt gods were with me that day.

 

And I felt so brave from my victory, that I knew I could take on the Devil's Den again, and come face to face with the dreaded Gum Wall!  Note the gummy-gooey texture in the photo beneath....

Simply put, Conneaut Lake Park holds its history dearly.  And I raise a glass (juice soda at this very moment, perhaps something stronger later this evening) to its continuation.  Conneaut Lake Park is a place that matters.

That's what these old friends believe...

And so does Ben, pictured here on the venerable Blue Streak.

Congrats again, CLP!  Here's to a wonderful 2012 season!!

Third time = charm

Although in no way would I consider the other two visits to be less-than-charming, but the first time the park was just reopen. The second time, it rained - but we ran into the kids from "Paranormal State" so that was entertaining. But this time, I've got old friends to revisit and new adventures to tackle.

In just a few hours, we'll be Road Tripping out to Conneaut Lake Park - for the third time for this book. CLP is the only park that I'll be visiting three times for the book, for many reasons: it rose like a phoenix from the proverbial and actual ashes (after its magnificent ballroom burned to the ground), it continues to add attractions and rides, it refurbished the Blue Streak, its historic rollercoaster. For all intents and purposes, it should've closed years ago, if you consider many parks in similar situations have closed their gates, leaving their precious rides to rot. But CLP keeps on bringing it.

For that, and also for the fact that it has a dark ride called the Devil's Den that totally delights me, a neighboring hotel with a haunted past, and an amazing vintage carousel, Conneaut Lake Park was, is, and will continue to be one of my favorite parks on "The Cotton Candy Road Trip" - and one that tugs at my heartstrings like no other.  Heartstrings tugged?  Well, you'll just have to read my book to find out, won't you?

Ghoster Coaster!!

http://www.conneautlakepark.com/

http://www.ghostlake.net/

So you're traipsing through western Pennsylvania during a particularly crisp Autumn weekend, wondering what to do with yourself? Look no further than the links provided above: Conneaut Lake Park has some exciting special events lined up for the next few months, including their Oktoberfest, Pumpkin Fest, and Ghost Lake (for those brave souls who like getting the pudding scared out of them!). It boasts 8 levels of terror; they advise allowing at least one and half hours to make your way through all the attractions, including the haunted (for real) Hotel Conneaut. Extra-cool bonus: you can ride the newly-restored Blue Streak rollercoaster! You know you SO want to do that! And get this: for Ghost Lake, they've renamed it "the Ghoster Coaster". Can I hear a "squeeeee!"?

A great way to start the month!

I just finished being interviewed on "The Jack Evans Show" on WMBS - CBS 590 AM out of Uniontown, PA. My interview was prempted a bit by the Cubs vs. Pittsburgh game (solidifying yet again why I'm a White Sox fan), but Jack had me on solid for twenty-five minutes - which went by like five and twenty seconds. A gracious host, he let me explain the title of my book, what prpted me to write it, and even tell a few stories that I've culled for the book. I'm also elated that I was ableo help Conneaut Lake Park get the word out about their highly-likely reopening of the Blue Streak coaster this weekend!

I like it when months start with a broad grin...

Check out my first radio interview tomorrow!

Hey Cotton Candy Kids! I'm elated to announce my first radio interview for my book will be conducted tomorrow, September 1! Check out the following website if you don't live near Uniontown, PA. I'll be on the Jack Evans Show at 4:15 central time. This is WMBS - CBS 590 AM, or click on this link to listen to the streaming live broadcast! I can't wait to talk about my book and all the great news about Conneaut Lake Park and the Blue Streak refurbishment!!!

http://www.wmbs590.com/

Just a few more days to vote!!

Cotton Candy Kiddies -- just a few more days to vote for the refurbishment of the Blue Streak rollercoaster at Conneaut Lake Park through the Pepsi Refresh Everything challenge!! Go to the following link and vote away! Right now the Blue Streak is in 1st Place to receive a $50,000 grant! Let's get her rolling!!

http://www.refresheverything.com/conneautlakeparkbluestreak

Back and just a little snarly...

http://www.refresheverything.com/conneautlakeparkbluestreak

Okay, I've been away for a while, but I've had some very sound reasons. However, before I go into all that, please copy and paste the address above and go vote for the Blue Streak to be funded 50K!! Right now they're in 2nd place but they have to stay in the Top 10 by the end of this month. Go vote! Now! Chop, chop!!

So, the reasons I've been away? Okay then - it has to do with no time to get me to a coffee house and cozy up and plunk down some blogstuff. But beyond that, I had me a spill, or as my character, The Drowsy Chaperone would call it, a "plumble." On August 2, I fell down the stairs, in slow-mo, like Lee Majors in the "Six Million Dollar Man." Really strained my knee. So I'm keeping off of it, focusing on the happy acronym R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Well, maybe more like R.I.E. But I'm doing it. Also taking my fish oil and an enzyme called Repair Gold.)

I won't be felled by this thing. I'm on the attack like a wolverine. Look -- here's a photo of a slightly snarling wolverine to get you in the spirit! Plus he's playing in the snow, which should give you a refreshed, chilly feeling in the middle of the hottest summer we've had since 1897. See? I give.

Vote. Every. Day.

http://www.refresheverything.com/conneautlakeparkbluestreak

Go to the link above and vote every day until the 31st of July. Because if this campaign doesn't rank in the Top 10 on Pepsi refresh Everything, Conneaut Lake Park will NOT receive the MUCH-needed $50K to restore it's beloved roller coaster, the Blue Streak.

Refurbished Blue Streak=Renewed Conneaut Lake Park=Revitalized local economy.

Vote for the Restoration of the Blue Streak roller coaster!!!

I've already posted about this, but I'm learning more and more that it's crucial for the fate of this historic park, which dates back to 1893, that the coaster is up and running STAT!! It's also so important for the Conneaut Lake local economy. A roller coaster is to an amusement park like a department store is to a mall. It's the main thing that draws folks in. Now, let's up the ante by stating that this particular coaster is long-loved, historical - FAMOUS! Some compare it to the Coney Island coasters.

Here's the link once again:

http://www.refresheverything.com/conneautlakeparkbluestreak

As of today, the Blue Streak ranks 22nd as far as vote-getting. It needs to be in the Top 10 by July 31st.

Hey! Get that Altruism Monkey off your back TODAY! One of THREE ways you can make me smile -- and get that warm, fuzzy feeling...

Today the dumpster was set out on our drive way. That's good because we can finally load in all our debris from the flood, the debris that was fermenting near our driveway, swiftly turning into a biohazard as the days progressed. The shiny green dumpster is here so the nice man who is working on our roof has a place to put the old crumpled roofing, some of which was damaged during the storm of 2010.

This morning when Ben attempted to make breakfast, he realized our stove does not work. Something went kaflooey with the electrical componenet which, upon closer researching online, I've learned may cost about $250 to replace, not counting the repairman.

So, if you're still reading this, could you please take some time to help me out because, yeah, things are a bit trying just now and money issues just keep cropping up. I'll definitely have your back later.

Here's what you can do:

Go to my Kickstarter site and pledge money toward my book:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/547218072/the-cotton-candy-road-trip-a-book-about-the-magic

Go to my Cafe Press shop and buy something cool:

http://www.cafepress.com/vintagepark

Go to the Pepsi Refresh Everything site and vote FOR FREE for Conneaut Lake Park's funding of the Blue Streak rollercoaster. If this park's coaster is put back into working order, this park has a chance of succeeding. If not, I'm not quite sure...

http://www.refresheverything.com/conneautlakeparkbluestreak

There are your options. Oh - you can also stop by our house on Sunday and help us paint. Contact me directly for further information.

Thank you for your attention. Oh -- and enjoy the nifty photo of the llama from the Conneaut Lake Park carousel. That's free, too, just for visiting my blog today!

Follow this link and vote, vote, VOTE!!

http://www.refresheverything.com/conneautlakeparkbluestreak

Go to this link and vote everyday. Pepsi is giving away SCADS of money every month. Help Conneaut Lake Park win $50,000 to refurbish its Blue Streak Coaster, the park's signature ride, closed for years. It's an historic coaster, a good old-fashioned wooden jobbie. It's magnificent and needs YOUR support. Plus once it's up and running, it'll defintiely help revive the park.

Don't let Conneaut Lake Park go the way of Kiddieland. Vote EVERYDAY!!

Help the rebirth of the Blue Streak!

Wanna give to a great cause, one that will help revive one of the greatest vintage wooden rollercoasters in America? Then follow the link below and consider making even a small contribution to the refurbishment of the Blue Streak at Conneaut Lake Park.

This park's history is a poignant one -- it was closed and abandoned for years, but the community came together and is bringing it back to its former glory! This much-loved premiere coaster still needs some help, so check out the link and see what you can do!

http://www.conneautlakepark.com/bluestreak.html