Quassy's Ship Has Come In!

4/4/2008

MIDDLEBURY, Conn. – Ahoy, mates, our ship has come in! The “Galleon” Pirate Ship has dropped anchor at Quassy Amusement Park as the landmark property prepares to set sail for a summer of high flying family fun. Swinging 30 feet into the air, the “Galleon” will be one of several additions as Quassy celebrates “100 Years Of Fun” (1908-2008) this season. Suspended from a giant pendulum, the “Galleon” will seat up to 33 shipmates during a wild voyage as the vessel soars high above the midway. Built by Zamperla rides of Altavilla, Italy, the “Galleon” will delight children and adults as it is designed as a family attraction. “This is a fantastic family ride - one that we have considered adding for quite some time,” said George Frantzis II, a park co-owner. “With this being our milestone centennial season, there was no better opportunity than now for us to make this acquisition - one that will certainly be welcomed by our loyal customers.” The ride will be situated at the bottom of the main walkway leading into the park. With the huge redemption arcade serving as a backdrop, the “Galleon” will be a new centerpiece to the more than 20 rides at the venue. Fun Slide Also Added Quassy is also adding a three-lane family fun slide for 2008. The slide features 100-foot fiberglass chutes incorporating gentle humps to provide a fast and thrilling experience. The slide drops from a 28-foot platform and will be located near the Quassy Ice Cream Parlor. The slide was built by Childress rides of Easley, S.C., and will accommodate children and adults. Offering A Good Dose Of Brain Freeze Guests looking for a good dose of brain freeze on a hot summer day will find it at the new Quassy Slush Factory. Fountains of frozen delights will be served up at the concession being built by the park’s carpentry department. Guests will be afforded an opportunity to mix a rainbow of flavors when visiting the Slush Factory, which will be located near the Quassy Toy Shack. Numerous other projects have been taking place at the park during the off-season, including improvements to existing structures and refurbishing of rides. The “Yo-Yo” super swing ride, acquired by Quassy in 2004, is getting a facelift for the centennial season with a new color scheme. Other rides will be freshly painted for the park's opening on April 26. “Saturation Station,” the interactive family water play area constructed in 2003, will also sport new finishes on a number of the attraction’s colorful pieces. Two gigantic “Tunnel Twister” waterslides were added to the popular attraction in 2006 to complement the existing multi-level modular structure. At the center of “Saturation Station” is a huge dumping bucket – creating a waterfall effect by dousing guests with more than 300 gallons of water every few minutes. There are more than 30 ways to get drenched at the waterpark, which opens Memorial Day weekend. Entertainment and a variety of special events are also part of the annual season at the lakeside park. For more information about Quassy Amusement Park visit www.quassy.com or call 1-800-FOR-PARK. Catered outings, school fieldtrips and other group events are currently being scheduled by contacting the park office. --30— With photos “Galleon 1” and “Galleon 2”, and Quassy Family Fun Slide Cutlines The "Galleon" Pirate Ship ride will be one of the new featured attractions at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, Conn., this year as the park celebrates "100 Years Of Fun." The ride was built in Italy and will send up to 33 shipmates soaring high above the park. (Galleon 1 and Galleon 2) The three-lane family fun slide sits in the parking lot at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, Conn., recently as the maintenance staff prepares to assemble the new attraction for the 2008 season. (photo 100 0702)