Andrew
09-13-2004, 11:07 AM
Paramount's Great America Guest Newsletter #14 (Sept 12-24) Birth of the Rollercoaster
Grand Ole Opry American Road Show Stops at PGA
From the Opry to PGA, The Grand Ole Opry American Road Show 2004 makes a much anticipated stop at the Park's Redwood Amphitheater on October 14th at 8pm.
The Grand Ole Opry American Road Show 2004 showcases three of the Opry's most popular members, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, and the Del McCoury Band, along with frequent Opry guest Rebecca Lynn Howard. Together they are taking the Opry's signature blend of music and entertainment live to fans across the country.
In addition to performing their own favorites, artists on the tour will join each other on stage for numerous collaborations and one-of-a-kind group performances. Embodying the live show format of world-famous Opry performances in Nashville, the shows will be complete with a tour version of the Opry's signature barn backdrop and microphone stands, and 650 WSM's Eddie Stubbs acting as the tour's on-stage announcer.
Advance tickets are suggested and can be purchased online (http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1c0038f2ee558e70?brand=&artistid=806097&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=2). Half Off Tickets are available to WOW! Card and VIP Passholders. Visit the House of Blues website (click here (http://www.hob.com/venues/concerts/partnermarketing/index.asp?sponsor_id=24)) to purchase yours while they last!
Tell us about your last trip to the park and win!
Tell us about your last trip to Great America through our Guest Satisfaction Survey (http://www.parkfeedback.com/research/survey.aspx?s=feednews)! For your participation you'll be entered to win free tickets or one of a hundred prizes worth $25 to $1000. It's fast, it's free and it's a great way to make the park better for your next visit!
The Birth of the Roller Coaster
(Russian Slide (http://www.parkfeedback.com/newsletter/Images/pga/russianslide.JPG)) Roller coaster enthusiasts everywhere can thank Russians living in the 1700s for creating the first coasters. Not anything like what we see looming in Parks today, these coasters were called Ice Slides and popular at fairs all over Russia. Positioning themselves on a sled made of wood or ice, riders were pushed down a steep incline made entirely of ice. Even though sand or dirt was positioned at the end of the slide in order to slow it down, a certain amount of skill was required from riders.
Taking his cue from the Russians, a French businessman attempted to build the same type of ride in France. The slide was not suited for the French climate and soon earned the nickname "Slurpee Slide." A true entreprenuer, the businessman built an all-weather model using a waxed wooden slope and a wood sled with rollers on the bottom.
(Mauch Chunk Railway (http://www.parkfeedback.com/newsletter/Images/pga/mauch.JPG)) The Mauch Chunk Railway is widely considered the first American roller coaster. Not initially devised as a pleasure ride, the railway was built as a transportation system for the coal mine industry. Somewhere along the way, someone had the idea of loading people in the car and it became an instant hit. The cars were used for coal during the day and people at night.
(PGA's Top Gun (http://www.parkfeedback.com/newsletter/Images/pga/topgunpga.JPG)) In 1912, John Miller created the first underfriction roller coaster. For the first time, a coaster train was secured to the track, allowing for more speed, steeper hills and less drag. After the 1950's coaster design truly took off. Coasters were being made of steel and eventually included loops and by 1975, inversions. In 1982, Paramount's Kings Island (Cincinnati, OH) was the first to introduce the suspended coaster where riders hang below the track instead of ride on top of it. The eventual marraige of coasters and themes like Top Gun at PGA truly captivate riders from the moment they enter the line to the second they exit the ride.
From ice to steel, roller coasters have come a long way and undoubtedly will continue to push the thrill-envelope as technology and design become more and more advanced. Good news for those craving the next ride no one ever thought possible!
Black and white photos from Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. website (http://search.eb.com/coasters/).
Order a 2005 VIP Season Pass now, get the lowest price PLUS free admission for the rest of 2004
[i]Order your 2005 VIP Pass before October 24th and receive the lowest price we're ever going to offer on them! In addition to all of the benefits you'd receive if you ordered next spring (unlimited admission to PGA and Bonfante Gardens from Spring until Fall, free parking, Bring-A-Friend-Free days, special admittance to the 2005 VIP preview event, discounts at select locations and more) you'll also receive unlimited free access to Great America for the remainder of 2004, plus extra free tickets you can use to bring your friends! Visit our web site (http://www.pgathrills.com/tickets_season_pass.jsp?s=new) for details or call (888) 742-7277 to order now by phone.
Age is Nothing But a Number at PGA
"My wife and I are two "over 50" senior citizens who've had VIP Passes for about five years. We love going to the Park and riding Top Gun, Drop Zone and the High Flyer. It always tickles us when young people give us a second look as we stand in line for the thrill coasters. They seem surprised when we yell and hollar as loud as any other "kids" on board. In fact, we might laugh and yell more than they do! We love Paramount's Great America and are enjoying Bonfante Gardens (http://www.bonfantegardens.com/) as well. Thanks for the wonderful memories!"
- Fred B. from Sunnyvale, CA will receive two tickets to Paramount's Great America. Winners are randomly selected. Submit your entry (http://www.parkfeedback.com/news/memories.aspx)!
Learn Life-Saving Tips During Fire Prevention Day
Learn valuable tips on protecting you and your family during an emergency as part of Fire Prevention Day on October 3rd at Paramount's Great America. In conjunction with the Santa Clara Fire Department, this daylong event kicks-off Fire Prevention Week with a display of antique and new emergency vehicles throughout the park. Plus, see a variety of demonstrations and exhibits including a "safe house" that teaches kids evacuation procedures. For more information, please contact Santa Clara Fire Prevention at 408-615-4981.
Stay tuned for our next issue on September 24
Grand Ole Opry American Road Show Stops at PGA
From the Opry to PGA, The Grand Ole Opry American Road Show 2004 makes a much anticipated stop at the Park's Redwood Amphitheater on October 14th at 8pm.
The Grand Ole Opry American Road Show 2004 showcases three of the Opry's most popular members, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, and the Del McCoury Band, along with frequent Opry guest Rebecca Lynn Howard. Together they are taking the Opry's signature blend of music and entertainment live to fans across the country.
In addition to performing their own favorites, artists on the tour will join each other on stage for numerous collaborations and one-of-a-kind group performances. Embodying the live show format of world-famous Opry performances in Nashville, the shows will be complete with a tour version of the Opry's signature barn backdrop and microphone stands, and 650 WSM's Eddie Stubbs acting as the tour's on-stage announcer.
Advance tickets are suggested and can be purchased online (http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1c0038f2ee558e70?brand=&artistid=806097&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=2). Half Off Tickets are available to WOW! Card and VIP Passholders. Visit the House of Blues website (click here (http://www.hob.com/venues/concerts/partnermarketing/index.asp?sponsor_id=24)) to purchase yours while they last!
Tell us about your last trip to the park and win!
Tell us about your last trip to Great America through our Guest Satisfaction Survey (http://www.parkfeedback.com/research/survey.aspx?s=feednews)! For your participation you'll be entered to win free tickets or one of a hundred prizes worth $25 to $1000. It's fast, it's free and it's a great way to make the park better for your next visit!
The Birth of the Roller Coaster
(Russian Slide (http://www.parkfeedback.com/newsletter/Images/pga/russianslide.JPG)) Roller coaster enthusiasts everywhere can thank Russians living in the 1700s for creating the first coasters. Not anything like what we see looming in Parks today, these coasters were called Ice Slides and popular at fairs all over Russia. Positioning themselves on a sled made of wood or ice, riders were pushed down a steep incline made entirely of ice. Even though sand or dirt was positioned at the end of the slide in order to slow it down, a certain amount of skill was required from riders.
Taking his cue from the Russians, a French businessman attempted to build the same type of ride in France. The slide was not suited for the French climate and soon earned the nickname "Slurpee Slide." A true entreprenuer, the businessman built an all-weather model using a waxed wooden slope and a wood sled with rollers on the bottom.
(Mauch Chunk Railway (http://www.parkfeedback.com/newsletter/Images/pga/mauch.JPG)) The Mauch Chunk Railway is widely considered the first American roller coaster. Not initially devised as a pleasure ride, the railway was built as a transportation system for the coal mine industry. Somewhere along the way, someone had the idea of loading people in the car and it became an instant hit. The cars were used for coal during the day and people at night.
(PGA's Top Gun (http://www.parkfeedback.com/newsletter/Images/pga/topgunpga.JPG)) In 1912, John Miller created the first underfriction roller coaster. For the first time, a coaster train was secured to the track, allowing for more speed, steeper hills and less drag. After the 1950's coaster design truly took off. Coasters were being made of steel and eventually included loops and by 1975, inversions. In 1982, Paramount's Kings Island (Cincinnati, OH) was the first to introduce the suspended coaster where riders hang below the track instead of ride on top of it. The eventual marraige of coasters and themes like Top Gun at PGA truly captivate riders from the moment they enter the line to the second they exit the ride.
From ice to steel, roller coasters have come a long way and undoubtedly will continue to push the thrill-envelope as technology and design become more and more advanced. Good news for those craving the next ride no one ever thought possible!
Black and white photos from Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. website (http://search.eb.com/coasters/).
Order a 2005 VIP Season Pass now, get the lowest price PLUS free admission for the rest of 2004
[i]Order your 2005 VIP Pass before October 24th and receive the lowest price we're ever going to offer on them! In addition to all of the benefits you'd receive if you ordered next spring (unlimited admission to PGA and Bonfante Gardens from Spring until Fall, free parking, Bring-A-Friend-Free days, special admittance to the 2005 VIP preview event, discounts at select locations and more) you'll also receive unlimited free access to Great America for the remainder of 2004, plus extra free tickets you can use to bring your friends! Visit our web site (http://www.pgathrills.com/tickets_season_pass.jsp?s=new) for details or call (888) 742-7277 to order now by phone.
Age is Nothing But a Number at PGA
"My wife and I are two "over 50" senior citizens who've had VIP Passes for about five years. We love going to the Park and riding Top Gun, Drop Zone and the High Flyer. It always tickles us when young people give us a second look as we stand in line for the thrill coasters. They seem surprised when we yell and hollar as loud as any other "kids" on board. In fact, we might laugh and yell more than they do! We love Paramount's Great America and are enjoying Bonfante Gardens (http://www.bonfantegardens.com/) as well. Thanks for the wonderful memories!"
- Fred B. from Sunnyvale, CA will receive two tickets to Paramount's Great America. Winners are randomly selected. Submit your entry (http://www.parkfeedback.com/news/memories.aspx)!
Learn Life-Saving Tips During Fire Prevention Day
Learn valuable tips on protecting you and your family during an emergency as part of Fire Prevention Day on October 3rd at Paramount's Great America. In conjunction with the Santa Clara Fire Department, this daylong event kicks-off Fire Prevention Week with a display of antique and new emergency vehicles throughout the park. Plus, see a variety of demonstrations and exhibits including a "safe house" that teaches kids evacuation procedures. For more information, please contact Santa Clara Fire Prevention at 408-615-4981.
Stay tuned for our next issue on September 24