So You Like to Sing and Dance?

For years Waldameer has provided its Guests with Live Entertainment on its Showtime Theater Stage. For the 2011 season, Waldameer will continue this tradition with three brand new Live Song and Dance shows produced by RWS and Associates Entertainment Inc.

In order for these shows to take-off, RWS and Associates is casting for these brand new shows. The casting directors are looking for talented people with the following qualifications:

- Age of 18 or older

- Having a dynamic personality

- Ability to connect with audiences

- Comfortable with various music, vocal and dance styles

The auditions will be held at Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA on February 13th, 2011 between 10:00am and 5:00pm by appointment only. Please call 1-212-391-1795 to schedule and audition appointment.

For more information, visit www.rwsandassociates.com

Wally Bear Finds Presents and Holiday Elves

As we all know, Wally Bear likes to hibernate when it becomes winter as all bears do. Since the 2010 season has ended, that is exactly what Wally Bear has been doing. Until recently.

All the commotion and construction of Waldameer's new North End must have jolted Wally Bear out of his winter slumber! Realizing everything that he missed since the summer, he couldn't help getting excited for the Holiday Season and Waldameer's new expansion!

"There is no way I can fall back asleep now!"

Wally strolled through the snow covered park to the North End and much to his surprise, he found more than he was expecting.
He was amazed at the progress that Waldameer had made constructing the North End and shook hands with many of the workers. But even more surprising were the extra helping hands that were from the real "North End", the North Pole!

That's right! Elves had appeared straight from the North Pole on a mission directly from the Man in the Red Suit himself to help Waldameer create their 2011 expansion. It was hard to catch a glimpse of the little elves as they sped around the construction site. But one picture was finally captured of the magical creatures and Wally Bear!

Waldameer workers, Wally Bear and if you look really closely, you can see Santa's Elves!

As progress continues at the North End, Wally Bear can be found lending a helping hand in construction and joking with our North Pole visitors.

From everyone at Waldameer, Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year!

No Escape!

CAUTION: Two rides at Waldameer have just had their exits removed! There is no telling who did this dastardly deed or why they would do such a terrible thing, but one thing is for sure, if anyone plans to ride the Ferris Wheel now, there is no escape. And if you want to ride the Sea Dragon, be careful! There seems to be a rare Heatermonster hiding at the exit to pop out at unsuspecting Guests! Until someone fixes this mess, these rides will be never ending!

This is a very rare, close-up look at the dreaded Heatermonster. Yikes!

NOTE: With the exits removed, it does seem to open up the area more... more room to walk, and more room for... stuff...

Cement Puzzle

As the delicious smells of turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie fill the air, it still smells like dirt and cement at Waldameer's new North End. But that is a good thing! Trenches are still being dug, cinder blocks are being laid and pipes are disappearing into the ground. The most recent arrival to the North End has been the new cement planters that will be filled with beautiful flowers during the summer.

They don't look like much now but I can assure you, with the touch of a few gorgeous flowers, they will  blossom!

Another arrival has most of Waldameer scratching their heads. No one can tell what it might be. It looks like a cement puzzle to most of us. I guess we will just have to attempt to put it together to see what it could be.

It is beautiful, what ever it is!

So enjoy your holiday traditions and fill up on good food and good company. But be sure to check back after football and pie to see what else has been going on at Waldameer.

2011 Season Passes Are Here

After much anticipation, Waldameer is now offering Season Passes for it's 2011 season! The Season Passes will work exactly as they have before, allowing individuals to visit the park every day of the season. There is a limited quantity available so act quickly before you miss your chance!

To purchase a 2011 Season Pass, visit www.waldameer.com or the Park Office during normal business hours.

2011 Season Passes?

After so much excitement for Waldameer's introduction of Season Passes for the first time in its history, it can only be assumed that they will be offered again for 2011. Yet no information has been divulged to this point. What could this mean? All will be revealed soon. So soon in fact, that by one week from today, you may already have heard...

Keep checking back often. It could be any day now.

More Photographic Evidence Uncovered!

In an astonishing find, more photographic evidence was uncovered that confirms the suspicions of Waldameer's 2011 expansion titled the North End.

At first there were skeptics, doubting the previous construction photos calling them "grainy" or "a clever use of photo shop". It seemed there would never be a clear answer whether the rumors of this wonderful expansion were true. Until now.

The following pictures of the brand new rides as well as more construction photos help put any doubts to rest.

As you can see, these new rides are as colorful as anyone could imagine, creating awesome displays of light, color and motion that seem to tickle your eyes. And, since all pictures can say at least 1000 words, these pictures seem to say words like "fun", "graceful", "laughter" and "excitement". So stay excited and keep checking back often. Word is there is more to come. As for now, case closed?

To see press releases, photos and more about the North End, visit www.waldameer.com

Also, visit http://yourerie.com/search-fulltext?nxd_id=145767 to see the news article in the Erie Times along with video interviews.

2011 Expansion Revealed!

For all who have been wondering, waiting to hear what Waldameer could possibly add to make it an even better park, scratch your head no longer! Today, Waldameer announced its 2011 plans for the expansion of a whole new section for the park titled the "North End". This brand new section will be located between the Sea Dragon and the Ferris Wheel where the L. Ruth Express makes its turn by the Ravine Flyer II. Beautiful gardens and an eight foot fountain will greet Guests as they enter under a 20' decorative metal archway displaying three new rides.

The largest of the rides is the Flying Swings. This 41', beautifully eye-catching ride combines light and color with a dual oscillating wave effect that will entice the entire family to ride. Riders will gracefully fly over the L. Ruth Express and enjoy views of Lake Erie, the Peninsula and the Ravine Flyer II.

The second ride will be Wendy's Tea Party, a spinning tea cup ride that will allow children to ride with their parents as they spin round and round. Each tea cup will have a manual steering wheel that will allow riders to control the direction and speed of their spin throughout the ride.

The third ride that Waldameer will introduce will be a rockin' tug ride called the SS Wally. This colorful boat will gently swing back and fourth as it whirls around creating a fascinating sensation that kids and adults will enjoy together. Rounding off the experience of the new North End will be plenty of gorgeous potted flowers, decorative bronze statues and welcoming benches with a variety of jazz music selections playing in the background provided by WQLN radio.

Keep looking for updates and new pictures on the blog and the Waldameer website as Waldameer continues to break ground for this wonderful new expansion!

Visit waldameer.com for the official press release.

Rainbow Gardens Events - Fall 2010

Classy 100 80's Dance - Sat. 10/23, 9:00pm - 1:00am

NWPA Duck Hunters Dinner - Sun. 10/24, 3:00pm - 8:00pm

Model Train Show - Sun. 11/7, 10:00am - 4:00pm

WQLN Craft Show - Fri. 11/12, 1:00pm - 6:00pm

- Sat. 11/13, 10:00am - 5:00pm

- Sun. 11/14, 10:00am -5:00pm

Metropolitan Pre-Show Concert - Fri. 11/19, 7:30pm - 11:30pm

Disco Spectacular - Sat. 11/20, 7:00pm - 11:00pm

Erie Runners Club Turkey Trot - Thurs. 11/25, 9:00am - 1:00pm

No Tracks for This Train

Who says trains always leave tracks? Well, this must be proof that the L. Ruth Express does not! Many off season projects have been started at Waldameer in order to prepare for another Erie winter as well as improve the park for next season. The remaining portion of railroad has been removed, dug up and is going to be reinstalled with white gravel under it. This levels the tracks and makes them more secure for a much smoother ride. And that's not all. There is a rumor going around that the L. Ruth Express will have plenty of new views for the 2011 season...

Mid-Summer Scream a Success

This past Saturday, two local coaster enthusiast groups met in the middle at Waldameer to enjoy a shared picnic affair. The Great Ohio Coaster Club and the Western New York Coaster Club shared a wonderful meal in Waldameer's picnic grove and then screamed their hearts out on all of Waldameer's fantastic rides including the Ravine Flyer II. As the last coaster groups to visit Waldameer for this season, it was great to see old friends and faces at many of the member's home park. Thanks for a great season and we can't wait until next year!

Learn more about the Western New York Coaster Club and the Great Ohio Coaster Club.

Great Britain Strikes Again!

Another great coaster club from across the pond (RCCGB) visited Waldameer on the 30th to introduce many of its members to the World Class twists and turns of the Ravine Flyer II. All of the enthusiasts had no idea where they were going on this fateful day but were elated to find out the surprise! ERT was had before the park opened and many smiles and screams were heard by the riders. Lunch arrived as an all-you-can-eat buffet next to the coaster with speeches, chants and more cheers! Dessert was a behind the scenes tour of the Ravine Flyer II which was enjoyed by all. Of course, before their 6:00pm departure, the club members also enjoyed Waldameer's other fabulous coasters including the Comet, Ravine Flyer III and the Steel Dragon. With minor transportation issues to round out the night, everyone made it safely back to their lodging. Dreams of coaster rides danced in everyone's head!

Waldameer had a wonderful time catering to the Roller Coaster Club of Great Britain and wants to thank all who have enjoyed our family-owned park!

To learn more about the RCCGB and to see pictures, visit www.rccgb.co.uk/tripreports/usa2010d6.html

ACE Coaster Con XXXIII Flies By

Coaster Con XXXIII descended upon Waldameer in late June as over 400 coaster enthusiasts from all over the United States joined in a three park extravaganza. Filled with great food, loads of laughs and coasters, ACE enjoyed plenty of great ERT on all of Waldameer's coasters as well as some other great rides. It was an honor and Waldameer's pleasure to host part of this yearly convention and to end the party with one of the best wood coasters in the world, the Ravine Flyer II. After a delicious catered meal and plenty of festivities, Coaster Con XXXIII ended with night time ERT under a full moon. Smiles were had on everyone's faces into the night. Waldameer would love to thank all who came to visit us from the ACE group as well as everyone who made the event as special as it was.

To learn more about the American Coaster Enthusiasts, visit them online at www.aceonline.org

Internationals Enjoy Flight on the Ravine Flyer II

On Tuesday June 15, Waldameer opened its park to the European Coaster Club. A bunch of coaster buffs from across the pond enjoyed a wonderful day full of good eats, fun celebration and best of all, great riding time on the Ravine Flyer II. The park and the coaster earned great reviews from even the most seasoned coaster fanatics. Air time, stomach wrenching drops and 90 degree turns were all these wonderful people needed in order to put smiles on their faces. Waldameer and its staff was extremely grateful that the ECC was able to put Waldameer and the Ravine Flyer II on their list of stops for their US tour. As always, we hope they return to fly again!

If you want to see more of the fun or learn more about the European Coaster Club, visit www.coasterclub.org or www.coasterclub.org/trips/reports/2010/?d=11

A Scary Birthday Celebration!

It was the Whacky Shack's 40th on Monday the 24th! To celebrate, DAFE, Darkride And Funhouse Enthusiasts, came out from all over the country on Saturday in commemoration of Bill Tracy's incredible design as well as Perry Duncan, the man who built and maintains the ride to this day. They kicked off their day with Extra Riding Time, ERT, and walkthrough tours of both Tracy Rides, the Pirate's Cove as well as the Whacky Shack. They enjoyed a "whacky" cake and presented Mr. Duncan as well as Waldameer with wonderful plaques to show their appreciation for everyone who keeps the Whacky Shack operating. Although the day was overcast and rainy, (very fitting weather for a darkride's 40th birthday) all who came to enjoy the festivities kept smiles on their faces the entire day. To top it all off, DAFE enjoyed ERT on the Ravine Flyer II! The enthusiasm for the ride was amazing and it seems it will not die down anytime soon. As long as the Whacky Shack reminds riders to "keep their arms and legs inside the ride" and threatens to take misbehaver's wristbands "with their arm still attached", DAFE and all other riders will continue to enjoy the mystery of Waldameer's Whacky Shack.

To Learn More About Bill Tracy and his creations, visit www.billtracy.net

To Learn More About DAFE, visit www.dafe.org

Countdown to New and Exciting Things for 2010

As the temperature creeps higher up the thermometer, the countdown until Waldameer's 2010 season has finally reached the two week mark. Just hold out for fourteen more days and you and your family can enjoy all the rides, slides, games and treats you can handle!
But that isn't all you should be waiting for. Three more new things are coming for the 2010 season that you should be excited for as well. They include:

1. A New Opening Time! - Once our season kicks off our regular hours of 1:00PM to 10:00PM, we thought you would enjoy a whole extra hour to enjoy some of our rides and attractions! Starting June 19th, half of Waldameer's rides will open at 12:00 NOON. That's 60 whole minutes more!

2. A New Night Rider Time! - Remember when you came to Waldameer at 6:00PM and thought, "Why doesn't Waldameer's Night Rider Discounted Ride Pass start now?" Well, now it does! We've rolled back the Night Rider time from 7:00PM to 6:00PM so you and you family can enjoy a whole extra hour of Waldameer fun!

3. Be a Kid Again! Senior Passes Now Available! - Now those of you 65 and older can feel just like a kid again! For only $16.95 you can ride and slide all day with our Discounted Senior Combo Pass. Now all you have to focus on is keeping up with the grand kids!

Planning for the Thrillingly Delicious Future

Planning ahead at Waldameer takes vision and a whole lot of smarts. Seeing into the future is a learned talent, not a gift. While we wish rides came in little packets full of seeds, we have to seriously think through countless issues before deciding on expansion. Once the future vision id thought through, it is hard not to see it in the mind's eye. While most of Waldameer's focus is on this coming season with all its new and exciting additions, we can't help but plan for the future.

While trenching and digging up asphalt for pipes to hold wires in order for the new turnstiles to read wristbands, we found ourselves planning ahead for the future. More pipes found their way into the freshly dug ground that are currently empty.

Strange you may think. But this is all for a reason. That reason being our future plans for the Merry-Go-Round shelter and the area in front of it. Sources may tell you that down the road, the Merry-Go-Round shelter will become a one-of-a-kind Food Court full of many different varieties of food! This past carousel building will house many different meal options and have plenty of seating for you and your family to enjoy.

But the future doesn't stop there... the area in front of the Merry-Go-Round shelter is said to be the home of a brand new thrill ride. Not much can be said about this new thriller but it will surely put your socks in a twist! So get excited, not only for this season but future seasons as well!

And They're Off! Season Passes are Flying Off the Shelves!

The time has come that many have been patiently waiting for... Waldameer's online store is open! After much hard work behind the scenes and screens, waldameer.com is selling everything from Wally Cards to Season Passes right from the comfort of your computer. Purchase Gift Cards and give them as the perfect summertime gift or buy All Day Combo Passes for the whole family with only a few clicks of the mouse. Purchasing your tickets online is the best way to save time waiting in line and save money too! So start clicking to have one of the first E-tickets offered by Waldameer!

Gearing up for Summer: Apply Now!

As the days grow longer and the lake ice recedes, Waldameer is also brushing off the cold to warm up for the summer season of 2010. Improvements are being made, rides are being put back up and Wally Bear is stretching for his musical shows. Lots of things need to happen for the upcoming season but one thing is for sure, Waldameer needs Team Members once again! Starting April 1st, Waldameer will be accepting applications for summer employment. Come into the park office between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday or Saturday 9:00am to 3:00pm. You can fill out an application here in the office or fill one out in advance online by visiting our website. But remember, anyone who fills out an application needs to have a short interview in the office. So if you want to have loads of fun while making friends all summer long, apply to join the 2010 Waldameer Team!

Plans Finally Revealed for 2010 and Beyond

All your questions have finally been answered! In the Valentine's Sunday edition of the Erie Times News, Ed Palattella spilled the beans about Waldameer's plans for the 2010 season and beyond. Read all about the new cashless system from CORE Cashless Systems and the proposed plans for a flying carousel in 2011.

Article about cashless system for 2010:http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010302139877

Article about flying carousel for 2011:http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010302149891

FUNWORLD Spotlight

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Waldameer has made the cover story of IAPPA's FUNWORLD magazine!

Waldameer has an astounding history filled with stories of laughter, community and above all, family. In the article "Small Park, BIG IDEAS" written by Jim Futrell, that history is captured perfectly. The article takes the reader on a journey through the park's success due to its owner Paul Nelson. Focusing on the achievements and hardships that Mr. Nelson and Waldameer have overcome through the years, Waldameer's story is one of persistent success. If you would like to read the article in its entirety, visit the IAAPA website at http://www.iaapa.org/ and click on FUNWORLD magazine or click on the following link: http://www.iaapa.org/industry/funworld/2010/Feb/features/SmallPark/index.asp.

Waldameer would like to thank all the people that helped contribute to this article especially: Jim Futrell (NAPHA historian, IAAPA Hall of Fame and Archives Commitee member, IAAPA Oral History Project head and author of four amusement historical books), Norma Jean Hiller (Photographer), and IAAPA.

Rainbow Gardens Events - Spring 2010

Z102 Wing Cook-Off - Sat. 1/30/10, 11:00am - 8:00pm

Lake Erie Fanfare Gun Raffle - Sat. 2/13/10, 5:00pm - 10:00pm

Classy 100 70's Dance - Sat. 2/20/10, 9:00pm - 1:00am

Knockout Homelessness (boxing) - Thu. 2/25/10, 5:00pm - 9:30pm

Elk's Lodge Gun Raffle - Sat. 2/27/10, 1:00pm - 6:00pm

Tartan Ball - Sat. 3/6/10, 8:00pm - 12:00am

Model Train Show - Sun. 3/7/10, 10:00am - 4:00pm

Swanson Memorial Lodge Gun Raffle - Sat. 3/13/10, 1:00pm - 6:00pm

Waterford Lions Gun Raffle - Sat. 3/20/10, 6:00pm - 11:00pm

Millcreek Kiwanis Antique Show - Sat. 4/17/10, 9:30am - 4:30pm

March of Dimes Walk America - Sun. 4/25/10

OLP Casino Night - Sat. 5/1/10, 7:00pm - 12:00am

So You Like to Sing and Dance?

2010

SHOWTIME THEATER AUDITIONS

Waldameer will soon be holding auditions for their three new live shows next season. To audition you must be at least 16 years old by April 2010 and be available to work from May through Labor Day. The cast will perform three live musical shows produced by Encore International:

"American Vibe" - The heartbeat of America lies deep within the hits of Rock n' Roll! Join us for your favorite stacks of wax songs from the 50's, 60's and 70's. It's a Rock n' Roll journey you won't want to miss!

"The Evolution of Dance" - From the twist to the robot we celebrate fun dance crazes from the past to the present. Loosen up your joints and come join the fun!

"Wally and Wendy's Hip Trip" - Join Wally and Wendy on their quest for fun and adventure! There is magic, surprises and audience participation. Come hop aboard the wonderful world of imagination.

For more information or to schedule an audition, call Nancy at (814) 474-5688 or email nngorman@roadrunner.com

Auditions will be held Thursday, February 11th from 4:00p to 8:00p at Rainbow Gardens inside Waldameer.

For audition requirements, visit our website at www.waldameer.com and click on employment.

The New Year Calls for New Things

Happy New Year Everyone! It's been awhile since a post has been posted but what better time for an update than the start of a new year? Since the park closed, the maintenance staff has been busy packing things away. Rides are dismantled, signs are taken down and snow has begun to fall. With Waldameer put to bed, maintenance is being done on rides in the shop, picnics are being booked for our 2010 season and new things are being planned for summer already.

The most exciting plans involve Waldameer's creative side. For the Imagination Station, a new spin art tee-shirt station will be introduced. Aspiring artists will be able to pick out a plain tee-shirt, spin some color into it and wear it the rest of the day! (Just be sure the paint dries before hugging anyone) Choose between black and white shirts and a variety of different colors to create your fashion statement.

New additions to the airbrush station in the Gift House will be in your face next summer... Literally! Waldameer plans to offer airbrush face painting for anyone craving a colorful tribal design on their face. And for all you glitter fans, you can even add glitter to your airbrush face paint design! The airbrush face painting will be located right next to the airbrush tattoos in the entrance to the Gift Shop.

Hope that gets all your creative juices flowing for next season!