Daily Spin 6.28.09

© 2009 Andy Cross, The Denver Post

Lakeside Amusement Park in Denver has confirmed that their signature woodie, Cyclone, may be down for the count this season. Park spokeswoman Connie Moore told the press that the coaster is undergoing extensive maintenance in an effort to get it back into prime condition for its 70th birthday next year. Apparently the original intent was to complete the work in time for the 2009 season, but things simply fell behind schedule and it is now unknown whether the coaster will run at all this year. The Denver Post has the full story.

After receiving more than 800 suggestions for the new name of the former "Little Laser" kiddie coaster, Dorney Park has narrowed the pool down to five and they want your input! You have until 4 p.m. on July 4 to place your vote on the park's web site (lower left-hand column). The contenders are Little Lightning, Kiddie Hawk, Kiddie Coaster, Slightly Possessed, and Steel First.

A couple weeks ago, while analyzing the inaugural brochure to come out of Freestyle Music Park, I noted the irony of the park being located on "Hard Rock Parkway". Apparently that won't be a concern for any future brochures, as the Horry County Planning Commission has approved a proposal to change the road's name to "Fantasy Harbour Boulevard". According to this article, the park's new owners sought the change and there were no objections from any of the other property owners on the street.

In a rather amazing coincidence, MySanAntonio.com chose yesterday of all days to republish this story about Six Flags Fiesta Texas's infamous Rattler. (You know, the same ride I covered in Part 3 of my Fiesta Texas TR literally a few hours beforehand.) The article, which was originally published in 1999, outlines the coaster's troubled history and the scores of allegations, injuries, and lawsuits which led to its many "surgeries". Agree or disagree with the author's slant, at least the article gives some perspective on how we ended up with the current incarnation of this ride.