Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Sabrina's Brochure Spotlight: Six Flags Over Mid-America 1993


Bugs was busting out the confetti in 1993, and he didn't need a 50th anniversary celebration to do it. This park did, however, need a 25th anniversary to prompt a name change from "Six Flags Mid-America" to "Six Flags St. Louis", and that wouldn't happen for another few years. Regardless of moniker, Six Flags' third park had blossomed into a well-rounded destination for "mid-Americans" seeking family fun by the '90s.

Wait, you mean to tell me that the whole "family friendly" spiel did not originate with the current Six Flags management team? As a matter of fact, it didn't. Today's Six Flags is merely returning to its roots, which include not only a family orientation, but some pretty unique rides as well. A perfect example is the Rush Street Flyer (bottom middle photo), a Chance Falling Star that was themed to resemble a historic trolley car from old Chicago. Appropriately, it's located in the park's "Illinois" themed area.

Long before the Boss and Evil Knievel, there was the Screamin' Eagle, Six Flags Over Mid-America's original woodie. It was one of four coasters at the park in 1993, and this collection was complemented by a wide variety of other rides and attractions as pictured here. A special treat was also made available to children during this time--an opportunity to have a meal with the wascally wabbit himself.

Ah, the paradox of good brochures...so enjoyable to read, yet so difficult to scan. But I made a point of scanning the little flap attached to the bottom of this spread due to the Disneyland reference, as it is another comparison that's been resurrected by Six Flags in recent years.

With all that Six Flags Over Mid-America had to offer in 1993, Bugs would like to know why the heck you would even consider paying that silly old Mouse a visit. This brochure does a great job of showcasing many of those features, providing both detailed text descriptions and some wonderful photos. The aerial shot in the upper right-hand corner is an especially nice touch.

But this park is about more than rides and games. Featured prominently to the left of that gorgeous aerial shot is the Multi-Million Dollar Entertainment Series which made its debut in 1993. Among the new shows was a nightly fireworks and laser extravaganza called "Batman Nights". Little did guests know that in a couple short years, they would also have a thrilling new ride themed after the Caped Crusader...as would nearly every other Six Flags park!

This was also the year that Six Flags Over Mid-America's Halloween Fright Nights celebration morphed into Fright Fest, which featured treats for kids and tricks for older, more bloodthirsty guests.

The new Fright Fest event made for some late October evenings at the park, which is always appreciated by industry enthusiasts and Halloween enthusiasts alike. It was the beginning of yet another rich tradition at Six Flags Over Mid-America, and one which I hope to experience in person some day.

The St. Louis location was one of seven Six Flags properties in 1993. So if you did happen to defy Bugs and "go anywhere else", at least you had six other options which would have been pleasing in his eyes!


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