Friday, August 2, 2013

Scott And Carol Present Happy 75th Birthday To The Conneaut Lake Blue Streak




The skies looked gloomy but that didn't keep people from celebrating the 75th birthday of the Blue Streak at Conneaut Lake Park. A continual 30-40 minute line for the Blue Streak, and more people in the park this day than the rest of the season combined.
 

Lots of bright new colors adorn the park this year, even on a gloomy day.


This is the logo for the 75th anniversary season. A contest was held for the design of the logo and it is featured throughout the park.


The ride operators were fully in tune with the celebration. At random intervals they would not dispatch the train until the riders serenaded everyone with a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday.


We don't remember this sign from trips in the past so it might not be new, but it has a nice period look.


Of course there was cake, and even a cake decorating contest. Check out the 3 dimensional, complete circuit cake in the upper left, it has four cars, just like the Blue Streak. The many samples we had were all tasty to eat, and tastefully decorated in addition.
 

The continual track work has improved the ride immensely and more is still planned.


Here you can see there is plenty of work to be done before the Blue Streak will return to its days of glory. Designed by Edward Vettel and built by National Amusement Devices, it has a distinctive track structure of its own.


The National Amusement Devices Century Flyer train still runs on the Blue Streak. It replaced the PTC train  when the coaster reopened in 2010. The PTC that was a temporary replacement from the latter part of the 2002 season until the park closed after the 2006 season.


Above is the original sign board that showed the operators where the train was on the track.


This is the new sign board that didn't have the light installed for the birthday bash. It has been stated they will return soon. It's always fun to watch the lights from the station until it's your turn to ride.
 
Happy Birthday Blue Streak and we wish you many, many more years of supplying coaster riders with safe, fun rides!


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