New Themed Area, Four New Rides + WinterFest Come to Carowinds in 2017

Continuing their mega-expansion, Carowinds has announced another large set of changes for the park's 2017 season, including an entirely new themed area with four new rides.  The park will also debut WinterFest at the end of next year, significantly extending their operating season.

© Carowinds

The announcement of the new area, named County Fair, fits perfectly with the teaser campaign that the park has been running the past few weeks.  All the residents of the campaign now seem to have a 'home' to live in come 2017.  The concept art above shows the festive yet slightly eclectic feel that the new County Fair themed area will have.

© Carowinds

And this aerial view lets us see just where in the park the new area will set up home.  It appears as though it will take over the Carolina RFD section of the park - it will also include the Carolina Cobra in the mix.  However, the coaster will be repainted and renamed to become The Flying Cobras, themed after "an air show featuring the daring aviation maneuvers of The Flying Cobras."

© Carowinds

This day / night view of the County Fair shows how great an example of placemaking the expansion is.  The company already revealed that they were obtaining classic flat rides from around the globe, and here is a great use of four of them.  The most thrilling ride will be Electro-Spin, seen in the upper right of this drawing, a Top Scan ride that will flip and spin riders high in the air.  Also seen prominently in the center of this image is Do-Si-Do, a Trokia ride that will spin and lift visitors.  The new colors of The Flying Cobras can be seen on the left.

© Carowinds

A classic swing ride, called The Zephyr, will also be set up in the new area.  This art shows the fourth ride to go up in County Fair, named Rock 'N' Roller, a music-blasting good time known at many parks as a Musik Express.  The rides selected offer a mix of wild (Electro-Spin) to the family friendly Zephyr, offering fun for the whole family.  Several existing food and beverage locations within the area will also be rethemed and offer new menus.

© Carowinds

Starting next November, WinterFest will also make its return to Carowinds.  The holiday celebration will features tons of lights around the park, including a signature 70 foot tall tree.  There will be special live entertainment, almost a dozen shows to be exact, real reindeer to visit with, ice skating, a huge variety of food and shopping, and of course Santa!  On top of all that there will be a selection of rides open as well, weather permitting.  More details on WinterFest will be released as we get closer to its opening.