Conneaut Lake Park's smile-making rides come back to life

[RamboLiberal]

As a child, Katie Morabito stuffed her tennies and her ball cap with tissue paper to get that extra inch or so she needed to measure up for Conneaut Lake Park's Blue Streak.

The signature roller coaster wasn't running this weekend, but that didn't lessen Ms. Morabito's enthusiasm for the reopening of the Crawford County amusement park that has been shut down the last two summers.

Descending from the Tumblebug with her 4-year-old nephew, Ian, and her 3-year-old niece, Lily, the Slippery Rock University student, now 24, declared herself "thrilled" to see the park back in action, even if it was limping along with fewer rides and a minimal midway, the latter due to a fire in February 2008.

Ms. Morabito was among thousands who thronged this holiday weekend to the 117-year-old theme park that has staked its claim to fame on its proximity to its namesake, Conneaut Lake, as well as to its family oriented rides that emphasize fun over thrill.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09145/972501-140.stm#ixzz0GegtRbP6&B

Forgive me, this was my 2nd home when I was a kid. My grandparents had a little cottage on the West Side of the lake just 5-10 minutes walk from the park. I've have some great memories from Conneaut Lake and a soft spot in my heart for the place. I'm glad to see them open again though I doubt in this climate if they will make it long-term.

BTW, trailer for the "The Road" movie that was filmed there, and Erie and SW PA is out. Can't wait to see it in the fall.
http://movies.yahoo.com/premieres/13468916/standardformat/

[Joe Bacon]

1. You are bringing back some happy memories

I remember Conneaut Lake Park, also Idora, West View and, of course, Kennywood. Thanks for sharing :-)

[PRETZEL]

2. White Swan was the picnic park

for me growing up.

There was at least 4 picnics a year there.

I've still haven't found a park that matches Kennywood yet.:woohoo:

[Joe Bacon]

3. Oh, White Swan too!

On the Parkway. Thanks for the memory jogger!