Funworld February 2008
100 and CountingIAAPA honors its members celebrating a century or more of operations by Amanda Charney EVERY YEAR, OUR MEMBERS REMIND US HOW EXCITING THIS INDUSTRY IS. A new park debuts a new ride, a manufacturer invents a new ticketing technology, a new game comes on the market. It’s this constant energy and activity that keep this industry thriving and innovative. And many facilities and manufacturers have been doing it for more than 100 years! This year, Funworld is beginning an annual tribute to IAAPA members who have been in operation for a century, and we spoke with a few industry experts on what keeps those organizations strong through a century of operations. Bill Alter, a 47-year veteran of National Ticket Company, attributes the longevity of many of these businesses to the company and family commitment to keeping the organization going through the years. “It’s something that grows within the company,” he says. “Once a company is established the founder or his heirs see they have something there that can go on.” Jim Futrell, industry historian with the National Amusement Park Historic Association, agrees, adding that those long-lasting companies see it as more than a business; it’s a family heirloom. “With the successful ones, the families realize it’s an heirloom that they inherited and have an obligation to care for and to preserve it for future generations,” he says. The rest of the attractions industry benefits from these legendary facilities that share their tried-and-true business formulas as they continue to create memories and produce their time-honored products decade after decade. For the inaugural Century Club feature, we have included the full list of IAAPA members that have been in operation 100 years or more. Also, please peruse the testimonials and enjoy some photographs from a few representatives from the list.
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“In 1883, a German immigrant named Jacob Schultheis erected a horse-powered carousel in a dusty courtyard in Stockholm. A few years later, when the carousel became driven by electricity, it competed for power with the cinema in the park and stopped every time a film was shown as the projector stole the power. So the cinema had to go and the carousel remained. Today, Gröna Lund is the oldest amusement park in Sweden with 32 attractions, and we are celebrating our 125th anniversary in 2008!”
“There will always be a need for people to escape the weekday pressures of life; people need to go some place to forget their troubles and have fun with the family and friends … the entertainment factor is why I feel the Amusement Industry has such a long longevity.
“For 100 years, generations of families have been enjoying the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. This centennial year we were honored to be named a Golden Ticket Award winner for Best Seaside Amusement Park. Everyone at the Boardwalk looks forward to another 100 years of fun and excitement at the beach in Santa Cruz.”
“How great to be a part of the amusement industry! From the first carousel our great-great grandparents built in 1876, to our park’s place today as the 4th oldest park in America, we’re proud to keep the tradition alive. And from the old NAAP conventions in Chicago to the latest IAAPA Expo in Orlando, we treasure the many friendships made!”