Calaway Park is gearing up for another season of rides, shows, and family fun

Content of the article

Despite a few power outages during opening weekend, Calaway Park continued to deliver nostalgia, entertainment and plenty of adventure for returning guests and first-timers alike as the summer season kicked off.

Bob Williams, general manager of Calway Park, about 25 kilometers west of downtown Calgary, said part of the 43-year-old family attraction broke off around noon Sunday.

Content of the article

“Our power supplier is Fortis Alberta, and they're not on our property — off Range Road 33, their phase is knocked out,” Williams said, adding that there are four phases to the pull.

“Our number one priority at the time is ride safety, so our main focus is getting the riders off the car and making sure everyone is positioned safely.”

Full power was restored by 1:40 p.m., and the park operated as usual for the rest of the day.

To compensate for the inconvenience, the park offered to refund paid tickets to guests who had already arrived, as well as distributed tickets to guests whose day was interrupted.

In terms of safety, Williams said the rides have advantages: “For example, you can never get stuck on our roller coaster because it's gravity fed after it comes off the chain. Other rides usually fall back into place if the power goes out.

Current renovations combine the old with the new

In addition, the theme park offers old favorites and new offerings for visitors. The park has plans to revitalize Main Street, including a new reception area. Four buildings were renovated last year, and one more building will be renovated this year.

Content of the article

“It's going to be about a three- to five-year journey when the entire street is finished, including the tower,” Williams said.

Another new addition is the Yacht Club Pier – a place where people hang out – it will be on the Tot Yachts children's promenade. “It wasn't open this weekend for the grand opening weekend, but it will open in about 10 days and it's another area that guests can visit.

“Our parking is free, and we allow guests to bring their own food on site, so this will be another area where guests can be with their families.”

Last year a new attraction called Rip Tide Racer was introduced, and this year a new food stand will be added called Rip Tide Grill. “With Rip Tide Grill, the entire area will have that beachy, California, Florida summer breeze feel. There's going to be music, there's going to be blender drinks, there's going to be a 'hamburgini', which is a special hamburger that we're going to make, and there's going to be a 'Delicious' on the west side of the building, which is another ice cream place.”

Rip Tide Grill could open the first or second week of July, Williams said.

Another issue that has been tackled this year is a new parking lot with separate entrances and exits. “Some of that was due to the highway improvements being made on Range Road 33.

“We will also be constructing approximately 400 meters of Township Road #245 for the new entrance, which will not be completed until the fall.”

Other attractions in the park include two new live stage shows – Happy Laughter and That Fun Thing.

Calaway Park employs over 800 seasonal workers and is one of Alberta's largest youth employers; The theme park employs 42 people year-round, Williams said.

Share this article on social media