ARNOLDS PARK, Iowa | Arnolds Park Amusement Park will celebrate its 125th birthday with a spot of tea and other fun activities for the whole family.
"I think we're going to be hosting some pretty good crowds this summer," said Di Lorenzen, marketing and communications manager for Arnolds Park Amusement Park. "I think there's a lot of people who haven't been to the park in a while and we're hoping that they come back and join us to celebrate the 125th."
The park at 37 Lake St. will kick off the festivities June 13 with its first concert of the season. Georgia Satellites will play on Preservation Plaza. A sidewalk chalk contest for kids and activities on the green space will also be held. A parade will take place on June 14. Free ice cream and cake will be served after.
Spirit Lake Robotics will present shows at the amusement park on June 13 and 14.
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Patrons can enjoy an afternoon tea party from 3 to 5 p.m. June 15. The cost is $125. All proceeds benefit the amusement park, which was saved from closure by the community back in 1999. Arnolds Park Amusement Park is a nonprofit organization. All proceeds raised are re-invested into the park to add new activities and attractions.
"That is going to be an elegant tea with a lunch-in," Lorenzen said. "It'll be finger sandwiches and some petit fours desserts."
She said vintage clothes, purses, jewelry and collectibles from the late 1800s and early 1900s will be on display.
"It'll be decorated really elegantly, so it's going to be a really fun affair," she said.
Legend hits 85
Patrons will have a chance to ride The Legend Roller Coaster, which will mark 85 years in operation this summer. The Legend is the seventh oldest roller coaster in the United States and the 13th oldest in the world, according to the National Roller Coaster Association.
Two seasons ago, Lorenzen said the park spent nearly $1 million renovating the wooden roller coaster. She said the ride is smoother and faster than it used to be.
"If you haven't ridden it in the last year, you definitely have to come and check it out," she said. "It's not that bumpy anymore."
Other park staples that bring back a sense of nostalgia, Lorenzen said, are The Carousel, Kiddie Boats and Freddie the Fish.
"That's why we're keeping them," she said. "When people come back they go, 'Oh my gosh! I remember ridding the little fish when I was kid."
New to the park is a mining attraction. Lorenzen said children will be be able to mix gem stones into sand and then mine them out. Harmony Park, interactive musical instruments scattered throughout the park, is also making its debut. The instruments, which were donated by Paul and Julie Hedberg, of Spirit Lake, require no skill to play.
"We're really proud of the park and all the things that are left here for the future generations to continue to enjoy," Lorenzen said. "By coming to the park and riding the rides or buying a hotdog, you continue to flourish our park for future generations."
