For the first entry in the series, we go alphabetical and start with the Heart of Dixie. Like much of the American South, Alabama doesn't have that great a history of theme and amusement parks. The trolley systems that birthed the American amusement park in the north simply didn't exist down in the South due to a wide array of reasons, many of which were sociological. There's little in the way of footage or archival pictures on the internet from the parks which we know existed. Mostly black and white images of Alabama State Fair's Kiddieland (a permanent carnival on the fairgrounds) are all that is available to us today. Within the state, there may indeed be as many amusement centers open now as any other time in history.
LIFE AFFIRMATION VIA TOILET SCOOTER
In the "Bizarre Park" category, DeSoto Caverns Family Fun Park probably ranks right up there. There's a number of self powered rides as well as more classic rides like the Tubs O Fun and Bumper Cars. Want to drive a scooter made from a bathtub? How about one from a toilet? You don't need to take my word for it. Not with the internet around.
Seriously; this is what happens when people don’t allow a lack of resources to keep them from trying to do something interesting. The world needs more, not less, of this.
THE CONEY ISLAND OF, UHH, ALABAMA
Gulf Shores Parkway has some notoriety among coaster nerds thanks to the off-the-beaten-path Waterville USA wood coaster. An early product of Custom Coasters Inc., it’s an out and back ride with the old school single “buzz bar” restraints. There’s some other fairly generic amusements in the area and a small zoo. Not far from Gulf Shores is the resort town of Orange Beach, home to a 112 ft tall Technical Park Ferris Wheel.
A WORLD'S FIRST THAT MATTERED? HERE?
In 1970, Point Mallard Park in Decatur, Alabama opened an attraction that is now a staple of most large aquatics facilities and water parks. It was, in fact, the key inspiration behind Sea World founder George Millay's decision to birth the water park industry as we know it and construct Wet N'Wild. Of course, I'm talking about the wave pool.
Not to get ahead of ourselves here, but there is another claimant to this throne that we'll note in a future installment, but this is the one Millay saw. Today there's a small water park on site along with the wave pool. It is geared for residents, but still open for anyone to visit.
ROLL TIDES THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT
It would be impossible for me to do this sort of thing for Alabama and not note scare zones/mazes, as there are actually quite a few and some have ingenious titles. I mean, seriously: Haunted Chicken House.
Don’t even pretend that it doesn’t appeal to you on some level. Sloss Fright Furnace also sounds kinda rad, though it should be noted that I’m a sucker for repurposed industrial anything.
Terrortorium 2015 from King Power Cinema on Vimeo.
However, by far the most interesting to me is The Terrortorium of Oxford, Alabama. Why this one in particular? Well, for starters, there’s an actual ride - and what a ride! The Haunted Castle, a Bill Tracy dark ride of 60s vintage from Miracle Strip Amusement Park in Panama City, FL was in danger after the park closed and was sold to developers. This place purchased it and operates it during the busy Halloween season along with several scare mazes.
However, by far the most interesting to me is The Terrortorium of Oxford, Alabama. Why this one in particular? Well, for starters, there’s an actual ride - and what a ride! The Haunted Castle, a Bill Tracy dark ride of 60s vintage from Miracle Strip Amusement Park in Panama City, FL was in danger after the park closed and was sold to developers. This place purchased it and operates it during the busy Halloween season along with several scare mazes.
WHEN PRIVATE VENTURES FAIL, THE COMMUNITY CAN SUCCEED?
Organizations like the Lions and Shriners aren’t usually associated with amusement rides or parks, but on occasion, they play an integral role in providing amusements to the community. Take, for example, the Athens Shriners Kiddie Carnival. For one week a year, their small collection of mostly used rides gets fired up for the youngsters. Prices are cheap - sure, no Pirates of the Caribbean here, but it provides a sort of service to the community when start up costs for something more grandiose put it out of reach. The Sertomans also ran a similar park in Huntsville, but closed it down and sold the rides to the still operating Southern Adventures.
IF THE COMMUNITY FAILS TOO, WELL, HOPEFULLY GOVERNMENT STEPS IN
Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park is home to a number of attractions like a grist mill and some historical blast furnaces, but there's also a miniature railway - looks like a Chance built CP Huntington to me.
Muscle Shoals is a great name for a city, and the metro area is home to Spring Park. There’s a few carnival rides, a Chance CP Huntington train providing rides, and a dancing fountain show at night.
Huntsville Historic Depot doesn't offer any mechanical rides, but does offer an animatronic show about its history.
Cullman County Fairgrounds is the only one with anything notable that is operational only for the fair, and it is mini golf.
This is exactly the kind of stuff I love! I always enjoy discovering new themed attractions scattered throughout the county. Keep up the good work!
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