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The Whacky Shack Turns Forty!

Saturday May 22, 2010

By: Joel Styler

Whacky Shack
I’d like to say the day started bright and sunny but that wouldn’t even be close to accurate. The rains started well before park opening but that didn’t stop ninety-nine DAFE members and friends from arriving to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the Whacky Shack. (This was our second largest event.) DAFE last visited Waldameer Park on Lake Erie in 2002 as part of our Eerie Weekend event and Waldameer once again showed us why they are such a wonderful park and good friend to DAFE. They gave us a great event and even went well beyond what we asked for.

 

Perry Duncan
 
Despite the rains, our day began on time with lights on walk-through tours of both the Whacky Shack and Pirate’s Cove, two of Bill Tracy’s most famous surviving attractions. On hand for the occasion was Perry Duncan, who worked with Tracy to help build these two attractions. Forty years later he still lovingly maintains both of them as if they were his own. It is through Perry’s attention and Waldameer’s dedication that we can still enjoy them after all of these years.
 
Perry took us on guided tours of the Whacky Shack while DAFE member Randy Skalos escorted people into Pirates Cove. Randy, currently a Waldameer ride operator, has been a long time fan of the park and these attractions and has been working with Perry on some restoration projects. As Perry walked us through the Whacky Shack, he explained many of the original ideas and pointed out what has changed in the past forty years. Luckily these were indoor attractions as the sound of heavy rain was almost deafening at times.
Meanwhile at Pirates Cove, Randy was entertaining guests with stories of the walkthrough. A special treat to DAFE members during this event was the chance to climb the ladder and walk around the attic and catwalks of Pirates Cove.
Whacky Shack
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Members who were walking through below were surprised when they heard familiar voices beaming down from above through viewing holes in the ceiling.
Whacky Shack
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The rains came and went most of the day allowing us to enjoy most of the other rides in a park we virtually had to ourselves. Dinner time finally rolled around and we proved once again that we could also be called the Drink and Food Enthusiasts. As we were waiting to eat, Waldameer owner Paul Nelson gave a short talk recounting what it was like to know and work with Bill Tracy. To conclude lunch, two birthday cakes were cut to make the celebration complete. After dinner, DAFE Event coordinator Al Stromer presented a plaque to Waldameer President Steve Gorman for keeping the Whacky Shack and Pirates Cove in superb condition and maintaining them for future generations to enjoy. In addition, DAFE Director Rick Davis presented a special plaque to Perry Duncan for his role in building and maintaining both attractions.
Whacky Shack
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

After dinner, it was announced the park would close three hours early due to the weather and light attendance but Waldameer still provided us with a some exclusive ride time on their hugely popular new wooden roller coaster, Ravine Flyer II which has helped make the park a destination to enthusiasts the world over. And ironically, as we were leaving, the sun was coming out bright and strong. Thank you to Paul Nelson, Steve Gorman, Perry Duncan and the staff at Waldameer for making this one of the most wonderful events despite the dreary skies.
Whacky Shack

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Pirates Cove

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