It’s been anything but quiet at Quassy Amusement & Waterpark after the lakeside property closed out its 2014
season last October. Park personnel have been busy preparing two new rides and other updates for Quassy’s
April 25 opening, which also marks the 107 th year for the family owned park. “We’re excited to be able to debut two new attractions for 2015,” said George Frantzis II, whose grandfather purchased the facility in 1937. “In recent years we have reinvested a great deal into the park, including our Wooden Warrior roller coaster and updates at Splash Away Bay waterpark. This year the emphasis is again on the amusement park side of our business.” Making its debut on opening day will be FRANTIC, a spectacular family thrill ride. “It’s a bit on the wild side,” quipped Quassy President Eric Anderson, who took a spin on the highflying attraction. “We’ve never had a ride like this – one that flips riders upside down.” Frantzis and Anderson, who oversee daily operations of the park, researched suppliers worldwide before selecting Visa International of Italy as the vendor for this unique ride. “There’s nothing else like it in New England,” Anderson added. FRANTIC accommodates eight riders in a circular configuration with the seats suspended on a huge pendulum. The seats spin as the ride swings higher and higher before doing a series of 360 degree flips. The topsyturvy attraction is located near the Grand Carousel. In addition, a new Kiddie Bumper Cars ride, also supplied by Visa International, has been installed adjacent to the Little Dipper roller coaster. “There was a real call for this smaller version with our family demographic,” noted Frantzis. “We have operated fullsized bumper cars for years and this will fill a much defined void.”
Opening Weekend
Quassy will feature its traditional carload weekend special April 25 and 26, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting The Greater Waterbury Campership Fund. The $40 price includes all day ride wristbands from noon to 6 p.m. for up to 10 persons in a vehicle. The parking fee is included.
Weekend Of Entertainment
A park tradition, opening weekend will feature a variety of entertainment and fun for all ages. Peter Rabbit will meet and greet youngsters both afternoons as Quassy kicks off its 2015 Ready To Read This Summer program. The 1, 3 and 5 p.m. greeting sessions will be held near the Grand Carousel. Quassy’s Annual Egg Hunt For Prizes will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 26. Children participating in the event are reminded to bring their own collection article such as a basket or bag for the hunt. Stage entertainment at the Carousel Theatre stage will also be a highlight. The park’s traditional amusement rides, including the awardwinning Wooden Warrior roller coaster, operate noon to 6 p.m. on opening weekends. The carload special continues the weekend of May 2 and 3. Splash Away Bay waterpark and Quassy Beach both open on Saturday, May 23, for the summer season.
Specials With Families In Mind
Being familyaffordable has always been a goal of the locallyowned park. Allday ride and Splash Away Bay passes are $22.50 for those under 45 inches tall and $26.50 for 45 inches and taller. Individual ride tickets are also available. The best value at Quassy is a family of four season pass for only $275. Included are the rides, Splash Away Bay waterpark, Quassy Beach and free parking ($7; $8 July 4) with each visit. Individual season passes are $79.99 each. Quassy season pass holders are also entitled to a number of “season pass perks” during the summer. Friday evenings starting May 22 feature 50cent rides, hot dogs and small Pepsi. “50Cent Fabulous Fridays” will continue through Sept. 4. The $40 Saturday night carload special starts May 23 and continues through Sept. 5. For only $40 up to 10 persons in a vehicle receive an evening (after 5 p.m.) wristband, parking included. Quassy is located at 2132 Middlebury Road in Middlebury, Conn. For more information about Quassy Amusement Park visit www.quassy.com or call 1800-FOR-PARK.
