Memories of Conneaut Lake Park

I remember the hustle-bustle of getting ready to go to Conneaut Lake Park for my father's shop picnic. Packing the car, the ride over from Ohio and the great anticipation of the day to come. I can still see the picnic tables piled high with the food that everyone painstakingly prepared and packed. My mother and father being just as excited as us kids or maybe they were excited for us.

I remember walking down the midway hearing the music from the Carousel, the smell of French fries and cotton candy. I remember the sounds of the games and the people enjoying them.

My parents would watch while we would ride the Carousel, the bug, most of the rides in kiddy land, the ponies and the Dodgem Cars. I can still see my father leaning on the fence smiling while I would ride the pony at the pony track. I remember waving to my parents each time the Carousel would pass where they were standing.

We did this every year until finally I was old enough or brave enough to go in the Devils Den and on the ultimate ride, "The Blue Streak". After the first ride, I was hooked and it was the first place we would head the next trip to the Park. We would ride over and over again never tiring of it and of course, we always tried to get the front car.

I remember my aunt taking me for a ride on the Barbara J. Or playing Skee Ball and how much she loved playing Fascination.

I remember going to the Park with my son, stopping for chocolate covered donuts at the midway. Then going to the beach for the day and building sandcastles or just watching him play at the water's edge.

I remember the nights with the full moon shining over the lake and all the little boat lights reflecting on the water waiting for the fire works to start. Or the Beach Club with standing room only watching Johnny Angel do their Blues Brothers routine. I remember watching the Beach Boys in the rain or Chubby Checker on a hot Sunday afternoon. I remember dancing on that irreplaceable maple floor at Dreamland Ballroom. Or just sitting on the porch of the Hotel Conneaut and taking in the wonder of it all.

When I walk through the Park today with my grandchildren and hear the band organ on the Carousel or see the excitement on their faces. it takes me back to a time in my life I will never forget.

While I stand by the fence with my son, we smile and they wave as the Carousel goes around and I think of my parents. My hope is someday my grandchildren will be waving at their children on the Carousel and remembering me.

My granddaughter asked me if I would ride the Blue Streak with her when she is tall enough. I promised her I would. I hope I never have to break that promise.

Today when I walk down the boardwalk toward the Hotel Conneaut, I think of how many people have passed this way and stopped and stared at this beautiful lake. I wonder if they thought of a time in their life, a loved one or a happy memory.

If this tugged at your heartstrings and jogged your memories a little, that is exactly what it was meant to do.

There are many reasons why Conneaut Lake Park must never close its gates to our children and grandchildren. It is a Historical Land Mark, it is vital to the economy of Conneaut Lake and the surrounding area, and it brings thousands of visitors to Crawford County every year. Now that it belongs to all of us, as it is held as a Public Trust, we must do all we can to help the Park survive.

P.L.S., Conneaut Lake, PA