May 6, 2008

Centennial Celebration at Six Flags Over Georgia
Historic Riverview Carousel turns 100

Hand–crafted horses.  Smiling faces. Classic Pipe–Organ Music.  All aspects of memories from a 100 years of rides given by the Riverview Carousel at Six Flags Over Georgia.   
 
But wait, hasn't Six Flags Over Georgia only been around for 41 years?  Correct.  The historic Riverview Carousel now at Six Flags Over Georgia carried its first riders Memorial Day weekend, 1908, at the now defunct Riverview Park in downtown Chicago.  Riverview Park closed in 1967, the same year Six Flags Over Georgia opened its gates.  An art crew from Six Flags Over Georgia encouraged the purchase of the carousel and worked two seasons to restore every aspect  of the carousel to its original splendor, which can still be seen today.  The Riverview Carousel opened at Six Flags Over Georgia for the 1972 season.

"Throughout the years, I have seen children of all ages enjoying a ride on the Riverview Carousel here at Six Flags Over Georgia," said Park president, Melinda Ashcraft.  "And now, those children's children have the opporunity to share in the memories this historic ride has brought to families throughout the past 100 years." 
 
To celebrate the Riverview Carousel's 100th anniversary, Six Flags Over Georgia is holding a contest for individuals to submit writings with their experiences and memories with the Riverview Carousel, whether they are from its current location or its former in Chicago.  The top fifty (50) stories will receive a special VIP invitation for two to attend the 100th anniversary celebration at Six Flags Over Georgia on May 30, 2008.  Winners are welcome to stay the rest of the day to enjoy everything Six Flags Over Georgia has to offer.  

All contest entries should be submitted no later than May 21, 2008 to:
                                           Six Flags Over Georgia
                                            C/O Public Relations
                                       275 Riverside Parkway, SW
                                             Austell, GA 30168  

The writings should be no longer than one-page or 300 words.  The topic should relate to personal/family memories or experiences with the Riverview Carousel (either at its original location in Chicago or its current location at Six Flags Over Georgia).  Applicants must provide their own transportation and lodging for the VIP event if their entry is selected.  


 The Riverview Carousel  is just one of the "40 Fun Things For Kids To Do" at the Six Flags Over Georgia. To experience the Riverview Carousel, the all new Thomas Town℠ and other family-friendly attractions at Six Flags Over Georgia, you can purchase your ticket at Publix supermarkets where kids 48" and under get in FREE all season long with the purchase of an adult ticket for $34.99.

Six Flags Over Georgia is open weekends until May 18, with daily operation May 23–August  10.  Weekend operation resumes August 16–November 2. For additional information, including hours, pricing, events and more, visit www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia.