Volume 1, No. 18. October 5, 2001
Pride ride
The terrorist attacks on September
11 continue to impact the amusement industry across the United States, but the
stories are now turning more positive.
Last weekend Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, opened to the public under a special promotion called "Ride for Relief," raising more than $200,000 for The September 11 Fund established by the United Way and the New York Community Trust. The day was originally booked for a private party, but when the group, who wanted to remain anonymous, suggested that Hersheypark open to the general public, as well, park officials came up with the Ride for Relief idea. At the same time, the local NBC affiliate approached the park about a similar project, and the synergy allowed the promotion to come together in only two weeks' time. Though marketing only locally, the event drew 16,000 patrons, and the park ran out of commemorative pins by 5 p.m. (17,00).
Guests were encouraged to wear red, white and blue, and most did, said Chris Barrett, Hersheypark's managing director of sales and marketing. "We had a lot of radio and TV out here, and everybody they interviewed said how proud they were to be here and wanted to help. The lion's share of people came to show their patriotism and do something for the cause." Barrett also said several employees donated their day's wages to the fund.
[Photo of SeaWorld's American Hero passes.]
The Busch Entertainment parks—SeaWorlds and Busch Gardens—are offering free admission to all police officers, firefighters and emergency medical workers through the end of the year. LEGOLand California in Carlsbad is giving active military and public safety personnel discounts to its park October 13-21.