Calaway Park celebrating long-awaited 4 decade milestone – Calgary
After two years of pandemic restrictions and limitations, Calaway Park is lastly attending to have a good time a long-awaited four-decade milestone — however with a twist.
After lacking out on its fortieth celebration final summer time, on Saturday the north Calgary theme park kicked off festivities for its “40+1 Birthday Weekend.”
“We’re having enjoyable as a result of who does that proper,” laughed Calaway Park normal supervisor Bob Williams.
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Calaway Park first opened its gates to visitors again on June 26, 1982, since then it’s doubled in measurement from 16 rides to 32. Whereas final summer time would have marked its fortieth season, any and all celebrations have been placed on maintain because of the pandemic.
“We did get to open in 2020 with numerous restrictions. In 2021 there have been some restrictions with COVID,” says Williams, who has been an worker with the park for 32 years.
“However , the anniversary is particular, it’s one thing that you want to have a good time.”
The primary 750 visitors on Saturday have been handled to a commemorative cookie to kick off the weekend celebration. The park can even host scavenger hunts in addition to the primary exhibiting of its newest on-stage efficiency, Younger Without end.
“It’s a enjoyable track and dance present with some younger performers which can be all about staying younger at coronary heart. It’s very on-brand for Calaway Park,” mentioned leisure director Chris Thompson.
Thompson was employed by the park as a performer whereas in highschool at simply 16 years previous. Now, 32 years later, he’s nonetheless bringing the magic to the parks stage.
“For me, being part of so a lot of these years and seeing a lot development occur on the park over these years and being part of that, I’m simply actually happy with this firm. I’m happy with all of the individuals I’ve labored with and happy with myself for having an influence all these years,” mentioned Thompson.
The park wasn’t alone in celebrating a milestone.
Medication Hat resident Dale Lloyd’s go to to Calaway Park on Saturday was a private milestone.
“First time we got here, we introduced our two daughters and now we’re again right here with our granddaughters,” he mentioned.
“It’s type of surreal. You concentrate on them (our daughters) and you consider the little ones now, it’s a fantastic expertise for them.”
William says it’s tales like Lloyd’s which have given him essentially the most pleasure throughout his three many years with the corporate.
“The tales and experiences from the visitors are what it’s all about, and it’s about that have and that’s what we draw from it. (I) like it, each minute of it.“
Calaway Park wraps up its birthday celebration on Sunday.
