Connecticut
This Connecticut amusement park is the oldest in the United States
America’s oldest theme park lies in Bristol, Connecticut.
Starting out as a lakeside picnic park with stunning views, the space has evolved into a theme park housing over 35 rides and attractions.
Lake Compounce is named the oldest amusement park in the United States by the National Amusement Park Historical Association and the oldest continuously operating amusement park, according to the Library of Congress.
WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR BACKPACK FOR A TRIP TO THE AMUSEMENT PARK
The National Amusement Park Historical Association recognizes the theme park as the fifth-oldest in the world.
Those that come before it are Bakken in Klampenborg, Denmark, Prater in Vienna, Blackgang Chine on the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom, and Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Lake Compounce first opened its doors to the public in 1846 as a park.
On Oct. 6, 1846, Samuel Botsford, a Bristol scientist, successfully persuaded property owner Gad Norton to allow him to hold “a series of beautiful experiments in electricity,” according to the theme park’s website. This display ended up drawing thousands of people to Lake Compounce.
In 1895, the first permanent building, a casino with a restaurant on the lower floor and a ballroom on the upper was built, according to the source, with dinner costing 50 cents at the time.
THE OLDEST CHURCH IN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES LIES IN SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO
It was 1914 when the first electric-powered roller coaster opened to the public, it was called the Green Dragon.
This ride ended up being replaced by the Wildcat coaster in 1914, which guests can still take a thrilling journey on today. That particular ride did undergo restoration, providing a smoother ride for guests.
Another famed wooden roller coaster at Lake Compounce is Boulder Dash, which first opened in 2000.
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This ride has been named the best wooden roller coaster by Amusement Today five times.
Although the park has gone through changes since its inception, like being acquired by Palace Entertainment in 2009, the historical atmosphere can still be felt throughout the park.
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For example, the carousel that kids and adults alike adore was first built in 1898 and was brought to the theme park in 1911.
Also part of Lake Compounce is Connecticut’s largest water park. Admission to Crocodile Cove is included in every ticket purchase.
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Lake Compounce contains a good balance of rides ideal for children and adults with plenty of coasters and kid-friendly rides for a full day of fun.
Connecticut
Honor Flight Connecticut brings 70 veterans to Washington, DC
There was a special send-off at Bradley International Airport on Saturday as dozens of veterans took part in Honor Flight Connecticut.
The 70 veterans and 50 guardians left from the airport with Honor Flight staff for their journey to Washington, DC.
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Honor Flight Connecticut brings military veterans to Washington, DC, to visit memorials that commemorate their service and recognizes those who have served our country.
The veterans who participated in Saturday’s honor flight served in the Korean and Vietnam wars and represent the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps.
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The group is scheduled to arrive back in Connecticut later Saturday evening.
Connecticut
Teen critically hurt after being hit by car in Waterbury
A 14-year-old boy was rushed to the hospital Friday night after police said they were hit by a car.
The teen was hit around 7:15 by the Municipal Stadium on Watertown Avenue around the time of kickoff for the Wilby High School game against Derby.
Police did not say if the teen was on their way to the game.
The driver and passenger, a 75-year-old man and 73-year-old woman, remained on scene and neither were injured.
The teen was taken to an area hospital where he is listed in critical but stable condition, with life threatening injuries.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the acciden.
Connecticut
CT Renaissance Faire still growing, still needs new home: What to know if you go.
The land search for the Connecticut Renaissance Faire is still ongoing, but the faire is going on.
The CT Renaissance Faire announced in the spring it was looking for a new venue to call home. It has been at the Lebanon Lions’ Fairgrounds since 2017. With attendance as high as 50,000 for it’s seven weekends, the Faire wants its own property to call home. The 65 or more acres of land the Faire is looking for would provide plenty of parking, space for permanent structures, and the possibility of off-season events.
The Faire has a property it has set its sights on but is still considering other properties. Months into the search, The Faire is still getting suggestions and towns interested in working with them.
“It’s finding the right land in those towns that can be difficult,” Tetreault said.
However, it will stay in eastern Connecticut because “it’s where we’ve been most of the time we’ve existed,” Tetreault said.
“We really like it here,” he said.
While the new home is supposed to be for the 2025 season, it may take longer to get going. There is no set time to make a final decision, and the Faire may need permits that take up to 18 months to finalize.
“We will see how that goes,” Tetreault said.
How’s this season going?
This season has been well attended. While Tetreault didn’t have exact numbers, most days have seen a 30% attendance increase compared to last year. The Faire offering affordable tickets and food contributes to this increase, he said.
“It’s exciting to see the younger people responding so well to the Faire,” Tetreault said.
The first weekend in October is Time Travelers Weekend, where science fiction will be included in the fun. Oct. 5 includes a cosplay costume contest, and an adults-only, costume required Halloween party after hours. Oct. 6 is specifically Doctor Who themed, with a Dr. Who cosplay contest and photo ops with The TARDIS, the vehicle the Doctors use to travel space and time.
The following weekend is All Hallows Eve Weekend. Oct. 12 will feature an evil laugh and scary scream contest, safe trick-or-treating, and the all-ages Halloween Knights after party. Oct. 13 will feature a costume contest for kids 15 and under, and Oct. 14 will feature a costume contest where everyone dresses as Mrs. Roper from the sitcom Three’s Company.
Oct. 19 and 20 is the Grand Finale Weekend and will feature talent shows both days. A variety of performers will be there or some or all of these weekends, per the Faire’s website.
If you go:
Tickets: General admission is $16, with discounts for children 15 and under. Dogs with proof of vaccination are admitted for $5. Buy your tickets online to save time.
When is the Faire open? The Faire is open weekends until Oct. 20, 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. It will also be open on Indigenous Peoples Day, Oct. 14.
What is there to eat? From savory pies to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out the list of food and beverage vendors so you don’t miss anyone on your list.
What about entertainment? Here is the show schedule. In addition there are plenty of medieval activities to do and watch, from jousting, to knighting ceremonies, to sword swallowing (don’t try this at home, kids), to aerial acrobats (Oct. 5-20 only), and all are included with your admission.
What’s the address? 122 Mack Road, Lebanon
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