SUMMER JUST GOT A LITTLE LESS ENTERTAINING.

I'm getting a little too old for extreme roller coasters, but when the opportunity to sample a new roller coaster in the style of the traditional amusement park, count me in.

In the land of four seasons, a summer-only enterprise, such as an amusement park or a drive-in movie theater, leads a perilous existence, particularly as urban development gets closer.  Thus, when the Apex Park chain of amusement parks closes Fantasy Island, near Niagara Falls, and Indiana Beach, just north of Lafayette, it's a sad day at Cold Spring Shops.

Apex Parks Group was formed in 2014. The company has acquired numerous family entertainment centers and waterparks. No reason was given for the sale of the rides. All the steel coasters are available for sale. Of the four wooden coasters (all by the former Custom Coasters International, Inc.), only Silver Comet (1999) is listed. The words “Sell if possible” were noted on the list supplied to possible buyers. The three other wooden coasters at Indiana Beach would have challenges if a move was attempted. Lost Coaster of Superstition Mountain (2002) is built into a themed structure. Hoosier Hurricane (1994) and Cornball Express (2001) have some shared structure.

Silver Comet pays tribute to Crystal Beach's Comet; I never made the time to check it out.  When they call Hoosier Hurricane and Cornball Express custom coasters, they're not kidding.  The structure of at least one of them runs over water, that will make adapting it to a new site more challenging.