Zippin Pippin construction and fairgrounds update

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Happy New Year! It’s been a while since I last posted but I do have some updates for you today!

Below the panoramic of the new Zippin Pippin you’ll find even more construction photos. The coaster is progressing very nicely!

Click here for more photos.

Memphis Mayor A C Wharton recently revealed plansfor a $185 redevelopment of the Mid-South Fairgrounds. I was surprised to read that the plans left the area formerly occupied by Libertyland untouched. The area would be simply known as “Liberty Park.” While I would rather the amusement park itself still be standing, I think the area could serve as a memorial to the fairgrounds’ past. It certainly beats tennis courts. I wish they would name the area “Libertyland Park” but I assume that would be somewhat confusing to some.

I’ll keep you updated!

Help bring the Zippin Pippin to Bay Beach Amusement Park

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The rebuilding of the Zippin Pippin is up for $50k in the Pepsi Refresh project. Please vote for the project to receive the money here!

“Bay Beach is the 9th oldest amusement park in the U.S.; operated by the City of Green Bay, Wisconsin. The regional attraction draws 2,000,000 riders annually; mostly families who come for affordable rides for children of all ages. No ride is more than 50 cents!

The park hasn’t had a roller coaster since 1936. “When are you getting a roller coaster?” is the most common question asked at the park. The City has purchased the rights to build a new “Zippin Pippin,” reported to be Elvis’ favorite roller coaster; designed by John Miller, the “Thomas Edison of coasters.”

The new Zippin Pippin will be the original design, but built entirely of new wood. Portions of the original coaster will be used for an entry way and display. The City will finance 80% of the cost, with a volunteer group working to raise $600,000.

The project is catching the eye of roller coaster enthusiasts nationwide and the excitement of families throughout the region who say it’s the perfect addition to Bay Beach.”

Memphis Zoo Ice Skating Rink to use skates from Libertyland

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I found this pretty interesting regarding the new ice skating rink at the Memphis Zoo’s Zoo Lights:

“Also, the city has contributed about 80 pairs of skates used at Libertyland’s temporary rink in the 1980s.”

So if you’re skating at the zoo this holiday season, you just might be skating in a pair of Libertyland skates!

Never Forget Libertyland

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It’s hard to believe that it’s been over five years since Libertyland last opened its gates.

The photo above shows the park soon after it opened in the 1970s or 1980s. The park looks completely different, but the Zippin Pippin and Grand Carousel can easily be seen in the background.

Libertyland uniform unearthed

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This past weekend at the Memphis vs. Tennessee game as I was walking to Tiger Lane from the new historical marker I came across something blue and red halfway buried in the dirt behind the Creative Arts building where the Pippin used to stand. I got excited thinking I might have discovered something valuable and sure enough as I pulled it out of the ground it was three Libertyland uniform polo shirts. After washing them they came out looking good as new.

I guess I was meant to find them!