When I was young, I wanted to go to Cedar Point for the summer and work. It seemed like the ultimate job. They had dorms and everything there, so you could stay for the whole summer, get away from your family and make money. It also sounded like a dream come true to work in the place where I hung out off and on every summer. Cedar Point was one of my favorite places on Earth, because while my friends wanted to party and go shopping; I wanted to ride roller coasters and every other ride on Earth. I guess I was a geek, but I didn't care. A kegger could not compare with Roller Coasters.
So, I applied and made my plans and awaited my call (there was no email back in the dark ages). I was all set, until my parents found out. The minute they heard my plans it was a big resounding "NO!"
Now, let's fast forward nearly 40 years. I've lived my life. I've all but raised my family, had my big management job, written a couple of books, and traveled the world. I've survived kidney stones and cancer. I've put up with my husband for more than 20 years. I've lived in New England nearly half my life. I've been there done that, but what I still had never done, was work in an amusement park. The urge had never gone away. My family suffers from vertigo and can't enjoy going to amusement parks anymore. It seemed like just the right time for an adventure. So, I applied to work in an amusement park for the summer. And not just any amusement park--America's oldest theme park. Lake Compounce.
So, you may ask yourself if I'm writing because I tried and no one wanted an old woman to work for them? Nope, I was immediately contacted, interviewed and hired to run rides. The young people who are actually running the park, thought it was great that I wanted to take my turn at what is normally a great summer job for kids. Before I knew it, I was trained to run three large rides and was ready to go with my uniform and rain gear for a summer that I would never forget.
The summer of 2018 was one of the wettest summers on record in New England. Those of us who worked in the park, were a group of hearty souls. I spent my summer operating the Sawmill Plunge log ride, The Twister, and The Pirate Ship. I spent my summer making sure that everyone followed the rules, stayed safe and were wildly entertained getting wet, spinning around and swinging back and forth. After four months of this I can say without a shadow of a doubt, it was one of the best times I ever had at work. Working kids are great. I met some of the most wonderful teenagers I've ever known. I was worried that it might be hard working with the enormous age difference, but it wasn't. We all had so much fun that there were a lot of tears on my last day.
I waited almost 40 years to do something that I'd always wanted to do. They don't like it when employees go online and discuss working there, so I waited. I think the management would be pleased with my assessment though. After all the team ride nights, random trips on the bungee swing, associate luaus and such, I can say I'm happy I did it. I'm happy that I didn't decide that I was too old and had missed my chance. If you've ever dreamed of it, do it. There are so many perks, so many happy memories, and so many new experiences in doing a job that may be deemed beneath you at an older age; well--I was tempted to reapply when I got invited back. I can't this year, but I was sorely tempted. Never miss out on a chance to make up for something that you never go to do as a kid. It made me feel young, if only for a short time and gave me memories that I will cherish.
Now, before I go, I want to let you know that Lake Compounce has become a three season amusement park with a campground and water park for the summer. They have one of the original haunted graveyards in the fall and one of the original holiday lights at Christmas. My family and I have enjoyed all of it for years.
The park opens in May each year and has been in operation for over 170 years. Every year there's something new, but still plenty of classics. It's a great place to spend your time.
Christmas brings all kinds of lights, Santa Clause, ice sculptures, and select rides for hearty souls. It's a lot of fun for the kids and everyone. Everyone is looking for that special family thing to make a family tradition out of at Christmas, and Holiday Lights is the perfect thing.
So, should you go to work in an amusement park? If you've always dreamed of it, sure. If not, probably not. I fall in the former group, and I'm so glad I did it. Here's to making dreams of running giant rides and making kids smile come true. Enjoy!
https://www.lakecompounce.com/
https://www.cedarpoint.com/
https://www.inkitt.com/ninakindred/settings
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/721980
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B06Y1C2MS7
https://www.fictionpress.com/u/530752/Nina-Kindred
https://www.cafepress.com/artisticcreationsbyninakindred1
https://www.zazzle.com/imagings
https://terri-dixon.pixels.com/
https://www.facebook.com/adventuresforanyone?fref=ts
http://www.ctvisit.com/
https://www.visitconnecticut.com/state
https://newengland.com/today/travel/new-england/new-england-amusement-parks/
