Classic Ride At Quassy To Be Retired; Park Offers Free Final Rides

MIDDLEBURY, Conn. - Aug. 30, 2015 - PRLog -- MIDDLEBURY, Conn. – Since 1965 guests at Quassy Amusement Park have been spun around - dipping and diving on every turn – on one of the most popular rides at the lakeside property.

 The Trabant, which has been located in the heart of the park since its introduction, will make its final official runs Oct. 3 and 4 as Quassy will retire the family thrill ride.

 “It’s been a great ride for us – a real workhorse,” said Quassy’s George Frantzis II. “I used to operate it years ago while working various roles in our family business.”

 But as the saying goes, “all good things must come to an end.”

 To provide a proper “farewell” to the amusement device that has thrilled several generations of Quassy guests, the park will offer free rides on the Trabant Oct. 3 and 4.

 “Anyone wanting to stop by for one final ride will be welcome aboard,” noted Quassy’s Eric Anderson, who also grew up at the family business. “Over the 50-year span that it has been here, it’s safe to say more than a million people have enjoyed riding it.”

 Guests wishing to ride the Trabant must meet the minimum height restriction of 45 inches or be accompanied by an adult. Ride hours will be noon to 6 p.m. both days. Parking at Quassy is $7. Those wanting to participate on the other rides at the park may purchase all-day wristbands or individual ride tickets.

 Built by Chance Rides of Wichita, Kan., there have been a variety of versions of the Trabant over the years, all of which provide the same unique ride experience.

 Quassy’s ride has had several themed color schemes throughout the years and for a period of time was titled the Spin Out. The latest refurbishing was completed a few years ago and the ride now sports red, white and blue décor.

 While the fate of the Quassy Trabant has yet to be determined, patrons have taken note of a banner recently displayed on the ride which states: “What’s Happening At Quassy In 2016? Only Time Will Tell.”

 “It’s certainly created some buzz around here and within the theme park enthusiasts’ community,” Anderson said of the banner. “At this point we really don’t know if the Trabant will find a new home with another operator.”

 As for the “what’s happening” portion of the banner, Frantzis referred back to the sign.

 “Only time will tell,” he said with a grin. “We’ll be making an announcement at an appropriate time.”

About The Park

 Quassy Amusement Park & Waterpark is in its 107th year and features more than two-dozen rides and attractions. The lakeside property is also home to Splash Away Bay waterpark with dozens of ways to get wet.

 New for 2015 are FRANTIC, a spectacular family thrill ride, and kiddie bumper cars. Other rides include the award-winning Wooden Warrior roller coaster, Music Fest, Yo-Yo super swings, Free Fall ‘N’ Drop Tower, Grand Carousel and more.

 The park also has a restaurant, redemption arcade, games, live entertainment and special events.

  Purchase daily and season passes online at www.quassy.com or at the park. Also, birthday party online reservations have been added this year.

 Company picnics, school fieldtrips and other catered events are also being scheduled through the park office at 203-758-2913.

 Quassy is located at 2132 Middlebury Road, Route 64, in Middlebury, Conn., on the shores of Lake Quassapaug.

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With photos

Final Spin

Quassy’s George Frantzis II mans the controls of the Trabant on Aug. 30 – perhaps the final time he will operate the ride before it is officially retired in October. Frantzis, who grew up at the family-owned park, started running the ride as a teenager. (Quassy photos)

Banner Generates Buzz

This banner, currently displayed on the Trabant ride at Quassy Amusement Park, has created some recent buzz among park guests as well as theme park enthusiasts across the nation.