thrillerman1

Anyone heard anything about when the steel poll voting will begin?

I'm wondering who here has actually been up in the Sunsphere Tower and has pictures to prove? Thanks to everyone who has commented on this update!

Nice! The spinner car on the balcony was really cool. Thanks for sharing, and I hope we get to see some more.

Yeah Bill I figured you of all people would enjoy the Kodak blurbs in the flyers. It'll be interesting to see if film makes a comeback sort of like vinyl records have more recently. It's funny how World's Fairs don't seem to be such a big deal anymore...at least not that I'm aware of in the US. Back in the 80's, there was the New Orleans '84 fair after Knoxville's and then as Bill mentioned the '86 Vancouver fair...all within a relatively short span of time. Now I can't remember the last time I heard of a new fair. As mentioned in the Simpson's video, here's a bonus photo I took of the giant motorized Rubic's Cube (and Mom) at the Hungarian pavilion!

^THANK YOU!

Speaking of world's fairs, I've been sand bagging on this update for about 30 years (my bad), so here's a look at the 1982 Knoxville World's Fair (sorry no postcard - just 30 year old memorabilia and photos shot with my fancy pocket cam). Can you find Bart Simpson? The one and only...Sunsphere Tower! The 1982 World's Fair was all about energy. PURE ENERGY Dig on the 1980's art work that reminds me of all that glorious theme park art at the time. Outside of White Castle, The Sunsphere Tower is quite possibly the most iconic and greatest piece of architecture in the whole southeast USA. Is anyone else reminded a little bit of EPCOT? EPCOT...are you ready for your close-up? What's Kodak? Here's the EPCOT map from 1982. I want you to want me, and I love rock and roll. YES please! We see you SFOG. Sneaky sneaky. Little Debbie, you're cute. The Swiss Cake rolls are still the best! Here's your ticket. Let's go inside. I owe this dear lady my life and love for all things related to theme parks. Thanks, Mom. And here she is in JAPAN! I absolutely LOVE you Japan and you too, Mom! The 1982 World's Fair was built right next to the campus of the University of Tennessee in downtown Knoxville. Nevermind the Vols stadium...look at the RIDES! The midway with the gigantasaurous Vekoma wheel and bumper cars to the left, flume to the right. Oh and we see you one of the first inverting swinging ship rides. Are you ready for your close-up one of the first inverting swinging ship rides? This one doesn't invert, but it's still cool too. Have you watched the TPR Wheelie documentary lately? It's a Vekoma. Intamin? Flume layout and a very historic look back at the UT campus from the gigantasaurous Vekoma wheel. Wha?! Wait for it... The one and only - the mighty SCHWARZKOPF Thanks Kodak and you too TPR for checking out this update!

I'd been searching for the latest developments on this so thanks for posting, Larry.

Shoot I've been going to the park since it was GRJ, and this thread shows me tons of stuff I've never seen before. Awesome, update!!!

It will be interesting to see if the Gaylord/Dollywood partnership snatches up the adjacent land which megachurch, Two Rivers Baptist Church, has announced it wants to sell: http://www.wsmv.com/story/16639971/formerly-major-nashville-church-selling-building

Sad to see these Pretzel cars leave Beech Bend, but at least they've found what appears to be dark ride heaven where they'll be restored and obviously very well loved and cared for. Thanks for the photos, Larry.

First, thanks to Mitch and all the effort that goes into this poll every year. I'm sure it must be a ton of work. Second, this is a great top 10!

This is really EPIC. Great update, Larry. Thank you for sharing!

^ Ok gotcha...sorry for misunderstanding. I was thinking you meant page 1 of the actual document. It's all good.

Actually, do you mean page 4? Like you, it's also my understanding that the original antique German carousel with the rolling gondolas was put into storage. If I'm not mistaken, it was replaced by a bird show and then that was replaced with a more typical like carousel with horses. That would be a great tie-in to the old park if the original German carousel could be brought back to life!

Ah yes the Douglas House...I've wanted to visit it in person for years now and not had the chance yet. It really is quite a striking house in pictures! Oh and that really is an impressive list of architects who've designed buildings at UC. Morphosis...always wanted to experience one of their buildings so now it's cool to find that there's one within driving distance of me. The Tschumi building looks interesting too.

Mmmmm...I smell cinnamon bread.

And for those of you who are wondering...yes, there is a Waffle House right by this location!

Shame this event couldn't have been rigged up for the Hall of Presidents.

Nothing much new in this latest news article: http://cdh.columbiadailyherald.com/articles/2012/01/18/affiliate/franklinlife/news/05park.txt

^Is there a list of all the architects and their works at the U of Cinci? Also, have you visited Columbus, Indiana? It's a town with an impressive collection of works by famous architects (including Meier): http://www.columbus.in.us/listings/index.cfm?catId=336

Ah you mean the Batman building as it's commonly referred to around here and less so as the Metal \m/ building as well. I really haven't studied Hadid in a long time and last I knew she was all deconstructivist, jagged, and pointy. Perhaps she's discovered a softer more feminine side? Stark white architecture...Richard Meier fan, Apple products, or both/neither? Oh and wish I had known about U of Cinci's campus when I was up there during Labor Day weekend.

Sign me up for the season pass that includes both parks. Timberliners on Thunder Run too? Yes please.

I wonder why Disney didn't include "White Rabbit" by Jefferson Airplane on the song list? Hmmm. Most or all of the songs just seem like odd choices to me.

Interesting photo and news from HW's Facebook page...

Looks like Beech Bend has named their new drop tower...from their Facebook page: