RollerColester

Date: April 13, 1973 1973 Annual Stockholder's Meeting 2nd annual stockholder's meeting was held. The following Year 2 info was presented: Attendance: 1,065 Park Rating: 897 EBITDA: $5,007.10 In-Park Guest Spending Revenues (Shops/Food/Drink): $6,324.40 Capital Investments: $23,509 Employees: 12 (9 Handymen, 2 Mechanics, 1 Security Guard) Favorite Ride: Skylift Entrance Price: $21 Summary: Final attendance at the end of Year 2 was 1,065, which is an increase of 377 guests or 54.7% over Year 1 attendance. Park rating was above industry standards at 897, a 3.8% increase over Year 1 ending park rating. Operations during the 1972 season were again smooth with minimal breakdowns and no occurrences of vandalism. Graham Lakes employed 12 employees including 2 mechanics, a security guard, and 9 handymen. Guest surveys for favorite ride showed the new addition Skylift overtaking Red Raider as the park's favorite attraction. Year 2 capital improvements totaled $23,509. The company posted EBITDA of $5,007.10 in Year 2, a substantial decrease from Year 1 (due to RCT2 game play having initial large attendance gains in Year 1). In-Park Guest Spending revenue totaled $6,324.40, which was a 27.8% increase over Year 1. The 1972 season's entrance price was $21. Future: For Year 3 we have two new rides debuting in Wave Swinger and Scenic Tower. Both have been well received with strong attendance numbers so far this season. After outstanding Year 2 results, we still feel that the park could realistically have a 10% attendance increase and 5% park rating increase for Year 3. We hope to continue to grow EBITDA and total In-Park Guest Spending Revenues by 8% each with the new capital investment additions. Year 2 EBITDA would have been negative when not factoring in In-Park Guest Spending Revenues. Entrance price will be increased to make up short-fall, as we would like entrance fees to cover employee wages, ride operating costs, and expenses related to marketing and maintenance. Graham Lakes GM also stated to investors that the initial three phases of construction plans were completed in Year 3. Year 4 will mark the first year and start of a new rolling 4 year capital investment plan concept. In the rolling 4 year plan, the park would like to consistently have a balanced mix of plans to add large thrill attractions, family attractions, and infrastructure upgrades. Investors were curious as to what park management had planned for the next 4 years to which the GM replied, "We have something new in the works for every future year. The park will continue to expand on its selection of rides, eateries and other guest amenities. Guest surveys have indicated the need for child targeted rides, as well as the desire for more high-thrill attractions. We continue to keep an eye out on what our industry designers and developers have to offer and what other amusement parks around the country are adding each year. Any additions will have the idea of maximum financial returns and guest satisfaction behind them. For 1974, we are in the final stages of planning to add an attraction that will give guests a tour of our beautiful, scenic location. This ride will be something that any age can enjoy. Look for details and an announcement later this fall." Photo Update: New for 1973 on west end of the park: Wave Swinger & Chicken Joint eatery. New for 1973 on east end of the park: Scenic Tower. Chicken Joint serves all things chicken along with fries and an assortment of drink options. It also includes a seating area out front. New fencing was also added to the area along with some landscaping upgrades. Overview of the park with the latest upgrades for the 1973 season.

3 huge years in 4 years? I think your dreaming! But I hope your right.. I would say it wouldn't be unrealistic to think the water park expansion could happen in 2021 and then perhaps a $10-15 million investment in a coaster in either 2023 or 2024. But if you're thinking a $50+ million multi-phase investment like Carowinds is on the horizon, I think your dreaming..I'd pull back to maybe $25-$30 million-ish, if there is such a multi-phase investment planned. Hell, I'd take a $5 million dollar investment at this point, since I don't think we've even come close to that since 2015. And yes, I know the whole "growth" park argument.. I was never a fan of the Looping Starship since if you didn't have short, chicken legs it was rather uncomfortable. Delirious was a huge upgrade as far as that type of ride goes and maybe why they even opted for a Larson Loop knowing Looping Starship was on the way out a year later.

^I think that only adds fuel to the fire for 2021 being the long rumored water park expansion/new entrance. Makes sense as Cedar Fair has been removing older rides that maintenance costs get high on. Delirious is pretty much the same ride as well, so you can still get the same type of thrill on that. Figured it might be coming, but thought it'd survive another year.

Date: September 16, 1972 1972 Season Coming to an End The 1972 season is wrapping up and it has turned out to be an incredible success. Performance factors and financial benchmarks are expected to once again be greater than investor expectations. Final performance and financial results will be announced at the 2nd annual shareholder meeting, expected to take place on April 13, 1973. What's in Store for 1973: Graham Lakes announces 2 new rides for next season. "Wave Swinger" will debut on the west end of the park and swing rider's in a circle near the lake banks. Guests will feel like they are part of the waves crashing into the shores of Graham Lakes while riding this classic chair-swing type ride. 1973 will also be the debut of "Scenic Tower." Scenic Tower will debut on the east end of the park and take riders roughly 175 feet in the air, all while rotating 360 degrees in an enclosed vehicle. Scenic Tower will give guests incredible views of not only the park, but the surrounding lakes. Graham Lakes GM stated, "Wave Swinger and Scenic Tower will be two great additions for the whole family to enjoy. Both new attractions will add to our constantly growing line-up of attractions here at Graham Lakes. We want to continually give guests a reason to come back and enjoy the park every year, and we will do just that with these new attractions." The GM later added that a new eatery will also debut towards the west of the park, but the final details were not yet available. Photo Update: Markers for Wave Swinger. Markers for Scenic Tower.

Date: March 30, 1972 1972 Annual Stockholder's Meeting 1st annual stockholder's meeting was held. The following Year 1 info was presented: Attendance: 688 Park Rating: 864 EBITDA: $13,702.00 In-Park Guest Spending Revenues (Shops/Food/Drink): $4,948.40 Capital Investments: ~$162,788.32 Employees: 9 (6 Handymen, 2 Mechanics, 1 Security Guard) Favorite Ride: Red Raider Entrance Price: $19 Summary: Attendance exceeded the initial expectations of 500, by totaling 688. This was 188 guests and 37.6% higher than anticipated Year 1 attendance. Park rating was solid for opening year at 864. Operations went smooth with minimal breakdowns and no occurrences of vandalism. Graham Lakes employed 9 employees including 2 mechanics, 1 security guard, and 6 handymen. Guest surveys for favorite ride showed Red Raider as the overwhelming favorite attraction. Total Year 1 investments to get the park constructed and up and running was approximately $162,788. Of the $250,000 put up by investors, $50,000 was placed in a money market account for future operational or capital investment needs. The remaining cash after total Year 1 capital investments was placed in the operating account for operational needs. The company posted EBITDA of $13,702 in Year 1. In-Park Guest Spending revenue totaled $4,948.40. Opening year entrance price was $19. Future: For Year 2 we have the ride additions of Tilt-a-Whirl, Lakeside Swans, and Skylift. We feel that with the correct marketing strategy, the park could strive for a 20% attendance increase and 5% park rating increase for Year 2. We hope to continue to grow EBITDA and total In-Park Guest Spending Revenues by 10% each with the new capital investment additions. Early response for Year 2 is showing promise to all these set goals. Photo Update: Newly extended east side of main midway. Includes the east Skylift station, "Papa's Pizza" eatery, Tilt-a-Whirl, and new restrooms. Overview of the newly expanded park. Newly expanded west end of the main midway. Includes the west Skylift station and new First Aid building (strategically placed by Roulette) New "Lakeside Swans" attraction on the lake shores near Red Raider. Overview of Skylift and a majority of the park in early Year 2.

Date - October 18th, 1971: Headline - Multiple New Attractions coming to Graham Lakes Amusement Park in 1972 Year 1 is almost complete in the inaugural year for Graham Lakes Amusement Park. Early reports on attendance numbers are expected to be above expected for its initial year. Graham Lakes General Manager (GM) has announced multiple new attractions coming to Graham Lakes Amusement Park in Year 2 (1972). Three new rides will debut including Tilt-a-Whirl, Skylift, and Lakeside Swans. Tilt-a-Whirl, a fan favorite and amusement park classic, will be located on the newly expanded east end of the main midway. While Lakeside Swans, which will allow guests to graze the waters of West Graham Lake, will be added on the shores near Red Raider's exit. Expanding from the west end of the park to the east end will be a new "ski-lift style" attraction in Skylift. Skylift will span approximately 1,000 feet and take riders from one end of the park to the other during its near two minute trek. Along with the new rides, Graham Lakes will be adding various guest amenities such as a pizza eatery (Papa's Pizza), a first aid building near Roulette, and restrooms on the east end of the park. Graham Lakes GM stated, "Our main mission in 1972 is to continue to grow on the success of our first year of operation. By adding three rides and various guest amenities, Graham Lakes will follow through on that mission. We hope to give first year guests multiple reasons to visit again next year, while continuing to attract new guests to the park. Year 2 can't come soon enough!" Markers have begun popping up around the outside of the Main Midway Markers on the west end of the park Overview of Skyline's future location Markers have even shown up for the future Lakeside Swans location Various rides in action during one of the last weekends of the operating season First annual stockholder meeting is scheduled for March 30th, 1972. Year 1 results to be released to the public following the meeting. Stay tuned!

Introducing: Graham Lakes Amusement Park (RCT2) In early 1969 it was announced that an amusement park would be constructed in SW Minnesota. An owner of various local lumberyards in the area would be the lead in a group of investors looking to construct a local attraction that the area could be proud of and enjoy for generations to come. After purchasing approximately 500 acres located around the low lying land in between East Graham Lake and West Graham Lake, plans began on the new amusement park attraction. Four main investors toured amusement park attractions across the county and researched amusement park trends and rides before settling on the park's final plans. An initial investment of $250,000 (in RCT2 dollars; Investor 1: $100,000, Investor 2-4: $50,000) was brought forth by the four investors to form the company, Graham Lakes Entertainment LLC. After nearly two and a half years of planning and construction, Graham Lakes Amusement Park opened Spring of 1971. Entrance plaza Graham Lakes main opening day attraction is a 75 foot tall wooden roller coaster Red Raider, named after a local high school mascot. Red Raider was designed and built in house with supplies and construction completed by the Brewster Lumberyard Co. Traveling through 2,480 feet of track at a top speed of 45 mph, Red Raider thrills riders over its 90 second journey. Red Raider station Along with Red Raider, six other rides debuted opening day including industry classics such as Carousel, Dodgems, American Wheel (Ferris Wheel), Twister (Scrambler), Vintage Autos, and Roulette (Round Up). American Wheel (Ferris Wheel), Roulette Vintage Autos Twister (Scrambler), Dodgems (Bumper Cars), Carousel Two gift shops, "Plaza Gifts" and "Entrance Shopper", were added near main entrance plaza. Entrance shopper (left) and Plaza Gifts (right) located in main entrance plaza Two eateries also opened on opening day, with "Burger Shack" serving classic burgers and fries and "Midway Sweets" serving class amusement park sweets such as pretzels, donuts, cookies, and ice cream. A seating area was also installed north of the Carousel, in the middle of the two eateries. Twister (Scrambler), Dodgems (Bumper Cars), Carousel Restrooms were also constructed near the Red Raider entrance. Red Raider layout Maintenance shop Aerial shot of Graham Lakes Amusement Park Note from the creator: One day this summer, I decided to play RCT2 again for the first time in probably 5-10 years. I have no idea how long it's been. I stumbled upon Open RCT2 and did some research on it. After downloading and playing around with it and some new custom content I found, decided to do something I always wanted to do myself after following a few many years ago. I wanted to create and share a custom park timeline. I know RCT2 is pretty outdated, but it brings back good memories playing. I remember getting RCT2 for Christmas when it came out and playing it all Christmas break. I was probably in like 3rd or 4th grade and it was what really got me interested in roller coasters. Ended up going to Valleyfair that summer and the rest is history. I hope you enjoy future posts and are curious about how the park will invest and grow. I'll try to post an update a couple times a week, or try to complete a year each week. Year 1 will be 1971, Year 2 will be 1972, so on and so forth. I will try my best to follow historical industry trends for types of rides being constructed in a particular year. I would like to construct a park that can be as realistic as possible, but I also know RCT2 has limitations. I'd also like to focus on the park's actual performance within the game. For example: try my best to increase attendance and guest satisfaction, maintain consistently high park value, focus on profits, etc. RCT2 was also my first introduction into dealing with finances and looking back, probably one of the early reasons I was interested in business and ultimately became a CPA. Each year my goal is to do an "Investor Update" in early March that goes over how the park performed, what was new, quick General Manager Q&A, and a couple other items to note. Sort of a recap that closes the prior year and looks ahead to the next year. Thank you for reading and hope you enjoy! Burger Shack (brown roofing), Midway Sweets (purple roofing) and central sitting area

I don't see the smaller Arrow loopers going anywhere (Corkscrew @ VF, MIA, CP). Small footprints like you said and I have to believe there is less wear and tear than on those giant Arrow loopers. Excalibur is on borrowed time. It does seem to survive year after year, so who knows exactly when! The fact that they got rid of a second train all together, it opens late and closes early, and there is known future plans for its location. All signs point to its imminent ending.

Pretty bummed to hear all the negative comments about opening weekend. I think my wife and I are planning on checking it out Saturday night for a few hours. Hope the experience is better than described!

You would loosen ALL of the bolts that connect the dated Arrow track to the wood supports. Which would all allow you to then remove the steel track all together, leaving just the wood structure to work with. Therefore, taking the steel track out of play all together. The same type of process that RMC would use when renovating 100% wooden coasters. They remove all the wooden track and work with an existing structure to install their track. They install new steel beams for the new RMC track to rest on. Lets just move on if it's that hard to imagine... It will never happen anyway. Again, I was just saying you could create a wicked layout based off of the current layout. So, Grand Carnival. What a nice looking event, huh?!?!?

I know it will never happen. Just saying the hypothetical layout would be pretty insane.

RMC does not give that treatment to steel coasters, only wooden ones. Guess there would be a first time for everything me boy! Structure is wood

An RMC Excalibur would be incredible. It would be short, just like the original, but I can see it now. Make the drop 20-30 feet larger and 90 degrees. Bring back the small bunny hill after the drop. Outward bank the first turn around. Keep the figure 8 layout, as those turns are already pretty insane. The bunny hill in the middle of the figure 8 could be a zero g roll. The last bunny hill after the figure 8 could be a zero g stall. Would be insane!! Might only have 1-2 inversions, but would easily be the best ride in the park..

I still think the project is alive just because of the fact that we have received little to no investment in 2019 and 2020. Flooding and the timing with that can also play a major influence in completing this project as a very wet spring or a random heavy summer rain could delay the project. The back section of the park does need a new look. It's hideous!! Excalibur is unique, but to quote Rob Decker, "People vote with their feet." And Excalibur hasn't been popular in decades!! With River Rapids type rides seeming to be going away or getting major overhauls, I wonder if Thunder Canyon's days are numbered or due for an overhaul.

I'm about 25 miles..so no can do Bob! I'd just do it for more something to do and I enjoy being at the park anyway.. Make an extra mortgage payment or two in the process.. Maybe next year.. No wonder we can't get a new ride, let alone a coaster with all these increased wage expenses!

Valleyfair must be having trouble with staffing. Saw they are now offering up to $15/hour. Old man Bernie would be proud! I'm about 35-40 minutes away depending on stoplights/traffic, otherwise I'd maybe think about helping out just because I enjoy being in the overall park's atmosphere. Probably be a different story with guests bitching all the time..

There was a Brad Macy (I think that is the right name) for a year I believe right after Dave. Believe he came from Carowinds. Maybe he lasted 2 years. Didn't Dave fight for North Star as he wanted a Windseeker type ride added? Wonder if he was responsible for fighting for Delirious too before he left, as that typically isn't a ride type that Cedar Fair has added like the FunTime Star Flyer. Then Brad Macy must have been brought in to fight for 2 off years, haha. Thanks Brad! A couple other observations from this season: North Star, Xtreme Swing, and Renegade have the longest lines consistently. Also, Mad Mouse just due to capacity. I have yet to see more than 2 people on SuperCat at a time. The North midway is always packed compared to the South midway, which is always dead or just a walk-through for people. I think they finally fixed the awkward Route 76 midway after 4 out of 5 years of investments to that area, as that midway always has a nice crowd. The Amphitheater is such a waste of real estate. Can we put something where the Midway stage is, that bugs me every time I walk by. Makes sense they constructed the Superior Stage with the Peanuts Celebration this year,Grand Carnivale planned next year, and other festivals they have in that midway like MN Eats..

Good analysis Budtbum and welcome! It does appear that the Army Corp project has "cooled." Technically, you could still go through with the project and not invest a ton in the water park. Use the project as a way to create more flood-safe land that you can develop other than for the water park. I always wondered if the 3 GMs in 3 years was a sign of anything.. I was at the park yesterday and was surprised it drew the crowds it did with the State Fair going on. Water park was dead as it was cloudy and cool early.

I believe in a conference call or something many years ago they specifically called out these three parks as parks that may be under developed or under invested in compared to their market size. Then the Fury and the massive water park expansion at Carowinds happened, so every CGA and VF fan got very excited they were next. I think what held CGA back for awhile is the land ownership issue, which is now solved. And I think what is holding Valleyfair back now is ready and available land to do any expanding. Investment in additional flood protection needs to be completed before any additional acres at the park can be developed, which means money spent that doesn't really add much value or return on investment instantly. It just adds to the overall investment. What I've always questioned is how much "growth" do they see in each park. They obviously saw massive growth potential at Carowinds and the most growth potential out of those 3 parks, which is why they started there. CGA must be next, but probably on a smaller scale, and Valleyfair after that on a similar to smaller scale as CGA. It's also no secret Cedar Fair has focused mainly on the Paramount parks since the purchase trying to get the acquisitions to start paying off ASAP (rightly so). That focus puts Valleyfair last in line as well. Also, I'm not very disappointed in the announcement since it is what I was kind of expecting anyway. Nothing was expected with larger project proposals on the table with no signs of their construction.

Yeah, I have a feeling this will not be coming to the land of lawyers and common senseless.. But I'll probably be wrong when WOF announces it tomorrow too.. Weird attraction though. Way outta left field..

Good catch on the emojis! The Facebook comments are gonna be epic tomorrow when they only announce Grand Carnival! Can't wait..

For 2017, we had an "teaser" that Enterprise was leaving, then North Star was announced. For 2018, they tweeted a close up shot of a blueprint before announcing Delirious. 2019 there were no teasers. This year for 2020, no teasers so far. So I'd put money on nothing of significance! For fun, I guess I'll go Zamperla Endeavour in Riptide's old location!

California is just so much more progressive and hip than the rest of us, so they needed to feel important and get their news out ahead of everyone else.. If all we are receiving is infrastructure improvements, I wouldn't look for an announcement at all. Avoid the backlash like Worlds of Fun last year when all they announced was a new restaurant. I looked up the cost of a wetland credit and they are somewhere in the ballpark of $18,000-$82,000/credit depending on what service area they are in. In Valleyfair's approval with the city they needed to purchase just over 9 credits to replace the 4.5 they were going to build on. So that $162,000-$738,000 cost could be part of the 2019 or 2020 improvement budget to help spread out the cost of that project in the future.. Compared to the cost of flats like Xtreme Swing and Riptide, which I believe were in the $4-$6 million dollar range, recent additions like North Star, Delirious, and Flying Eagles are all reported cost effective and under $1 million each, if not half of that (North Star's construction permit was for $300,000). 2020 would be 5 straight years with minimal investment dollars spent, so the park should be due for a major project like the water park expansion.

I think it'd be cool for the park to get a Zamperla Endeavour to ease the people that still complain the Enterprise left. Valleyfair recently has got flat rides that do not follow the Cedar Fair norm (North Star: Funtime Star Flyer & Delirious: Larson Loop). Plus the lighting package on the Endeavour seems up to Cedar Fair standards that they like on newer rides. Would look great in Riptide's old spot and bring some life to that midway. I'm looking forward to the Facebook comments on Thursday when the announcement is not a roller coaster!

I think we'll know by this time next week.. Let's not get carried away here. We have gotten 2 new thrill rides the last 3 years.. If the water park entrance project does come to reality, I wonder if Cedar Fair would re-theme the water park again using their new "Shores" branding. "Minnesota Shores" Maybe something with more of a lake theme. "10,000 Shores" "Lakeside Shores" "South Metro Shores" That's all I got..