NEWS: Zippin Pippin could reopen for Mid South Fair

[coasterdude5]

Attention, thrill seekers and Elvis fans. You may get one last chance to ride the Zippin Pippin at Libertyland.

The park has been shut down and the roller coaster sold at auction. But the Pippin may be cranked up during this year's Mid-South Fair, Sept. 21-Oct. 1.

 

"It's been discussed," said fair general manager Billy Orr. "There is a possibility, if it's safe. ... That's all going to depend on inspections by professionals."

The new owners brought a coaster expert, Phoenix-based George Laibe, to Memphis on Tuesday to check out Elvis' favorite coaster. A full report is a week away, but co-owner Stephen Shutts said Laibe was "impressed with the overall condition of the coaster."

 

As for running the coaster during the fair, Shutts said: "I think it's a great idea, and I think it's very conceivable."

 

Shutts and partner Robert Reynolds bought the Pippin for $2,500 and eventually will be moving it -- hopefully, they say, to another Memphis site.

 

I think it's smart. Think of how many people will go now that they'll have a chance to ride this classic!

[Johnny Upsidedown]

Sweet where does the Q line start. I was hopeing to get a chance to ride it incase the ride is done away with.

[DerekRx]

That's pretty cool if they get it opened. I've never been on it, but even if I had the free time to go and it was going to be opened, I'm not sure I'd spend the money just to ride what I've heard is an average at best wood coaster.

[Jon Sabo]

Wasn't that ride featured in a documentary a few years back?

I also thought it was registered under the National Historical (thingy) or maybe a plaque was donated by ACE?..I never had a chance to ride this

[USRoadTripper]

If it opens, I will be there. Please keep us updated if you find out anything else.

 

-Julie

[cannonballer]

They should put it right in the back yard of graceland when its all said and done!!!

[BeemerBoy]

Count me in. Memphis bar-b-q sounds pretty good to me.

[coasterdude5]

They should put it right in the back yard of graceland when its all said and done!!!

 

Yeah, Graceland doesn't want it. =(

[BeemerBoy]

^ Because God knows they don't need anything tacky looking at Graceland, right?

[ParkTrips]

Count me in. Memphis bar-b-q sounds pretty good to me.

 

eh, the Texas stuff is better.

 

I'd like to go, but jeez.. its SUCH a long drive for me. All for one woodie, when Orlando is about the same distance away..

[Edwardo]

You know, they should just move Pippin to the new Hard Rock park. I mean, it is Elvis' favorite coaster, what better fit than having his favorite coaster at a Rock N Roll theme park?

[BeemerBoy]

^ That's a great point, and great idea. There couldn't be a better fit for it when you think of it that way. Nice job.

[coasterdude5]

The people who bought it really want it to stay in Memphis, but that's a really great idea!

[Guest]

You know, they should just move Pippin to the new Hard Rock park. I mean, it is Elvis' favorite coaster, what better fit than having his favorite coaster at a Rock N Roll theme park?

 

Because all the buyer wanted it for was the train. I doubt this coaster will survive.

[coasterdude5]

^They're hoping one of the companies that has a status in Memphis (And a big wallet) will buy the coaster.

 

T-Rex's (Joyland) offer still stands: To build a new amusement park around ZP. (Hopefully at a new location)