Neighbors face uncertain future with Pavilion closing

Interesting. I have it on good authority that the big Ruth band organ is at Stinson Organ Co being rebuilt and fitted with a midi interface. Also Brass Ring was supposed to do a mechanical overhaul on the carousel this winter. It's possible it is included in the new plans.

I really find all of this business about closing the Pavilion to be completely sickening. My dad visited the Pavilion as a child, and I have visited the Pavilion every summer for all 18 years of my life now. Seeing it close is so sad.

My love for thrill rides began at a very young age when I would BEG my parents to go to the Pavilion every day while we were at the beach so I could just watch the Rainbow ride running. I was completely mesmerized by the movement, size, and sheer power that the ride presented, which is pretty crazy to see when you are such a small kid. I would sit there sometimes for hours just watching the ride running. I also spent hours and hours watching the old organ. My parents actually had to videotape both things running so I could watch them at home!

It's so sad seeing this place close because I have so many memories there. I hoped someday I could continue the tradition and take my children to the park... but as we know now that can't happen.

I think people should have taken a lesson from the Opryland book and realized that this is a terrible idea. Burroughs and Chapin have so much money they could run the park with free admission for the rest of their lives and wouldn't see an effect on their checkbook. This is pure, sickening greed.