The Herald Statesman from Yonkers, New York • 49

T-- JEvents Westchester Weekend, Friday, May 18, 1979 amusement j- park in.Rye swings into 52nd season Jump, Pony Track, and Whip. About per cent of the rides, both in Kiddyland and the adult amusement are owned by Playland. The rest are owend by individual operators, as are refreshment facili- ties, games, novelty stands and other attractions. 7. Playlands other features in- Above, Playland Idgo, based on the parks famed DragonCoaster; -----below, the Mini-Jet, new ride in Kiddyland Playlanjl Amusemfent Park orbits info its second half-cen-' tury on Saturday, with theintnv duction of a spectacular new major thrill-ride.

Pirate Ship, and a new Kiddyland-size thrill-ride, Mini-Jet. Opening Day ceremonies begin at noon with the rousing music of the championship 70-member Tarrytown Post-1939 Veterans of Foreign 'Wars fife. Drum and Bugle Corps, and a stirring drill by its 15-member Color Guard. Pirate Ship the only ride of its kind in the tri-state region is brand new, costs $450,000 and is concessionaire-owned. A giant ship, it starts with a smooth back and forth motion, then quickly picks up speed until it crests to a staggering 06-foot high wave." The rider now -tilted horizontally at the mid of each suing experiences a feeling of weightlessness: Those hardy enough to keep their eyes open during the ride are said to be in for a sensational overview Long Island Sound and.

the Also debuting this season is Kiddylands Mini-Jet. Replete brilliantly flashing lights and zoom noisemakers, it has individual front-seat controls for the "pilot" of each of its eight four-passenger Jets. Mini-Jet I brand new, and was purchased by Playland this year for 000, including installation PLAYLAND IS the foremost traditional amusement park in the East with a reputation for scenic beauty and a dean, safe environment. Its longevity, re-, cord of financial stability and popularity make it a Temarka-ble success stories. Playland is the only munici-pally owned and operated park' of its magnitude in the world.

As the worlds first architecturally designed amusement park, and a classic example of early re- elude, an Olympic-sized freshwater pool, a 1,200 foot beach and boardwalk, a are-: ha, an 80-acre salt water lake with seven small islands anda-' Show Boat that takes visitors on a leisurely tour of the lake, and flower and garden displays. FIREWORKS DISPLAYS, -park tradition, are now held on Wednesday nights instead of Fifteen displays are scheduled beginning June 27,1 -with a special holiday double-' display on July 4. Playlands hours through are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 1 p.m.-midnight, Friday and Saturday; and 1-il p.m. Sunday.

From June 25 through Labor Day, the hours are 1-11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 1 p.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday. The beach officially opens this Saturday and the pool next Saturday; May 26. There is no general admission to the park. Tickets books for the rides can be purchased at booths located throughout the park.

Rides in the -adult area -range from two to-five tickets -each; all Kiddyland rides are two tickets, except for the' live pony ride which is three tickets. Parking Is $1.25 Monday-Friday (to 6 p.m.); $2 Friday (after 6 Saturday and Sunday, -and $3 for holidays. 7- Playland is reached via the -Hutchinson River Parkway to exit 25, or the New England Thruway to exit 11, Playland Parkway, and follow the signs. For Information, call (914) bished with a new light and sound system in 1978 and is one of only three rides of its kind anywhere; Rotor, a huge barrellike "spinner in which the gravitation force pins riders against the inside wall as it. whirls at a dizzying speed, while the floor completely drops, out; and which swings out into a 73 foot circle as it reels into an eliptlcal shaped pattern.

According to Playland director Edward J. Kllcullen, during the last three years Playland has earned about $600,000 in net revenues for Westchester County. All profits at the park revert to the county for use in the general budget. Kiddyland has 20 rides, including a Kiddy Coaster, Miniature Railroad, Motorcycle gional recreational planning, it a valuable part of Westchester Countys history. Situated on Long Island Sound, it encompasses The amusement area covers about 78 acres and includes the Kiddyland and more than 100 rides and attractions.1 Playlands largest and most popular ride is.

the Dragon Coaster, high toller coaster containing more than 65 miles oflumber and steel ini its track. The Dragon Coaster carries some 500,000 riders each It has been a Playland landmark for all its 52 years and the parks official logo for the pasttwo. 1HE PARKS 30 major rides also include the Derby Racer which was completely refur.