The original press release:
MEMPHIS – It appears Libertyland, the amusement park where millions of Mid-South families have spent a hot summer day over the past 30 years, won’t be open for the 2006 season.
The Mid-South Fair Commission met today and approved a motion not to re-open the amusement park. The Commission says the Mid-South Fair will continue, but did not discuss where the Fair will be held in 2006.
Libertyland is perhaps best known for its “Zippin’ Pippin'” ride which is said to be the nation’s oldest wooden roller coaster and one Elvis Presley loved. When the park opened in the mid-70’s, throngs of families would head to the park and it was the first employer for many a teenager.
However, the park has struggled in recent years. It is expected to lose $500,000 this year. On top of that, theme parks nationally have struggled including those owned by big corporations.
Libertyland is jointly owned by the city and county and is non-profit. In the past several years, money made by the Mid-South Fair has subsidized the losses – both share property on the Mid-South fairgrounds.
