Loop-de-loop

Life is a roller coaster ride. I wonder how people described this crazy life before the roller coaster was invented?

The very first roller coasters were tracks built on mounds of ice in the area of modern-day St. Petersburg, Russia. The height was about 80 feet. Almost nothing by todays standards. But in the 1600s, that was something! In 1884, the first American roller coaster opened at Coney Island, NY. This was a track with a car that went back and forth. The oval we're familiar with didn't come until later. Roller coasters, and amusement parks in general, went into decline during the Depression, but after WWII they made a comeback.

And that brings us to today. On August 1, 1961, the first park of the Six Flags franchise opened in Texas. The owner of the land, developer Angus Wynne, Jr., thought it would be a temporary measure and he planned to develop the land in a few years. But after recouping his $3.5 million investment in the first 18 months, he realized the amusement park was a good idea!

But what was that first day like? In 1961, adults got into the park for $2.75, and kids got in for $2.25. A hamburger cost 50 cents and a soda was 10 cents. Six Flags over Texas had the first 360-degree looping roller coaster and the first flume ride. There was a parachute drop and a man-made river rapids ride. The park cost a total of $10 million to build, and in the first 10 years there were 17.5 million visitors. No doubt some of those were repeat visitors!

In addition to loop-de-loop roller coasters and parachute drops, Six Flags over Texas was original in another way, too. It was the first amusement park to center around a theme. Six Flags refers to the six flags that have flown over Texas throughout history -- France, Spain, Mexico, Texas, the United States, and the Confederacy -- and the park took visitors through Texas history as they wandered the park.

Today the theme park in Texas is only one of 30 in the Six Flags franchise that operate in North America. Depending on whether you purchase a day ticket on-line or at the gate, prices range from $45 to $80 for the day. When you plan your trip, there are kid rides and family rides, but the thrill seekers have plenty of options, too. You can also see magic shows and participate in talent shows, and there are other events throughout the season.

As summer winds down, enjoy some time with family. And if Six Flags is a bit out of reach, have your own neighborhood talent show and create your own backyard water slides. And give a nod to Mr. Wynne, the inventor of the theme park.