5/26/06 — CONNEAUT LAKE — “We are looking for one phenomenal season at Conneaut Lake Park. I feel like people are going to be very surprised what they see out here,” said George Deshner, as the general manager and his staff prepared for the opening of the park for another season.

Founded in 1892 as Exposition Park, the name was changed in the 1920s to Conneaut Lake Park in recognition of the park being adjacent to Conneaut Lake, the state’s largest natural lake.

The park is known for not only its amusement rides, but for its good food and great games.

This year promises to be no different.

Elizabeth’s Dining Room at Hotel Conneaut is open today from 4 to 10 p.m. for dinner with a new menu and new chef, Ben Chwalek. The restaurant, named after the park’s legendary ghost, offers lakefront dining in a Victorian atmosphere. In addition to the new menu, Elizabeth’s will now offer entertainment.

Other festivities tonight include the opening of DoWopp Weekend, celebrating its 10th anniversary at the park. Festivities from 5 to 9 include a cruise-in overlooking the lake and music by Donnie Do Wopp, with prizes and trivia. At 9, dancing at the Beach Club will be to the music of the Mighty King Pins.

Special activities Saturday will include the official christening of the Kaylee Belle, a new paddleboat cruise boat; a day-long schedule in conjunction with DoWopp Weekend; and dining at Elizabeth’s.

The restaurant will be open Saturday, Sunday and Monday with new menus for breakfast and lunch.

Breakfast hours are 8 to 10 a.m. each day with a brunch buffet Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch on Saturday will be a buffet from 11 to 2. Dinner hours are 4 to 10 all three days.

For those who prefer an alternative to the Beach Club or Dreamland Ballroom music, a sock hop will be held Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the restaurant.

The official ceremony christening the Kaylee Belle is at 10:30 a.m. with a special program featuring speakers Deshner; Republican U.S. Rep. Phil English, whose Third District includes most of Crawford County; and Republican state Rep. John Evans, whose Fifth District includes Summit and Sadsbury townships, where the park is located. Christa Brown, Ms. Conneaut Lake Park, will do the official christening at noon.

The boat will be available for narrated scenic lake cruises, private parties and even weddings.

Rides, midway games and food stands, as well as the water park, will open at noon Saturday and close at 10 p.m.

DoWopp fun continues Saturday and Sunday with music from Donnie Do Wopp, Johnny B. Goode and Lone Wolf; a cruise-in with dash plaques, prizes and surprises; Kurt (Elvis) Nova; Hula Hoop, bubble gum and twist contests; the Sweethearts of Harmony in a salute to girl groups; a jitterbug contest and the sock hop.

Sunday’s events will include appearances by The Babe (a Babe Ruth impersonator) and by Jerry Braverman of Power 104; a cruise-in; music by Donnie DoWopp, Johnny B. Good and Lone Wolf; appearances by William Dell and Wee Jams performing street corner and a cappella music; Hula Hoop, bubble gum and twist contests; another appearance by “Elvis.”

A concert in Dreamland Ballroom will feature Richie Johnson and the Students at 8:30 p.m. Doors will open at 7:15.

Tickets are $12 in advance or $14 at the door and are available at the park office.

Fireworks at 9 p.m. Sunday will highlight yet another tradition.

The park will be open Monday with the classic Blue Streak (one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the country) and most of the other traditional rides.

Guests can purchase individual ride tickets or a Ride-a-Rama pass that includes the water slides and the amusement rides. The pass, however, doesn’t include pony rides.

There is a parking fee this year.

For those wishing to stay at the park over the weekend, Camperland is available for those who like the outdoors and Hotel Conneaut is available for those who prefer a hotel room.



Jane Smith can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at jsmith@meadvilletribune.com



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