Hi, my name is Austin, and I'm addicted to amusement parks, roller coasters, and fairs....
Whew, now that I have that off my chest I feel so much better. They always say that the first step is admitting you have a problem.
So, iLifeInverted, what in the world does that mean. well Life because that's partially what this blog is about, Inverted because that's a type of coaster, and the "i" well, just because I can.
What is this blog all about. Me. Well, and what I admitted to above. Why am I writing? I thought it would be pretty cool to tell a little about my history of what I am so passionate about, my interests in the industry, and my journey up the ladder from ride operator to senior management of a theme park.
If your ready to ride let me hear you say "Ohhhh Yeahhhh!" All attendants scan your areas, attendant one ready, four, three two ready. Train is locked, dock is clear, iLiveInverted ready for dispatch.
Yeah, you can definitely tell I work at an amusement park.
So first things first, where did this all start? I was born on September 16, 1991 in a small tiny little dot on the map called Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the same week I was born, the 58th annual, North Alabama State Fair was in town. My parents blame that and the fact that I was born the same week as the fair. I have to say I probably give it a lot of credit as well. Growing up, it was a known thing that my parents would take me and my brother to the fair. As I got older, and turned 16 you best believe I used all of my birthday money to go to the fair as many times as I could the week it was there. No, its not an amusement park, but hey, everyone has to get their start somewhere.
Of course there was everything you could ask for at the fair, petting zoo, freak shows, rodeo clowns, pig races, exhibit halls, fair food that always smells devine, midway games, and rides. That's what I was obsessed with....the rides. No matter how tiny of a fellow I was, no ride was too big or too small for me. I conquered them all with a fearless attitude. There was one ride that always stood out to me, no specific reason why, not that it was more entertaining than all the others, nothing, it just always peaked my interest. That ride ladies and gentlemen, is the Ring of Fire manufactured by Larson Intl. I became so infatuated with that ride, I could probably tell you as much or more than the people who work at Larson.
The fair wasn't the only thing that inspired my dreams though. Many people may not remember this place, or some may have never heard of it at all, but to me, this place will always hold a special place in my heart as the first amusement park that I ever went to, but also made me realize my interest and knew I had found my dreams at such an early early age. That amusement park every one, is none other than the, greatly missed.....Opryland USA!
For those of you that don't know, Opryland USA was an amusement located in Nashville, Tennessee. Unfortunately on December 31, 1997, Opryland closed its gates forever after their annual Christmas in the park. I remember my parents taking the family on our annual visits to Opryland, and when time rolled around for our 1998 visit I asked my parents when we were going. They had to break the news to me that it closed....I cried....a lot. Opryland USA's parking lot occupied the area of the Opry Mills mall that is closest to the Briley Parkway exit to the complex, some of the parks lot still stands today as parking for the mall. Of course, this can only mean that the park occupied the rest of the land that the mall now stands on between there and the Opryland Hotel. Until the Nashville floods of 2010 there were actually remnants of the park spread throughout the complex that were visibly noticeable. The most obvious were the canals of the old Grizzly River Rampage.
You could also see some sort ticket entrance for hotel guests leading into what would be the park. as well as the Gaslight Theatre that once stood in the park.
Unfortunately, after the floods, the Gaslight Theatre was destroyed beyond economical repair, and the remnants of the Grizzly River Rampage were demolished to make way for a new convention events center. The only thing visibly noticeable thing to someone not looking hard that remains of the park is the Opry Plaza in front of the Grand Ole Opry House.
To the enthusiast like myself, if you look close, you can still see some of the remnants of concrete ride hardware and footings, the railroad grating, and various other odds and ends. This park meant a great deal to me. Some may say that its just an amusement park, but for me it was where my dreams started, where my future career started, and then it was torn down with only memories left. This park is even where I rode my first roller coaster, which in fact went upside down, at the age of 4 years old. At that time, you couldn't get better than the Wabash Cannonball in my opinion!
Welcome back, welcome back, welcome back riders. I hope you enjoyed your ride on iLifeInverted. When the train comes to a full and complete stop please push down and pull up on your safety harness, exit to your left and enjoy the rest of your day at the park!
I suppose that's it for this post everyone, I hope I didn't bore you too awfully bad. As always, thank you all for your unconditional support, and make sure you check back for more posts in days to come!
****Disclaimer--I take no ownership to any of the pictures posted above. If you are the owner of any pictures posted in this blog, and would like them removed, please, contact me and I will gladly remove them at your request with proof of ownership
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