It’s not a secret that I’m into retro. I’m not embarrassed to admit that I dig old-school hip hop, and know the words to “The Boys in the Hood” and “911 is a Joke.” I’m gleeful about a dated T-shirt or our not-so-recently reupholstered 1950s couch. I accept my weirdness.

So when I chose Sandy Lake Amusement Park for Aidan’s 5th birthday party, I knew a carnival-like atmosphere would be center stage. As long as the typical creepy clowns didn’t make an appearance, I was good.

Turns out, the place is a little kid party paradise. For a minimal fee, we scored a covered pavilion with about seven free picnic tables. We were allowed to bring foods from home, (nothing commercial) which meant our cupcakes and juice boxes didn’t cost three times what they should. We decorated modestly, consumed said sugar, wrangled seven wild kids, opened presents, then headed for the time machine of all amusement parks. (Proprietors Vickie and Frank Rush and Suzy and Tom Self are the third generation of ‘hands-on’ managers who purchased Sandy Lake in 1971. Their children and grandchildren represent the fourth and fifth generation that are involved in the family business.)

The park’s best feature is the large selection of rides for the wee ones. Boats, UFOS, race cars, merry-go-rounds, miniature golf course, trains, paddle boats, horse rides and in the summer, a full swimming pool. It’s well-contained, and not overwhelming, like many amusement parks.

There’s a refreshment stand with the standard carnival fare: hot dogs, nachos, BBQ sandwiches, snow cones, etc. When one party member requested onions for his nachos, the refreshment stand lady responded, “Well, we’re out of onions. But don’t you have a hot date tonight? You probably didn’t need those anyway.”

Quick-witted service is always a plus, as is the well-maintained grounds and lack of freaky carnival people. (I enjoy a weird character along with the best of them, but there’s something about the gleam in their eye when you’re flailing around helplessly on the Tilt-a-Whirl that is bothersome.)

Speaking of twirling, Aidan and I took a spin on a set of crazy swings, similar to those at Six Flags. *Note to self* Just because you’re tall enough for a ride does not mean that you should ride it. Aidan was gripping the bar, screaming for the ride to stop. (Or maybe that way me?) I later convinced my dad to ride the Octopus, (sometimes referred to as the Spider) What began with joking references to ‘hurling’ ‘retching’ and ‘barfing’ quickly devolved into a concern that I would soon be covered in his lunch. Disaster avoided, I learned that it’s not wise to spin right after consuming greasy snack bar cuisine. (Just like that swimming myth.) Maybe there is something to those old sayings after all.

(Insert that clanky circus music here.) It was a magical (humid) day, celebrating my oldest son’s fifth birthday with friends, family and the carnival people. (Forgive the upcoming pun) You too should give it a (wait for it)…whirl.

**For those of you interested in carnival lingo, click here.**

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About the author

Autumn Carpenter
While navigating the carpool lane and translating toddler conversations might not rank high on some adventure life lists, I happily include those accomplishments alongside skydiving, dodging Pamplonian bulls and surviving three-hour Vinyasa yoga classes. I look for the story in everyday situations, and convey them easily in both print and online mediums. I’m also SEO-friendly ghostblogger, web content writer and copywriter. Let’s collaborate on a project today!

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1 Comment

cassle

Very nice piece of writing! I never went to Sandy Lake Amusement Park, but someday I’ll think to go there. Looks so amazing! The photos are brilliant, thanks for this. I’m just starting into the world of blogging.. well, I’m still not very good at this. I found you from the freelance writing jobs from facebook. Nice to meet you!

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