Published: July 02, 2008 11:11 pm            

Mark Maynard: Dipper, 'Idol' chat and more: 7/3/08

The Big Dipper and I are about the same age. Now that, to me, is a scary statement. But Camden Park’s wooden roller coaster will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with an event on July 18 that includes a concert by the Coasters.

I celebrated my 50th birthday in October, which means I’m about nine months older than the roller coaster. We both have a few creaks in us.

The Dipper and I had a few good rides together, although I couldn’t tell you for the life of me when the last one happened. It’s been several years ago and, even then, she didn’t look in tip-top shape (of course, neither did I).

But while growing up, Camden Park was a place we enjoyed and The Dipper was one roller coaster we all wanted to ride. My parents worked for Ashland Oil and there was always one Saturday a year when the park was reserved for employees and their families to ride anything and everything all day long. It was a blast.

The Big Dipper was my first real roller coaster experience ... and it was a good one. There’s nothing like the thrill of the coaster ride and the wooden variety, with all the clackety-clacks, seems to add a little more suspense to the experience.

I’ve graduated to bigger and better roller coasters over the years but The Big Dipper, certainly a first love for me and I’m sure a lot of others in the Tri-State, will never be forgotten.

Happy anniversary big fella and may your wheels keep rolling for another fifty years.

Speaking of coasters

King’s Island is constructing a new roller coaster although officials at the theme park are staying mum about it.

Dan Helbig, the park’s public relations manager, told the Cincinnati Enquirer “it will be the most exciting attraction in the 36-year history of the park.”

Many believe it will be a Diver Coaster, part of a collection of roller coasters known as megacoasters, because of their size. The Diver climbs up a gigantic hill, brakes at the peak, and then drops straight down — 90 degrees — and ends up in a splashdown at the bottom. The ride is a floorless train, meaning it’s the seat that holds a rider in.

There are only five of these type coasters in the world, with the closest one being The Griffon at Busch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg, Va. The other four are in Florida, Canada, England and Taiwan.

The park has announced no timetable on the ride’s completion although it’s likely to happen before summer 2009.

‘Idol’ visits Kentucky

Want to be an “American Idol” contestant? This may be your chance.

“Idol” auditions will be in Kentucky for the first time later this month in Louisville. The Fox television series will have an initial round of preliminary auditions with the show’s producers on July 21 at Freedom Hall. Potential contestants can register and pick up armbands July 19 and 20.

After follow-up auditions in early September at Churchill Downs, the show’s judges will assess those who made it through the first round to choose the performers who will advance.

Check www.americanidol.com for updates.

Auditions for the eighth season of the hit Fox show begin July 17 in San Francisco. Other cities on the audition tour announced last week are Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Kansas City, Jacksonville, Fla., and East Rutherford, N.J.

Calling all Tomcats

The Ashland Tomcat Reunion is scheduled for Aug. 24 at the Elks picnic grounds. The annual reunion, started by 1940s Tomcat Lafe Walter a few years ago, is always a hit with former players and friends. There are plenty of good tales being told. But unless you show up, you can’t defend yourself.

Festivities begin around 1 p.m. Call David Payne at (606) 325-4312 for more information.

The day before the Tomcat Reunion, on Aug. 23, there will be a mini reunion of former Central Park baseball alumni at Ernie Chattin Field, formerly known as CP-1.

Gary Wright, who has spearheaded an effort to refurbish the press box and spruce up the old field with a sizeable and generous donation, will be on hand to give updates about some projects concerning the field.

Check the Web site at cp-1.org for updates about the reunion and the project.

Sports Day tickets

Tickets are available for the Elks Sports Day festivities on July 18 and 19 honoring major league umpire Charlie Reliford.

Tickets are $30 for a reception and banquet and can be purchased at Ashland Sporting Goods or the Elks Lodge. It’s well worth the price with good food and conversation.

As always, the event is open to the public. This is the 34th year the Elks have sponsored the program. George Stout is the committee chairman and has worked long and hard on this much like the other Sports Day programs over the years. His goal would be for the entire community to come out and enjoy the festivities while honoring one of its favorite sons. Buying tickets in advance would help George sleep better at night.

The popular Reliford, who extols the virtues of Ashland everywhere he goes, is in his 19th season as an MLB umpire. He is a crew chief and one of the most respected umpires in the game.

Tomcat radio voice Dicky Martin will be the speaker at Sports Day.

MARK MAYNARD can be reached at mmaynard@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2648.

        

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