Good-Bye...To A Prince Of A Man

I saw a post from a family member a day or so ago; that's when I found out. And even though it wasn't unexpected, it's still a shock when the news is confirmed. You can link to the Salt Lake Tribune article: HERE.

I first met Peter Freed when I was sixteen years old, but his influence affected my life for years. We moved to Farmington in 1970 and soon, we were going to Lagoon almost daily in the summer, every day, except Sunday, that is. My family bought a pool pass--it was around $35 for the whole family for the whole summer.

And we went every day, every year, for years.

When I was sixteen I was hired as a groundkeeper and we cleaned the park--a great job for a teenager because we had to clock-in at 4am. You save money when you have to go to bed around 9pm in the summer. It wasn't until I began working in the entertainment department that I really appreciated Peter.

Lagoon's an interesting place and when you work there off-and-on since 1982, you see trends, you see behind the scenes. Most patrons go to Lagoon for the rides. The games, and food are bonuses. But, for a chosen few, it was the park's entertainment that drew them, especially the locals. They would go to every "Music USA" performance, or Countryside, or to see the Lagoon All-Star Band. And from what I understand, Peter played a huge part in the creation of those shows. Because of his influence, entertainment is a central part of the park to this day.

Peter was a quiet man, a reserved person. He was not loud or bombastic. He watched the patrons from his little office window near the park's entrance, and he came to see as many shows as he could, always from the back, always allowing others the better seats, the better views. You could tell he loved the shows, loved watching people enjoy themselves.

I'm sure there are amazing stories of the man before he and his brothers took a risk on an amusement park in a small Utah town. And, I'm sure if I heard about them and the part he played in the military and in other business dealings, I'm sure I'd learn of the same quiet man, someone who seemed to always want others to Have Fun.

Peter was one of the good guys, and I'm glad I knew him.

I Thought It Was The Ol' 999...

As we waited to go on one of our favorite rides at Lagoon, I saw the beautifully preserved steam locomotive housed in a shelter in Pioneer Village at Lagoon Amusement Park.

When I saw it, I thought it was Engine 999, but when I got home and looked at a photo album, the train in the picture was much smaller than the one on display at the park. I'm sure Engine 999 is somewhere--perhaps in storage, but back in the 1970s when Pioneer Village was new, that little engine chugged around the buildings and other sights in the huge 1800s museum.

I had no idea until decades earlier that my mom's grandfather once worked on that same Engine 999 back when his other job was working on normal-sized trains in Ogden, Utah.

It's a cool legacy.

Yes, I thought it was the same train, but I was wrong. I'm wrong about a lot of things. Good thing we have photo evidence to keep some things from being forgotten. 

Since the 1980s, I've worked several seasons at Lagoon. I've picked up trash, planted flowers, dressed as a large raccoon, and even fallen thirty feet into a pile of straw as a wild west stuntman, but I never operated one of the many steam engines the park has operated over the years. Just as well--my great-grandfather did many years ago.

Look Who's Played At Lagoon!...Here's A List

Near to where I clock in and clock out at my part-time gig is a wall of old photographs. When your amusement park has been around for more than 130 years, you can amass a lot of history. I enjoy looking at old photographs, seeing how things have changed over time.

There's one poster that is especially interesting. It's the largest thing on the wall and it contains the names of dozens of famous people who have played at Lagoon over the years. I took out my phone and snapped a quick picture thinking I might use the shot as my "Pic Of The Day." I ended up using a different picture, but when I pulled this one up and began reading the names of the people who have played over the years, it's very, very impressive.

I've seen the poster before and even glanced at the names, but tonight I read through each name, considered all those amazingly talented musicians (even Evil Kneivel...) that have performed at Lagoon. Most came in the 1950s and 1960s, but a few made their appearance later. It's been a long time since the park has hosted big acts. Still, the fact that the big names no longer play shouldn't tarnish the legacy from the past.

Some of the names that jumped out to me were Ray Charles, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald, the Doors, Jefferson Airplane, the Beach Boys, The Mamas and the Papas and many many more. Some of these great musicians are still playing, but many are no longer with us. They've gone to play the big gig in the sky.

Nowadays, the park is mostly known for its rides. Decades earlier it was rides and entertainment. And before that, the park was known for its trees and picnic spots. I wonder what the park will be known for in the decades to come and will they have a big poster letting everyone know about what we're doing today. Time will tell.

25 Years Equals Silver...But It's Golden For Me

Today marks a quarter of a century that my wife and I have been married. I know for some 25 years isn't long and for others it seems like forever. The older I get, two and a half decades doesn't seem long at all. 

A couple of things kept us from celebrating the big day like other silver anniversary couples do, a part-time job, a comic con, things like that. Sure I would love to have taken a trip to distant lands or some other equally impressive way to honor the day, but it didn't work out.

And, in the grand scheme of things, that's okay. Because I have been the luckiest person I know. I've been with my friend, a person who supports me in so many ways, a person who sees beyond my faults, my quirks, my issues. I've almost been with her as long as I was not with her--that happens in a couple of years.

As I think back on the past 25 years, it's hard to express how I feel. And my words can't possibly do justice to the emotions, the feelings we've shared together. Lynda--thanks for believing in me. Thanks for trusting me. I will work forever to try and repay that love. Thanks for the best half century any husband could ever have and thanks for saying "yes" allowing us to take this journey together. 

"Seance"

Beginning tomorrow night I'll be in a new show, Seance at Lagoon's Frightmares. 

Were rehearsing all night so this post will be short. 

Come See the show--it's going to be fantastic! Time to get scary!

Catching The Sun...

About a week or so ago I stood on my back porch and snapped a few pictures. Due to the location of the sun, and other factors, I watched as it slowly set in the western sky. I got out the good camera with a zoom lens and caught some of the beauty blazing before me.

It turned out pretty good.

I took several shots. If the porch had been higher, or the trees lower (darn trees keep growing taller and taller...), I could have taken even better shots. But I'm okay with that I got. Each day the sun sets a little more south. It will soon disappear behind Antelope Island until finally, on the shortest day of the year, it will set almost off the island entirely.

Sunsets fascinate me. They're like the biggest work of art on the largest canvas we'll most likely ever see. Some nights are not as brilliant as others, but every inch of land, every drop in the ocean will get the chance to witness a sunset every night. It's a gift, something telling us the day is done so lay down your shovel and rest to prepare for the next day.

I've missed a lot of sunsets, but I try and take pictures of as many of the good ones as I can. I think on my cloud and computer backups I've got more pictures of the sun setting than any other thing.

And I'll be fine for it to stay that way, if I can see pictures like this in my viewer.

Dorene Smith...A Fine Lady

*

I think one of the saddest things we humans do is deny ourselves the opportunity to get to know more people. I know this because I'm so guilty of doing this. I pass up opportunities that are open to me for a myriad of reasons, but every time--almost without exception--I've taken that chance, gone outside my comfort zone and gotten to know people better, it's been a positive experience.

Yesterday I noticed a flower arrangement on the podium at church. In our culture (and our church...), that usually means the building was used for a memorial service. It means someone in the neighborhood died. When I found out who it was, it made me sad.

I doubt many people had the pleasure of knowing Dorene Smith. I had lived a few houses down from her for over a decade before I met her, and had I not applied for a job on the grounds crew at Lagoon Amusement Park as a teenager, I might not have ever spoken to the lady. I don't know if she knew who I was. I don't know if she knew that my father had passed away twelve years earlier. Maybe I made her laugh, but for some reason, she hired me.

And I think in many ways, that changed my life. She gave me a chance to work hard, get to know some wonderful people, and create lasting memories.

I had never worked at Lagoon before, but I had many friends who had. They, of course, did not work in the grounds department. Everyone who worked there knew of Dorene, but I don't think many knew her. A lot of kids feared her. She was ex-military and she was in charge of getting that placed cleaned on a daily basis. That is no small task, especially when 90% of your workforce is too young to vote. She had to be tough. If she wasn't, well, you know how kids can be. They'd take advantage and the work would not get done.

But, if they had known her--really gotten to know her--they wouldn't have feared her. Sure, she drove a pick-up around the park before it opened and smoked. She had a somewhat gravelly voice and had to yell sometimes to get our attention. Still, if you got to know her you knew she was a funny, funny lady. She'd tell jokes and stories that were hilarious. And she had a heart as big as the amusement park itself.

Dorene retired many years ago and I ran into a handful of times since my teenage years. Every time she would smile (unless she was discussing some stupid thing the city counsel was considering...). I didn't know she had passed on until the services were over. Whenever I think of Dorene, I'll be forever grateful that I knew her and that she was my friend. Yes, Dorene was a fine lady.

* Photo used without permission from: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saltlaketribune/obituary.aspx?n=dorene-smith&pid=179673507&fhid=12972

Lagoon's CANNIBAL Is Now Open!

News was announced today, news that those in my neck of the woods have been waiting for ever since we saw the huge dark tower rise from the field once roamed by cattle.

CANNIBAL is now open!

It's hard to miss Lagoon Amusement Park's latest ride. The thing is massive! And, because of this new ride I got a job at the park. They're anticipating very large crowds once the ride opens and since the news hit today that it's now officially open, tomorrow's going to be a zoo.

For the past six weeks those of us at the park and those driving by in their cars have seen the ride being tested. Up until a week or so ago the cars were empty. Testimonials from those lucky enough to ride it since have been glowing. They've loved it! I was even offered a chance to ride the beast, but I declined. As my age rises my tolerance level lowers--just one of the joys of aging.

So, for all of you who've waiting until CANNIBAL opened, now is your chance! And if I'm doing the Rainmaker Show when you do go, please come over and get a little wet.

A Hot Afternoon At Lagoon...

This afternoon (the hottest day of the year so far...) I went down to Lagoon Amusement Park to watch "The Rainmaker" show and while I was there, I snapped a few pictures. For photographers, the place is a gold mine!

Here's some pictures from today. I only spent twenty or so minutes to take pictures. Maybe on a day when I go down for the specific reason to take pictures, I'll get some better shots. 

For those of you who know the park, you'll recognize the place. For those who've never been, it can be a fun place. Enjoy!

I Made The Scene Change...

After each play that I've done over the past fourteen months, I've told myself that things will start to slow down after the particular play that I'm in is over.

Somehow, it never seems to work out that way.

In fact, things have gotten busier.

Case in point, after Shrek ended, I was certain I'd have the rest of the spring and summer not being involved in shows. When my friend asked me if I'd help out with Harvey, I said I would as long as I could play the cabbie. He agreed and I was then in another play. Since the cabbie is only in the last five minutes of the production, rehearsals for me were almost non-existent, at least for the first month. Things picked up int he last few weeks, but still--not very stressful.

Then came another performing opportunity, and this one's a paid gig! I was hired by the local amusement park to do a one-man show. It's a total blast and I've blogged about it a lot since I started. Thankfully the director and stage manager of Harvey  have allowed me to come late to the play. Normally I have time to go home, grab a quick bite to eat, take a shower and show up in time to do my scene change at 7:55pm.

On Saturday things change.

Saturday at Lagoon Amusement Park is the busiest day of the week. On Saturdays we do our Rainmaker show at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm, which means I cannot get dinner or a shower if I'm to make it to the theater in time to do my one scene change at 7:55pm.

Tonight was the first Saturday night of the Harvey run and the first time I did four shows at Lagoon. After the last show I hurried and changed, dropped off my son and home and hightailed it to the theater. Once there I got changed in my costume and made my scene change with a few minutes to spare.

I've got three more Saturday nights of Harvey performances, so three more times this will be an issue. At least, this one worked out.

My New Ride...

I got an e-mail a few weeks ago asking me if I would consider auditioning for a new show at Lagoon. They were bringing a one-man-show to the park and they needed someone for the part.

I auditioned.

I got the gig.

Here's my new ride.

I will be "The Rainmaker."

Come see me in the late afternoons/early evenings! It's going to be a blast!