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Traveler: Lake George’s 50th Winter Carnival

Posted in Travel, tagged Coney Island Polar Bear Club, Josh Beeles, Lake George, Photography, Polar Plunge, Winter Carnival on February 11, 2011| Leave a Comment »

2011 Lake George Winter Carnival Outhouse Races. February 5, 2011. Photo © Josh Beeles via flickr

This month the Lake George Winter Carnival is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a round of Polar Plunges, Ice Diving Demos, Motorcycle Ice Races, Dog Sled Races, Polar Golf and more. On opening weekend, photographer Josh Beeles got some wonderful shots of the Outhouse Races and Polar Plunge. The event first caught our eye because of a Coney Island connection. According to the carnival’s website, the Lake George Winter Carnival’s Polar Plunge was started more than 35 years ago by Coney Island Polar Club President Al Mottola…

History of the Polar Plunge – The Lake George Winter Carnival Polar Plunge has evolved over the years. The Coney Island Polar Bears started this tradition in 1903. Al Mottola, president of the Coney Island Polar Bears, first appeared at the Lake George Winter Carnival in 1973, taking their first plunge into the icy waters of Lake George. Spectators and participants were entertained for years by the group and many visitors and locals joined in on the fun of swimming in the ice cold water. They entertained many fans for years at the Lake George Winter Carnival, including Charlie “Papa Bear” Albert, who founded the Lake George Polar Bear Club and the 1st Day Polar Plunge that draws 800 plus people January 1st every year. The Polar swim is sponsored by the Lake George Winter Carnival every January 1st, and Saturday and Sundays during the month of February we invite anyone to participate, if you dare. Over 1000 participants for 2010.

This weekend’s featured event at the winter carnival is the NY State AMA Sanctioned Motorcycle & ATV Ice Race Championship. You can watch a live webcast courtesy of the Electric City Motorcycle Riders Club.

The Polar Plunge as well as Snowmobile Water Skips, Dog Sled Rides and Skydiving are set for every weekend in February.Click here for a schedule of events.

Lake George Winter Carnival Polar Plunge. February 5, 2011. Photo © Josh Beeles via flickr

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Traveler: Most Beautiful Video of the State Fair of Texas

Posted in Travel, video, tagged independent midway, State Fair of Texas on October 8, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Today’s Dallas Observer called Robert Hunt’s vid “The Most Beautiful Video of the State Fair of Texas You Will See All Day.” It hit the spot since we’ve been longing to see the famed fair’s independent midway once again. It’s been a couple of years since we visited Big Tex! Go if you happen to be in the neighborhood of Dallas, but it’s worth the trip from anywhere. The State Fair of Texas runs through October 17.

Traveler: Where You Can Play Fascination Year Round

Posted in Amusement Game, Travel, tagged Fascination Game, Fascination Parlor, Hull, Nantasket Beach, Oregon, Paragon Park, Seaside on October 6, 2010| 16 Comments »

Fascination at Nantasket Beach, Hull, MA. Photo © James Young Art via flickr

Last month, ATZ wrote about Faber’s fabulous Fascination sign going dark and being dismantled. The Coney Island arcade lost its lease after more than 60 years, a casualty of Thor Equities’ plan to demolish the historic Henderson Building. ATZ checked out a couple of Fascination parlors from East Coast to West where you can admire their splendid signage and play the game described as a combination of skeeball and bingo.

Fascination at Nantasket Beach in Hull, a seaside town south of Boston, was owned for 60 years by town selectman Leonard Hersch. “He bought the equipment from a Goldman in Coney Island in 1945,” said Jim, who has worked at the Fascination parlor for two decades. As we chatted with Jim on the phone, we could hear the din of the game parlor. Somebody won, and he interrupted our conversation to call out on the mike: “Give her five dollars!” That’s right, you can play for money in Massachusetts!

Jim told us: “Our lit sign passed away but we have a sign in big red letters.” In James Young’s photo at the top of our post, you can see all the signage on the front and how inviting it looks: How to Play Fascination: Bingo with Lights Regular Game… First Player to Light Five Lights in Any Straight Line Is the Winner… COVERALL Light all TWENTY-FIVE LIGHTS and you’re the Winner! Winning table remains Lit, all others go out. Win Cash Prizes!

Fascination. I can't believe I went 43 years without knowing this game existed! Seaside, Oregon. Photo © MaryDenise6 via flickr

Nantasket Beach was once home to Paragon Park, which closed in 1984. The 1917 Giant Coaster was dismantled and sold to a park in Maryland (now Six Flags Great America) and the property was developed into beachfront condos. All that remains of the boardwalk attractions are the antique carousel, clock tower and a few arcades including the Fascination Parlor. Richard Lawrence, who also operates the Dream Machine Arcade and a miniature golf course, manages the place. Today the Fascination parlor boasts two large screen TVs, so regulars won’t miss their football games when they play Fascination. Wine and beer are served as well as complimentary coffee and donuts. The Fascination Parlor is open Friday through Sunday year round. Check out the photos and videos of this local landmark on the website of the Hull Patriot Ledger.

The Fascination Parlor in Seaside, Oregon, dates back to the 1950s, according to owner Mark Utti. Now that summer is over, they’re open weekends only: Friday, 4-12 pm; Saturday, 11 am-12 am; and Sunday, 11 am – 8 pm. Here’s a fun video by Charlie MC of three friends playing at the Seaside Fascination in 2009. You may want to turn down the music if you’re at work.