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It's funny...those of us who watch the amusement industry look at Kennywood's family ownership and don't think there is anything unusual about it, as that kind of arrangement is not uncommon in this industry. But occasionally someone comes up with an article like this one and we are reminded of just how different the amusement business is from the rest of the world...! --Dave Althoff, Jr.
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It was very common at one time. The only other park that I can think of right off the top of my head that has the same situation now is Canobie Lake. The Berni and Ulaky families have run it for over fifty years.
*** This post was edited by Dutchman 3/13/2006 7:41:54 PM ***
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Dutchman: Now I am curious, as you've dropped a familar name. Is that the same Berni family also associated with the histories of Americana and Kentucky Kingdom? --Dave Althoff, Jr.
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They were all related. They go back to "The Band Organ King" Louis Berni. Louis left the country when Prohibition was enacted (he went back to Italy), but many members of the family stayed behind.They were part or full owners of parks, individual rides and attractions, and of course carousels, especially in the New England and Middle Atlantic regions.
*** This post was edited by Dutchman 3/14/2006 3:34:28 PM ***
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Bravo that Kennywood management decided not to sell. Kennywood is affordable, great rides, they don't build new coasters where you have to climb two flights of stairs to ride..I often wonder is Great Adventure in a flood plain?? Ever notice how many stair you have to climb for most of their coasters...think it is a thirst inducing philosophy. Kennywood's newer and brilliant Boulder Dash at Lake Compounce built on a mountain and NO STAIRS to climb. The bigger corporation may build bigger rides, but they don't build better parks. If you have never been to Kennywood or Lake Compounce, do treat yourself.
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