Inspired by the “American Pickers” reality television show, a pair of collectors is scouring Europe for classic rides to bring back to Cedar Fair amusement parks in the United States and Canada.
The duo was sent on the continent-spanning scavenger hunt by Cedar Fair Chief Executive Matt Ouimet, a former Disneyland president who is hoping the refurbished family rides will add a nostalgic atmosphere to the chain’s 11 amusement parks.
“We believe that we can bring some classic rides back to the parks, maybe that were there years before,” Ouimet said.
Ouimet is hoping parents will remember the rides from their youth and want to introduce their children to the vintage attractions.
“They will be very recognizable rides,” Ouimet said. “It’s playing to nostalgia and just having fun.”
The continental fun hunters will be primarily looking for what’s known in the industry as flat rides - typically spinning rides that travel near the ground and/or rise up into the air.
Flat rides are the connective tissue that hold amusement parks together, like the glue between the mega coasters and big thrill machines. Their whirring sounds and kaleidoscopic visuals add a kinetic energy to any park, bringing static scenes to life and animating the memories of both first-time and longtime visitors.