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It's Official ... Zippin Pippin Saved


By: www.elvis.com.au
Source: www.elvis.com.au
March 19, 2010
Elvis News

The mayor of Green Bay, Jim Schmitt, signed an agreement Thursday to buy Elvis Presley's favorite roller coaster during a ceremony in which the city officially acquired the rights to the Zippin Pippin. It thrilled Elvis and countless others for years in Memphis, but the wooden roller coaster stopped running when the Memphis amusement park closed down in 2005. Now, Green Bay will pay $35,000 to acquire the name, the design, and the history of the Zippin Pippin. And they'll spend $3 million to re-create the classic ride at Bay Beach Amusement Park. Construction will begin this summer - and it's scheduled to open in May of next year.

Schmitt says Elvis would be proud of the city's purchase. He's looking for private funding for the ride, including, 'kids with lemonade stands'. Schmitt indicates they're also working on a menu adjustment to add Elvis' favorite food, peanut butter and banana sandwiches, to their concessions.

Libertyland demolition begins; salvageability of Zippin Pippin tested

The city has been trying to figure out what to do with the Mid-South Fairgrounds site for several years.

Last year, city officials chose a plan backed by real estate developer Henry Turley to redevelop the area into a center for retail, entertainment and other purposes.

But disagreements over fees have slowed that project, leading officials to consider other alternatives.

The ownership of the coaster is even in dispute.

Save Libertyland says they own it after a previous developer, Carolina Crossroads, deeded it to them.

However, Mulroy said city officials told Save Libertyland to remove the coaster. When they didn't, Mulroy said, city officials claimed ownership. When asked who owned the ride, Lipscomb could only say, 'I have no idea', then added, 'If they own it, they need to get it moved'.

The Zippin' Pippin track 2002
The Zippin' Pippin track 2002

Elvis Australia's David Troedson visits the Zippin' Pippin in 2002
Elvis Australia's David Troedson visits the Zippin' Pippin in 2002.

Note! Zippin Pippin is a giant success
Note! Zippin Pippin Open To The Public
 Note! Libertyland demolition begins; salvageability of Zippin Pippin tested
Note! Zippin' Pippin : Elvis' Favourite Ride Donated To Save Libertyland
Note! Elvis' Favourite Roller Coaster Needs A Home
Note! Elvis' Favourite Ride Sells For $ 2,500

Elvis Presley Photos Rollin' in the rocket : Elvis Presley & Anita Wood July 11, 1960
Note! Interview with Anita Wood

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