PHOTO ADVISORY:  Little Dipper Roller Coaster Construction Underway

WHAT: The Little Dipper, a vintage wooden coaster formerly of Kiddieland Amusement Park

VISUALS: Construction on the historic 60-year-old coaster being rebuilt at Six Flags Great America

WHERE: Six Flags Great America
542 N. Route 21
Gurnee, IL 60031
Employee Entrance

Gurnee, Ill. (April 13, 2010) – Six Flags Great America Keeps Chicago History Alive!  Construction begins on the Little Dipper, a 60-year-old wooden coaster Six Flags Great America purchased from Kiddieland Amusement Park last November. The vintage coaster has been a family tradition in Chicago for over 50 years, operating at Kiddieland from 1950 until September 2009 when the amusement park closed.  The family-friendly coaster will retain its original name and open Memorial Day weekend as the 14^{th coaster at Six Flags Great America.}

The Little Dipper was designed by Herbert Schmeck and built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1950.  The coaster’s figure eight track features a three story tall lift   hill and runs  700 feet in length.  It has been honored by the American Coaster Enthusiasts with the ACE Coaster Classic award. “We wanted to preserve this important pieceof Chicago history for families to experience for many more years to come.” Hank Salemi, Six Flags Great America’s park president.

Six Flags Great America is located between Chicago and Milwaukee and offers fun for the entire family with heart-pounding roller coasters including Raging Bull, a free 15-acre water park, spectacular shows and three children’s themed areas.  New in 2010 – the Glow in the Park Parade, a nighttime illuminated parade with Cirque Du Soleil-style music and over 60 performers and MagiQuest, a new 10,000 square foot interactive gaming experience.