Life on Delmarva: Roller Coaster Rides / Amusement Parks in Ocean City, Maryland

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Roller Coaster Rides / Amusement Parks in Ocean City, Maryland

Each year on August 16th, you will find people at amusement parks and theme parks across the country participating in National Roller Coaster Day. Here along the east coast, in an area termed the Delmarva Peninsula, we have several coasters in Ocean City, Maryland. First, let's check out a bit of history about today's celebration.

"A roller coaster consists of one or multiple cars on a track, similar to a specialized railroad system that rises in designed patterns, sometimes with one or more vertical loops. The oldest roller coasters are thought to have originated from the so-called “Russian Mountains.” Built in the 17th century, these were specially constructed hills of ice that were located near Saint Petersburg, Russia. The slides were made to a height of 70 to 80 feet consisting of a 50-degree drop and were reinforced by wooden supports.

In 1872 a gentleman by the name of J.G. Taylor received one of the earliest patents for an inclined railway, followed by Richard Knudsen being granted a patent in 1878. It is believed the first roller coaster in America opened at Coney Island on June 16, 1884. National Roller Coaster Day has been celebrated since 1986 when a proclamation by a national newspaper created the occasion, according to the website nationalrollercoasterday.com." Info via National Day Calendar.

Our first coaster in Trimper's Amusement Park, according to their website, the most popular ride in the park. Purchased in 1985, the "Tidal Wave" is a double-loop boomerang" roller coaster.

Stats about the Tidal Wave coaster on RCDB.com
On YouTube, Coaster World has this video with a notation: "There are about 50 of these Vekoma boomerang coasters currently operating and many have been relocated over the years. This one opened at Trimper Rides in 1986 and only three boomerang coasters have been operating at their current park longer.
A slightly out of date Facebook page can be found here.
For a great view of the Tidal Wave see this article by the Dispatch "Trimpers Rides Confirmed As Country’s Oldest Family-Owned Amusement Park"

This coaster is located by the Atlantic Ocean at the Jolly Roger downtown boardwalk pier. This roller coaster I've probably taken more photos of during the wintertime than in the warmer months, to be honest, thus the lack of people in the pictures. There is something stunningly eerie about a vacant coastal town with silent rides looming over a deserted winter beach, and I find that to be some of the best times to see the sights of our area.

Last but not least is the coaster located at the large, main location of Jolly Roger on 30th street. Unfortunately, while I was JUST there a few weeks ago, it appears I have misplaced photos taken of that ride. Here is however, one view from the Ferris Wheel, showing the park, Splash Mountain and the coaster.