For more than 100 years, Western New Yorkers have enjoyed the region’s exciting amusement parks. Author Rose Ann Hirsch captures the sun, fun and thrill of these great parks in her new book, "Western New York Amusement Parks," part of Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series.
She will be signing copies of her book at Present Tense beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 25. The book consists of more than 200 historical images of past times at the amusement parks and contains chronological information on the growth and/or decline of each park.
During the days of trolleys and steamships, area businessmen created Celoron Park, Crystal Beach Park, and other fine local summer resorts. Decades later, lifelong memories were formed for neighborhood Baby Boomers who visited Glen Park and Fantasy Island, as well as one of New York State's finest theme parks, Darien Lake.
Western New York has always been a proving ground for some of the nation's most famous rollercoasters. The terrifying Cyclone, the fast and furious Silver Comet, and the extreme Ride of Steel have attracted the very bravest of visitors.
In the new millennium, the summer tradition of visiting local amusement parks continues with a blend of family orientated parks and theme parks that appeal to all ages. As a Western New Yorker, Rose Ann Hirsch grew up visiting several of the area's parks and spent 31 summers riding the Comet at Crystal Beach. She has written various articles and books on amusement park topics, including "Kiddie Parks of the Adirondacks."
The book signing is free and open to the public. Present Tense, a locally owned, independent bookstore, is located at 101 Washington Ave. in the City of Batavia. For more information call 815-7640 or visit www.presenttensebooks.com.
