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Four arrests reported following Rascal Flatts concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Rascal Flatts concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday.  

Morgan Jensen, 20, of Gleason Circle, East Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Emily M. Campbell, 20, of Birch Run, Orchard Park, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after having been ejected and told not to return.

Calin C. Hotelling-Defrance, 22, of Durant Place, Fairport, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching CSC security officer.

Jacob M. Robinson, 18, of Dolores Drive, Greece, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Five arrests announced at Van Halen concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Van Halen Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Tuesday.

Michael L. Mawk Jr., 22, of Stellane Drive, Angola, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly climbing over a fence and entering the concert venue.

James H. Munt, 37, of Robinson Street, North Tonawanda, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Codie J. Taylor, 21, of Greenwood Place, Angola, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly climbing over a fence and entering the concert venue.

Donald H. Gardener, 29, of Briggs Avenue, Bronx, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering Darien Lake property after being ejected and told not to return.

Thomas J. Scheurlein, 25, of Chili Avenue, Rochester,  is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. 

Chris Brown concert results in 16 arrests at venue

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department during the Chris Brown concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday.

Matthew J. Norton, 22, of South Main Street, Evan Mills, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching a security officer in the face. Norton was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $750 bail.

Ashley Ginter, 27, of East Main Street, Alleghany, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the parking lot. Ginter was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $500 bail.

A 16-year-old of Kline Road, Niagara Falls, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching another patron in the face.

Curtis W. Brock, 19, of Hedgewood Drive, Williamsville, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Katie A. Hamilton, 21, of Marvel Lead Drive, Greece, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Brett M. Dechent, 23, of Hamburg Turnpike, Lackawana, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Joshua B. Reed, 22, of Church Street, Medina, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentered the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Haley L. Filippone, 19, of Salt Road, Clarence, is charged with trespass, criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue twice after being ejected and told not to return. Filippone allegedly provided another subjects identification on the initial trespass. Additional charges are pending.

Christopher F. Weber, 18, of Ransom Road, Lancaster, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

A 16-year-old of Chili Avenue, Rochester, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Ronald J. Minni, 23, of Wheeldon Drive, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Justin M. Ferraraccio, 19, of Chestnut Ridge, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of codeine and methylphenidate and marijuana.

Lisa R. Occhipinti, 20, of Balla Drive, North Tonawanda, arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Sydney C. Pontzer, 18, of Shaffer Avenue, Ridgeway, Pa., arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

A 17-year-old of Francine Drive, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Mark A. Donahue, 36, of Townline Road, Sanborn, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching another subject in the face with a closed fist.

Nine arrests reported at Zac Brown concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Zac Brown Band concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday.

Lindsay J. Snodgrass, 19, of Park View Drive, Pittsford, is charged with criminal possession of a forged Instrument, 2nd, and false personation after allegedly providing a false date of birth and being in possession of two fraudulent Maryland driver’s licenses. Snodgrass was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $1,500 bail.

Maxwell A. Pigeon, 19, of Hoerner Avenue, Cheektowaga, is charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, 2nd, obstructing governmental administration, 2nd, grand larceny, 4th, resisting arrest, tampering with evidence  and harassment, 2nd, after allegedly grabbing his fraudulent Pennsylvania driver’s license from a deputy, pushing the deputy and running away. Pigeon was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $2,000 bail.

Griffin J. Ryan, 19, of Shamrock Court, Hamburg, is charged with criminal trespas, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Allison R. Sherman, 39, of Brace Road, Victor, is charged with felony aggravated DWI, child less than 16 in vehicle, aggravated DWI, DWI, endangering the welfare of a child and reckless endangerment, 2nd, after allegedly striking a Darien Lake Security Officer in the leg pinning him between two cars. The investigation revealed Sherman was allegedly intoxicated and had her 13 year old son in the vehicle.

Jason M. Mittelstaedt, 42 of Tracy Street, Mittistaedt, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Michael W. Perlo, 17, of Princeton Avenue, Rochester, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Marc A. Weyl, 20, of Thornwood Circle, Pittsford, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentered the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Alexandra R. Nenni, 24, of Mondaui Circle, Spencerport, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 5th, after allegedly being found smoking marijuana in public view.

Nicolette L. Zinone, 23, of Emjay Lane, Rochester, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 5th, after allegedly being found smoking marijuana in public view.

Nine arrests reported for Jason Aldean concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Jason Aldean concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Thursday.

Jacob D. Latello, 21, of Park Boulevard, Lancaster, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Latello was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $250 bail.

John V. Winiecki, 22, of Buffalo Street, Alexander, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentered the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Winiecki was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $500 bail.

Edward N. Cleveland, 18, of Shamrock Avenue, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass after allegedly attempting to reenter the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return. Cleveland was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $250 bail.

Tyler T. Hosmer, 19, of Baird Road, Penfield, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Molly E. Backus, 18, of Pleasant Street, Clifton Springs, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Matthew A. Sypolt, 21, of Harris Road, Poland, is charged with two counts of harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking two CSC security officers.

Morgan B. Wheeler, 20, of West Lake Road, Geneseo, is charged with criminal Impersonation, 2nd, after allegedly identifying herself as another by using a NYS driver’s license.

William E. Dyke Jr., 43, of South Union Street, Spencerport, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking another subject in the face.

Travis J. Snyder, 34, of Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking another subject in the face.

Eight Florida Georgia Line fans arrested at concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Florida Georgia Line Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday.

Arunas M. Gecas, 28, of Van Voorhis Avenue, Rochester, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly running past the ticket takers and entering the venue without a ticket. Gecas was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $500 bail.

Jessica L. Pychel, 20, of Claremount Circle, Welland, Ontario, Canada, is charged with resisting arrest and three counts of harassment, 2nd, after allegedly kicking, pushing and biting deputies and security officers. Pychel was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $2,000 bail.

Sean P. Biggie, 22, of Jane Drive, Syracuse, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly grabbing a deputy's wrist trying to pull a deputy to the ground. Biggie was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $250 bail.

Brett I. Hall, 34, of South Gravel Road, Medina, is charged with disorderly conduct and two counts of harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching windows in a van and then striking and shoving two Darien Lake security officers. Hall was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $250.

Adam R. Penney, 33, of Sylvan Hill Road, Echo Bay Ontario, Canada, is charged with disorderly conduct and harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching windows on a van and then punching a Darien Lake security officer in the face. Penney was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $500 bail.

(name redacted), 22, of Eastgate Drive, Rochester, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected.

Savanna L. Sciabarrasi, 21, of Two Mile Road, Olean, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd,  after reentering the concert venue after being ejected.

Christopher E. Aydelotte, 36, of Edson Street, West Seneca, is charged with criminal mischief, 3rd, after allegedly he punched a window out of a vehicle.

Buy a ticket to Rascal Flatts concert at Darien Lake, enjoy a free pass at the theme park Aug. 29

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Darien Lake and Live Nation have teamed up to offer concert-goers free park admission for the Rascal Flatts show on Saturday, Aug. 29. Tickets for this show are on sale now at www.livenation.com

Anyone who purchases a ticket to this concert at the Performing Arts Center will have full access to Darien Lake on the day of that show, Aug. 29, free of charge. To take advantage of this end-of-summer deal, guests can simply show their concert ticket at the park’s main gate window.

Parking at the theme park is also included with proof of concert ticket purchase. The concert itself starts at 7:30 p.m. The theme park is located at 9993 Alleghany Road in Darien Center.

Batavia man accused of choking person unconscious at Kid Rock concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Kid Rock Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Tuesday:

   John Difante

John C. Difante, 21, of Garden Drive, Batavia, is charged with strangulation in the 2nd degree after he allegedly choked another subject unconscious. Difante was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $1,000 bail.

Tayler J. Appell, 19, of Pullman Street, Brockton, is charged with false personation and unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly providing false personal information and being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana. Appell was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $500 bail.

Jessica J. Hawkins, 30, of Park Street, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, is charged with second-degree harassment after allegedly punching and pulling another patron's hair. Hawkins was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $500 bail.

Christopher G. Cooke, 18, of Bush Road, Leicester, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected.

Brian P. Moody, 33, of Greenview Terrace, Niagara Falls, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching another person in the face.

Matthew C. Amesbury, 34, of Parkway Drive, North Chili, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing and grabbing a deputy by the throat.

Five arrests reported following Tim McGraw show

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Tim McGraw concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Thursday:

Reannon M. Rohring, 32 of Olcott, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue after being told to leave numerous times. Rohring was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $300 bail.

Angela E. Wiechett, 20 of Wheelock Street, Buffalo, is charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and three counts of harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking another patron, two deputies and then resisting arrest. Wiechett was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $200 bail.

Elizabeth J. Warren, 19 of Howe Terrace, Wellsville, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Jason M. Kopatz, 19 of Schang Road, East Aurora, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Brandon M. Burgess, 25 of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting with concert security personnel.

Large screen TV reportedly falls into pool at Darien Lake

By Howard B. Owens

A large screen TV reportedly fell into a wave pool at Darien Lake Theme Park earlier this afternoon and injured a 7-year-old boy. He suffered a cut on his leg.  

Darien Lake issued the following statement about the incident:

Darien Lake confirms that today at 12:30 p.m., the outdoor movie screen set up for Darien Lake’s “Dive-In Movie” series fell into the park’s wave pool.

The screen was installed at the deep end of the wave pool this morning, in the same location and with the same installation contractor and process used for previous Dive-In Movie nights. The cause of today’s incident is currently under investigation.

Darien Lake’s emergency medical personnel were on scene within minutes and treated three guests who received minor injuries. The park’s maintenance crew removed the screen and reopened the wave pool within one hour of the incident.

Tomorrow night’s Dive-In Movie, "Finding Nemo," will proceed as planned. We will work with our contractors to reinstall the screen with extra precautions to ensure this situation does not happen again.

- Chris Thorpe, General Manager, Darien Lake

Photo from our news partner 13WHAM.

Photos: Slipknot & Lamb of God at Darien Lake

By Steve Ognibene

Slipknot headlined Darien Lake PAC Wednesday night. Lamb of God opened. Also performing were Bullet for my Vallentine and Motionless in White.

Pictured below photos of Lamb of God:

Pictured below photos of Bullet for my Vallentine:

Motionless in White:

Seven arrests reported following Slipknot concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Slipknot concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday:

Frederick TWA Parker, 29, of Caribou Trail Ridgeway, Ontario, Canada, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected. Parker was arraigned in Darien Court and jailed in lieu of $750 bail.

Name Redacted, 17, of Route 26, West Leyden, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Broc O. Breen, 18, of Route 26, West Leyden, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Joshua R. Dietz, 20, of Beach Ridge, North Tonawanda, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Matthew R. Quinn, 18, of Canal Road, Oneida, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Zachary J. Walkowski, 20, of Rogers Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly striking another subject in the face.

Jason R. Fearnall, 33, of Knapp Road, Akron, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Brad Paisley plays Darien Lake, nine people arrested

By Howard B. Owens

The Sheriff's Office made the following arrests during the Brad Paisley concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sunday.

Dalton Matiasz, 19, Cambridge Road East, Crystal Beach, Ontario, Canada, is charged with false personation after allegedly providing false identification information. Dalton was arraigned in Darien Court and put jail in lieu of $250 bail.

Antho M. Ilacqua, 23, Cary Avenue, Oakfield, is charged with unlawfully dealing with a child after allegedly providing alcohol to a minor.

Matthew J. Wiza, 30, Lordan Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly grabbing another person and placing them in a choke hold.

Brandon J. Kuklewicz, 21, Frederick Street, Cheektowaga, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected by Live Nation staff.

Nathan D. Addenbrooke, 21, Willow Drive, Niagara Falls, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Joseph G. Melcher, 22, Ridge Road, Ransomville, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Danielle Stolfa, 20, Lightwood Lane, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Nicholas J. Jones, 24, Hawkins Road, Selden, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Bailey A. Dawson, 18, Pennsylvania Avenue, Lockport, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of a quantity of marijuana.

Sheriff's Office announces arrests at Fall Out Boy concert

By Howard B. Owens

The following people were arrested during the Fall Out Boy concert on Thursday at Darien Lakes Performing Arts Center.

Katie N. Cook, 18, of University Avenue, Atlanta, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Michael T. Smith, 18, of Maple Avenue, Cohocton, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Jennitsia I Rodriguezis, 18, of Jude Road, Cohocton, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Keisean R. Canery, 18, of West Genesee Road, Camillus, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

The following were issued appearance tickets for alleged unlawful possession of marijuana:

Benjamin R. Green, 21, of Cornwall Road, Palmyra
Austin J. Gieseke, 20, of Richmond Mills Livonia
Eric R. Curtis, 18, of Fuller Road, Corfu
Amanda M. Carroll, 20, of East Sciota Road, Scio
Name redacted, under age 18, of Old Route 99 McKean, Pa.
Name redacted, under age 18, of Hill Road, Waterford, Pa.
Kevin W. Cornelia, 25, of Longridge Avenue, Rochester
Austin S. Muscato, 18, of Falconer Road, North Tonawanda
Name redacted, under age 18, of Debra Lane, Niagara Falls
Dylan P. Boes, 18, of Hyde Park, Lockport
Dominic E. Williams, 18, of Carolina Avenue, Lockport
(name redacted upon request), 18, of First Road, Solvay
Cole J. Gloss, 19, of Diller Road, Orchard Park
Alexander W. Domkowski, 18, of Rochelle Drive, Churchville
Dominic J. Prisi, 19, of Hillside Parkway, Lancaster
Stephen A. Weimer, 18, of Holmcrest Drive, Amherst
Jack R. Cooper, 18, of Cree-Ton Drive, Amherst

The following people were issued citations for alleged possession of fraudulent, altered or use of another person's driver's license or ID by DMV investigators:

Ryan J. Wood, 19, of Merric Road, Buffalo (fake RI DL)
Richard D. Hillman Jr., 20, of Sharon Drive, Lockport (fake PA DL)
Timothy M. Kane, 19, of Winding Woods Hamburg (another’s DL)
(name redacted upon request), 18, of Cliffside Drive, East Clarence (altered , 2 fake CT’s, 1 fake MI ID)
Katherine A. Niedzielski, 20, of Claudette Ct.Depew (another’s FL DL)
Jacob B. Kopacz, 20, of Parkhaven Drive, Amherst (fake MI ID)
Peter F. Walsh, 19, of Woodcrest Drive, West Seneca (fake )
Joseph R. Higgins, 19, of Girard Blvd.Kenmore (another’s DL)
Lea M. Praller , 19, of Sder Road,Varysburg (fake OH DL)
(name redacted upon request), 18, of Blackberry Lane, Piseco (fake BC ID)
Adam D. Hodge, 19, of Del Verde Road,Rochester (fake MI ID)
Mark A. Passantino, 19, of Timothy Lane, E. Aurora (fake OH DL)
Name redacted, under age 18,, of Argyle Park, Buffalo (fake CT DL)
Richard J. Gicewicz, 19, of Wildwood Lane, Orchard Park (fake OH DL)
Alicia J. Wagner, 19, of Tampa Drive, Buffalo (fake PA DL)
Justin T. Gray, 18, of Overlook Avenue, Tonawanda (fake PA DL)
Nicholas Trajcevski, 19, of Sailboat Drive, Corsicana, TX (fake OH DL)
Michael J. Mauro, 19, of Pearl Road, Hornell (fake DE DL)
Matthew J. Eisenhauer, 19, of Coldwater Road, Rochester (fake NJ DL – x2)
Lavonte D. Lee, 19, of Rumson Road, Amherst (another’s DL)
Hunter D. Vangorder, 19, of Shortsville Road, Shortsville (fraud CT DL)
Aaron S. Scheff, 20, of E. Apache Blvd. Tempe, AZ. (fake AZ DL)
Nathan E. Mutka, 19, of Pinelake Drive, Williamsville (fake ME DL)
Andrew M. Kausch, 19, of Holmes Road, Rochester (fake OH DL)
Austin D. Pieniaszek, 19, of Raspberry Patch Rochester (fake CT DL)
Domenic A. Zendano, 18, of Lancelot Drive, Niagara Falls (fake MN DL)
Name redacted, under age 18, of Victor (fake MD DL)
Trevor J. Baum, 19, of Whittier Road, Spencerport (fake CT DL)
William A. Borema, 18, of Toll Drive, Tioga, Pa. (fake PA DL)
Odessa L. Werchowski, 20, of Oklahoma Avenue, Oriska (fake PA DL)
Mariah L. Bona, 19, of Meadowbrook Drive, Williamsville (fake RI DL)
James P. Rehak, 18, of The CMN, Williamsville (fake VA DL)
Benjamin A. Cambria, 18, of Saint Johns Avenue, Buffalo (fake PA DL)
Cal C. Goheen, 18, of Chablis Drive, Fairport (fake OH DL)
Jacob P. Alessi, 19, of Erie Road, Lancaster (fake OH DL)
Kayla I Bicknell, 18, of Ashford Place, Depew (fake OH DL)
Alexnader P. Gyles, 19, of Chillon Court, Fairport (fake CT DL)
Ryan C. Smith, 18, of Boston State Road, Boston (fake CT DL)
Long J.T. Voung, 20, of Naples Circle Amherst (fake OH DL)
Name redacted, under age 18, of Summit Road, Lancaster (fake OH DL)
Michael C. Elie, 18, of Pannell Circle Fairport (fake PA DL)

The following people were cited for alleged possession of more than one unexpired driver's license by DMV investigators:

Dylan M. Mosher, 19, of Chicken Coup Heights, Trumansburg
Austin J. Gieseke, 20, of Richmond Mills, Livonia
Name redacted, under age 18, of Third Road, Allega, 
Alexander W. Domkowski, 18, of Rochelle Drive, Churchville
Jack R. Cooper, 18, of Cree-Ton Drive, Amherst

Photos: Darien Lake opens Rolling Thunder

By Howard B. Owens

The first Darien Lake Theme Park customers got to climb aboard the newest thrill ride in Western New York today -- Rolling Thunder.

The rail-car loop propels riders back-and-forth and then around the loop forward and backward.  

The park opened to season ticket holders today and to all park-goers tomorrow for the season, which runs through Sept. 27.

Chamber of Commerce President Tom Turnbull cut the ribbon for the new ride.

General Manager Chris Thorpe shows off the next new ride for Darien Lake, Brain Drain. The ride will be completed in time for guests to take the plunge for the first time on Saturday. The water slide drops riders from platform 70-feet high at an 80-degree angle, propelling them through the looping slide at 38 feet per second.

Full press release from Darien Lake after the jump:

Darien Lake, Western New York’s largest theme park, opens tomorrow for its 52nd season of family thrills and entertainment. Major announcements this season include the addition of two new thrill rides to the park – Rolling Thunder and Brain Drain. Other exciting additions for the 2015 season include several in-park family concerts and a "dive-in" movie series.

Rolling Thunder, Darien’s latest thrill ride, opened today for season pass holders with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony lead by Darien Lake general manager Chris Thorpe. Chris was joined by Genesee County Chamber of Commerce President Tom Turnbull and Town Supervisor David Hagelberger.  The general public will have full access to the park tomorrow, May 9th.

Rolling Thunder – A dominating, compact steel loop is a unique, circular, freestanding structure towering at a lofty seven stories. The high capacity, high speed train rockets guests back and forth, quickly gaining momentum for several loops of excitement. Rolling Thunder then hangs riders upside-down, reverses direction, and starts all over again. 

Brain Drain – A skyscraping 70-foot high waterslide that offers two identically designed and simultaneously launched free-fall drops of excitement. Guests will ascend the tower, climb into the fully enclosed vertical launch capsule and wait for the floor to disappear beneath them. Upon launch, riders drop into the tunnel and are propelled at 38 feet per second, while spiraling down back-to-back compound curves and tight 360-degree loops. Finally riders are blasted into a refreshing pool of water below. This ride is scheduled to open on May 16, water park opening day.

Other great entertainment at the park this summer includes three special in-park concerts presented by TOPS Markets that are free with a Season Pass, a hotel or camping package or daily admission. The  free concerts will take place in the Ride of Steel Plaza and include performances by – Disney Channel’s Debby Ryan & The Never Ending; the social media hip-hop star Jake Miller; and Canadian singer-songwriter, Shawn Mendes. 

“With the addition of two new thrill rides and added in-park value for guests, Darien Lake’s 2015 season is going to be better than ever before,” said General Manager Chris Thorpe. “We have something here for everyone and we’re excited to welcome returning season-pass holders and new visitors to experience all the thrills and chills the park has to offer this year.”

With park admission, season pass or any hotel or camping package, guests receive unprecedented value with access to all in-park entertainment/concerts, special Dive- In water-park movies, special events and now more than 50 rides. A 2015 season pass has even greater value than ever before, paying for itself in less than two visits. Season Pass holders will have the opportunity to be the first to ride the all-new Rolling Thunder thrill ride and have unlimited access all summer long to experience Brain Drain, the latest addition to the water park.

For more information on season pass, new rides, concerts or accommodations offerings visit www.darienlake.com.

Registration open for third annual 'Color Me Rad' 5K race at Darien Lake

By Billie Owens

Back by popular demand, the Color Me Rad 5K, a nationally recognized human tie-dye spectacle and run/walk, is returning to Darien Lake for a third year. The park expects more than 6,000 color-plastered racers to attend this year’s fun-run.

It will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 6. Participants with early bird registration (until May 8) pay $35 plus a $9.27 service fee. On-site registration is $45 plus a $9.81 service fee. A Kid's Rad Pack is $15 plus a $4.19 service fee. All participants get free admission to the park on race day. Parking is free.

Proceeds from the run will go to Special Olympics of New York, Camp Good Days and Special Times, and Erie County Council for the Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse. There are several new additions to the race this year, including:

DOUBLE THE COLOR STATIONS -- It’s the same 3.1-mile fun run with twice as many color stations. That means every half a mile our volunteer Color Bomb Squads will cover you from head to toe in pink, yellow, green, blue, and violet.

NEW GEL COLOR STATIONS -- Meet the newest member of the family that will RAD you from head to toe, with a cooling sensation and full coverage of spectacular colors.

FREE PHOTOS -- This year, every RAD participant will have access to free photos from our professional action sports photographers so you can brag about your RAD experience without spending a dime.

We’ve stepped up our game this year – offering every participant our best T-shirts yet and a famous RAD tattoo, but you’ll also receive a pair of killer knee-high socks for free!

Registration for the run/walk is now open at www.Colormerad.com

Darien Lake is offering weekend packages for Color Me Rad participants, which include discounts on select lodging options – hotel, cabins, RVs, and campsites, $50 in-park credit, and $12 in “Games Bucks.”

Visit www.DarienLake.com for more information on package options and to book a stay.

GCEDC board approves tax exemption for Darien Lake's new attractions

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) approved a final resolution for an application for assistance from Darien Lake Theme Park Resort at the March 30, 2015, board meeting. 

Darien Lake Theme Park Resort is planning to add new attractions for its 2015 operating season, including a 75-foot “super loop” thrill ride and dual waterslide complex speed ride.
The company was approved for a sales tax exemption of $180,000 and the planned capital investment will total an estimated $2.5 million.

“The tourism industry is extremely competitive so enhancing our attraction through new rides and investments in other amenities is critically important to our business operations,” said Chris Thorpe, general manager, Darien Lake. “The support of the GCEDC allows us to make these investments and maintain our reputation as a popular and fun tourism destination and remain competitive against other attractions in the Northeast.”

“Darien Lake is one of the most impactful economic contributors to our local economy, providing over 400 full-time equivalent jobs and approximately 2,000 seasonal positions each year,” said Wallace Hinchey, GCEDC Board chairman. “It is in the best interest of our community to help Darien Lake remain a popular tourism destination and the resulting economic benefits in doing so.”

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