DelGrosso's Park
| Previously known as Bland's Park | |
| File:Delgrossosparklogo.jpg | |
| Location | Tipton, Pennsylvania, United States  |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1907 |
| Owner | The DelGrosso Family |
| Slogan | A Family Tradition |
| Attractions | |
| Roller coasters | 2 |
| Water rides | 3 |
| Website | http://www.delgrossos.com |
DelGrosso's Amusement Park is an amusement park located in Tipton, Pennsylvania, one of the northern suburbs of Altoona, Pennsylvania. The DelGrosso family bought the park in 1947, and was named "Bland's Park" until 2000. The park today is known for its family-friendly ride line-up and food, as well as free parking and admission. Today, the park continues to host picnics and special music events. Several of the park's rides are uncommon, such as an Eli Bridge ferris wheel, and the Space Odyssey, one of the three "Caterpillar" rides still in operation.
History
Formerly known as Bland's Park, the small family friendly amusement park is located in the town of Tipton, in Blair County, Pennsylvania. Altoona railroad businessman Fred Delgrosso purchased the amusement park in 1946. Highlights of the park include go-cart racing, an extensive kiddie-land, small water rides, miniature golf, pavilion and catering amenities. The park holds an annual "Summer Thunder" fireworks show for the 4th of July.
DelGrosso Park was originally opened by the Rinard brothers on the Blands' family farm in 1907. The park fell into disrepair through the Depression. It was purchased in 1946 by Fred DelGrosso, at which time only a few picnic shelters remained. The DelGrosso family has continued to improve the park with various additions and improvements and continues to operate it today.
DelGrosso Park is operated by the DelGrosso family of Tipton, Pennsylvania, founders of the DelGrosso food company. DelGrosso produces and distributes pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce, and other Italian specialty items.
Daily Start
After welcoming the guests to the park, the playing of the The Star-Spangled Banner begins the day, and the park salutes the United States with our National Anthem. Everybody is to stand, remove hats, and rides are to be shut off.
Roller Coasters
In 2003, the park sold its Pinfari "Zyklon" roller coaster, installed in 1987, to Blue Diamond Park. A Zamperla "Crazy Mouse" was installed in its place. That year also saw the addition of a Fajume "Wacky Worm" kiddie coaster. Both coasters continue to operate today.
Criticism and Controversy
In late 2003 the park was subject to much criticism due to unfair pricing of its locally famous "Murf's Potato Salad".
Park owner, Fred Delgrosso, was quoted in an Altoona Mirror article stating that "People love it so much they buy it no matter what the cost. However, if some are outraged at having to spend a few more dollars I suggest they go to Lakemont Park instead and stop contaminating Delgrosso's with their dirty, American buttholes."
Other Rides
- Balloon Race
- "Carouselle"
- Casino Wheel
- Dodgems
- Eli Bridge Wheel
- Flying Bobs
- Free Fall
- Paratrooper
- Round-up
- Scrambler
- Sea Dragon
- Space Odyssey (one of only three original Caterpillar rides in operation)
- Tilt-a-whirl
- Tipton Creek Railroad
Water Attractions
- Tipton Waterworks
- Tipton Rapids
Upcharge Attractions
- David Noel's Altoona-Tipton Speedway (Go-Karts)
- Mini-Golf
- Sarah Horneberger's World Famous Tattoo Parlor
- Sandi Edinston's Swirly Wirly
External links
Template:Geolinks-US-streetscale
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