By stephen

March 8, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this

If only they’d bring back Mo Mo the Monster.

By get yer facts straight

March 9, 2007 1:45 AM | Link to this

Absolutely! Happy Birthday, Six Flags! My family visited Six Flags Over Georgia when it was brand new in 1967. I was 9 years old, and of course, fell in love with everything.

My favourite attraction was the Chevy Show, located in the American section and situated in a giant futuristic blue dome.

After being on your feet in the hot Georgia sun, the extra cool air conditioning and hush of a high-tech theater with seats was very inviting! Then when the surround sound and state of the art movie revved into action, the adrenalin rush began with the exhilirating sounds and scenes of muscle cars racing!

For 1967, the technology was very advanced (filmed with a special optical system that somehow conveyed the feeling of motion). I felt as if I was actually driving the super-charged Camaro, speeding around the race track at speeds over 100!

The Chevy Show didn’t last long, only for a few years, and the dome was torn down and replaced with something else. But I’ll never forget the thrilling motion picture special effects that I think were way ahead of their time!

By greghard

March 9, 2007 6:50 AM | Link to this

The best thing about Six Flags, is the complete lack of involvement with the Disney nazis!

By jc

March 9, 2007 8:04 AM | Link to this

Six flags is nothing more than a hanout for thugs and dope dealers

By Igor

March 9, 2007 8:10 AM | Link to this

Happy birthday Six Flags!! I bought my season pass a few days ago and cant wait until tomorrow even though the weather says it will rain a little :( .. shouldnt be too bad though.

By Ragman

March 9, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this

Six Flags opened the year after I had graduated from high school. During my younger years I had worked as several amusement parks in the area and was over taken by the beauty of the park along with it’s cleanliness and attitude of it’s employees. I was in envy of the people working there. This was my closest dream that I thought I would ever have of Disneyland. $4.95 was a hefty price for admission then, but well worth it. At the time all the other amusement parks in the area required you to pay for each attraction.

The earlier rides and attractions were mild compared with today, but very enjoyable for their times. It was a big thing to go to Six Flags. I remember the television show The Dating Game even gave away a trip to the park.

I hope the park will be around for another 40 years and hope it will be as exciting to others as it has to me.

By chet

March 9, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

Hey everyone… serious questions real quick.

My family and I want to return to Six flags but last time we went it was scary… lots of thugs and kids dressed like gangsters. Has the park addressed this issue? Jc’s comment alarmed me as we are planning a trip this spring.

As a lifelong Atlanta resident, I am in dire need of a ride on the ole Scream Machine!

By wheee!!

March 9, 2007 8:54 AM | Link to this

Six Flags was opened the year after I was born so I grew up with it. Kids waited all year for our favorite summer activity. I am appalled that it now costs $50 per person. Like others, I too miss the Chevy Show and MOMO the Monster. Is the log flume still there? That was my favorite ride! I also got a kick out of driving the old-timey cars. Mom and dad always put one of us kids in the driver’s seat!

By paul

March 9, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

I went to Six Flags only once last year. I got lucky because it had started to rain right when we got there. Of course it took 10 minutes in arguing with the ticket guy to sell us a ticket to get in (he said they may close the park because of the rain and there were no refunds). I got to ride most of the rides I wanted to while waiting no more than 30 minutes in line (compared to the 1-2 hrs last time I went). As for the thugs and gangsters…still there. The rapping between the guys managing the games over their loudspeakers was a turnoff also. The things that Disney will always have over this place is that Disney’s rides are longer, Disney doesn’t charge you for an ‘express’ pass (they operate on the ticket-time like the panda exhibit at the zoo), and it is truely a family place to go where you don’t have to worry about packs of thugs walking around cussing up a storm and apathetic ride operators.

By jj

March 9, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this

six flags absolutely sucks. it’s a dirty s*$thole. caters to 16-19 year old thugs and rednecks who get drunk and stoned in the parking lot and come are aggresive to others in the park. additionally, the scam they run with the fast-pass is insulting (just another opportunity to make more money). don’t take your little kids-not a family friendly place.

By jabster

March 9, 2007 9:43 AM | Link to this

I remember one time in the early 80s it was a rainy day. The rain let up and there was no one at the park, at least not at the Dahlonega. We rode the Dahlonega over and over and over, running out of the exit back to the entrance.

The Chevy Show is the only attraction at SFOG to ever get me close to being sick. Those roller-coaster movies don’t do it for me.

MoMo was always a great ride. It was always closed for repairs, and when it was open, the line was always long. It also took forever to load and unload, as I recall.

People forget how the Gay Nineties used to be the “nostalgic” period before the Fifties and Sixties their place as the “nostalgic” period in the 1970s-1980s.

That’s why SFOG originally had all of that Gay Nineties period architecture, and why they are bringing back the barbershop quartets and chimney sweeps for the 40th anniversary celebration. That time period was also the touchstone for Farrell’s ice cream, Shakey’s Pizza, and the original Underground ATL, among many others.

By tarheelborn

March 9, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this

I made my first trip to SFOG in 1971 with my parents, and came back annually when my Mom brought school groups down. We came via chartered bus from Asheville, and returned home the same day-a 20 + hour daytrip. I’ll always associate the park with the smell of creosote from the sealant used on the walkways and aqua-colored water in the man-made stream. My favorite memory is of riding the Scream Machine with Cindy Lauper (she also performed that night in the amphitheater by the coaster)in the front car on the night of my senior trip in 1984. No matter how dirty, crowded and overrun with thugs it gets, I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Six Flags.

By victor

March 9, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

My favorite Six Flags memory involves a conversation I overheard regarding the young kids that work there during the summer. They bragged about how it was so easy to steal money from the various jobs they worked…so much, in fact, that most were able to pay cash to buy their first cars, and outfit them with nice rims!

By Mike

March 9, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this

Going to Senior Night at Six Flags around 1979 and seeing new bands like Blondie.

Getting lucky enough to ride the Great American Scream Machine at the end of the evening when fireworks were going off over the park.

By John

March 9, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this

I enjoyed Six Flags much more in the early days when it was less about roller coasters and thrill rides and more about just having fun. People dressed at least semi-decently and were much more polite. The Chevy Show was every teenager’s favorite and the old log ride cooled you off at the end of a hot day.

By Dave

March 9, 2007 10:47 AM | Link to this

I remember going back in the early 80’s and riding The Mindbender for the first time. Going upside down was so scary, but fun as all.

I had a lot of fun on MoMo… The drunken barels were a ton of fun as well.

I remember the Pac Man kids area with the Pac Man cheese pizza with a slice missing to make it look like Pac Man.

Six Flags is fun, but now that I’m in Orlando, I see how theme parks should be maintained. I’m not knocking Six Flags, I’m just saying it’s not Universal or Disney.

By Peggy

March 9, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

Six Flags opened the year before i graduated. I went there the day after i graduated from high school in 68. My favorites then was The Scream Machine, Okefenokee Swamp and the Dahlonega. Course it only costed $10.00 to get in.. Ahhh those were the days

By George

March 9, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

I don’t know what you guys are talking about with the thugs and that sort of thing. I remember that kind of thing at the park back in the mid to late 90s, but I started going again in 2004, and it’s totally different.

I have really enjoyed having a season pass, and I’m a little older (over 40), because I can take my kids, and don’t have to ride any coasters to have a good time. The shows are really good, there are characters everywhere, especially last year, and the kiddie rides have really grown over the last few years.

I don’t really enjoy the big coasters, so it was hard for me to justify buying a pass for my kids, but I have enjoyed having a place where they and I can do something together instead of just sitting around watching them play.

By Steven Webb

March 9, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

My favorite memory was the time my girlfriend and I got mugged in the parking lot by some gang bangers.

By Jimmy

March 9, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Getting to third base on the monster plantation on a church trip to six flags when i was 15.

By Denise

March 9, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this

Okay…here we go again. If you need to address an issue, go to the source. Don’t address your issues about service or anything else on a blog site. Call the park and tell them your concerns over safety, etc. Many people on this blog aren’t employed or employable. The dictionary gives the definition of a thug as: a cruel or vicious ruffian, robber, or murderer. How can you label people you don’t know? What’s unfortunate in our society today is that there is no positive direction for our youth. When I say our, I mean black, white, Asian, Hispanic, etc. Parents (black, white, Asian and Hispanic) have allowed mass communication (TV, radio, music, etc.) to corrupt our children. So while you are so quick to talk about others, let’s deal with the porn you are addicted to, you stealing from your employers, cheating on your spouse…and the list goes on. Enjoy your day at the park.

By tsa

March 9, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this

jabster,

I was trying to tell someone about Farrell’s the other day!!! I can’t remember where it was, but I loved going there when I was about 9.

By lovelyliz

March 9, 2007 11:04 AM | Link to this

I don’t have one. The last time I went, we spent over 7 hours there and on a total of 4 rides: Whoopee!!!!!!!!!! We didn’t have the budget to pay for the Flash Pass what with the cost of the tickets, parking & food/drinks. We even had to pay extra for many of the rides/activities that my niece participated in. We haven’t been back since.

Still for those of you who enjoy - have at it.

By Young African American Male

March 9, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this

I like six flags because i can get drunkn and smoke dope in the parking lot and then beat up white people inside.

By jbean

March 9, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this

I was 16 years old when I worked at Six Flags. I worked at a taco salad stand (using Fritos and chili) — it was right across from The Gasp. I definitely remember MoMo — great ride. Back in the 80s, Six Flags was a lot of fun because you could meet your friends out there and hang out all day. I met great people (both working and not)and I miss those days. I haven’t been back since 1993. Happy B’day, Six Flags!!

By Shannon

March 9, 2007 11:21 AM | Link to this

Bring back the politically incorrect Buford Buzzard. Man was that bird was funny!!! He would probably get shot today.

By jbean

March 9, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

To Young African American Male — that is why all adults - both black and white - cannot trust you nor respect you. You, and other young men like you, are a travesty to the African American race.

By 2x4

March 9, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this

They need to shut that place down. Just like the other six or seven so far. Only a matter of time. Valdosta is the new king of theme parks!!!

By CL

March 9, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Buford the Buzzard - nuff said

By jj

March 9, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this

don’t you start bad mouthin porn.

By 2x4

March 9, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Good point jj!!*

By 2x4

March 9, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this

Good point jj!!*

By CoachScott

March 9, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

We went the first summer it opened. I was 8. We couldn’t afford to go to DisneyWorld so SOF was awesome. My favorite was the river boat ride with the animatronics. I also liked the Okefenokee Swamp and the Dahlonega. I miss the emphasis and detail on Georgia’s Six Flags that used to more of the theme of the theme park. The rides also tied back to Georgia culture. Now, it’s lost its brand - a fun thrill park. We’re going there over Spring Break — I’ve never felt the Fear Factor over the crowds.

By Jimmy

March 9, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this

When the boat would go into the marsh, that’s when i made my move to 3rd base. It was really mushy in that marsh.

By Scream Machine Ruled

March 9, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

Denise Thank you so much for that comment. It’s amazing how ignorant some supposedly adults really can be….My favorite memory of Six Flags was being talked into going on the Scream Machine by one of my closet friends who past away within the past year. Each time I go past the park, I think of him. I haven’t been in several years, but I plan on going again soon.

By RLW

March 9, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

My favorite was the Okefenokee Swamp my sisters and I can still sing the song that played. Does anyone remember the two bucket thing that took you to the top and turned around? When your 5 that was cool. Hey there was a Farrell’s at Northlake.

By merve

March 9, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

The ought to call it six f*. So many gay people there now it makes me uncomfortable.

By Scream Machine Ruled

March 9, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

jbean I truly do not believe that African American Male is an African American. It’s obvious that this is someone posing to be black just to start up a riff on the blog. It’s done every time the AJC places a blog on the site.

By Scream Machine Ruled

March 9, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this

jbean I truly do not believe that African American Male is an African American. It’s obvious that this is someone posing to be black just to start up a riff on the blog. It’s done every time the AJC places a blog on the site.

By Scream Machine Ruled

March 9, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

jbean I truly do not believe that African American Male is an African American. It’s obvious that this is someone posing to be black just to start up a riff on the blog. It’s done every time the AJC places a blog on the site.

By Anonymous

March 9, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

Don’t bring your kids! Six Flags is full of gangs of kids using foul language and fighting eachother. Girls dress like prostitutes so they can cut lines.

By Drunk Redneck Dawg

March 9, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

I like Six Flags because i like to look at fat white chicks from Dalton in skin tight jean shorts with their busted cans of biscuits looking belly’s hanging out. ((((drool))))

By 2x4

March 9, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

If you like Fat White Chicks, you Have found the Mother Load there…..

By Concerned Citizen

March 9, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

I hate to ruin yalls afternoons, but i just had to tell yall this story since i saw yall talking about all the thugs at six flags. My grandmother, a 76 year old woman, was raped last year in the parking lot 15 times, by a gang of youths that had smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol in the parking lot. She had to have her rectum sewn back in at Grady memorial. It makes me cry everytime i think of this still. if you can, don’t let your grandmother go byherself to sixflags.

By BB

March 9, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

I grew up in Cobb County in the late 70’s to 80’s and Six Flags rocked! It was the coolest place to be with freinds. Loved Buford the Buzzard and getting cool in the Chevy Dome. My favorite memory would be Mother’s Finest and climbing the kudzo to get a better seat. But I have to say that the last time I took my family was Halloween a few years ago and it was rough. The ivy covered arch you walk through to get into the main park was filled with “thugs”. Label ‘em how you want but I wont return there. I’d travel to Carowinds before I attempted SFOG again.

By Fulton County Mom

March 9, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

I remember my parents taking us to Six Flags when we were little. Even my grandparents took me when I was 3 (I recall that I got a stuffed doxie dog that year).

However my favorite memories are of the 80s when my friends and I had Season Passes and would spend the weekend hanging out in the park. Halloweekend…ahhhhh fun fun fun

My best friend even had his first job at six flags (he ran the projector at the Chevy Show)…..he has better memories of the parties after the park closed!!!!!

By 2x4

March 9, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Concerned Citizen, How is your Grandmother now??? Hope all is well for her. Prolly that punk that posted above, Young AA guy!

By QC

March 9, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this

One “fright night” i went with some friends of mine and there were different types of people dressed up in Halloween Costumes walking around the park, some guy dressed up as Frankenstein decided to sneek up behind me and scare the mess out of me so i slapped him and told him not to ever do that again of he apologized! My all time favorite was when they would have Senior Nite at 6 Flags, the park would open up friday at 6pm and did not close until saturday 6am now those were the good old days!!!

By QC

March 9, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

One “fright night” i went with some friends of mine and there were different types of people dressed up in Halloween Costumes walking around the park, some guy dressed up as Frankenstein decided to sneek up behind me and scare the mess out of me so i slapped him and told him not to ever do that again he apologized! My all time favorite was when they would have Senior Nite at 6 Flags, the park would open up friday at 6pm and did not close until saturday 6am now those were the good old days!!!

By QC

March 9, 2007 12:12 PM | Link to this

One “fright night” i went with some friends of mine and there were different types of people dressed up in Halloween Costumes walking around the park, some guy dressed up as Frankenstein decided to sneek up behind me and scare the mess out of me so i slapped him and told him not to ever do that again he apologized! My all time favorite was when they would have Senior Nite at 6 Flags, the park would open up friday at 6pm and did not close until saturday 6am now those were the good old days!!!

By QC

March 9, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

One “fright night” i went with some friends of mine and there were different types of people dressed up in Halloween Costumes walking around the park, some guy dressed up as Frankenstein decided to sneek up behind me and scare the mess out of me so i slapped him and told him not to ever do that again he apologized! My all time favorite was when they would have Senior Nite at 6 Flags, the park would open up friday at 6pm and did not close until saturday 6am now those were the good old days!!!

By QC

March 9, 2007 12:14 PM | Link to this

One “fright night” i went with some friends of mine and there were different types of people dressed up in Halloween Costumes walking around the park, some guy dressed up as Frankenstein decided to sneek up behind me and scare the mess out of me so i slapped him and told him not to ever do that again he apologized! My all time favorite was when they would have Senior Nite at 6 Flags, the park would open up friday at 6pm and did not close until saturday 6am now those were the good old days!!!

By QC

March 9, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

sorry for the extra posts, have a nice weekend everyone

By Connie

March 9, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

I remember going to Six Flags before it opened, when they had preview weekends. We got to ride the train around the park while we watched the empty Dahlonega Mine Train and Log Flunes run through the paces. It was awesome! I was 10 years old. When the park opened, I thought I would burst with excitement. I loved the Casa Loco and the Okeefenokee Swamp rides. I also remember being able to purchase huge paper flowers at the entrance to the park. Do they still sell those? Even the tram from the parking lot was a big deal in 1967!

By Amy

March 9, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Took my children with some good friends a couple of years ago, the moms vowed to do all the coasters, my friend died last year - I’ll always have those memories

By shelly

March 9, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

one of my favorite memories was when the Great Gasp was new and I was riding it with my younger cousin. We could wear flip-flops at that time and when we got to the top, before the big drop, one of my flip-flops came off my foot and narrowly missed the attendent on the ground! It was a close call to say the least but we apologized and all was forgiven! Happy Birthday Six Flags!

By Tulsa

March 9, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

Six Flags is a great place for me and my f* friends! We like to go to six flags and then go to one of the nearby hotels and poke each other in the butt!

By jj

March 9, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

that is damn funny concerned citizen.

By j.t.

March 9, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this

I was five when the park opened and my aunt took me that summer. I distinctly remember the pungent odor of the creosote used on the railroad ties throughout the park and distinctly remember the “Runaway Mine Train” roller coaster. It was my favorite then and it was my favorite the last time I was there (oh, about fifteen years ago).

By Won't ride the monster plantation

March 9, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

the last time i rode it, i tried to grab the metal bar in front to hold on when the boat was going into the marsh and there were boogers all over the bar. I had to go to the first aid station to get them off. I had a small wound on my hand from cooking that i had forget about. Six months later i got an aids test and failed.

By Outa State

March 9, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Happy Birthday Six Flags! My favorite memory is along time ago, maybe the 2nd year the park was open. It was a weekday when all the school kids went back to school. There wasn’t a single line for any rides! The attendant at the coaster told us we had to get off, and re-enter the ride. We rode the first row of seats, the second, the third etc. I was coaster’d out.

and that YAAM that likes to stir things up in a blog - All I can tell him is “You can’t cure stupid.”

Have A Nice Weekend Y’all

By Doesn't Matter

March 9, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

I remember every year the ticket prices @ six flags goes up & up & they can’t even manage to keep any of the bathrooms clean. What’s up w/ that. All the of the money they are raking in & the bathrooms are worse than some of the nastiest gas stations in the USA. Hey Six Flags spend some money on some janitors to consistantly clean those NASTY BATHROOMS!!!! Then I might not mind paying for the unreasonable highly priced tickets. I know every woman out there will agree w/ my nasty bathroom statement. Let’s see if this comment will actually get posted!!!!

anonomus.

By Sabrina Long Guyer

March 9, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

Six Flags opened the year I was born and I went every year until I was 16 yeaos old. I remember all the old rides (MoMo) all the awesome concerts (Joan Jett), but what I remember most is riding the Marta bus at 14 with my 4 year old sister all the way from Stone Mountain and then riding it home that night!! It was my first “adult” trip!! Thanks for the memories Six Flags.

By frank

March 9, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

to: Doesn’t Matter re: dirty bathrooms

I agree. I took my three year old in there to change his diaper and someone had smeared do do all over the changing table and didn’t clean it up. My three years old saw it before i did and smeared it in his hair and ate some of it. We had to go to the first aid station to wash him off. The people there didn’t want to touch him because of the poo poo.

By itsme

March 9, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this

My husband played Count Dracula at Six Flags for more than 20 years beginning in 1977. After that we helped produce the Fright Fest event. We have a million memories of eliciting laughs and screams from park guests. To all of you we had the pleasure of entertaining… thanks!

By Kenneth

March 9, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

About 30 years ago on a family outing to Six Flags, my dad won a stuffed St. Bernard at the ring toss concession. I still have that dog and think of that victorious moment at Six Flags every time I look at it. No matter how worn it gets and how much stuffing leaks out, I can’t part with that dog.

By Richard Smith

March 9, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this

I worked at Six Flags during the summers from 1976 to 1982, and for the last two years I was driving the trams in the parking lot, or giving the welcoming spiel in the seat on the back. Even though that wasn’t one of the park’s “thrill rides,” per se, it would be a lot more fun job now, because it’s sort of a preview tour of four of the park’s roller coasters - Batman The Ride, Mind Bender, Georgia Scorcher, and now Goliath. I’d like to see their next coaster be something along the lines of the Millennium Force at Cedar Point - 300 feet high and reaching speeds of 92 mph - but I guess the park is too close to the Charlie Brown Airport for the FAA to go along with that!

At any rate, congratulations, Six Flags, on your 40th anniversary! Thank you for seven years of employment and many more years of fun!

By James Boykin

March 9, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

I worked at Six Flags from 1974 until 1980, it was my first job. I met my wife at Six Flags, my brother and room mate met their wives there too. I have many fun memories of Six Flags, both as an employee and as a Guest. Many of the folks that worked at Six Flags during my time keep in contact. Six Flags taught me leadership skills which helped me to advance in the workplace. I went from working the rides at Six Flags to Lead Foreman and later Rides’ Supervisor. I receeived a scholarship to Ga Tech while working at Six Flags. I owe my Management position at one of TVA’s nuclear plant to the things I learned at Six Flags. Thank you Six Flags!

By Gwinnetian67

March 9, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

RLW, My 1st memory of 6Fs is the 2-basket thing you were talking about. Was it called The Sky Hook? It was like a giant egg shaped birdcage that 10-20 people got in and then it slowly lifted you pretty high up by one of it’s crane like arms while the other one set down on the ground to unload and load while a recording told you about the park in your cage.

Another great you’ll never see again is the Spindle Top where the bottom dropped out and the centrifigal force stuck you to the wall, thanks to our overly litigeous society. Sickest I’ve ever been from a ride was the Drunken Barrels when my friend wouldn’t quit spinning our barrel.

I had a season pass my senior year in ‘85 and never rode a ride. Saw some great concerts, though. Survivor, Beach Boys, Air Supply(gay), CCR, Romantics, and more I can’t remember.

Chevy show made me ill also. I miss those cherry berrys that were like popsicles on steroids with the plastic stick and a character in the middle. Perfectly sweet and cold on a hot summer day. Also remember the French River boat where the hippo came out of the watter and the beaver gnawed down a tree. I loved as a kid looking back to see the tree stand itself back up as we rounded the bend.

Is there a website with pics and info about all this stuff??

By Beachlady

March 9, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this

My husband took me to Six Flags on our first date - it was June, 1979 and they had a promotion to buy a ticket for one night and get in free the following week. We went on a Friday night, had a date every day the following week, and went back the next Friday with our free tickets. I loved the Great Gasp - what a view from the top. It reminded my husband of Army training - he didn’t really enjoy it, but rode with me anyway. We’ve been married 26 years.

By Robin

March 9, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

I LOVE 6-Flags, but haven’t been since 2000. As I have gotten older, it gets harder and harder to find folks in my age range who want to go!!

One of the funniest memories I have comes from the 80’s. 1987, I think….

It was the year that Free Fall was new. There were 5 young adults and 2 kids in our group. The 2 kids REALLY, REALLY wanted to ride this new ride. My boyfriend, the Kid’s older sister and her husband, were too wimpy to ride it. So,………the single guy and I took the 2 kids.

He and I sat on the outer ends of the ride, because the kids were scared to. So, they sat in the middle, and Jimmie-Jam and I were on each end. (yeah, Jimmy-Jam - it was the 80’s, okay?)

Everyone screamed all the way down, and once we reached the bottom, there was total silence….

Until, Jimmy-Jam took a deep breath, and said,

Well, if I can just get my balls out of my throat, I think I will be okay.

Still cracks me up 20 years later!

By Dee

March 9, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

My family began going to Six Flags in 1967. It was great fun. I earned the Red Badge of Courage when the Scream Machine opened. I loved Buford Buzzard. I miss the spinning barrel, mo-mo and so many other great rides. So many wonderful memories with family and friends at Six Flags for 20 years.

I got married, had a child of my own and when she was old enough I took her to Six Flags only to find that it was no longer the great family park I rememberd. It was full of unsupervised thugs and hoodlums. Standing in line listening to their foul mouths disgusted me.

It’s a shame that Six Flags has turned into nothing but a welfare baby sitting service where for the price of a season pass you can drop your unsupervised kids off in the park from 10 AM to 10 PM every day.

Six Flags looks like a gang hangout these days. Sad sad sad! I won’t be going back to Six Flags anytime soon.

Thanks for ruining my childhood memories.

By Scared for Like

March 9, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

One time Bufford Buzzard called my mama a dumb hill billy and said we lived in a trailer in Valdosta. My mama cried all the way home to our trailer. When i was old enough to buy a hand gun i did, and went to find that buzzard, but he had packed his wagon and left.

By Dee

March 9, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

now that is funny! LOL

By Davona

March 9, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Still love MoMo and the Scream Machine. Fun, makes me scream with delight and I can still function after the ride.

By ALLEN

March 9, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this

Disney will always be better. They are cleaner, cast members are appropriately dressed and behave professionally. However, Six Flags employees look like they just got off a MARTA bus and they eat and chew gum while laofing and should be tending the rides. Haven’t been back in two years due to a CHEETO breath biotch refusing to operate the ride until she finished her Cheetos.

By CJ

March 9, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Favorite thing about Six Flags: Monster Plantation.

Least favorite thing about Six Flags: Unruly kids who act like animals and make the experience less than fun.

By CJ

March 9, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

Favorite thing about Six Flags: Monster Plantation.

Least favorite thing about Six Flags: Unruly kids who act like animals and make the experience less than fun. Six Flags is a welfare baby sitting service!

By Elissa

March 9, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this

Six Flags was a Great Place to work in ‘68,’69 and 1970! I was fortunate enought to be “Chosen!” * after a gruling (I was only 16) interview process….to work in the Park….including for the private parties where major corporations paid to have the park opened for their employees….and I was so Lucky to work at the *Chevy Show and Plantation Tales! The Supervisors were the best as was the GM! No Thugs were Allowed and we all took great pride in working with the other Six Flags Host and Greeting and meeting the Guest!!!!

Thanks for some Great Memories….and if it needs cleaning up….Get To Work!

By DO

March 9, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this

Does anyone else see the theme in this blog? Pre 1980s Six Flags = Good; Post 1980s Six Flags = HORRIBLE. The last time I was there my 8 year old daughter was wearing one of those triangle head bandana looking things that tie under your hair, girls were wearing them at the time and they were real cute. Anyway the security guard at the gate confiscated it from my daughter stating that it could be taken as a “gang thing, you know displaying gang colors”…I was totally shocked. The point to all of this is that apparently Six Flags is aware of gang activity in the park and don’t allow bandanas to be worn. Why don’t they starting arresting the trouble makers and not allow kids to enter the park without adult supervision. Even though some of the adults are worse than kids.

By Just wondering

March 9, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

why do you all hate black people? Oh, i know, it’s Georgia.

By Chris

March 9, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this

Best Time

When I got lost from my Mom. I was not in a hurry to find her. I was having fun walking around and playing the video games. I finally caught up with her at lost and found. She was all upset. I was confused why … but now I understand. Great fun!

By DO

March 9, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

I don’t recall saying anything about black people but apparently you are the one assuming that gangs, thugs and hoodlumns are black. Interesting that you you should point that out.

By DO

March 9, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this

I don’t recall anyone saying anything about black people. It is interesting that you think because we are talking about gangs, thugs and hoodlums that we must be talking about blacks. That is funny!!

By Just wondering

March 9, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

DO, nice try. I and everyong else can read through the thinly veiled racist remarks here. So black people have ruined six flags huh? Run along to your klan meeting missy, before i snatch your head bald, you are on my last nerves.

By Rusty

March 9, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

Wow, it took four whole hrs to turn this into a race issue.Ya’ll are slipping.

By DO

March 9, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

LOL! Just Wondering, I bet you’re one of those Six Flags thugs…because you sure are acting like a thug in this blog. “klan meeting”….that is so 1950s…TOO FUNNY!

By pay attention

March 9, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

Just wondering:

It was you that brought it up, no one else. YOU are on MY last nerve. Are you afraid that if people bring it up your drug sales at Six Flags might slow? Maybe if you didn’t use Six Flags as a baby-sitter for your nasty brats the rest of us could have a good time there. Isn’t it time for you & the kids to check in with your probation officer? Run along and let us have our discussion before DFACS finds out you can afford internet service but you can’t buy your own groceries.

By pay attention

March 9, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

Just wondering:

It was you that brought it up, no one else. YOU are on MY last nerve. Are you afraid that if people bring it up your drug sales at Six Flags might slow? Maybe if you didn’t use Six Flags as a baby-sitter for your nasty brats the rest of us could have a good time there. Isn’t it time for you & the kids to check in with your probation officer? Run along and let us have our discussion before DFACS finds out you can afford internet service but you can’t buy your own groceries.

By DO

March 9, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Pay Attention…I couldn’t have said it any better. AMEN!

I am truly ROFL!

By itsme

March 9, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this

I’d love to hear some of your memories specifically about Fright Fest.

By kev

March 9, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Oh, I was trying to think of the name of the ride that use to spin real fast…. and then the floor use to drop. You would then be suspended in air, stuck to the wall for a while. That was fun! I do remember folks getting sick, though, because there would be breakfast/lunch/dinner combos on the walkway leaving the ride.

By itsme

March 9, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

I’d love to hear some of your memories specifically about Fright Fest.

By itsme

March 9, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this

I’d love to hear some of your memories specifically about Fright Fest.

By Maureen

March 9, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

The ICE COLD watermelon slices on a very hot day in July!

By Maureen

March 9, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

The ICE COLD watermelon slices on a very hot day in July!

By Just Wondering

March 9, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this

Well the cat is certainly out of the bag now about the racism on this board. “pay attention” why are posting everything twice? You think black people can’t read?

Well i can read, and it hurs my heart seeing the racism on this board just days after Black History month. I guess you think your black people on welfare/daycare/ect jokes are funny. Laugh it up you racist. You are a cancer to society.

If nothing else, today’s posts have made me realize Atlanta is not longer the city too busy to hate. Atlanta showed plenty of old fashioned racist HATE right on this board today. Makes me sick. Of course, what can i expect since all of your parents were probably the ones throwing rocks at my family in the sixities as we marched, ignorant trash.

By itsme

March 9, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this

Sorry… I didn’t hit “post” twice. It just happened. Would still like to hear from folks who attended Fright Fest through the years.

By pay attention

March 9, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

You may be able to read but you can’t spell OR use punctuation very well.

By DO

March 9, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

Just Wondering you’re the only race hater in this blog. The welfare daycare remarks weren’t meant to be jokes…it’s a sad reality. So just chill it ain’t about you.

By question

March 9, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

Was six flags ever white only?

By itsme

March 9, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

No, it was never “white only.”

By Rusty

March 9, 2007 4:22 PM | Link to this

hey its me, I remember the “breathing” dead vampire chick. That scared the crap out of me. And of course six flags was segregated well into the 90’s. I still remember throwing rocks at JW outside the monster plantation. oops! Can I say plantation?

By DO

March 9, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

I am sending Webster a list of words that they have incorrectly defined such as thug, hoodlum, gang and welfare. I just learned today that all of those words mean black people. I had no idea. I learn something new every day when I read the AJC.

By John

March 9, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

Six Flags was NEVER segregated. That is a myth or an intentional post to start trouble.

By Peggy

March 9, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this

I took my kids one year to fright fest late 80’s..they weren’t afraid of anything till they went into the haunted house.. When they came out they looked pale as a ghost and they were laughing and crying. One had wet on herself when “something” put their hand on her arm.. It was so funny.. no i didn’t go into the haunted house, i am old enough to know better, but laughed my behind off when they came out.. some of you have lost sight of what this blog is about.. the memories we have of times at six flags. Life is to short to take it serious.. so lighten up.

By itsme

March 9, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

We had great fun “scaring” folks. Speaking of words you’re not allowed to say. We were not allowed to say “scare.” We were “entertaining.” But we did our best to entertain the crap out of people. hehe

By Rusty

March 9, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Hey John, I said well into the 90’s. I really dont think anyone believes it to be a myth. It was a lil joke dude. lighten up.

By Kiaserfia

March 9, 2007 4:50 PM | Link to this

Favorite Ride—The airplane ride next to the Great Gasp. I think it was called the Flying Flurpoises. You could turn the blade in the front and the plane would zoom in and out as you spun around the pole.

Favorite Memories—I have two. The first involves the FF ride. My baby brother and our mom rode in the plane behind me and our dad. Mom told me later that he took one look at us swinging out and in and said “Do we HAVE to do what Sissy’s doing?”

The second involves the Great Gasp. I have a disability and couldn’t hold on too well, but I wanted to ride the Great Gasp. My dad let me talk him into taking me on the ride. The skyline was beautiful and it was thrilling to be that high. I wanted to stay up there forever. I leaned over and waved to my mom and brother. The drop scared the daylights out of me but it was a blast. I laughed all the way down. It was the best ride.

My dad didn’t tell me until years later that he didn’t want to do it and he was terrified, not of the height but that I would slip out from under the bar and fall. He had a death grip on the back of my t-shirt, but still he acted as excited as I was the whole time. What a great dad!

By S. Groin

March 9, 2007 7:13 PM | Link to this

The problem with Six-Flags is the natural consequence of Brown v. Board of Education, that the far lowest common denominator will drag down those who would otherwise be lifted up.

It is unfortunate that the Afro-Americans have chosen to take the path of ignorance and violence, it is a sure evolutionary dead end and that is the only saving grace. The shame of it is all those low class whites who could have escaped poverty and ignorance but for their forced mingling with the Afros have adopted their culture of ignorance and violence.

Six Flags merely provides a template which displays the folly of trying to force civilization on a breed which is seemingly incapable of accepting or recognizing it. One need only look to the homeland of the Afro American to see what his ilk have accomplished.

By Terry

March 9, 2007 7:25 PM | Link to this

One of my favorite memories at SFOG was about 8 years ago when some co-workers and I went. All five of us squeezed into the log flume. We all got drenched and we were all laughing so hard we could hardly walk. My all-time favorite rides are Dahlonega Mine Train Z-Force and Scream Machine best of all with its classic wooden track and beautiful red, white and blue paint scheme. The first time I rode the Scream Machine I was just tall enough to ride and the cars didn’t have all the extra padding and snug fitting lap bar that they do today. I had to really hang on tight and tuck my knees under the bar to hold on. The classic wooden coasters are the best.

By Are you for real

March 9, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this

My favorite memories involve the sky buckets. The first time I rode them was when I was 12 or 13. I remember being able to spit on people. That was awesome. Being so high in the air and look down on someone and spit on them. Then 3 or 4 years later my gf and I got on and she gave me a blow-job right in the middle of the ride. I will never EVER forget that. Now if you go you are more then likely to get shot or stabbed or raped. They need more law enforcement out there. Keep the gangstas and hillbilly fat ass white chicks out.

By Bubba from douglasville

March 9, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

I hate six flags or six f*. To many queers out there. Youd think it was midtown or something. Last time I went thy said i was to fat to ride very much. ASSHOLES

By scott

March 10, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this

Former SF security guard here. Worked there in the early 90’s while I was in college. Haven’t been back since I discovered Wild Adventures in South GA. Much cleaner, no thugs, and worth the drive. Thankfully, there is an alternative to the thug mentality of ATL.

By J.B. Stoner

March 10, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this

Shameful how the coloreds have fallen.Six Flags has become another jungle amusement park.Time to revoke their citizenship status and serve them some reparations by way of a flotilla back to the dark continent.

By big bubba

March 10, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this

% of non-whites arrested at six flags over last 6 years = 13%…check it ot it’s a fact

By big bubba

March 10, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

% of non-whites arrested at six flags over last 6 years = 13%…check it ot it’s a fact

By big bubba

March 10, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

% of whites arrested at SF over last 6 years =13% check it out it’s a fact

By big bubba

March 10, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

forget my 10:50 post the 10:51 is correct

By Toren

March 10, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

Wow Six Flags is 40! It was so wholesome when it opened, as well the 60’s were. As a little girl, I loved the sportscars in Easter pastels we could drive ourselves, the petting zoo with baby goats that chewed through diaper bags to steal bottles,the okefenokee swamp boat ride with Sid and Marty Kroft characters, the killer gift shops with Six Flags logo on every imaginable item. The Spanish Castle/Spook House was a blast, it had fake pyrannas we convinced to be real. My friends and I would spend hours hiding in there with the guards popping visitors with our jackets from the pitch black behind the Dracula coffin, we scared some folks to the point of hysteria. Good times…

Back then, it was clean, the kids that worked there all looked like something off a Coppertone ad.

We have not been in about 20 years now, heard too many bad things about it. When I was there there wasn’t enough staff, some rides were closed, it was not clean, not safe feeling which is sad. It was a wholesome amazing experience in the 60’s and early 70’s. Our parents could leave us there for 12 hours and know we were safe.

Times have changed, but I certainly hope they can make it another four decades for those that enjoy theme parks.

By God Bless

March 10, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

Once again, another AJC blog that displays hatred and ignorance. We all have to live together so you might as well learn to love because carrying that hatred around is not helping you in any way.

Back on topic, the only reason I go to SF is to ride Thunder River and The Mine Train. I am too scared to ride anything, lol. Hopefully I will get over my fear soon because I always enjoy my days at SF.

By kim

March 10, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

I worked at Six Flags the summer of 1974 driving the trams and giving the entrance to the park spiel. Good Morning and welcome to Six Flags…etc. It was a great place to work, we had a lot of fun. It’s disappointing to hear about the decline of Six Flags. Hopefully the management reads the posts and makes the changes to make the park once again a great place to work and visit.

By Linda

March 10, 2007 2:10 PM | Link to this

Buford the Buzzard! My mom and I would watch all of his shows while my older siblings would ride the coasters. To this day we sill call the Sky Bucket rides “Spit Buckets”. Oh yeah, and I had a t-shirt that said, “Buford loves kids with lots of ketchup.” Also loved the Casa Magnetica and the Mini Mine Train.

By hitwriter

March 10, 2007 2:29 PM | Link to this

Six Flags will never be as memorable as it once was for those of us who grew up in the late 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

Customer Service is horrible about 85% of the time. Half the folks are trashed mouthed or Jerry Springer wannabees.

I’ll still take my kids occasionally but there is a reason they don’t stay open till 10, 11 and 12 like they used to… Security would have a nightmare trying to manage guest safety!

And management if you’re reading this… But a little paint, some scrub brushes and soap… you’ve let the park run down like a cheap carnival. Just about every single cue line has old trash, abandoned birds nests and junk littering the place.

I remember when Six Flags was shining, Even the parking lot has weeds coming up thru the pavement.

One more thought… open up the back gate gate again to ease congestion.

By Tell it like it is

March 10, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

Six Flags was awesome in the 80’s. I remember getting seperated from my parents and this nice lady took care of me for about an hour at the lost and found. Buford the Buzzard was the greatest.

Since then it has become a haven for crackheads and unruly thugs. Morons figured out that a season pass was cheaper than daycare and will dump there dead beat brats there all day during the summer. Listening to 12 year old azzhats curse in front of my kids has turned me off. I will save the extra money and make the trip to Orlando. SFOG…Get rid of the thug blacks and white trash, your business will return.

By Living in WPB

March 10, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Does anybody remember the ride that was next to the Cotton States Exposition Sign in the mid 70s? Was it called the Wheel Barrow? I think that the waiting line area was eventually turned into a candystore. Great memories of the park in the 70s and 80s, from the small cars that you could drive (where they eventually built the Great Gasp) to the French Boat Ride. Haven’t been back since 2000.

By Knich

March 10, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this

Went on Halloween a couple of years back. I was scared to death and it had nothing to do with the rides or “monsters”. Thanks Thugs and drug dealers. Won’t be back and it is a shame. So many childhood memories.

By David

March 10, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

I remember going to the Park the year it opened in 1967…I believe full access to Six Flags was $8.00 that year. The best were: Dahlonega Mine Train Ride, The Sky Hook, and the ride in the frontier section of the park where you stand along the perimeter with your backs on the sides of this spinning cylinder. The floor would drop out and the spinning force kept you from falling…what was that called? Oh also enjoyed eating cold, sweet watermelon at the “Watermelon Waterloo.”

By David

March 10, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

Another memory:

The waiting line at the “Great American Scream Machine” had a T.V. Screen w/ an animated character that would interact with those waiting in line. He’d crack jokes and hurl insults at you.

By oddman

March 10, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

I remember the first time I went - probably in ‘67 - a typical summer rainstorm blew in and dropped about an inch of rain in five minutes… I think there were about 500 people taking shelter under this huge canvas tarp cover they had in an area near the model T cars. It was made of these huge colorful triangles all sewn together in this modern design. Of course the designers did not understand the wrath of a Georgia summer shower. After the first five minutes the sagging started. Everyone began to look nervously at the drooping tarps above us all. After 15 minutes the gods of fabric had given up - in quick succession massive tears ripped open, drenching everyone. I was five and still remember the expectation of the coming water.

By Grammaw

March 10, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

I moved to Georgia from D.C./Va. the year Six Flags opened (1967). It was the first “sight” I went to see. I’ve been hooked ever since. Even at age almost 58, I’m still a roller coaster addict. As far as I’m concerned,they can do away with everything but the r.c.’s! Happy Birthday…and keep the r.c.’s coming!

By Bryan

March 10, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

If you enjoy spending a day in the hot sun with white trash and black thugs in a flithy amuzement park, I would suggest Six Flags.

By Bob

March 10, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this

Stinky finger in the Okefenokee Swamp!

By Bob

March 10, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Stinky finger in the Okefenokee Swamp!

By Swangirl

March 10, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this

I can remember during the 70s going to one of the shows (could have been the Chevy Show, too young to recall) and it featured a “streaker” type puppet that ran across the stage, back when streaking was it.

I remember the change from the Okeefenokee Swamp to the Monster Plantation. And how annoying the MP song got when you’d been standing in line forever. Also remember waiting forever the first year the Great Gasp opened. And the massive lines for the first summer the Mind Bender debuted.

I couldn’t go back to see what SF has become. Too sad.

By Jack

March 10, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this

It’s about like spending a day in East LA with several thousand of your closest gang friends.

By chuck e

March 10, 2007 8:56 PM | Link to this

Thugs, stoned toothless rednecks, rude ride operators and crappy food that costs a fortune. That’s current day Six Flags. Kind of sad because I loved it growing up. It has totally lost it’s family appeal.

By Stu

March 10, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this

I worked at Six Flags for several years in the late 1970’s and loved it.

After college, I moved out of the area and only returned to Six Flags four years ago.

I was appalled with the lack of amenities (no more trams to bring you from the parking lot, etc.), but even worse was the attitude of the employees (Weren’t we called ‘hosts’ back in the 70’s?). The overwhelming majority seemed to care less about you or about the job they were doing.

Very disappointing. I can still remember my favorite SF moment. When the little boy climbed out of the car on the ride I was working on, grinned the biggest grin and said “I LIKE Six Flags.”

I do have some admitted nostalgia for the SF of the 70’s, but the SF of the 00’s is not worth the $50 per ticket.

By Bornin66

March 10, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this

Hey Gwinnetian67……What a memory you brought back talking about watching the beaver chew down the tree, then watching it go back up into place for the next boat(on Jean Ribaults Boatride). But I gotta ask you…since the ride was based on Jean Ribaults exploration of Georgia in like the 1600’s or something, were there really hippos on the ride? I can’t remember any. Could you be thinking about Disney’s boat ride? But hey, thanks for bringing back those memories!!!

By Daryl

March 10, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

We started going to SFOG from year one when I was 12. They would put a bumper sticker on your car and we thought we were so cool having a Six Flags bumper sticker. I remember the gum tree as you stood in line for the log flume. I haven’t been in over 20 years so I’ll like to know what original rides are no longer there.

By JC

March 10, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

Glad to see someone at least mentioned the Z-Force. The Looping Starship was another favorite of mine (even if I did get clobbered in the lip once by a falling beeper while the ride was upside down.) Wow- so many memories of Six Flags…where do I start? I guess I’ll talk prices. I can understand raising admission over the years with all the coaster additions, but the price of food, parking, and souvenirs has driven the place over the top. Thank Daniel Snyder (Washington Redskins owner) and the group that owns the SF franchise now for that. SF claims that the Season Pass is such a great deal, but in reality it’s not anymore. The parking fee is just flat out gouging these days. I remember a few years ago when it was like $5 to park. Now I think they charge around $15, and $40 for a season parking pass. That’s just wrong. The ride lines are so backed up now, you have to go to the park now with the expectation of only riding maybe 5 rides in a day’s time. That’s not very good value for a $50 1 day ticket. Then, you have the issue of the teenagers that are out there smoking and using a swear word every third word, dribbling their basketballs just to annoy the people in front of them, and soon it becomes more trouble than it’s worth. I remember spending my summers in high school out there at least twice a week in the 1990s. I certainly don’t remember trying anyone’s nerves as much as I see kids trying to do now. I guess the times have changed. Anyway, my good memories of Six Flags were the 1980s, when they weren’t afraid to keep the park open til midnight. There’s just something about riding the Mind Bender after it’s completely dark and thinking that somehow they make the ride go faster after dark. Anyone remember when they turned the Scream Machine cars around? I think they should have at least one of the cars permanently set up that way and let the riders choose which way they want to ride the ride. The Jolly Roger is another ride that should still be around just for the nostalgia factor. In closing, Six Flags has a tough choice going forward. Based on a lot of complaints here and based on what I’ve seen firsthand they are going to have to address the conduct of their visitors. One step in the right direction would be to hire someone other than minimum wage-making teenagers throughout the park. I’m not saying having them there is bad because it’s a good summer job for them, but an authoritative presence would be a plus. The other part is to somehow balance the nostalgia and history of the park with the futuristic rides like Goliath. Getting rid of rides like the Ninja and bringing back Z-Force from Six Flags Magic Mountain (where it’s called Flashback) would be a good idea. Some rides like Splash Waterfalls have outlived their usefulness. DO this, make the prices more reasonable for families, make the park feel safer and I think it will bring the family atmosphere of the park back. That’s the one thing Disney and Universal have and SFOG doesn’t anymore.

By Patty

March 10, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this

I have two great memories of SF. The first happened when I was about nine. My parents, my sister and I were on the mine train. Going up the first hill, my mom got nervous and grabbed on to the hand, forgetting her purse in the seat. Well, in one of the turns, her purse went flying out of the car! I still remember watching the crew search the woods below for her wallet and stuff.

The second memory involves my friend, Virginia. Her dad worked as an accountant for SF so he could get us in for free. And when he did, we’d make a beeline for the Scream Machine. See, we’d figured out how to stand up on it! Every time we’d ride, we’d go over that first hill on our feet. And at the end of the ride, security would escort us to the backgate where her dad would sign us back in. I worked there from 1977 to 1981 and have tons of memories like waving at the train, watching the fireworks display on the train tracks, Senior nights and having the bottoms of my shoes melt off during the heat wave of 1980. I also remember the poor kid who died on the backlot when he was run over by a security truck, the guy who got his hand cut off because the overhead railing on the Mindbender was too low and the water moccassins in Monster Plantation.

Good times.

By Donnie

March 10, 2007 11:58 PM | Link to this

I met my wife at Six Flags while working there as a teenager in the 90’s. We worked the trams together. That was when it was the place to work during the summer as a teenager. Not so anymore. Unfortunately Six Flags has not improved over the years like it should have. I agree; a place for thugs and troublemakers to hang out. Clean the place up if you want to stay in business!

By Stephanie

March 11, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this

Six Flags was the best place to go during the mid to late 80’s! Tickets were under $20 to get in and it was a clean safe place to go with your family or friends. I haven’t been back since 1997, so I can’t say what it’s like now, but the things I remember:

Getting to meet Kirk Cameron (from Growing Pains) when he did an appearance there in 1987/88-ish.

Primping in the bathrooms before going to meet cute guys at the teen dance club called “Confettis” or “Grafittis” that was located in a domed building near the Mindbender.

Fright Nights where you’d go with a whole group of your friends and SWEAR that the guy dressed as Michael Meyers from “Halloween” was folloing you around the park.

Getting yout picture taken as you walk in the park and actually buying the “eyespy” photos at the end of the day…I still have one of mine from 1988.

Getting SOAKING wet on “Splashwater Falls” (I think that was the name) and having to walk around in wet jean shorts for the rest of the day…

Mo Mo Monster ruled and the Flying Dutchman came in a close second…

Listening to everyone’s change fall out of their pockets when the rode the Space Shuttle ride that was like the Flying Dutchman (rocked sided to side, but actually went upside down).

The absoulte thrill of when you went to Six Flags on a day that wasn’t crowded and you could just go on your favorite rides again and again, not having to wait more than 5 minutes in a line…

The smell of Fried Chicken over by the Dahlonega Mine Train.

and, lastly…The Monster Plantation. The smell of musty water soaked wood. The misty chill in the air. Being told to “Stay out of the Marsh!!!”

Good Times!!!

By Kimmer II

March 11, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIX FLAGS! I have so many great memories of the Park that I first visited as a child at the age of 5 and then again at 8. Beyond that there were countless times I, as a teenager, would venture to the park with friends. I too remember the heavy odor of the creosote as we walked through the park. The taste of cherry berry pops-yummy! I will never forget them. I have SF memorbilia and photos that ultimately will go into a scrapbook. I remember rides like the Sky Hook, the Chevy Show, the Watermelon eating area. My cousins and I would grab ice out of the tubs and throw it at each other. The watermelon seeds we would try to spit at each other. That was the most raucous behavior we ever got into. I remember the Flying Dutchman and the arcade area where I would play skeeball and win bunches of tickets. Concerts? Yes, I too was one of the many that with the help of kudzu vines, situated myself on the hard GA clay hillside :) (Kids nowadays wouldn’t think of doing this, am I right? You bet!) Why the spookhouse even had slides at the end (I think they were yellow?). The costs of tix that I remember were 8.95 and then went up to 14.95. My Mom and Dad worked at the airlines and they had great discounts. I shreiked when I heard the cost had gone up the twenty dollar range. I too miss the paper flowers and no, something that innocent is not made anymore (even though our society has and continues to grab on to the 60’s decor trend it seems-check out Ikea)

By KimmerII

March 11, 2007 1:16 AM | Link to this

The trams are a thing of the past and that is really a shame (what does SF do in the way of those patrons who cannot walk? Surely they are compliant with ADA-Americans with Disabilities Act regulations). It was just fun to try and see who could get the tram operator to talk to you. My uncle who has been deceased for over 20 years now, used to get so upset about the bumper stickers being placed on cars. I remember when they stopped that practice. There was a kennel service SF had for out of towners? I had forgotten about the gum tree by the log flume which I miss terribly! The great gasp was awesome and I do remember when they had the stand up “basket”, but did away with it due to safety concerns I would imagine. Yes, I remember so many good times. To quote country musician Mark Wills song…it was 19…70 or 80 something, big hair, parachute pants and trans ams”. A few notes on the other ranting that is apparently creeping into this blog: the park in those days had true southern tones to it (antebellum)and in ads for the Park, you could see it. But, so did the likes of Stone Mountain and Underground. You cannot change history. Have respect for others and for yourself! Regarding the degradation of the park; if you are below the age of thirty-listen up: don’t “smoke” up your minds, make your minds “smoke” by coming up with some ideas to make SF operate similiar to DW and Universal. Granted, those parks are in Florida (warm breezes and palms, the beaches, etc.) and we are in Georgia, but, surely with IPods, VoIP and such, you twenty somethings and below have innovative and creative solutions to make SF a better entertainment source. I’m not talking about just rides, but about food quality, technical advances, etc! Once again, thanks SF for fantastic and fun memories. I wish you and your staff the very best and another 40!

By TB

March 11, 2007 4:01 AM | Link to this

HBD SF!! In the early days, the sky buckets (for a kid) were so great. Loved The Okeefenokee Swamp, and The Mindbender. That Train that rode around was great when you were a kid and your parents got tired…now I know why they liked the down time. The Chevy Show was the only place where the airconditioning was guaranteed. THE WHEELIE!! What a great ride!! Remember when there was an entire expansion built around the Cotton States Exposition, grounded by the Great American Scream Machine? The Crystal Pistol!! Quite a few teenage moments there.

As lame as it is, The Great Gasp is still very memorable. When it opened, it was scary as any ride. Funny how over the years it wa s rendered “boring” by much more technologically advanced rides.

Dahlonega Mine Train - great memories. Hanson Cars. Up With People. The log ride.

Thank’s so much Six Flags

By todd

March 11, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this

I began reading this thinking of all the great memories as a kid…. so many! Then I read the depressing posts and realized, as an adult and a father, the new generation there are raunchy and nasty…. just a bunch of hal-dressed people making out and swearing. I wish it were better, but SF is a reflection of society as a whole I guess.

By nita

March 11, 2007 10:46 AM | Link to this

I love Six Flags, It has been a long family tradition to go often and stay all day. My Grandfather started work at Six Flags when it opened and Our family had free passes so we were there all the time. He was part of the Landscape crew and thus began my love of flowers. Happy Birthday Six Flags. We already have our season passes.

As for JC’s comments, If no one touched you, threatened you or caused you any harm, how can you call them thugs. You can not look at the way a person dresses and determine who or what they are. That’s called pre judging also know as predjudice. I don’t like the way most kids and some adults dress at the park but i’ve seen worse in thongs at the beach. Six Flags is a great place for kids. Mine have loved it since they were kiddie land tykes.

Don’t let anyone keep you from Six Flags it’s a great for kids to have fun.

By nita

March 11, 2007 10:52 AM | Link to this

The greatest ride ever MoMo the Monster!!!. My most memorable time at Six Flags was the time my brothers, cousins and I rode the Dahlonega Mine Train 30 times. It a little to jerky for me now, but it’s still the best ride left from the original rides.

By Lainie

March 11, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

When I was a little girl in Chicago, Ill there was an amusement park that is no longer there its name was Riverview, it had all sorts of fun rides and was the bigest hit in Chicago. As you entered the park the very first ride that you saw was the carousel. My very first date with my husband was at Riverview this was in 1950 and we road the carousel so I love to go to six flags and ride the carousel to remember our first date. we had been married 50 years and six flags invited our whole family free of charge to celebrate and to ride the carousel. Thank you Six Flags over Ga. for such a wonderful day.

By Lainie

March 11, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

BY the way I left out the most imported information that the carosel that is six flags is the same carosel that was in Riverview Park in Chicago

By JC

March 11, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this

Nita- if you were referring to my post, you need to re-read it. Not once did I say the word thug, accuse anyone of being a thug, or prejudge anybody. My post was based on personal experience, and it’s a fact- when you go to Six Flags, you will see thirteen and fourteen year olds there smoking and using language that I’d be willing to bet they aren’t using in front of their parents. Apparently there is a drug problem at the park these days- otherwise, why are the people in the trams telling everyone to leave their drugs and guns in their cars because they won’t be allowed inside the park? I’m sorry, but a police presence would do wonders to clean up the park’s image and make the hooligans that come to the park think twice about questionable behavior. That’s something that a teenage security guard cannot do. I’m sorry, but there is a serious difference between the Six Flags of the 70s 80s 90s and now, and it’s not just the rides. There’s a reason they don’t stay open to midnight anymore, a reason there are metal detectors at the entrance to the park. And whether or not you want to pretend that’s not true is your perrogative I guess, but numbers don’t lie. Six Flags attendance is down, and you can look that up if you don’t believe me.

By get yer facts straight

March 12, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

We all loved the Dahlonega Mine Train the best in the early days of Six Flags. I loved riding it over and over on those drizzly uncrowded days.

Does anyone else remember that last jolting dive into the tunnel, and all those upstretched arms in front of you would suddenly duck down, thinking they would hit the beams overhead? I always thought that was funny.