Arnolds Park Celebrating The Legend Roller Coaster's 80th

Arnolds Park, IA -- Historic Arnolds Park is celebrating the 80th anniversary of The Legend wooden roller coaster this summer. Built in 1927, the roller coaster is presently the 13th oldest operating wooden coaster in the United States.

The kick-off for the summer long celebration began last weekend with a ride-a-thon on the roller coaster to benefit the American Heart Association. On Sunday the park hosted a special birthday bash brunch and ribbon cutting ceremony.

The Legend roller coaster is the main attraction at Historic Arnolds Park. The roller coaster's figure eight layout wraps around the entire amusement park and even passes over the park's main entrance.

John A. Miller designed the roller coaster and Harry C. Baker and a crew of 200 men took two years to construct it. Originally called the Giant Coaster, the name was changed to The Legend in 1996.

Arnolds Park plans to continue The Legend roller coaster's 80th anniversary celebration with events planned all summer long.

See: The Legend, Arnolds Park or visit www.arnoldspark.com