We take a deep dive into our Calypso ride’s restoration this episode, as Sean Strahl joins us to provide the inside track:
I waited for Sean’s story to “air” on our podcast before sharing these photos from late last fall:

That’s Tony running the equipment to lift the old cars, as the crew of six worked last November to disassemble the ride that had been out of operation for nearly a decade.
Here’s what they found, once the platform was removed:

Yes, it looked pretty bad. And we replaced what was no longer usable over the winter months.
The crew of six posed for a photo. From left, that’s Sean (who’s our guest on today’s podcast), Andy, Jon, another Sean, and Billy. And Tony took the photo.

Six months later, and here’s how Firecracker looks:

It’s a great family ride! We leave the “lights on” even when it’s daylight – and can’t wait to see it after dark!
The Coaster Crew made us laugh again, as they posed The Big Green Foot with our characters to celebrate some non-traditional holidays:
Welcome to Kitty’s Kuttin’ Korner! Gotta make sure I’m pretty when I return to @HolidayWorld! ???? Happy #HairstylistAppreciationDay #HoWoPo pic.twitter.com/iH8mGBItyw
— The Coaster Crew (@Coastercrew) April 30, 2017
Help me Kitty-Claws Kenobi, you’re my only hope! Sam came as Jar Jar…we made him leave. You’re welcome. #StarWarsDay #HoWoPo @HolidayWorld pic.twitter.com/tsrSkMgY3z
— The Coaster Crew (@Coastercrew) May 4, 2017
Thanks for listening! Tell us what other backstories you’d like to hear by posting a comment, below.
Yay for Lauren! I hope she’s getting all the naps and milkshakes she can stand! Looking forward to bringing my own little “rider” for his first visit to Holiday World this year, and riding the Firecracker for the first time! #HoWoPo
Almost forgot! Happy Mother’s Day to Paula, too! #HoWoPo
You mentioned the various sodas, there is a franchised chain of stores called RocketFizz (link attached) which sells ALL kinds of sodas, from the classics, retro, and new flavors specially made for their stores, including all the bacon flavors mentioned, pickle-flavored, booger, ranch, etc……
Looks like Inidianapolis, St. Louis and Nashville are the closest to Santa Claus. Indy’s is right on the circle.
Check them out!