News: Ghost Town has better than expected year

Posted at 9:47 AM EDT (1347 GMT)

Oct. 8th, 2007 -- Ghost Town in the Sky has had a great reopening year it seems.  The Maggie Valley, NC park reopened May 25 after being closed since 2003 and has a better than expected first year under the new owners.

The park did not release financial or attendance figures, but David King, the park’s sales and marketing manager did say they sold 16,000 discount tickets at local hotels, motels and other businesses.  King did state that the owners were very pleased with the first year and that the park’s operation had exceeded their expectations.

Ghost Town had a few setbacks, including the park’s chairlift being hit by lightning and stranding visitors temporarily, but overall it’s been a smooth and successful season.

The park hasn’t been the only one to reap the benefits of the park’s rebirth.  Maggie Valley, the small town below the park, has seen a 40 percent increase in visitors this summer over last year.  Local hotels and motels reported 20-40 percent increases.

A local store owner was quoted saying, “Ghost Town has fulfilled another critical role: Families — and not just retirees — are now shopping and staying overnight in the tourism-dependent town”.  A whole new generation has discovered Ghost Town and Maggie Valley as well.

Back in its heyday, Ghost Town had up to 10,000 visitors a day. Park officials said in previous interviews that 200,000 people were expected to visit Ghost Town this season.

Ghost Town now has a new general manager, Kevin Bailey, who replaces Bob Cordier.

Bailey looks to bring in more shows and rides for next year and continue the growth of this year.  “The biggest challenge for Ghost Town is to fully open the park,” Bailey said.

Three major attractions – the small train the circles the town, the Cliff Hanger roller coaster and the incline railway – couldn’t be fixed in time for the season, which will end late this month or early November.

Bailey said a couple of new rides would be added in 2008, but he declined to identify what they would be. Bailey also said the 650-seat country music hall in Ghost Town will open, allowing the theme park to bring in more entertainment.

The park looks to continue growth and keep things fresh for patrons in 2008.

For more information, visit Asheville Citizen Times.