Finance: Santa's Land Hit by Hard Times

Posted at 8:10 PM EST (0110 GMT)

Jan. 1st, 2004 -- Santa's Land U.S.A. in Putney, VT finished off what could be the hardest season of the park's 50 years in existence on November 30th--about 3 weeks earlier than expected. The park features a train, slides, a carousel, and a few other small rides, plus a petting zoo and of course--Santa Claus.

The park's management claims that the problems started with a huge November snowstorm--during which they could not get the parking lot plowed and sanded in a reasonable amount of time for opening--and a power outage. Although the train and most other attractions could stay open without power, guests complained and were not given refunds as expected. Other guests have filed complaints that the rides are unsafe and some buildings have graffiti on them.

The early closure resulted in a huge outbreak of rumors about what will be done with the property even though there is no indication that Santa's Land is closed for good. Earlier in the year James Balzotti offered to purchase the park and turn the 90-acre park into a cowboy-themed amusement park called "Silverado" complete with staged shoot-outs at high noon. His proposal was met favorably by residents of the area at a Planning and Zoning committee meeting, but no sale is imminent. The park apparently turns a small profit each year--and it should with ticket prices ranging from $10-15 per person.

Parks aimed at younger children used to be far more common than they are today--there are only a handful of Storybooklands and Kiddielands left, after all. But it may be difficult for parents to appreciate these smaller older parks when compared to their larger corporate owned offspring. Even if visitors can reminiscence about spending the past 20 years visiting Santa's Land every year at Christmastime--or any other similar park--they're eventually going to begin to expect the same sort of attractions and will no longer be pleased by antique rides. This is just one of the unfortunate misconceptions of the general public that leads to the downfall of small family-orientated parks. Old rides can be just as safe as new ones if properly maintained, and small children do not need large coasters and thrill rides to make an afternoon exciting.

For detailed information on Santa's Land, visit the Brattleboro Reformer.