Lake Compounce Opens Today

All photos by Naugatuck Patch Mayor Nancy Sasso Janis

Opening Day at America’s First Amusement Park is today!

Lake Compounce will be celebrating its 178th season as the longest continuously operating amusement park in the U.S.

In anticipation of opening day, members of the press were invited to come out to the park for an exclusive media day on Friday, Apr. 26. Those who attended had the chance to be among the first to ride the re-tracked Wildcat Roller Coaster.

Naugatuck Patch Mayor Nancy Sasso Janis conquered her fear to be among the brave souls to ride in the first car that traveled the track on media day. “Although I am not really a roller coaster person, I did not want to miss out on the chance to be among the first to ride the classic wooden coaster.”

A self-admitted amusement park chicken, the Patch Mayor survived the ride on the Wildcat and is proud to now have bragging rights. “I actually led the applause when the car stopped before entering the loading area. Once a critic, always a critic.”

Although Janis had never ridden the Wildcat before the improvements were made, she found the ride to be quite smooth. “Sections of the Wildcat ride reminded me of Thunder Mountain Railroad in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.” Yes, she white-knuckles most of the roller coasters in Disney World, because she doesn’t want to miss out.

“I probably won’t be going on the Wildcat again, but I am proud to say that I tried it once. Years ago, I went on Boulder Dash because I wanted to experience how it moved through the trees. I have not ridden it since then.”

Janis is grateful to Meg Forno and the Lake Compounce team for the invitation to be among the first to ride the Wildcat and looks forward to receiving her Wildcat coin in the mail.

The Official Park of Family Fun welcomes visitors back to the park with an Opening Weekend celebration highlighted by the Grand Opening of the re-tracked Wildcat Roller Coaster. The gates will officially open at 11 a.m. on April 27.

Vintage photos of the Wildcat courtesy of Lake Compounce

To celebrate the start of the 2024 season, Lake Compounce is throwing an Opening Weekend celebration highlighted by the iconic Wildcat Roller Coaster. Season Passholders are invited to enjoy the park one hour early and be among the first to ride the historic Wildcat. Plus, the first 250 guests will receive a commemorative Wildcat coin. Visitors can also enjoy a full weekend of fun including meet and greets with Kyle the Crocodile, limited-time food offerings including
Wildcat Chicken Tenders, rides on the all-new carousel cat and more.

Also new this season is the 1846 Coffee Co., the return of Kids Fest this June with appearances from Pete the Cat and so much more.

In press materials, Doug Hemphill, Lake Compounce General Manager said, “We are thrilled to reopen this historic piece of Connecticut history as we celebrate the start of our 178th season. In addition to the re-tracking work on Wildcat, our team has worked extensively this off-season to make updates to the park to improve the guest experience. This season, guests can expect to see new limited-time menu options, increased training of our seasonal employees and the return of beloved events like Kids Fest, Summer Concerts and Phantom Fall Fest.”

This season, guests can expect a full season jam-packed with new events, new park-wide improvements and more reasons to visit. Every single weekend in June, visitors are invited for a pint-sized party as Kids Fest returns to the park. The young and young at heart will be delighted by meet and greets with Bluey™ and Bingo™ Saturday and Sunday, June 15 and 16.

Then, on Saturday and Sunday, June 22, 23, 29 and 30 Pete the Cat™ takes over Kiddie Land for meet and greets throughout the day. Kids Fest will also feature unique food and beverage offerings including Fruity Pebbles Churros and Cookies and Cream Dippin’ Dots Shakes for those looking for a taste of nostalgia. In July, the Summer Concert Series returns with nationally touring tribute acts Good Vibrations, Bruno & The Hooligans, Larger Than Life and Adventures in Parrotdise. The park’s beloved fireworks show light up the night July 4,5,6 and every single Saturday in July. Beach Bashes will close out the summer season every weekend in August with DJs, music and more.

Click to read Nancy Sasso Janis' previous coverage of opening day.

In addition to the park’s robust event lineup, guests will notice even more park-wide improvements when they walk through the gates on Opening Day. In addition to the re-tracking work on Wildcat, the award-winning Boulder Dash roller coaster has been upgraded with more than 1,000 feet of Titan Track. The new 1846 Coffee Co. will open across from the park’s Wave Swinger and will feature limited-time coffee flavors, cold brews, pastries and more. Also new for the 2024 season, visitors will find more shaded seating throughout the park to enjoy
meals and relax with the whole family.

WATR's Chris and Allison are broadcasting from Lake Compounce for their opening day until noon. Stop by and say hi.

To celebrate Opening Day and the start of the season, Lake Compounce is currently offering up to $35 off on 2024 Season Passes. Select Season Passes offer a variety of perks all season long including access to special events, discounts on food and beverage, free parking, free soda and so much more.

For more details on the 2024 operating calendar, Season Passes and to learn more about all the fun in store at Lake Compounce for 2024, visit LakeCompounce.com.

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