Six Flags Darien Lake

Last evening, England’s rock band Bad Company opened the 2016 Darien Lake summer concert series.

The 43-year-old band has a 28-city U.S. tour planned before heading overseas to the United Kingdom this fall. They played some hits like “Ready for Love,” “Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy” and “Feel Like Makin' Love."

Singer Paul Rodgers captured the standing crowd grooving to their classic hits one after another.

Joe Walsh is a seasoned veteran of the music scene, having played in five successful bands, one of which was The Eagles. He did not disappoint on Tuesday night with his band, which opened for Bad Company. 

The 68-year-old performed some hits from previous bands including “Life in the Fast Lane," "Take it to the Limit” by The Eagles. From the band James Gang he performed “Walk Away” and "Funk #49."

Joe. also known as “The Clown Prince of Rock,” entertained the crowd with fascinating facial expressions through his 80-minute set, readying them for headliner Bad Company.

Country music star Miranda Lambert will be coming up later this month for the next concert at Darien Lake. 

For the complete summer lineup visit: https://www.darienlake.com/concerts

Joe Walsh and his band:

This summer Darien Lake will host four special in-park concerts completely free with any daily admission, season pass, or hotel/camping package.

“Our free in-park concert series features the hottest up-and-coming stars that resonate with today’s families and even cross over with some of our favorite Disney TV shows,” said Darien Lake General Manager Chris Thorpe.

In-Park Concert Dates and Times:

Jacob Whitesides and Laura Marano, May 28^th

Jacob started winning over the Youtube community with his cover videos and, soon after, his original songs. This summer (July-August), Jacob is heading out all over North America with AEG Live Presents R5 “Sometime Last Night” tour including prestigious venues like The Greek Theater in L.A. He has also recently partnered with BMG as the CEO of his own record label, Double U Records.

Currently, Marano stars as “Ally” in the lead of the Disney Channel international hit television series Austin and Ally. This multi-talented star has signed an exciting record deal with Big Machine Records, and is currently producing her first album due out next year; her first single will be released in the first quarter of 2016.

Rachel Platton, June 4^th

Rachel would find her first big spark with “Fight Song,”  the life-changing inspirational song of 2015, topping iTunes and radio charts, and selling more than 2 million downloads in the U.S. Rachel’s major label debut, “Wildfire,” will be released January 1^st, 2016. Rachel recently premiered the beautifully uplifting music video for her current single “Stand By You.”

Sabrina Carpenter, June 25^th

Though she’s established a diehard international fan base by playing rebellious Maya Hart on the popular Disney Channel show “Girl Meets World,” she also recently released her debut album, “Eyes Wide Open” in April 2015. Her new single, “Smoke and Fire” is a dynamic, upbeat and introspective song that laments on a past relationship.

Shawn Hook and Daya, July 2^nd

Shawn Hook's last album, 2012's 'Cosmonaut and the Girl,' yielded three Top 20 hits, "Every Red Light," "So Close" and "Two Hearts Set On Fire." The accomplished singer-pianist has now finished working on his new album for Universal Music Canada, due June 2015.The first single, "Million Ways," is a mix of pop, disco, soul, R&B and electronica.

Daya [pronounced "dey-uh"] drives pop music down a different path. Her debut single "Hide Away," combines simplistic synth melodies, a power hook, and an emotionally charged vocal. "Hide Away" began to organically catch fire online, drawing acclaim from YouTuber Tyler Oakley and celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton and landing on Spotify's Artists To Watch 2015 Playlist. It set the foundation for her self-titled EP, 'Daya.'

About Darien Lake 

Darien Lake’s wide variety of entertainment has made it “destination fun” since 1964. Located 45 minutes from Niagara Falls between Buffalo and Rochester, today the park boasts more than 50 rides, including six world-class roller coasters; dozens of family-friendly rides and entertainment; the region’s largest water park complete with wave pool; and a 20,000-seat world-class performing arts center, operated by Live Nation.

The park is open May 7 to Sept. 25, and welcomes overnight guests in a wide range of accommodations – from a full-service hotel and modern cabins to rental RVs and campsites. For more information or to order season passes, visit www.DarienLake.com.

Darien Lake Theme Park unveiled its newest water ride today, RipCurl Racer, a 24-second roaring slide through curling tubs before splashing down in the pool at the bottom of the ride.

The Neid Marcucci family of Batavia was officially the first riders of RipCurl.

The ride is part of a $1.5-million capital investment in the park and was previewed today for the season.

“Bringing in RipCurl Racer, the third new thrill ride to join the park’s lineup over the past year, is really exciting for us,” said Chris Thorpe, general manager at Darien Lake. “The continued growth and expansion at Darien Lake is a testament to our dedication to providing guests with the best entertainment value in the region.”

The growth of the state's largest seasonal employer is a continued benefit to the local economy, said GC Chamber of Commerce President Tom Turnbull.

“With the addition of RipCurl Racer, Darien Lake continues to invest in Genesee County and solidify its position as one of the top family entertainment destinations in Western New York and the entire Northeast,” Turnbull said. “Not only does Darien Lake provide a premier entertainment venue, but they also are the leading provider of seasonal jobs that are vital to our local economy.”

Darien Lake hosted its fourth annual Color Me Rad 5K fun run today, with proceeds this year benefiting substance abuse and rehabilitation programs.

From information provided by Darien Lake Theme Park:

The fourth annual "Color Me Rad" 5K -- a nationally recognized human tie-dye spectacle and run/walk -- returns to Darien Lake Saturday, May 14, rain or shine.

A total of 2,500 color-plastered participants are expected. This year, proceeds will benefit the Erie County Council for the Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse.

All participating runners/walkers receive free access to Darien Lake Theme Park the day of the race. To top it off participants will also get a free T-shirt, temporary tattoo, and a Goo Guard phone case.

The course is the same 3.1-mile fun run with twice as many color stations. That means every half a mile our volunteer Color Bomb Squads will cover people from head to toe in pink, yellow, green, blue and violet.

New this year are Gel Color Stations. Participants will be colored rad all over with a cooling sensation and full coverage of spectacular colors.

The fun begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m. at the theme park, located at 9993 Alleghany Road in Darien Center.

Cost is $50 per person today, $55 on Saturday. Kids' pack -- for ages under 7 -- is $15 each.

Yesterday was the first day of another new season of fun at Darien Lake Theme Park.

While we didn't get out to Darien for photos until the afternoon, after the clouds arrived, the morning blue skies helped encourage a great first-day attendance, park officials said.

Press release:

Darien Lake, Western New York’s largest theme park, opens this weekend for its 53^rd season of family thrills and entertainment. This season guests will experience the new RipCurl Racer water ride, updated Ignite the Night laser show, and four free in-park concerts.

RipCurl Racer

Towering above the ground at 42 feet, six mat-riding competitors launch themselves headfirst into side-by-side tunnels and rocket through the twisting tunnels before accelerating into separate racing lanes. Riders then drop down the home stretch, enjoying speed, compression and zero gravity moments as they blast into a high-velocity finish. RipCurl Racer will begin taking riders on the water park’s opening day – May 21.

Ignite the Night Laser Show

Darien Lake’s Ignite the Night laser show has been upgraded to include full-color laser beams; extra pyrotechnics, and an all-new soundtrack. Ignite the Night, presented by Tops Friendly Markets, takes place every evening at 10:10 on the lawn at the Lakeside Amphitheater from May 20 to Sept. 4.

In-Park Concerts

The in-park concert series presented by Tops Friendly Markets are free with a Season Pass, a hotel/camping package or daily admission. The series will take place on the Performing Arts Center stage, with access to and from shows provided exclusively through the park. The concert series includes performances by Jacob Whitesides and Laura Marano on May 28, Rachel Platten on June 4, Sabrina Carpenter on June 25, and the latest addition Daya and Shawn Hook on July 2.

“We continue to improve and develop the park to provide exceptional value and extraordinary experiences for our guests,” said Darien Lake General Manager Chris Thorpe. “The new RipCurl Racer water ride and the stunning must-see laser show elements are as awe-inspiring and exhilarating as they are colorful. If you haven’t visited the park in a while, now’s the time to come out and see what’s hot and happening at Darien Lake.”

With park admission or season pass, guests receive unprecedented access to all in-park entertainment/concerts, special dive-in movies, special events, shows, and now more than 50 rides. A 2016 season pass has even greater value than ever before, paying for itself in less than two visits.

Season Pass holders will have front-row access to RipCurl Racer at Darien Lake’s Season Pass Preview Party on May 20 and receive a free souvenir mug, free tickets for friends and free parking. Restrictions apply, visit www.darienlake.com for more details.

Live Nation's concert line up for 2016 at Darien Lake looks pretty much like it's set for the season.

Here it is:

• Bad Company & Joe Walsh – Tuesday, June 7th
• Miranda Lambert w/ Kip Moore & Brothers Osborne  – Thursday, June 23
• Zac Brown Band – Sunday, July 3
• 5 Seconds of Summer – Wednesday, July 6th
• Vans Warped Tour – Thursday, July 14th
• Toby Keith w/ Eric Paslay – Friday, July 15th
• Disturbed w/ Breaking Benjamin – Sunday, July 24th
• Josh Groban w/ Sarah McLachlan – Tuesday, July 26th
• Heart & Joan Jett w/ Cheap Trick – Wednesday, July 27th
• G-EAZY with Logic – Friday, July 29th
• Darius Rucker with Dan + Shay and Michael Ray – Sunday, July 31st
• Brad Paisley w/ Tyler Farr – Friday, Aug. 19th
• Goo Goo Dolls w/ Collective Soul – Saturday, Aug. 20th
• ZZ Top & Gregg Allman --Tuesday, Aug. 23
• Blink-182 w/ A Day to Remember & All Time Low – Wednesday, Aug. 24th
• Florida Georgia Line w/ Cole Swindell – Friday, Aug. 26th
• Kidz Bop Kids Live! – Sunday, Aug. 28th
• Def Leppard w/ REO Speedwagon & Tesla – Wednesday, Aug. 31st
• Jason Aldean w/ Thomas Rhett & A Thousand Horses – Thursday, Sept. 22nd

Press release:

Live Nation is looking to hire a few “rock stars” for this summer’s upcoming concert season at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. The concert venue is shaping up to have a busy concert schedule with performers like Bad Company & Joe Walsh, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band, and Def Leppard scheduled to perform.

Seasonal job offerings will be available in key areas such as security, cleaning and parking attendants.  The open positions give music lovers seeking part-time work the chance to work in a fast-paced environment and enjoy great live music. 

Live Nation will be hosting four job fair sessions starting this Saturday, April 16th and Sunday, April 17th.  The job fair will be held backstage at Darien Lake in the catering pavilion and sessions will take place from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For those interested in inquiring more about open seasonal positions, should visit www.livenationentertainment.com/careers/seasonal.

Applicants will need to bring either a driver’s license and Social Security card or a valid U.S. Passport to complete the application.

All applicants are subject to background checks.

News release:

The region’s largest seasonal employer is looking to fill 2,000 open positions across its operations, including amusement park, water park, lodging, entertainment, food, and retail departments. 

Darien Lake has already begun accepting applications for the upcoming season with some positions starting as early as April. The park will open for the 2016 season on May 7 with full, daily operations beginning June 20.

Darien Lake will be hosting an open job fair at the Park’s Lodge on the Lake Hotel on Saturday, March 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about the job fair visit www.darienlake.com/jobs.  

Interviews for the following positions will be held during the job fair: food service, park services, games, admissions, ride operations, lifeguards, rentals, warehouse, retail, hotel/campground, attractions, and security officers. 

“With another thrilling new ride and continued expansion at the park this season, we’re in need of even more energetic and fun-loving employees than ever before,” said Darien Lake General Manager Chris Thorpe. “We’re seeking friendly, ambitious applicants of all backgrounds who are interested in helping us create memorable experiences for our guests.” 

Press release:

Darien Lake Theme Park is enhancing its popular in-park laser show Ignite the Night with the addition of full-color laser beams, extra pyrotechnics, an all-new soundtrack and radio frequency-driven LED color wands that enable guests to “glow with the show.” This advanced technology brings an exciting new element to a long-standing park tradition.

The new handheld color wands are integrated with the show, flashing and glowing a kaleidoscope of colors throughout the performance. Guests can purchase color wands for $8 and have a souvenir of their family-fun experience for long after the show concludes.

Ignite the Night has been part of Darien Lake’s free family entertainment since 1992. The show started with simple green and yellow lasers, which were New Age at the time. The show has seen several enhancements over the years, including a 3D laser show introduced in 1995 and the addition of a 100-foot-wide water screen and hydro-cannon blasters in 2013.

From its humble beginnings to today’s fully modernized production, the show has paid tribute to our American heritage, and still to this day “Proud to be an American” by Lee Greenwood closes every show with a blast of fireworks.

“Our Ignite the Night laser show is the perfect way to end a fun-filled day with us,” said Darien Lake General Manager Chris Thorpe. “Families gather at the lawn on a warm night and look to the sky for a spectacular and magical experience.”

Ignite the Night, presented by Tops Friendly Markets, takes place every evening at 10:10 on the lawn at the Lakeside Amphitheater from May 20^th to Sept. 4^th. For a full list of special park events click here.

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) approved a final resolution for an application for assistance from Darien Lake Theme Park Resort, as well as an initial resolution for Mega Properties, Inc.’s Koolatron project, at its March 3 board meeting.

Darien Lake Theme Park Resort will add two new attractions in time for its 2016 operating season, including a six-flume water slide and a roller coaster train. The new attractions are part of the company’s 2016 Tourism Destination Project aimed to enhance visitor experience.

The company was approved for a sales tax exemption of $189,200 and the project’s planned capital investment will total an estimated $2.8 million.

“We are very pleased to have such tremendous support from the GCEDC in our efforts to offer guests the highest quality, most memorable visitor experiences,” said Chris Thorpe, general manager, Darien Lake. “GCEDC’s investment in our 2016 Tourism Destination Project will help us remain one of the Northeast’s most attractive tourist attractions.”

“As one of Genesee County’s largest employers, Darien Lake is one of the most powerful economic contributors to our local economy, providing over 400 full-time equivalent jobs and approximately 2,000 seasonal positions each year,” said Paul Battaglia, GCEDC Board chairman. “The GCEDC remains committed to investing in projects that will enhance the park and allow it to continue serving as one of our region’s most popular tourist destinations.”

In addition, the GCEDC board approved an initial resolution for Mega Properties, Inc., which provides distribution services to the United States for Koolatron Corporation, a Canadian-based manufacturer of consumer goods. Koolatron’s distribution center has operated in Batavia since 1979 and plans to add 25,000 square feet to its existing 45,000-square-foot facility in order to increase production and expand its global footprint.

The company was approved to receive a total of $172,096 in sales, mortgage and property tax exemptions. The capital investment for the project is approximately $750,000. Since the company is receiving incentives of more than $100,000 there will be a public hearing at a time, date and location to be determined.

Press release:

The Board of Directors of the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) will consider a final resolution for Darien Lake Theme Park Resort’s Tourism Destination Project as well as an initial resolution for Mega Properties, Inc.’s Koolatron project, at its March 3 board meeting.

Darien Lake Theme Park Resort is planning to add two new park attractions, including a six-flume water slide and new roller coaster train for its 2016 operating season. The projected capital investment for both park projects is approximately $2.8 million. The company is seeking a total of $189,200 in sales tax exemptions for the construction and installation of the new rides and enhancements.

The board will also consider an initial resolution for Mega Properties, Inc., which provides distribution services to the United States for Koolatron Corporation, a Canadian-based manufacturer of consumer goods. The company’s distribution center has operated in Batavia since 1979 and plans to add 25,000 square feet to its existing facility in order to increase production.

The GCEDC Board meeting will take place at 4 p.m. and is open to the public. Meetings are held at the Innovation Zone Conference Room at MedTech Centre, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia, on the first floor, across from Genesee Community College.

Press release:

Today, Darien Lake, Western New York’s largest theme park, announced a $1.5 million capital investment that will be used to build a new extreme water ride – the RipCurl Racer. Upon the approval of an incentive package from the Genesee County Economic Development Center and building permit completion, the park will begin construction on the new water ride, with plans to be fully operational for the water park’s 2016 opening on May 21.

The RipCurl Racer Experience:

42 feet above the pool, six mat-riding competitors launch themselves headfirst into side-by-side tunnels and rocket through the twisting tunnels before accelerating into separate racing lanes.

Riders drop and slide down the home stretch, enjoying speed, compression and zero-gravity moments as they blast into a high-velocity finish.

“Bringing in RipCurl Racer, the third new thrill ride to join the park’s lineup over the past year, is really exciting for us,” said Chris Thorpe, general manager at Darien Lake. “The continued growth and expansion at Darien Lake is a testament to our dedication to providing guests with the best entertainment value in the region.”

“As one of the premier tourism destinations in Western New York, Darien Lake once again is investing in Genesee County,” said Genesee County Chamber of Commerce President Tom Turnbull. “It’s been proven in the past that adding new ride attractions increases the number of visitors to the park and we’re expecting the new RipCurl Racer will do the same. And that’s good not only for Darien Lake but for Genesee County as a whole.”

Paying for itself in just two visits, Darien Lake’s 2016 season pass is a greater value than ever before!

The park is open May 7 to Sept. 25 and welcomes overnight guests in a wide range of accommodations – from a full-service hotel and modern cabins to rental RVs and campsites. For more information or to order season passes, visit www.DarienLake.com.

(Submitted photo of Kelly Rapone, with the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, and Amber Ciesiulka, with Darien Lake Theme Park Resort, with their respective awards.)

Press release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and Darien Lake Amusement Park Resort both received awards recently for Excellence in Tourism Marketing from the New York State Tourism Industry Association.

The New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA) has recognized leaders in New York State’s tourism industry who have achieved a high level of excellence and accomplishment at the 2015 Tourism Excellence Awards. The winning individuals or organizations were selected on the basis of demonstrated commitment, leadership, and accomplishment in travel and tourism.

Genesee County Chamber of Commerce earned the “Excellence in Tourism Marketing -- Statewide” for its Haunted History Trail of New York State program. Created by Genesee County Chamber of Commerce in 2013, it is the only statewide haunted tourism trail in the country. The program includes partnership with 30 tourism promotion agencies and promotes over 60 haunted inns, hotels, museums and more across New York State and was developed to draw tourists who have an interest in ghosts.

Darien Lake Amusement Park was recognized for “Excellence in Tourism Marketing -- Private Sector ” for their 2015 overall marketing program which focused on delivering an exceptional value and experience to season pass holders, daily visitors and overnight guests. Darien Lake Amusement Park Resort is New York State’s largest amusement park resort featuring over 50 rides and attractions including a 10-acre waterpark and a variety of overnight options including a hotel, cabins and a campground.

The organizations received their awards at the NYSTIA Tourism Excellence Awards Dinner on Thursday, Oct. 22, at The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown. Kelly Rapone and Taylor White, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, and Amber Ciesiulka, Darien Lake Theme Park Resort, accepted the awards at the event.

Tammy Kay Zasowski, 47, of Clinton Street, Elma, is charged with attempted petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property, 5th. Zasowski was allegedly found inside a vehicle Sunday she did not have permission to be in by Darien Lake Theme Park security. Upon further investigation, she is a suspect in larcenies from cars in the Darien Lake parking lot on July 26. She was jailed on $1,000 bail.

Jeremy Jamal Barnett, 24, of Brooks Avenue, Rochester, is charged with possession of burglary tools, grand larceny, 4th, conspiracy, 5th and harassment, 2nd. Barnett is accused of stealing merchandise from Marshall's and concealing the store alarm tags with covers. He allegedly struggled with store staff after leaving the story. He was jailed on $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 bond.

Robert Emery Moore III, 29, of Ridge Road, Elba, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Moore's vehicle was stopped at 8:35 a.m. Sunday on East Main Street Road, Batavia, by Deputy Chris Parker, for allegedly not having a front license plate. He was allegedly found in possession of a small bag of marijuana and a pipe.

Deborah Kristen Dibble, 46, of Shady Lane, Batavia, is charged with falsely reporting a crime, 3rd. Dibble is accused of falsely reporting a crime related to a domestic dispute Sept. 14 while knowing the allegation was false.

Press release:

The Batavia Silver Stars along with the Chili-based Cloverleaf Squares are Western square dance clubs and they will be performing at Darien Lake Theme Park twice this month.

They will have a demo dance from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, and from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. For more information about WNY square dance clubs visit squaredancingrochester.org

Did you know that square dancing is the national folk dance of the United States? It is a great form of exercise, too. You form lasting friendships and once you learn the basic steps you can dance anywhere in the world. Western square dancing involves taking lessons for eight to nine months. You do not need a partner to take lessons and square dancing attire is optional. All ages are welcome from 10 years and older.

The Batavia Silver Stars dance at the VA Medical Center (patio entrance, building #4) every Monday night. FREE Open Houses are Oct. 5 and 12 from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Classes begin on Oct. 19. Class fees are $4/dancer or $10/family.

For more information contact Jan Bencic @ 585-762-8591 -- or stop by and watch us twirl and promenade some Monday night.

Press release:

The summer season has come to a close but that doesn’t mean outdoor fun is at an end. In fact, Darien Lake will remain open through the end of September and is featuring an all-new fall attraction – Harvest Fest.

The park will be open for Harvest Fest the last two weekends in September including the 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th. Vacations guests will receive exclusive access to Harvest Festival on Friday, Sept. 18th and 25th.

Darien Lake will be featuring a variety of fall favorites including the following exciting new attractions all included with park admission:
·        Harvest Fest Express Hayride – a family hayride around the park starting at the general store;
·        Haymazing Adventure – a fun kids' maze and scavenger hunt;
·        Pumpkin painting;
·        Live local music including: 23 Swing Buffalo, Polish Heritage Dancers, African-American Cultural Dancers, 23 Skidoo Dixieland, and many more;
·        Food Trucks including: Sweet Melodys, Kona Ice, Brick-n-Motor, J&L Boulevard BBQ, and (716) Clubhouse;
·        Arts and crafts from local vendors.

Don’t forget – Darien Lake tickets are buy-one-get-one-free through the end of the season! For more information about participating artists and vendors, visit www.darienlake.com/harvest-fest/

HARVEST FEST -- WHEN: 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Sept. 19, 20, 26 & 27.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department during the Luke Bryan Concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Sept. 4.

Casey W. Ault, 25, of South Main Street, Holley, is charged with trespass, resisting arrest and criminal mischief after allegedly refusing to leave the venue area after being told to leave several times. Ault resisted arrest and damaged a fence. Casey was arraigned in Darien Court and put in jail in lieu of $500 bail.

Daniel S. Furner, 43, of Mill Hill Road, North Brookfield, is charged with second-degree criminal impersonation after allegedly identifying himself as a police officer when in fact he is not.

Bryan P. Haude, 24, of Jade Drive, Hilton, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Tyler C. Deets, 21, of Route 21, Williamson, is charged with third-degree criminal trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Julie A. Margolycz, 40, of McGuire Road, Rochester, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the concert venue exit area.

Grace M. Simmons, 17, of Hemlock Road, Eden, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Aaron P. Santoro, 20, of Albano Drive, Hilton, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.