[swampfox43]

Wasn't sure about where to post this but I know some of the readers on the board will be interested in knowing that Elvis's favorite coaster, the Zippin Pippin from Libertyland, will be rebuilt in NC.

I never took the opportunity to ride this classic woody so maybe now I'll get the chance!

See <a href='http://www.wwaytv3.com/Global/story.asp?S=5602422&nav=menu70_2' target='_blank'>article</a>

[Jonathan]

This is awesome news. I loved the Pippin when I rode it last year, and I'm really excited at the idea of it being the closest coaster to Raleigh. Hopefully this will work out.

[Dukeis#1]

Great to read that this classic ride has found a new home here in NC! I hope the Roanoke Rapids development is successful so the coaster will be around for years to come.

[Edwardo]

I'm glad it found a home. I know that Dollywood was interested, but the article I read said it was going to be too much to move everything in the area they were going to use, so they decided against it. I guess Randy decided to pounce. Plus, this should be an easy credit for me to get when it's up. Yay!

[Jonathan]

ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C. The cars from Elvis Presley's favorite amusement park ride, a roller coaster called the Zippin Pippin, are scheduled to arrive today in North Carolina.
The cars are scheduled to arrive about noon today at Carolina Crossroads in Roanoke Rapids.

That was Friday.

It’s estimated that it will take four to six weeks to dismantle the coaster and several months to reconstruct it. “Our plan is to put it as close to Interstate 95 as possible so travelers will see it and stop to visit,” said Elizabeth Branham, Carolina Crossroads Events Director. “This will be a great addition to the Parton Theatre, the outdoor amphitheatre, shopping, restaurants, and the other attractions.”

If I get really bored I suppose I could drive out there sometime and get construction photos.

[coasterbruh]

whats this coaster a good ride of more of a landmark to some?

[coasterholic14]

Apparently there is now some debate over the issue:

From Screamescape:
"(12/8/06) I’m not sure if they can do this or not but the Joyland proposal to the city says they want the $5 million / 36 month lease deal to include the Zippin Pippin and the famous hand carved carousel. I’m not sure how they can keep the Pippin however as it sounded like it was sold to the Carolina Crossroads people, though they may have not finalized their contracts and payments yet."

[Jonathan]

From what I understand, part if not all of the coaster has already been shipped to Roanoke Rapids, so I don't really see much chance of this being reversed.

[swampfox43]

Apparently there is now some debate over the issue:

From Screamescape:
"(12/8/06) I’m not sure if they can do this or not but the Joyland proposal to the city says they want the $5 million / 36 month lease deal to include the Zippin Pippin and the famous hand carved carousel. I’m not sure how they can keep the Pippin however as it sounded like it was sold to the Carolina Crossroads people, though they may have not finalized their contracts and payments yet."

I think <a href='http://www.myeyewitnessnews.com/news/state/story.aspx?content_id=998be5b5-b642-429a-97a7-a96168ea3260' target='_blank'>this</a> is the article they are referring to.

[Jonathan]

Just saw swampfox post this over at RRC.

The Pippin is staying in Memphis, BUT, Carolina Crossroads is building a replica!

<a href='http://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/Content?oid=oid%3A27810' target='_blank'>http://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/Content?oid=oid%3A27810</a>

[swampfox43]

I am very happy with that decision. Now get on with it and build the darn thang!


BTW, I had a small email chat with Stephen Shutts on April 13th (the guy who bought ZP). He purchased an aerial photo from me I had on ebay.

Anyway, I asked him if the ZP was staying in TN, or goin to NC. He was somewhat evasive in his response, but he mentioned 3 words that stood out. city manager & corrupt....
He led me to believe he was still trying to get the coaster moved to NC but he was fighting a corrupt city manager. Something along those lines..

Oh well, I'll be happy with the new replica.

[se7en]

I heard that Carolina Crossroads donated Zippin Pippin to some nonprofit orginization, and that it was going to be re opened in Memphis, TN in a city park or something.

Something is strange about the whole transaction though. I also heard that Carolina Crossroads kept the orignal cars. Why would they do that? I'm not totally up to par here I know. If this is old news I am pre-appolizing. I also appologize for using the "word" pre-appologizing.

[coasterbruh]

Not old news...just news that was posted 2 post ago...well that would still be considered old news...

[Chris]

I heard that Carolina Crossroads donated Zippin Pippin to some nonprofit orginization, and that it was going to be re opened in Memphis, TN in a city park or something.

Something is strange about the whole transaction though.  I also heard that Carolina Crossroads kept the orignal cars.  Why would they do that?  I'm not totally up to par here I know.  If this is old news I am pre-appolizing.  I also appologize for using the "word" pre-appologizing.

<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>echo</span>, <span style='font-size:12pt;line-height:100%'>echo</span>, echo