swampfox43 wrote:Oh how I wish the park had rebuilt the <a href='http://rcdb.com/ig1954.htm?picture=1' target='_blank'>Shooting Star</a> coaster back in the early 90's. It was Emerald Isle Waterpark back then. I made several trips up there during the '91-'93 season to check on the progress of the coaster. All those wooden bents just lying there rotting away.....until they eventually decided to scrap the idea.
After riding the Shooting Star for many years at Lakeside, I was so excited when it was announced that the coaster would be "saved" and relocated to Emerald Pointe. Since I live near Greensboro, I was very happy at the thoughts of riding my favorite coaster again, and having it nearby. I remember reading somewhere that Dinn Corporation attempted to save the Shooting Star even after Emerald Pointe gave up on the idea, trying to sell other parks on the idea, which went nowhere. The Shooting Star would have been a nice addition to Carowinds, except that they already had Thunder Road, and I suppose they weren't interested in adding another out and back woodie. While I am glad that Starliner was saved in Florida, it makes me sad to think that the Shooting Star died such an untimely death after only 18 years of bringing happiness to so many.
Yep, I'm old too...I remember going to Lakeside in 1968 when Shooting Star opened to great media hype. I have a very short video segment that the local television station there in Roanoke sent to me a few years ago, documenting the closing of Lakeside. It shows some archival footage, such as the Shooting Star on it's first run, with local dignitaries onboard. Priceless!
Also, if anyone is interested, Salem Museum (Salem, VA) has a Lakeside exhibit, with memorabilia, and a wonderful scale model of the Shooting Star. as well as some blueprints of the coaster that they will show if asked nicely.