50 years ago

Freedomland USA's opening on Sunday June 19, 1960, was a major news event not only in New York but nationwide. For several months prior to the opening the excitement was building around the New York metropolitan area. Many in the New York area had grown up watching Walt Disney show off Disneyland but knew that a trip there would never happen, hence the excitement and anticipation of Freedomland's opening.
Freedomland would not only be larger than Disneyland but would have similar attractions and Freedomland would be shaped in the map of The United States!
For sometime billboards around New York announced the opening day, and even advance copies of the guide book went on sale for purchase prior to the park's opening.
The excitement was so great that on opening day crowds were so large that the New England Thruway had to be shut down. Some coming by car parked as far away as Gun Hill Road and had to walk a few miles to get in. The crowd was so large that for safety reasons radio stations announced not to go that day because of the over crowded conditions. The park had been scheduled to close at midnight that evening but again for saftey reasons closed at 9PM. Pat Boone, who cut the ribbon that morning for the Grand Opening still remembers that day and was happy to be a part of that eventful occasion.
On that Sunday evening, the Ed Sullivan show spent a good portion highlighting Freedomland USA and showing viewers the many features of this great theme park.

AND 50 YEARS LATER TO THE DAY!!!........

FREEDOMLAND USA REMEMBERANCE DAY SATURDAY JUNE 19TH, 2010 .

This event took place at the Barnes and Noble Book store located at the Bay Plaza which is located on the land that was part of Freedomland USA! The event featured discussions photos, memorabilia, video and was presented from 11AM-1PM. As narrator and producer of the DVD "Freedomland America's Theme Park" and a Freedomland longtime fan and historian I am very greatful to the Barnes & Noble staff for hosting this day to remember Freedomland USA in the very positive way it so truly deserves!
Bob Mangels

An article on the event written by Mike Virgintino appears here
http://www.examiner.com/x-31765-Long-Island-Marketing-and-Communications-Examiner~y2010m6d22-Freedomland-celebrates-50th-Anniversary