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By Michael Dery, webmaster The year 2004 was one many of us were looking forward to. While we were not expecting anything major to be added to SFWoA this year, there were hints that even more small additions and improvements were going to greet us when the gates opened in May. On the heels of what many may consider being Six Flags' best season since 2000, we also were looking forward to how much better operations were going to be. Then there was the bombshell that rocked the amusement industry back in March..... SIX FLAGS SELLS OHIO PARK TO CEDAR FAIR FOR $145 MILLION That headline sparked a buzz not seen around here since the news that Geauga Lake was going to become Six Flags Ohio in December of 1999. It suddenly had many park fans anxiously anticipating what Cedar Fair had planned for the park even so that many were already guessing what was to become of the property. It wasn't until mid-April, when the sale was finalized, that the new owners finally released details as to what they were going to do. The first big change was that the park would return to its roots by reviving the Geauga Lake name. The Geauga Lake name has always been synonymous with a long-standing tradition that has lasted well over one hundred years. The second big change was that the south side would officially close and the animals, retained by Six Flags, would be moved to other Six Flags properties. This news was disheartening for fans of the former Wild Life side as it meant the end of an era in Northeast Ohio. Other changes in the park would include the removal of all Looney Tunes and DC Comic characters, resulting in new names for several park attractions. While there were few updates regarding how Geauga Lake was getting ready in such a short time, we finally were able to see the results on opening day. While there were some small glitches, the park already had a whole new feel to it even though there was still a little bit of Six Flags still present. Fresh paint adorned many of the park's buildings. The park was fully staffed and the rides were running more efficiently. It definitely seemed like the park took a positive turn for the better.
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