SOUTHINGTON - Guests filed through the front gates of Lake Compounce Saturday, greeted by the aroma of french fries and pizza and the screams of rollercoaster riders.

It was opening day at the oldest continuously operating amusement park in the country, and people were ready to go.

Like Adam Kingsbury, 8, of Bristol, many enjoying a sunny Saturday at the park were regular visitors. Some even bought season tickets.

Saturday, Kingsbury was playing skee-ball - his second favorite thing to do at Lake Compounce. He normally enjoys the water park the most, but said it was still too chilly to enjoy that part of the park comfortably.

People strolled through the water park and lifeguards were at their stations, but few were daring enough to even wade into the water.

As Kingsbury stuck his money into the skee-ball machine and got ready to take his turn, his father looked around, commenting that it was nice being at the park when fewer people are there.

Bristol's Penny Baker agreed.

"It's quiet," she said. "There are not a lot of people."

Baker sat on a park bench with her daughter Saturday, taking a break from the rides. Baker said she is a fan of Ghost Hunt, while her daughter, Abigail Cardona, 9, prefers Thunder N' Lightning. Cardona was out of luck Saturday. Thunder N' Lightning was closed.

Baker was a bit happier. Ghost Hunt was operating Saturday, and Lake Compounce is advertising a shorter wait for the popular ride. The ride's two-seat cars have been replaced by four-seaters. New sound effects and lighting have been added.

As Baker and Cardona relaxed, two boys ran by, wearing Boulder Dash T-shirts. Nearby, parents helped their young children get situated on the Kiddie Carousel.

Boulder Dash is another favorite ride for many Lake Compounce visitors, and it has also undergone some changes during the park's offseason. The wooden rollercoaster has been partially retracked and a new twist was added.

For Kendra Roy, 12, of Bristol, Boulder Dash is the only rollercoaster she is willing to ride. It is not too bumpy, she said.

But for her friend, Taygen Carson, 12, also of Bristol, the fact that Boulder Dash is a rollercoaster makes the ride that much more appealing.

"I just like rollercoasters," she said.

As people circulated throughout the parking, enjoying the food and rides, 17-year-old Adam Meehan, of Bristol, sketched on a piece of paper. That is until someone approached the games he was manning. Not a lot of people play the games on opening day, Meehan said.

But Meehan said as a returning Lake Compounce worker, he did have a special duty Saturday.

"I'm showing everyone the ropes," he said.

afalcone@record-journal.com

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