Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari celebrates its 75th birthday
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, Ind. celebrates its 75th season with plenty of rides, shows, and water slides, plus a special trip down memory lane.
Holiday World theme park and Splash Safari water park in Santa Clause, Indiana, have announced May 21 as the opening date of their 75th season. The park will honor its milestone anniversary by hiring 2,200 team members, and by asking past visitors to share their memories from years gone by.
Leah Koch, director of communications and fourth-generation owner, says, “For 75 years, four generations of my family have grown this park with slightly differing visions, but always with the same goal: to give families a break from reality. We are eager to open our gates and welcome back our Kids World and Happy Halloween Weekend events in 2021.”
“Travel sentiment studies are overwhelmingly turning positive as COVID-19 cases drop across the country,” Koch added. “We could see an average summer, but we could have a huge wave of pent-up demand waiting for us by July.”
In anticipation of increased numbers, Holiday World is seeking new team members, and those who are interested in employment can apply at HolidayWorld.com/Jobs.
Holiday World theme park’s 4 lands—named for the holidays of Christmas, Halloween, 4th of July, and Thanksgiving—feature 33 rides and attractions, four shows, and plenty of shopping and dining outlets, while Splashin’ Safari water park boasts 16 slides and water attractions, including the family-friendly Bahari Wave Pool and a children’s water play area.
Koch is pleased with the park’s ability to open safely this year. “If my great-grandfather, grandfather, and father ever pictured our 75th birthday, I’m sure they didn’t foresee these challenges. But I’m also sure they’d be proud to see that we’ve weathered a year of enormous uncertainty with grace and humility while keeping people safe, and that we’re ready to do it again this season.”
Memories of yesteryear are a big part of 2021’s anniversary celebration, and past guests and team members are invited to share their stories for a commemorative 75th Anniversary book, by submitting photos and memories to HolidayWorld.com/Memories.
The park’s former inLine Reservation System will not be available this season, but most perks do remain. Guests receive parking, sunscreen, Wi-Fi, hand “Santa-tizer” and soft drinks, all free with admission.
Season Passholders can take advantage of early access to Holiday World on May 8 and 9, while “Pick Your Day” admission tickets for the 2021 season, which starts on May 21, are available for advance purchase at HolidayWorld.com/Tickets.
