Elvis's favorite roller coaster to be rebuilt in NC!

[swampfox43]

For those unaware of the recent closing of Libertyland Amusement Park in Memphis, TN, a bit of good news resurfaced today regarding the ZIPPIN PIPPIN roller coaster that was built at the park in 1923.

The coaster was sold at auction back in the summer for a measly $2500.00. The new owners planned to keep the coaster trains and scrap the rest of the ride until word got out about how much Elvis use to love this roller coaster. He would frequently rent the park out for himself and friends to enjoy the coaster and other rides.

A major effort has been underway to somehow preserve the coaster in the memory of Elvis Presley. Dolly Parton had considered moving the coaster to her Dollywood park in Pigeon Forge, TN but the layout would have to be altered to fit the coaster in the hilly terrain.

So now, the owners of the new CAROLINA CROSSROADS entertainment complex in Roanoke Rapids, NC have stepped up to the plate and have decided to rebuild the famous roller coaster there.

Moving wooden coasters may seem like an impossible task but it has been done successfully a number of times, the most recent being the 1963 Starliner coaster that was moved from Panama City Beach, FL to Cypress Gardens Adventure Park. All the wooden beams will be numbered and the coaster will be rebuilt exactly as it stood in Memphis.

There is a small article here for those interested in more info.

[bj-26]

For those unaware of the recent closing of Libertyland Amusement Park in Memphis, TN, a bit of good news resurfaced today regarding the ZIPPIN PIPPIN roller coaster that was built at the park in 1923.

The coaster was sold at auction back in the summer for a measly $2500.00. The new owners planned to keep the coaster trains and scrap the rest of the ride until word got out about how much Elvis use to love this roller coaster. He would frequently rent the park out for himself and friends to enjoy the coaster and other rides.

A major effort has been underway to somehow preserve the coaster in the memory of Elvis Presley. Dolly Parton had considered moving the coaster to her Dollywood park in Pigeon Forge, TN but the layout would have to be altered to fit the coaster in the hilly terrain.

So now, the owners of the new CAROLINA CROSSROADS entertainment complex in Roanoke Rapids, NC have stepped up to the plate and have decided to rebuild the famous roller coaster there.

Moving wooden coasters may seem like an impossible task but it has been done successfully a number of times, the most recent being the 1963 Starliner coaster that was moved from Panama City Beach, FL to Cypress Gardens Adventure Park. All the wooden beams will be numbered and the coaster will be rebuilt exactly as it stood in Memphis.

There is a small article here for those interested in more info.

[reverbandwhiskey]

I've seen a picture of this roller coaster. It's much bigger than I thought. Should be a huge addition to Carolina Crossroads.

[swampfox43]

The actual roller coaster cars arrived in Roanoke Rapids today.

article here.

This will be really neat once it gets built. I wonder if they will be playing Elvis songs inside the loading station?