Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

Jim Futrell, Ron Gustafson, Dave Hahner, Nell Hedge, Leah Koch

"America's first theme park, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, is one of the largest family-owned and -operated independent parks in the United States, and its success is no accident. From moving Interstate 64 closer to the small town to introducing free unlimited soft drinks, four generations of the Koch family have amplified the legacy of this iconic Indiana attraction. Holiday World & Splashin' Safari celebrates the history of the Koch family and Santa Jim Yellig; the origins of Santa Claus, Indiana; and the early years of Santa Claus Land. The story continues with the expansion from Santa Claus Land to Holiday World, the addition of the park's famous trio of top-ranked wooden roller coasters, and the development of Splashin' Safari Water Park, ranked one of the top water parks in the country. For three quarters of a century, the Koch family has launched the park into worldwide renown and national recognition. Featuring over 100 color illustrations, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari relives this joyous past while looking forward to the thrills fans can expect in the next 75 years"--

AcknowledgmentsIntroductionA Town Called Santa ClausA Theme Park Comes to Santa Claus: 1946-1969Growing Up: From Santa Claus Land to Holiday World, 1970-1990Nevermore and Forever: Holiday World Reaches New Heights, 1990-2010Making A Splash: How Holiday World's Splashin' Safari Became a World-Class AttractionLooking Forward: A New Generation Comes to Holiday WorldAppendix A: The Holiday World Attractions Index, 1946 to PresentAppendix B: Holiday World, Awards and AccomplishmentsBibliographyAbout the Authors