Six Flags New England thrilled to host Pride in the Park

On Saturday, Sept. 6, New England’s thrill capital, Six Flags, will take a color bath to celebrate Pride in the Park. This event merges the rainbows and fun of LGBT pride with the thrill rides and water slides of New England’s largest amusement park.

An amusement park is not the typical location for a pride celebration. According to Jen McGrath, communications manager at Six Flags New England, not only will pride-goers get to take advantage of the vast collection of roller-coasters and thrill rides, they will also get to experience live music and other forms of entertainment throughout the park. In addition, patrons can choose to become LGBT Pride deluxe patrons by purchasing a special ticket for the event that includes an all-you-can-eat catered lunch buffet.

One of the most important parts of the event is the partnership between Six Flags and the LGBT Coalition of Western Massachusetts. In celebration of pride, a portion of the proceeds from the day will be donated to the coalition, which fights for LGBT rights and safety in Massachusetts.

“Six Flags is a place for people of any age or demographic,” said Jen.  “It’s a place for all, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. Pride in the Park is a day that celebrates this equality by celebrating the LGBT community.”

According to Six Flags public relations, Pride in the Park is intended to extend the Agawam theme park’s main goal of fun to encompass the LGBT community by creating a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.

Six Flags has a massive collection of rides and coasters for thrill-seekers, as well as the largest waterpark in New England. The park also includes the little ones by creating places especially for them. According to Jen, the park has four kiddie areas, including one located in the waterpark.

Six Flags even has an extensive variety of food choices ranging from the typical theme park favorites, hot dogs and French fries, to Mexican food, salads, and BBQ. At Six Flags, you can never be bored (or hungry)!

But plan ahead, Jenn advised. The park is massive, so make sure to visit the website ahead of time and take a peek at the map in order to make the most of the day.

If you haven’t had enough thrills, plan to come back to Six Flags for the monthlong Halloween celebration, Fright Fest. Adding to the fearful fun, Jen said that SkyScreamer — at 400 feet in the air, the tallest swing ride on the planet — will be flying backward during Fright Fest.

Until then, don your rainbows and come out to Six Flags on Sept. 6 to help out the LGBT Coalition of Western Mass and enjoy a day of fun and celebration.

(Visit www.sixflags.com/newengland for information and to purchase tickets.)

–Sept. 2, 2014–