“All good things must come to an end.” Unless it is Six Flags, then apparently it never has to, or at least that is what the Six Flags Theme Park believes to be true.

For the second year in a row, Jersey’s beloved park will be remaining open all the way through winter. After attempting this feat for the first time last year, the park is giving it a second try. The real question is, will they take off at mach speeds, or be left with nothing but technical difficulties? Having worked at the park throughout the entire season last year, I think it is time that I share some of the inner workings behind this new plan.
Known as “Holiday in the Park” the extended season refers to the park remaining open all the way past Christmas and into the beginning of January, whereas it normally would shut down after Frightfest. Ultimately, the concept was a risky one, made only more alienating by the mixed result. While some people took it as an intriguing and interesting way to breath new life into the Theme Park, others took it as nothing more than a futile cash grab. And in reality this new season has aspects which support either of these arguments. On one hand, the new lights and decorations, holiday music, and chance to meet Santa all work in favor of the park. On the other hand, the fact that many fan-favorite coasters and rides shut down, as well as the bitter temperatures customers are forced to endure, weave a different story.
In reality, the experience is not as black and white as it may seem. In fact, almost all negatives and positives are forgotten when people are introduced to the light show which occurs on the gargantuan Christmas tree in the middle of the entire park. Beautiful and radiant in nature, I can testify that both visitors and employees alike are left in complete awe as our senses are treated to different images and music. Simply trying to form a coherent argument regarding the seasonal change is hard to do when this marvel is unveiled. Ultimately, it is easy to see that the park believes this to be true as well. They are taking a second chance, and seem more confident than ever. Maybe it is the thoughts of that lightshow playing through my head, or the fact that the first iteration was definitely rushed, explaining some of the faults of last year, but for some reason I find myself believing that more people might be willing to fall behind the Six Flags team as they take another crack at the extended season. After all, how mad can someone get when surrounded by christmas lights and hot chocolate?
With one try under their belt, let us all hope that this second attempt feels smoother than the first. While both advocates and critics should be expected, the Six Flags Team seems willing to give the whole thing another try. Perhaps they will be able to ensure that the technical difficulties are kept to a minimum. Or maybe they will be left with nothing more than busted lights and broken dreams. Only time will tell, but before an answer can be revealed the park needs to get through FrightFest. Let us just hope that the phrase “Third time’s the charm” does not apply in this instance, or else we are all in for one bumpy ride.