Funtown Splashtown USA History

Dallaire opened a Go-Kart track behind the mini-golf course.

Cormier and Dallaire formed a partnership. This is when Funtown USA was born. During this year Funtown USA added a “Zipper”, outdoor bumper cars, Merry-Go-Round, and the “Luv Machine” (Bayun Kurve). The bumper cars were replaced by the bumper car building. If you take a look at the area around the bumper cars you can still see the original concrete pad for the outdoor bumper cars. The “Luv Machine” was only at the park for a limited time, this was located where the Red Baron Planes are now.

After legal battles about protesting the new addition, the Galaxi Coaster was brought to Funtown. At this time it was the only roller coaster in the whole state.

• During this year, Ken Cormier bought out Andre Dallaire’s interest in the partnership. Andre Dallaire purchased the Marvel Drive-In, tore it down and opened Maine Play Amusements in 1982, which then became known as Cascade Water and Amusements.
• Cascade owned and operated the Kartland Go-Karts, Cascade Water Park, Hydrofighter, Bumper Boats, and games-of-skill and chance.

Antique Cars was added to the park’s lineup, and for the first time at Funtown bracelets were sold to guests for unlimited riding.

During the late 1980’s, Funtown added many thrill rides, including the Flying Trapeze (YoYo), Sea Dragon, Casino, and the Thunderbolt.

Funtown underwent a major expansion adding 6 new attractions. This included the Grand Prix Racers, Adult Bumper Boats, Kiddie Bumper Boats, Barney Oldfield Roadsters, Balloon Race, and the Classic Carousel.

Funtown Splashtown USA announced the largest ever expansion with the arrival of the Excalibur. This was the first wooden coaster in Maine in over 50 years. Excalibur is the tallest and longest wooden roller coaster in Northern New England. This coaster was highly praised and had rave reviews. Excalibur was rated #10 in the world for wooden roller coasters by the Amusement Business Magazine. The following year, three of the six water slides in Splashtown USA were replaced and a large kiddie play area was added to the park.

Funtown Splashtown USA celebrated its 40th season! The park announced its largest expansion and renovation project ever! This included two 7-story tall water slides to open in June 2007. The new slides replaced the mini golf course. The Hungry Bear as well as Sweet Shoppe were renovated to serve guests in the water park.

The park opened its first redemption arcade, The Dragon’s Lair.

Splashtown USA was expanded, adding the Mount Olympus Water Slides, additional lounging and seating, three new dining and food locations; Parthenon Cafe, BBQ pit, and fresh-squeezed lemonade and snow cone cart. On the Funtown USA side, a new. In 2012, the park undertook its largest expansion and renovation project ever. Splashtown USA was expanded, adding the Mount Olympus Water Slides, additional lounging and seating, three new dining and food locations; Parthenon Cafe, BBQ Pit, and Fresh-squeezed lemonade and snow cone cart. On the Funtown USA side, a new Hungry Bear and BBQ Pit restaurants were added, the Sweet Tooth Candy Shoppe opened. The park also relocated the Group Picnic areas, and some of the games. New restrooms were also opened

Funtown USA celebrated its 50th season! Returning to the park for this historic season is one of the park’s original rides, the Merry-Go-Round. This classic is located adjacent to the Heritage House of Gifts, not far from its original home.