GHOST TOWN IN THE SKY:

[westcoaster]

Not quite who I thought could do a lot of good with the park, was hoping for a Dolly Parton to breathe life into the park. But I'm a huge fan of Tennessee attractions, and this great park in Maggie Valley, it was great to see some shoot outs, and old saloons and some rides. Some of the biggest attraction could be the ride up on the rail system or the straight down chair lift.

But I wish this 88 year old the best, and for taking it on her self, if I could invest Ghost town has its charm?

Whats your thoughts?

Name change I agree, more rides yes.

Better way to the top would be nice, but maybe some good old fashion customer service, great food, and let the crowds come back:

Here is what scream scape had to say:

A great article can be found at the SmokyMountainNews about how Alaska Presley, age 88, hopes to restore and reopen a profitable Ghost Town in the Sky as her legacy to Maggie Valley. She was the lone bidder at the auction, offering $2.5 million for the park and property, though this itself is more for show than anything. It seems she purchased the entire $10.5 million debt note from BB&T who was more interested in cutting their loss, for just $1.5 million. So as the primary debt holder, the $2.5 million bid will simply come right back to her.

Her top priority is to try and get the chair lift and incline railway working again, as they are the primary method of transporting guests to the park’s mountain-top location, and were never reopened under the previous group’s efforts. All said the done, there is an estimated $11 million in repairs and restoration that are likely needed to be done, but she plans on not taking out more loans in the immediate future in order to keep the park debt free, and will pay off the projects as she goes.

As she admits the old “Western” theme is one that is not quite as popular as it once was, there is a need to modernize and change things up at the park, an even mentioned the idea of adding a zipline. Given the remote location, I do have to wonder what Ghost Town can offer to extend their season and put the property to use even in the cooler months of the year.

[Creed Bratton]

Ghost Town Village was set to reopen this summer as a sort of flea market/craft show kind of thing.

This was posted on their Facebook today:

 

 

 

Hello Friends,
It is with great disappointment that I have decided not to open this season. With the folks on level two (rides & fair level) vacating, it has left more to do than I can complete in time for a successful season. I will continue my work on rebranding the property and hopefully will see you all next season. I thank you in advance for your support. Alaska.

https://www.facebook.com/GTMAGGIE/?fref=ts

[The Interpreter]

Gee, what a surprise.

not

[Creed Bratton]

So this may sound bad, but I don't feel like I've seen a lot of effort put into place for this to work......so I'm not surprised. There may have been, I don't know for sure. 

At what point does "Ghost Town In The Sky" become a Ghost Town for good?

[RollerNut]

Ghost Town in the Sky died in 2002 when the original owner closed the park because of several accidents, to my knowledge poor maintenance caused the accidents. The park was placed up for sale, and reopened in 2007 under new owners. Half of the rides were beyond repair and were left on site or scrapped, the park had to have assistance from a local government to reopen in 2008 and in 2009 a donator had to invest(?) to get the park open again. The old Red Devil reopened for a couple days in 2009 but was shut down after a hairline crack was found in the new train. Alaska Pressly brought the park in 2012 but once again with half the rides (or less)of the 2009 season. The incline railway was never repaired and the park closed after the 2014 season. The whole park has been nothing but a money pit since 2002 or before. For this year, Alaska had sold or leased out the rides, I expect the vendors for this new Ghost Town Village(renamed this year) shopping district will file lawsuits against her.

[The Interpreter]

Her hope, at one time, was to turn the park into a religious attraction.

[RollerNut]

Her hope, at one time, was to turn the park into a religious attraction.

Yep, that would be the saving grace for the property. Thus far, she has overpromised and underdelivered. The only new attraction ever opened was Ziplines in the parking lot instead of on top of the mountain where it could have been a unique experience.