http://www.sixflags.com/overTexas/info/news_2012FlashbackChuteOutClosing.aspx

Last chance to ride Texas Chute Out and Flashback

Six Flags Over Texas is inviting guests to join in and say farewell to Texas Chute Out and Flashback over the Labor Day weekend.

Texas Chute Out opened at the park in 1976 and was modeled after the old parachute drop at Coney Island. More than 29 million riders have travelled up and down the ride’s 200-foot structure. One of the most popular modes of travel on this ride was the basket, which allowed guests to stand in a basket to take in the picturesque skyline. The baskets were removed in 1994 and replaced with the standard chairs. This iconic attraction has been a long time favorite of guests young and old since its opening.

Its neighboring ride, Flashback, opened in 1989. The boomerang-styled coaster was one of the first built in the United States. The corkscrew spiraled layout flips riders upside down a total of six times—three times forward and three times backwards at speeds up to 50 mph. It has thrilled over 17 million park-goers for more than three decades.

Labor Day weekend, park guests are invited to come out and enjoy these rides one last time and join in for the final farewell on Monday, September 3. For more information on Texas Chute and Flashback, visit sixflags.com/overtexas.

I'm disappointed that Texas Chute Out is being removed. A rare ride type that seems to be disappearing very quickly.

It's sad to see how many rides have been closed the past several years.

There'll come a time when we must say goodbye to rides, or even whole parks we love. Enjoy what you have now, and take in the experience without taking it for granted. More importantly, cherish the people whose company you share at these parks and on these rides. Time goes much faster than you think. Now is a gift.

I'm surprised they're taking out the parachutes. Even though they weren't very thrilling, they were an icon for the park. And one of the last parachute rides in the U.S. But I don't know the reason why it's being taken out, so I'm not going to judge the park for this decision.