SFEG Abruptly Cancels Shows; terminates employees

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_4128988

Article Launched: 08/03/2006 01:00:00 AM MDT

denver & the west

Workers lose jobs, events canceled

By Mike McPhee

Denver Post Staff Writer

Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park abruptly canceled its parades, drum line and theater shows Tuesday, terminating a number of its entertainment-department employees.

A spokeswoman declined to provide any specifics. "We're regularly evaluating our operations, including staffing, and regularly adjusting our shifts and staffing needs," said Brooke Brasher, adding that all employees were given a chance to take other positions.

She declined to say how many employees were affected and whether staffing levels at the park remained the same or declined after Tuesday.

Elitch's parent company, Six Flags, has been losing money since 1998 and has been attempting to sell some of its 30 entertainment parks across the country, including possibly Elitch's.

The park recently reduced its hours, closing at 9 p.m. instead of 10.

Elitch Gardens employs 2,400 seasonal workers, Brasher said, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Earlier this year, Six Flags began a marketing program to attract families rather than teenagers. Part of the plan added family entertainment, such as costumed characters roaming the park talking to children.

This year, Elitch Gardens held two parades a day, with mostly high-school band students from Broomfield, Northglenn and Longmont, as well as a few college students.

All of the entertainment events were canceled Tuesday.

Staff writer Mike McPhee can be reached at 303-820-1409 or mmcphee@denverpost.com.