Spectacular summer awaits at Six Flags

By K eith O ’C onnor

Special to The Republican

Fourth of July fireworks may be a thing of the past now, but that isn’t stopping Six Flags New England from keeping them going all summer long.

It is all part of a new event called Summer Nights Spectacular, happening in Agawam and at other Six Flags theme parks around the country.

The special weekends feature a live DJ spinning favorite summertime hits, specialty food items, games for young and old, and, of course, fireworks. It all takes place in the Gotham City area of the popular amusement park at 5 p.m. until closing.

Remaining Summer Spectacular events - the party actually began at the end of June - are Friday through Sunday, July 28-30 and Aug. 4-6, 11-13, 18-20 and 25-27.

“Guest are loving it. The brand-new experience is designed to enhance the night life at Six Flags and all the fun we have to offer from our world-class rides to our water park,” said Jennifer McGrath, communications manager for Six Flags New England.

The highlight of the eve- nings - colorful fireworks by Atlas - blasts off at 9 p.m. and can be seen from anywhere in the park. However, for an additional $19.99, visitors can enjoy a special viewing experience in an exclusive seating area located at Crack Axle Commons. The additional fee also provides free access to the park’s VIP lounge at Looney Tunes Movie Town, where there will be free snacks, drinks, charging station and more. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online or at the VIP lounge.

“You get a special pair of glasses to wear which provide an enhanced display be reflecting off the fireworks and creating its own unique light show. Also, we have placed speakers, which provide a synchronized soundtrack to the pyrotechnics, right in front of the viewing area which helps to block out the surrounding noise from our rides,” McGrath said.

There will also be plenty of fun and games throughout the three-night events with the Six Flags Fun Squad popping up during the evenings to host contests, including water balloon toss, hula hoop, limbo, and messy pie eating and more. The fun also gets gigantic with a variety of oversized games providing an extra challenge for players.

“These are not your average backyard games. They are massive in size and you will play against a stilt walker. Imagine trying to put a ball in a bucket or playing Jenga reaching to heights way off the ground. It promises lots of laughs,” McGrath said.

In addition to a DJ spinning sounds throughout the evening, there will be a Kid’s Rave dance party beginning at 6 p.m. and continuing at intervals all night long.

“We’re excited to be bringing this dance experience for our younger visitors who will be the stars of the show for some interactive fun including a fog and bubble machine adding to the merriment,” McGrath said about the rave, which is geared for kids 10 and under.

While participating in Summer Nights Spectacular, McGrath noted after riding the heart-pounding Harley Quinn Spinsanity or Superman the Ride, thrill seekers can “cool down a bit” in the park’s new Gaming House. Located in