North Georgia's favorite amusement park goes by a couple of names, and here's a language lesson to help you remember.
Lake Winnepesaukah comes from the American Indian word for "bountiful waters" or "beautiful lake of the highlands."
Shortened to the more familiar Lake Winnie, the name just means "fun."
Today, the park opens for its 2011 season. As it has for more than 85 years, it will be a place where memories are made.
In a news release, park spokeswoman Talley Green called it a "summerlong celebration of fun and smiles" and a place of "lasting memories and nonstop excitement."
Old favorites include the Cannon Ball roller coaster, a wooden classic, and The Boat Chute, in which a dark tunnel ultimately leads to a watery splashdown.
Newer to the skyline are the Oh-Zone, a 14-story freefall and the tallest ride at the park, and the Pipeline Plunge, a wet and wild raft ride.
Just for children are such rides as Bumble Bees and gentle Parachutes. Older kids can graduate up to the beginner coaster fun of Wacky Worm.
Families can slow things down with a spin on the historic Carousel or a leisurely tour on the Antique Cars.
For guests seeking to enjoy the lazy days of summer, Green said, there's the Stay & Play Hideaway, an interactive play area for guests of all ages to refresh and recoup. Chill Down Kidtown, filled with interactive misters and water elements, is perfect for keeping cool on hot summer days. Runaround Playground offers towers and ladders to explore.
Sunday visitors can take in one of the Jukebox Junction Concerts scheduled throughout the summer. They're free with gate admission.
Fireworks are a tradition over the Independence Day holiday.
Picnics are welcome among the shade trees.
Hours this weekend are noon-8 p.m. today and Saturday.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
* Address: 1730 Lakeview Drive, Rossville.
* Phone: 1-877-LAKEWIN.
* Website: www.lakewinnie.com
PRICING
* Gate admission: $5.
* Unlimited ride pass: $21.
* Individual ride tickets: $1 each (rides range from two to five tickets).
* Value strip of 14 ride tickets: $13.
* Parking: Free.
AGE RESTRICTIONS
* Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult chaperone and must purchase an all-day ride pass or value strip of tickets.
* Guests 18 and older may choose a $5 gate admission only.
* Children under 2 are admitted free but must pay to ride. Children under 1 year of age may ride the Tour Train and carousel for free on an adult's lap.
JUKEBOX JUNCTION CONCERT SERIES
* June 5: Colt Ford
* June 12: Sanctus Real
* June 26: TBA
* July 10: TBA
* July 17: Sidewalk Prophets
* July 31: TBA
* Aug. 14: Natalie Grant
* Sept. 4: Confederate Railroad