LEOMINSTER — A small-scale pop-up re-creation of Whalom Park, the Lunenburg amusement park that was a popular family destination in North Central Massachusetts before closing in 2000, will return for two weekends this summer.
“We had a lot of people saying they were on vacation last year and couldn’t attend,” Scott Lanciani, the president of the New Whalom Cooperative told The Gardner News. “People kept asking if we could also do one in the fall, so we’ll have two events this year.”
Last year’s event featured flying swings, a carousel, and a giant slide. This year, the events will include more rides and attractions similar to those at the original park.
An estimated 10,000 people attended last July’s event at Doyle Field, which included several rides reminiscent of Whalom Park.
This year’s three-day events, organized by the New Whalom Cooperative, Manuel Amusements, and the city of Leominster, will take place on the weekends of July 19-21 and September 13-15.
“Manuel Amusements purchased more rides during the off-season and plans to bring those with them,” Lanciani said, noting that new attractions will include a Ferris wheel and a kiddie roller coaster.
Whalom Park operated from 1893 to 2000 and featured rides like bumper cars, the Tilt-a-Whirl, and the Flyer Comet roller coaster. It was also a popular spot for picnics and family reunions.
The Whalom Park experience at Doyle Field will include a display of vintage photographs and memorabilia from the cooperative and the Lunenburg Historical Society.
Lanciani hopes the re-creation weekends will become an annual event and lead to a permanent small-scale version of the park with a museum dedicated to preserving its history.
