The setting up of a theme park trade show is an amazing experience. Over 1000 vendors from around the world converge on the massive trade show floor of the convention centre. I arrived early this morning but many of the exhibitors have already been busy for days. Displays of every imaginable description are in the process of being assembled. The isles are plugged full of massive crates and boxes. Thousands of people are busy unpacking and setting up. Peter, Hailey and Rebecca are in the air travelling from the West coast to Florida today. I came up from Trinidad late last night which meant it fell to me do the setup. Thankfully our booth is an extremely easy go. Four bolts needed to be undone, the doors swung open and then I rolled out the carpets. The most time consuming task was to assemble four new IKEA chairs. :) We are now ready for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions EXPO!
Almost ready to set sail
Each day at Skallywag's, the final pieces are being set in place. After literally years of planning and building the structural pieces, the final decorative elements are being put in place, one by one. Yesterday we gently lowered the 12,000 lb ship onto the cast concrete pedestal in the centre of the pool. The colourful ship looks fabulous surrounded by rock work in it's cove! Next trip we'll install the masts and 'planks' over the water to complete the picture. It won't be long until golfers will be playing through the double masted brig. We are almost ready to set sail.
Dancing on the deck
Skallywag Bay Adventure Park has been in planning for a very long time. Construction has taken almost four years. There have been countless challenges and hurdles through that time. Even so it was gratifying to walk on the new courtyard deck and see the long held vision in real life. The next few weeks will get gradually more frantic as the soft opening approaches with the grand opening to follow a short time after that. The hardscape of steel and concrete is nearing completion. The ground forming is in it's final phase and the landscapers are eager to begin their work . That is when the magic will happen, seemingly in an instant, and the park will come to life. I can hardly wait!
