(File Photo) The Happy Hippos are one of the many Arnolds Park Amusement Park attractions to get a new paint job this winter.

Several new sets of wheels are propelling the Arnolds Park Amusement Park into its 2008 season. With new double go-carts and "new" bumper cars drawing patrons to the attraction, Marketing Director Jeanne Sieh says the park is set for a great year.

"We're looking forward to a great season," said Sieh. "Hopefully with the price of gas, we will have a lot of people stay close to home."

The season kicks off with a volunteer work day this Saturday and continues with the park's annual HAPI Family Fun Night next weekend.

"On May 16, we open the gates from 5-7 p.m. for our HAPI Family Fun Night," said Sieh. "Last year, we had over 900 people."

During the event, area families can enjoy an evening of free admission at Iowa's favorite amusement park.

"It's a nice event for us to kind of pay back the community for all their support that they've shown us through the years," said Sieh.

After the family night, the park officially opens its gates Saturday, May 17 for the 2008 season. The park is open Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18 and Saturday through Monday, May 24-26 before opening daily for the summer beginning May 31.

New for the season are 10 bumper cars and four double go carts.

"We have purchased some 'anew' used bumper cars to stick with the park's old fashioned theme," said Sieh. "We also have four new double go-carts to complete our go cart upgrade. We now have all new carts."

Also new for 2008 is a two-day park pass, featuring two consecutive days of unlimited rides for $35, a $5 savings. The park also continues to market its family fun pack, which includes four passes for unlimited rides, 20 game tickets, four meal deals and discount coupons for the Queen's Court and Pirates Cove Adventure Golf. The family pack is priced at $100.

Another new addition for this year is a railroad exhibit in the Maritime Museum lobby.

"The new exhibit focuses on how the railroad influenced the growth of the Lakes region during the 1800s," said Sieh. "The exhibit was recently awarded a national honor.

Also, we have a new gift shop in the museum lobby and new commemorative coins for people to buy."

To assist with staffing at the park this year, management has again contracted more than 20 foreign students. The students are from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Equador and Moldova.

Arnolds Park has released its concert schedule for Thursdays Rock the Roof and Saturdays free concerts at Preservation Plaza. For these schedules and open hours, visit www.arnoldspark.com.

DATES TO REMEMBER

May 10: Volunteers in the Park

May 16: HAPI Family Fun Night

May 17 & 18: Opening weekend

June 12: Rock the Roof concerts begin on Thursday evenings

June 28: Free Saturday concerts begin at Preservation Plaza