#297. Golden Ticket Awards

We have been fans of Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus, IN, since the early days of our research for Boomtown USA. The Koch family, beginning with Louis Koch in 1946, who built the amusement park initially named Santa Claus Land, has contributed to the success and growth of their small community and the region. Since that time, three more generations of the Koch family have continued to invest in the family business and in their home town. Their hard work does not go unnoticed.

Last week, Amusement Today, an international trade journal for the amusement and water park industries, presented their Golden Ticket Awards for the industry’s best of the best. Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari won a record six Gold Ticket Awards, including:

#1 Wooden Coaster on the Planet – The Voyage

Best New Ride in a Water Park – The Wildebeest

Best Overall Water Park Ride – The Wildebeest

#1 Cleanest Park

#1 Friendliest Park

The final Golden Ticket Award came in the form of an emotional tribute to the late Will Koch, who was honored as an inductee inAmusement Today’s Legends Series, which pays tribute to an amusement legend who has impacted the industry in a unique way. According to the announcement, “Koch was a true visionary, leader and dear friend to the industry. His genuine spirit, brilliance and laughter touched all who had the pleasure to know him.” Will passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 48 in June 2010.

Congratulations to everyone at Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari!