Fun ahead at Silverwood Theme Park

Several anniversary celebrations this year will be excellent news to visitors to Silverwood Theme Park. The Northwest’s largest theme park has put together several price discounts and promotions to encourage the public to have a fun day with their family and also to commemorate the creation of several attractions. In mid-May will be the 35th anniversary of the Corkscrew, the unique upside-down attraction that was the first coaster that owner Gary Norton brought to the park. To honor the occasion, the park will offer a reduced admission price of $19.75 for all ages the weekend of May 15-16. (The coaster was built in 1975.) Later in May is the 12th anniversary of Tremors, the park’s high-speed coaster. All-ages admission the weekend of May 22-23 is $19.99. The three anniversary celebrations are only part of the fun activities planned for the park’s first month of operation this season. There’s Mother’s Day Weekend, May 8-9, which gives any mom a free ticket into the park when one of her kids buys a ticket at the front gage. Spouse and other kids can get in for a lower $19.99 rate.) There’s American Hero Weekend, where all military, law enforcement and firefighters can get in for free. Spouses and children pay half-price ($20.49) at the gate. Other exciting events and special promotions are planned in June and other summer and fall months, everything from reduced-price days for church groups to classic car shows to food drives. The park will bring back its popular Fourth of July fireworks display, and Scarywood, the spooky fall makeover. Regardless of what event or promotion is taking place, there’s always fun in store at Silverwood Theme Park. There are more than 60 rides and attractions in the park area and Boulder Beach Water Park, from high-speed coasters to fun water slides to slower-paced rides and games for younger visitors. For Spokane or Eastern Washington residents who want to include a visit to Silverwood for a close-to-home vacation, there are several tie-ins with hotels in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Spokane. Silverwood will be open weekends only May 1-31, is open daily through Sept. 6, then weekends only through September. Scarywood, a special fall/Halloween promotion, runs weekends only through October. Boulder Beach Water Park is open June 5-Sept. 6. Check www.silverwoodthemepark.com for a daily schedule and details about other promotions and contests, including the chance to win passes into the park. Information: (208) 683-3400 .