Kiddieland
Melrose Park, Illinois
A Farewell To Kiddieland
September 13, 2009
Page Thirteen




Just one more ride.



Just one more time we pulled out of the station and into Kiddieland's parking lot.



Just once more ride alongside of First Avenue.



Just one more ride past the cars, past the Little Dipper, past the Log Jammer, past the laughter, past the smiles, through the tunnel and back into the station.
 


And then it was all over.  I wanted a picture of Bond by Kiddieland's sign but as the turnstile spun behind us it hit both of us that this was the end.  Looking up at the smiling faces on the sign Bond burst into tears.  I tried to console him with the story about how they were talking about moving Kiddieland and that maybe it'd be  back and closer to us but it didn't work.  He just needed to get it all out.  So we got into the car and as I passed a train full of smiling faces on First Avenue and  saw the park's sign fade into the rear view mirror it hit me to like a punch to the gut.

It was all over.  No more "just one more ride".

Since then my hopes were that Kiddieland would move, I didn't care where just as long as the smiles would return.  A little over a week ago the fate of Kiddieland was sealed. All of the rides and equipment will be auctioned off and warehouse will be built on the site.

Rest in peace Kiddieland. Thanks for all of the smiles.



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Paul B. Drabek