The Ferris wheel, the whip and many other rides and concessions of old Fairyland park are pictured in color on an old postcard of the '30s published by Max Bernstein. The Amusement Park at the south end of the Prospect street car line, between Prospect and Indiana, 75th and 77th, is especially remembered this time of year at school's end and Fairyland's annual pre-season free opening for the Parent-Teacher Association. It made Fairyland unforgettable. There was no usual 10 cents gate charge that day, and mothers and children with loaded picnic baskets came out early and stayed late. All rides that day were half price. A huge grassy picnic area was one of the park's best features and helped make the PTA event a success. The park opened in 1923 on 80 acres of farm land; the announced price, $1 million. It was damaged by fire in 1938 and lightning struck the towering sky rocket ride in 1942. In 1935 the park was sold under foreclosure for $20,000 to the Fairyland Realty Company to satisfy mortgage default. Not trace of the park remains today. Happy memories remain, especially those of the children who attended Kansas City's public schools at the time. Fairyland Park failed to open in 1978, its 55th anniversary year. According to a Kansas City Times story, High winds the previous November had caused extensive damage, but more important, a rival park called Worlds of Fun was attracting Fairyland's clientele. Kansas City Times, June 9, 1989.
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