44 OCTOBER 2018 there were also classics such as an antique car ride, race car track, log ride, Krazy Kups, Tilt-A-Whirl, burro rides and mini golf. Guests could take in a round of shooting practice, play arcade games or watch a puppet show. There was also plenty of live entertainment at Legend City. “One of the primary entertainment venues at Legend City was the Golden Palace Saloon, where future Miss America Vonda Kay Van Dyke performed along with KPHO-TV personality Sandy Gibbons and a barbershop quartet called the Copper Tones,” Bueker said. Miss Van Dyke could also be seen performing a ventriloquist act with her dummy, Kurley-Q. One of the most popular live performances, with children as well as adults, was that of Wallace and Ladmo. Wallace and Ladmo were hosts of a local kids television show that was broadcast on Channel 5 from 1954 to 1989, making it one of the longest running kids shows in history. Wallace and Ladmo performed a show of cartoon acts, skits and musical acts in the Lagoon Amphitheatre on weekends. Pat McMahon was the third portion of the act, playing a number of characters including Aunt Maud, Captain Super and Gerald, the “quintessential” brat. These days, McMahon can be found on Channel 7 as a Daily Mix host. The Legend City Railroad was another attraction loved by the guests. It spanned a full mile around the park. “The train was often victim of frequent “robbery attempts” by Old West outlaws. The railroad was one of the park features inspired by what Crandall observed at Disneyland,” Bueker said. In its first year, the park received over 500,000 guests. Shortly after the park was open, Crandall stepped down as owner. The park went through a series of new owners and differing degrees of success. At one point, new rides were added as a way to improve the attractions, such as the Haunted Castle and the Tilt-a-Plane, which allowed riders to flip upside down in an “airplane” while going back and forth. The park faced bankruptcy until 1969 when U-Haul founder Sam Shoen took over the park and reopened it. After that, the park was sold to Continental Recreation, but closed down again. In 1976, the park opened again with new rides and under new ownership. Sadly, success did not follow. On September 4, 1983, after 20 years, Legend City closed its gates for the last time. The Antique Car Ride was one of the longest-running and most popular attractions at the park. Spanning the width of the park, the 80-foot high Sky Ride could accommodate 900 passengers per hour in its 28 cars. The ride was built in Switzerland by Von Roll Manufacturing, for $290,000. The guides on the River of Legends led their guests through scenes of Indian warfare, earthquakes, falling boulders and mysterious caves. Admission ticket, 1972. Admission ticket, 1972. Louis made it his mission to bring a Disneyland- style theme park to the Valley. Amazingly, he succeeded.”

“The Indian War Canoe ride requires the active help of all passengers on its thrilling exploration of LEGEND CITY.” “Everyone joins the fight in manning the walls of the fort.” “The Blakely Sports Car Ride in the modern section is one of the park’s most popular and elaborate rides.” “The unpredictable Krazy Kups are a rollicking breathtaking adventure in the fabulous modern amusement section of this magnificent Family Fun Park.” “The Magnificent Sky Ride – one of the Park’s most thrilling rides is the swinging gondola trip across the entire area of Legend City with a bird’s-eye view of all the color and excitements of America’s greatest Family Fun Park.” “This old mine was cursed by the slave Indians forced to work by the Peralta family during the 1700’s. Jacob Walz, the ‘Lost Dutchman,’ disappeared shortly after discovering the fabulously rich gold mine; and since that time, many others who sought the claim were driven mad by the curse and died. 56th Street & East Washington, Phoenix, Ariz.” “The Magnificent Sky Ride – one of the Park’s most thrilling rides is the FROM THE POSTCARD STAND “The Indian War Canoe ride requires the active help of all passengers on its thrilling exploration of LEGEND CITY.” “The Indian War Canoe ride requires the active help of all passengers on its thrilling exploration of LEGEND CITY.”