Throughout the 1960s, that tune filled the airwaves of radio and television stations throughout the tri-state area. But the memories of the legendary Palisades Amusement Park are still as vivid today in the minds of the over-50 crowd as they were back in the park’s heyday.
In 1898, a New Jersey picnic grove became the catalyst for one of the greatest amusement parks of the 20th century. What would later be known as Palisades Amusement Park, started out as an attraction for the local trolley company, designed to increase weekend ridership. The park stood proudly on the Palisades cliffs, in the towns of Cliffside Park, Fort Lee and Edgewater. Thousands flocked to the park daily to partake in the games, the food, the shows and the rides. It grew to be one of the world's most famous fun centers, achieving national prominence through the Freddy Cannon song, Palisades Park.
2011 marks the 40-year anniversary since the closing of Bergen County's most famous landmark. To mark the occasion, author and producer Vince Gargiulo will be presenting an informative lecture about the famed amusement park in libraries in and around Bergen County.
The lecture is a comprehensive history of the Park beginning with its inception in the late 1800s, continuing through its rather checkered history, until its ultimate demise in the early 70s. For those who ever visited Palisades Amusement Park, this lecture is sure to bring back those cherished remembrances. And for those never lucky enough to have entered its colorful gates, the Palisades Amusement Park lecture will recreate the thrills, laughter and joy that was Palisades. The park historian, Vince Gargiulo, hosts the multimedia lecture, which features images, videos and sounds of Palisades.
Since 1995, Vince Gargiulo has been traveling around the state, speaking about this classic fun center. Vince is the author of the book Palisades Amusement Park: A Century of Fond Memories, and Producer of the PBS documentary of the same name. His most recent work includes the Arcadia book, Palisades Amusement Park: Postcard History Series. Books and DVDs will be available at the events.
For an up-to-date listing of lecture appearances, check out www.PalisadesPark.com.
