Elgin Courier-News |

Santa’s Village roller coaster ‘a nice family ride’

Those driving past Santa’s Village Azoosment Park in East Dundee have likely noticed the bright orange roller coaster under construction for the past few months.

Now, as the park opens Saturday for its 58th season, guests will have the opportunity to take on the new ride.

Called the Super Cyclone Roller Coaster and manufactured by Interpark, an Italian company, the nearly four-story-tall structure has a track length of 1,100 feet and a ride time of one minute and 20 seconds.

While the ride’s parts were imported from Europe, Santa’s Village workers spent months assembling it, with help from Italian technicians.

Jason Sierpien, who owns the park with his wife, Amy, is excited about the new offering.

“Ever since we reopened Santa’s Village, this roller coaster is the addition we have be waiting for,” he said.

The theme park, at the intersection of routes 25 and 72, first opened on Memorial Day weekend in 1959 and hundreds of thousands of people came through the gates each season until it closed in 2006. After extensive rehabilitation, it reopened in 2011 under new ownership and with a new name.

The park has been voted one of the 10 best family-friendly amusement parks in the country by Fodor’s Travel.

Rob Kramer, director of marketing and sales for Santa’s Village Azoosment Park, called the new Super Cyclone Roller Coaster “a nice family ride.”

“It allows us to get that age bridge a little wider,” he said. “We like to say that at Santa’s Village we take care of everything from toddlers to tweens.”

Today, the park features three themed areas: Santa’s Village, Old MacDonald’s Farm and the Country Grove.

According to officials, the park includes a variety of animal-related activities and shows. A new prairie dog exhibit is set to make its debut this year and water buffalo will be at the park by opening day.

The 2017 season will include guest appearances. Corey Fogelmanis from Disney’s “Girl Meets World” will be at the park 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 24, and Brec Bassinger from Nickelodeon’s “Bella & The Bulldogs” will be there from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 22.

“We’re ready for another memory making season,” Sierpien said.

Beginning May 13, the Park is open weekends through Memorial Day, then moves to full summer operation Monday, June 12, through Friday, Aug. 18, seven days a week. After that, the park is open weekends only from Saturday, Aug. 19 through Saturday, Oct. 28 with the exception of Labor Day and Columbus Day. For information, go to http://santasvillagedundee.com/calendar-schedule/.

Admission prices are $24.25 per person, with discounts for military families and seniors.

Erin Sauder is a freelance reporter for the Courier-News.