On June 16, 1884, the first roller coaster in the nation opened to eager and brave participants at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. In the years since the first riders climbed aboard the Switchback Railway 135 years ago, roller coasters and the amusement parks that house them have changed dramatically. But the thrill that attracted all those first participants still remains. HOLD ON TIGHT! PREPARE FOR FAMILY FUN AT AN AMUSEMENT PARK THIS SUMMER
blisters and aching heels. You’ll have more fun if you know you’ll be prepared for anything. WATER COSTS HOW MUCH!? Amusement parks are expensive, and when you spend a whole day seeking thrills, you’re eventually going to need sustenance. Check the park’s rules before you leave, but most will allow your family to bring in a few snacks, like fruits or granola bars, and a reusable, empty water bottle. Many parks will have a drinking fountain near the entrance where you can fill up before exploring. If you plan to eat or drink at one of the establishments in the park, peruse the food options on the park’s website ahead of time to get an idea of what is available and how much money you should bring. Adventure awaits this summer! Don’t let a lack of preparedness keep you from enjoying a 135-year-old tradition.
Celebrate the nation’s love of heart- stopping adventure by visiting an amusement park this summer. Follow these tips to make the most out of your trip. I’M LOST! Before you head out, review park maps and ride descriptions. Create a list of the attractions everyone in your group wants to see and plan out your route ahead of time. While some spontaneity can be fun — it’s a vacation, after all — the sheer size of many parks coupled with high anticipation can be overwhelming if you
aren’t prepared. Planning ahead will save you a few headaches and disappointed family members. PACK THE ESSENTIALS Find an over-the-shoulder bag or strap on a fanny pack to carry your cash, keys, snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses. You’re spending the whole day outside, so make sure you’re considering the weather when you head out and always slather on a generous amount of sunscreen. Lastly, wear comfortable walking shoes to prevent
CELEBRATE 5 YEARS OF MNSOM GRAND REOPENING
As our school approaches its fifth anniversary, a lot has changed. Beginning as the Minnesota Guitar Academy, with no actual building to call our own, it’s fair to say we’ve grown quite a bit! Today, Minnesota School of Music offers expanded state-of-the-art facilities that help hundreds of kids discover the joy of music. We couldn’t have gotten where we are today without the support of amazing families like yours, which is why we’re inviting you to celebrate with us! You see, in all our years of operation, MnSOM has never actually had a grand opening. But with the recent expansion of
our building, adding classrooms and a more spacious lobby, the time feels right to commemorate the school and the community we’ve built together. That’s why on June 10 at 4 p.m., we’ll be holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony as part of our grand reopening! The Metro North Chamber of Commerce will be in attendance, along with many families from the MnSOM community. We’ll have food, prizes, and face painting, so be sure to bring the kids! To add to the excitement and celebrate five fantastic years, we’ll also be holding a drawing for $500! Mark your calendar — you don’t want to miss this. As much as our school has grown over the years, we’ve never outgrown our roots as an organization dedicated to uniting families and helping kids gain confidence through music. At the end of the day, parents and their children will always remain at the heart of what we do. So, whether you have a long-time student, or one who’s just begun taking lessons at MnSOM, we hope to see you on June 10 for this amazing milestone!
2 • www.mnschoolofmusic.com
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