| Funtime, Inc | |
| Type: | Public |
| Fate: | Sold to Premier Parks |
| Location: | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Area Served: | United States |
| Industry: | Amusement parks |
Funtime, Inc was an American amusement and entertainment company located in Cleveland, Ohio.[1] The company was established in 1965. It owned several properties throughout its 31-year-long lifespan.
Funtime Inc. was established in 1965 when four former Cedar Point employees, including Gasper Lococo (1928–2016), a former military sergeant from Huron,[2] pooled their resources and purchased Geauga Lake in Ohio for $5 million.[3] The park had previously been owned by members of the Kuhlman/Schryer family.[4] In 1983, the company began managing Wyandot Lake in Columbus, Ohio.[5] That same year FunTime acquired 50% controlling interest in Darien Lake.[6] In 1995, Funtime entered into an agreement to manage Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut.[1]
In August 1995 Funtime, Inc. was acquired by Premier Parks (later Six Flags) for $60 million.[7] The deal to manage Lake Compounce was canceled and the Kennywood Entertainment Company was awarded the contract.[8]
| Name | Location | Year Opened | Year Acquired | Fate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geauga Lake | Aurora, Ohio | 1887 | 1968 | Sold to Six Flags in 1995 and later Cedar Fair in 2004. The Park permanently closed on September 16, 2007. | |
| Darien Lake | Darien, New York | 1954 | 1983 | Sold to Six Flags in 1995. And later PARC Management, Herschend Family Entertainment, Premier Parks LLC and currently EPR Properties with operations taken over by Six Flags. | |
| Wyandot Lake | Columbus, Ohio | 1977 | 1983 | Sold to Six Flags in 1995, then to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in 2006.[9] |