Rebuilding The Eldridge Park Memories

ne of the most popular attractions at Eldridge Park during its hey day was the Dragon Boat. Over the years, Ralph Randall and his family, who put the ride into operation, found ways to amuse his riders with a smoke breathing dragon whose eyes even lit up at night.

Ralph Randall is gone now, but the memory of Jasper, which was what the park employees named the Dragon Boat, has been a powerful one. So powerful, in fact, that we are bringing this popular Eldridge amusement ride back to Eldridge. As we begin working on the new Jasper, we've taken some photos of our progress.

1.) Starting with the actual boat we are using for Jasper's platform:

2.) Some drawings by John Kolanach, the carver who has created many of the Eldridge Park carousel animals, and is the artistic director for this project:

3.) Click here for photos of the progress as John Kolanach and Dale Bryant and their crew work to bring Jasper back to Eldridge Park for the 2008 season.