WHACKY SHACK

The WHACKY SHACK at Waldameer Park, Erie, Pennsylvania, is a classic example of a BILL TRACY designed ride. Waldameer wanted to replace an earlier Dark Ride, the Pretzel built "Fun-In-The-Dark", an early series of rides the company did in many places including Coney Island and Bertrand Island. Both William Cassidy’s Pretzel Ride Company and Mr. Tracy bid to build the new ride, with Tracy winning and creating another one of his popular rides, possibly utilizing the "Hush-Puppy" ride car system. The WHACKY SHACK was one of three of Mr. Tracy’s most popular and haunting fronts, the others being his "Kooky Castle" and "Haunted House" facades. This is a classic Tracy design, and a later work in his career, being built between 1970 and 1971. Other examples of Tracy’s work along with his association with the Messmore and Damon Company would be built on several New Jersey Piers and in amusement parks from Maine to Florida, and all the way west to Kansas. About a dozen or so of his twisted and demented, yet gracefully made rides are still in existence. The WHACKY SHACK ride still remains a favorite among Haunted House enthusiasts.