The 1997 Blue Streak Bash - Conneaut Lake Park

This raw footage was recorded during the 1997 Blue Streak Bash, a coaster event held at Conneaut Lake Park in May of 1997. The event was created to celebrate the grand reopening of the Blue Streak, the park's wooden coaster and included a dusk-til-dawn ERT (exclusive ride time) from 6PM - 6AM. Sadly, in January of 2022, Blue Streak was burnt and demolished.
#bluestreak
#bluestrearip
#conneautlakepark
#rollercoaster
#woodencoaster
#amusementparks
#defunctrides

[@Metal_Groove45]

This was my first big coaster, when I was 6 1/2 years old in 2002! My extended family growing up would go to Conneaut in the early to mid 00s, and we would take over the train on Blue Streak! This and Magnum XL-200 were my gateway coasters to becoming an enthusiast!

[@SeanFlaharty]

I only visited CLP a couple different times and a lot of stuff was closed. The Blue Streak Bash was also one of the very first events that folks from the rec.roller-coaster, newsgroup (the first coaster forum if I am not mistaken) attended. It was really cool putting faces to all the names I had been reading on there. While I was never the biggest fan of the park itself, I am more than happy with my rides I took on Blue Streak.

[@Paneeks1960]

You have ridden most of the classic coasters on the planet Sean. I was not happy at all to hear about Blue Streak's demise. I am not happy when I hear any classic coaster is bulldozed, imploded, exploded or any other man made instrument that destroys these classic work of arts. That footage was so so good. Brought a smile to my face a few times. Another big salute to you Sean. It was also cool to see you on the coaster. Even though the news about Blue Streak was such a shame. This video keeps it alive in memories~ Rob/Boston

[@SeanFlaharty]

The demise of Blue Streak is something that has been on the minds of people for years. There was always a strong scenario of the coaster and park closing for good. It just sucks it happened the way it did.

[@RanHam]

Thanks for sharing this. I grew up riding the Blue Streak and participated in the last Blue Streak Challenge in 2006. I used to love watching the track map, so I was super stoked when I saw you filmed it in detail.

[@SeanFlaharty]

Thank you for watching. I was glad when I found this footage as it brought back a lot of memories about that night. Good times!

[@mt_gox]

​@@SeanFlahartyWhere did you find the footage?

[@ThyPandora]

Crying shame I was never able to ride this, kept putting it off hoping that (one day) I would have enough enthusiast friends to roadtrip with (and ride this finally). Such a shame the ride went the way it did, bigger shame I wasn't able to make it in time either. Thanks for the upload.

[@SeanFlaharty]

Thank you for watching. The ride had literally been rumored to be torn down for years now. When the ride started coming down, I couldn't believe it.

[@StamfordBridge]

A little sad to watch this now, but this event was crazy on a few levels. Brad seemed ready for beddy-byes.

[@SeanFlaharty]

Ha ha. Brad and I were the only ones of our group that didn't wanted to leave. After a few hours, the rest of our group slept in the car while we continued to ride. Eventually we had to leave, maybe 4:30 AM ish.

[@nfcoasterferg]

Even when I rode it in 2013 I loved it. It was janky, yes, but it added to that out of control feeling. It was in my top 10 woodies. :(

[@singlerailindustries1763]

The Night POV Is Terrifying.... You Can't See Anything.... The Only Thing U See Is Darkness And The Only Thing U Hear Is The Wood Crackling As U Ride Along The Course. So Sad It Caught On Fire By Quote On Quote " Accident ". Such A Great Night Ride.... So Sad It's Gone :'(

[@SeanFlaharty]

Those night rides were definitely scary.

[@singlerailindustries1763]

@@SeanFlaharty It's Sad That Those Scary Night Rides Are Never Gonna Happen Again :'(

[@swan1098]

Hey Sean do you have anything from Santa Cruz, CA?. It's great to hear your voice again. Love the video.

[@SeanFlaharty]

Many thanks. Unfortunately, both visits to Santa Cruz I didn't record any video in the park. I need to get back there someday.

[@swan1098]

@@SeanFlaharty That sucks, but the memories are still there, I don't think it's changed too much. Hopefully we can see a Video soon there .

[@rodneycody8746]

Nice

[@chibimaho273]

Me: it sucks that the 84 year old Blue Streak will burning and demolished Sean: idk about you. But, this demise the Blue Streak that really bring Yuki's tear to your eye lol

[@SeanFlaharty]

Not sure who Yuki is. Lol.