The show must go on: Sixteen years ago, when Elitch Gardens Amusement Park first moved into its new home in the Platte Valley, it promised a nightly fireworks show for the Denver residents who'd helped to subsidize the move with a bond project. But some neighbors didn't appreciate the noisy present, and so the fireworks fizzled out. This year, though, the amusement park, which is under new management, made a nightly fireworks display part of the new "Ignight" light show included in the price of admission (Off Limits, June 2). And this time, when a few nearby residents complained, Elitch's management decided to go on with the show, testing to make sure it complied with city noise requirements and eliminating the "high percussive" fireworks to accommodate more sensitive ears.
Here's the official word to neighbors from Tracy Durham, Elitch's director of marketing:
"Thank you for contacting Elitch Gardens regarding our new IGNIGHT show. As we have shared with you, this show is enjoyed by thousands of guests each evening and has been promised to our guests as part of their entertainment experience. This is one of a number of reasons that we cannot adjust the schedule for the current season. However, in response to neighbor concerns, we are removing the most percussive fireworks from our nightly IGNIGHT show. The show continues to include the full effect of light, color, music and fire at a reduced volume level. Your concerns have been noted and will be taken into consideration for future productions.
"Elitch Gardens has been operating for more than 120 years, including sixteen years at our current location, and it is absolutely our desire to be a partner to the community. Again, thank you for sharing your concerns."
And thank you, Elitch Gardens, for not caving in entirely. If Denver's going to have a downtown amusement and water park — the only one in the country — then we might as well get a bang for our buck!
