Quassy to usher in season with neighbors in need weekends

By | March 22, 2022

MIDDLEBURY, Conn. — Quassy Cares Neighbors In Need Weekends will usher in the 114th season at Quassy Amusement Park here, park officials announced today.

The lakeside property will support several community service initiatives while offering guests discounted all-day ride passes when they donate items for charitable organizations. The Quassy Cares weekends are April 23-24, and April 30-May 1.

When making donations of nonperishable food items, personal care and toiletries, or dog food and dog toys, patrons may purchase an all-day ride wristband for only $15. The wristband price will be $24.99 without a donation. One donated item per guest will be required to receive the discount.

“Our Quassy Cares initiative was a huge success last year in assisting community organizations, so we will be kicking off our season with a similar event,” said Quassy President Eric Anderson.

Food items will be given to local food pantries with personal care items targeted to Acts 4 Ministry of Waterbury, Conn. Dog food and dog toys will go to Brass City Rescue, of Middlebury, and Perfect Imperfections of Watertown, Conn.

Quassy also has a long-standing relationship with the Greater Waterbury Campership Fund, which helps send underprivileged children to summer camp.

“We will continue to support campership,” Anderson noted. “We have always given a portion of opening weekend proceeds to the organization, and we are pleased that the partnership will continue.”

Quassy will operate 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the two opening weekends. The discounted all-day ride passes will be available only at the park with the item donation and will not be sold online. There is no general admission fee to walk through the amusement park. A $10 parking fee is charged.

Plenty To Do
With more than 20 rides, redemption arcade and food and beverages, families will find plenty to do during the Quassy Cares weekends. The park is also planning to have several service organizations on hand to share information.

In addition, Brass City Rescue will be at the park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., April 23, for adoption of animals. Those interested should pre-register at brasscityrescue.org to see if they qualify and to expedite the process.

The park will also host its annual egg hunt for prizes at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 24. Children should bring their own basket or shopping bag to collect candy and eggs in the great lawn area of the park.

Rides include the award-winning Wooden Warrior roller coaster, Tidal Wave swinging ship, Frantic inversion, Quassy Express train and Grand Carousel.

Quassy Beach and Splash Away Bay waterpark will not operate for opening weekends. The waterfront season starts Saturday, May 28 when Quassy will introduce Rocket Rapids, a new marquee water coaster..

Presenting partners of the Quassy Cares Weekends are Price Chopper supermarkets and the Republican-American newspaper.

About The Beneficiaries

Brass City Rescue Alliance: Our goal is to help the animals and citizens that need us.  Our reach is far, wide and we do our best to never refuse aid. Through education, support and lifesaving, we hope to make a difference in Connecticut.

We aim to get as many dogs adopted as possible via our rescue. We have our own dog shelter and hold weekend adoption events to find forever homes for our pups. We provide veterinary care, behavioral assessments, and training to make each animal successful in its new forever home. Though we no longer adopt cats out, we do assist other local rescues in the networking of homeless cats, including trapping and trap-neuter-release.

Perfect Imperfections: We are dedicated to the rescuing, rehoming, and education of special needs dogs.

Acts 4 Ministry: A non-denominational, tax exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the needs of families and individuals in financial distress through the collection and distribution of reusable furniture, clothing, and housewares.

A Waterbury-founded and established organization, Acts 4 serves Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills communities. Since incorporation in 2005, the organization has cumulatively provided more than 200,000 articles of clothing, furnished over 1,100 residencies, and stocked cabinets with more than 30,000 houseware items. All items were provided free of charge through the mission of providing a gift of love to someone in need. The organization recognizes that not every person shares the comforts of home.

Through a team of dedicated volunteers and staff, the organization strives to create a sense of normalcy for the client and to provide quality products through caring for each donation as if we owned it ourselves.

Great Waterbury Campership Fund: Donations to the Greater Waterbury Campership Fund send eligible children to summer camp. Children may apply provided they meet the following qualifications:

  • Family income is at or below federal poverty guidelines
  • Resides in Bethlehem, Cheshire, Middlebury, Prospect, Southbury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown, Wolcott, or Woodbury.