Celebration 2010 Will Offer Plentitude Of Rides

When the green flag falls on Celebration 2010 on July 2 youngsters and oldsters alike will be greeted by the largest gathering of carnival rides in the 12-year history of the event.

There will be 17 rides spread about Martinsville Speedway’s exhibit area, which is turned into a carnival midway for this night every year. And for the first time, there will be carnival-type games on the midway for everyone to play. The three games will offer everyone the chance to win prizes.

“The rides have always been a priority for us; it so important for the kids to have a good time at Celebration,” said Martinsville Speedway President W. Clay Campbell. “This year is going to be by far the biggest year we’ve had for the rides. I don’t think we’ve ever had more than a dozen or so in the past.

 “And of course, it all goes back to the generosity of so many in our community who step forward each year and pull together to put this show on.”

Celebration 2010 is, as always, free to the public.

The event kicks off with the opening of the carnival rides at 5 p.m. on July 2. Entertainment begins at 7 p.m. when Domino takes the stage. Headliner Delbert McClinton and his dozen-member band will perform at 8 p.m. Celebration’s legendary fireworks’ display will begin as soon as McClinton’s show ends, roughly around 10 p.m.

The rides will continue to run until 11:30 p.m.

There will be rides for all age groups, from small children to adults.

Following is a list of Celebration 2010 rides with a brief description:

            Rock Wall: Large mobile climbing wall provides a realistic climbing experience. It is designed for many different age or skill levels.

            Obstacle Course: Allows two participants to race side by side through the inflatable obstacle course.

            Boomer Ball Park: Have fun climbing through the tunnels, hitting punching bags, playing in a pit of balls, looking out the lookout towers or climbing the cargo net to get to the slide. This is for children four-feet and under.

            Moon Walk: Ever wondered what it’s like to walk on the moon? Kick off your shoes and find out.

            Berry-Go-Round: The Berry-Go-Round consists of two giant berries attached to arms that move in a circle.

            Slide: A 17-foot tall inflatable slide.

            The Tempest: Four huge, spinning cars that change directions constantly. It is exciting, fun and unpredictable. This is a family-adult ride.

            Paratrooper: Riders on the Paratrooper feel the exhilarating sensation of parachuting. This is a family-adult ride.

            Way Out Swing: A 20-seat swing ride that anyone over 42-inches tall can enjoy.

            Helicopter Rescue: Six helicopters that the entire family can ride. The choppers are manually controlled up and down by each rider.

            Panda Bear Chase: This colorful ride appeals to kids from toddler age to 9 years old. These happy bears chase one another round a honey pot with bumblebees.

            Motorcycle Ride: Take a animated trip on the fun, colorful motorcycles.

            Thomas The Train: This colorful train-on-track carries up to 24 children into the wonderful world of Thomas the Train Engine.

            Fiberglass Super Slide: The super slide is fun for all with a 100-foot-long slide from 35 feet high in the air.

            Taxi Jet: Take a high-flying animated trip on the fun, colorful taxis.

            Funny Frolic: If you like thrills, you’ll like this ride which pits two riders against each other.

            Merry-Go-Round: This full-size carousel continues on an American tradition that dates back for more than a century.

Those contributing to Celebration 2010 include: Applied Felts, Bassett Furniture, Bassett Office Supply, BB&T, Blue Ridge Aquaculture, Boxley Material Company, Brad Parker Insurance, Carter Bank and Trust, City of Martinsville, Collinsville Printing, Commonwealth Laminating, Dr. David Jones, orthodontist, Dillon Insurance, Frith Construction, Gardner, Barrow, Sharpe and Reynolds, Henry County, Henry County Baptist Association, Henry County Sheriff’s Department, Hooker Furniture, Cool Knobs and Pulls, Martinsville Henry County Chamber of Commerce, Martinsville Speedway, Martinsville Speedway Children’s Foundation, Masterbrand Cabinet, Memorial Hospital, Millards Machinery, Nelson Automotive, River Community Bank, Shenandoah Furniture, Solutia, Southwest VA Gas, Stanley Furniture, Steve Martin Trenching, Stone Dynamics, Taco Bell, Tarheel Paper and Supply Co., The Lester Group, TR Properties, Virginia Mirror, West Window, Zenith Logistics, CPEG, Ameristaff, Suntrust Bank and Tri State Foam.