Mayor Honors Zippin Pippin's 200,000th Rider
Updated: Jul 14, 2011 8:00 PM GDT
A man who traveled about 90 minutes for a two-minute roller-coaster ride was saluted by Green Bay's mayor Thursday afternoon as the 200,000th rider to take a spin on the Zippin Pippin.
Mayor Schmitt presented Ryan Opitz from Slinger with a certificate, balloons, and a T-shirt. Opitz also got to ride the Zippin in the front seat.
Opitz from Slinger says Thursday was his 20th ride on the Zippin Pippin.
The roller-coaster opened at Green Bay's Bay Beach Amusement Park in May.
Officials said they expected about 200,000 riders per season to make the ride financially sustainable -- but in its debut season they hit the mark in just two months.
Mayor Schmitt says this year, the park's ride revenue is up 57 percent, and overall revenue is up 41 percent.
"This is terrific. This is working out. People like Ryan and so many people of all ages have really enjoyed this roller-coaster, and this was worked out like we thought it would, and we're happy with the results. The staff has done a great job, and it's good to have fun, and to be beyond our goal halfway through the season is awesome," the mayor said.