Holiday World’s Firecracker isn’t just another spinning ride—it’s a piece of Midwest park history with a second (and third) life.

The attraction is a classic Calypso, a ride model that’s become increasingly rare, with only a handful still operating in North America. Holiday World purchased this one in 2016, but its story stretches back decades. It originally ran at LeSourdsville Lake / Americana Amusement Park near Cincinnati from 1972 to 2002, before the park closed permanently.

After that, the Calypso was relocated to Fun Spot in northeast Indiana, where it operated until that park shut down in 2008. The ride then sat dormant for years—until Holiday World stepped in, restored it, and debuted it for the 2017 season with a fitting patriotic theme and a new name: Firecracker.

Today, you’ll find Firecracker in the park’s 4th of July section, positioned across from Liberty Launch—a lively reminder that sometimes the best “new” attractions are the classics brought back to life.

And it’s one more reason to visit when Holiday World officially opens its 80th anniversary season on May 9—especially for Cincinnati-area park fans, because this ride is a true time capsule.

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(Photo Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari)