Program Information: This program normally runs about 45 minutes, plus a 15-minute question and
answer period. This length can be adjusted according to a group’s needs.
The program is presented by Vince Gargiulo, executive director of the
Palisades Amusement Park Historical Society, and author of the book
Palisades Amusement Park: A Century of Fond Memories," and Producer
of the PBS documentary of the same name.
Program Description: In
1898, a New Jersey picnic grove became the catalyst for one of the
greatest amusement parks of the century. What would later be known as
Palisades Amusement Park, started out as an attraction for the local
trolley company, designed to increase weekend ridership. It grew to be one
of the world's most famous fun centers, achieving national prominence
through the Freddy Cannon song, "Palisades Park". The lecture is
a comprehensive history of the Park beginning with its inception in the
late 1800s, continuing through its rather checkered history, until its
ultimate demise in the early 70s. For those who ever visited Palisades
Amusement Park, this lecture is sure to bring back those cherished
remembrances. And for those never lucky enough to have entered its
colorful gates, the Palisades Amusement Park lecture will recreate the
thrills, laughter and joy that was Palisades.
Requirements: Your group
must provide a screen or suitable wall space for projecting slides. This
program is also available as a multimedia PowerPoint presentation (this permits using
a greater variety of images and sounds). For PowerPoint presentations,
your group must provide an LCD projector and necessary cables.
Booking Information: Call 201-807-0069. Available booking dates are evenings or weekends. Due
to scheduling difficulties, daytime lectures during the week (Monday thru
Friday) are not advised.
Fees: $100 for evening
or weekend booking dates. Payment is expected the day of the event, unless
prior arrangements have been made.
Travel Fees: There are
no travel fees for shows given within Bergen County.
A travel fee of $.50 per mile round trip from Little
Ferry, NJ applies for all programs given outside of Bergen County, New
Jersey.
Overnight lodging only when necessary (early-morning
or late evening programs)
