‘Magic In The Sky’ Lasers Will Return

For Three Nights To Benefit CT Food Bank

MIDDLEBURY — While Superman may have returned to the big screen this summer, another world-class act is about to roll into a nearby town.

“Magic In The Sky,” the award-winning outdoor laser light spectacular, will return for its fourth consecutive run on July 31, and August 1 and 2, at Quassy Amusement Park.

The 9 pm shows will take place on the park’s great lawn area and benefit the Connecticut Food Bank (CFB). Guests are asked to bring canned food donations to the performances, as well as lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Admission to the laser shows is free with the parking fee of $7 per car. Food donations will be accepted at the two entrances to the lawn area.

“We’re delighted to again be able to host such an event that has a positive impact throughout the state,” said John Frantzis, a co-owner of Quassy. “The Connecticut Food Bank has been the beneficiary of this show since we started it in 2003, and the production at Quassy is for both young and old. It’s a great time for the whole family!”

For the first time in the history of “Magic In The Sky,” Quassy will stage a different 30-minute performance each of the three nights.

“The popularity of the show continues to grow, and that’s why we feel we have to carry it over three consecutive nights,” said Mr Frantzis. “With all of the equipment involved we transform our lawn area into a huge outdoor theater setting for this event. If you haven’t seen it you’re really missing something special. For those who have come to the shows in the past we find many folks return for the second and even third nights.”

Recognized by industry peers worldwide, “Magic In The Sky” was named Best Promotion of the Year in 2003 by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), and captured the state’s Spirit of Connecticut award the following summer. “Magic In The Sky” is the only free world-class laser light show at an amusement park in the nation.

The three performances will be musical montages, providing 30 minutes of foot-stomping fun, incorporating four laser systems and special effects.

The fast-paced shows will feature full-color laser animation on a huge screen and aerial laser units capable of covering the crowd in sheets, tunnels, multiple beams and waves of brilliant laser light.

Each show will have a finale that includes a salute to America and a flood of brilliant aerial laser beams. The 2006 shows have been in the planning stages for 11 months.

Guests may place their lawn blankets and chairs on the Great Lawn at Quassy as early as at 5 pm and then enjoy the park. Those bringing an additional canned food item to the ticket booth after 5 pm will receive one free evening ride wristband when purchasing one for $7. One canned food item will be required per purchase and the ride special is not valid with any other offer.

Founded in 1982, the Connecticut Food Bank is the largest centralized source of donated emergency food in Connecticut. The private, nonprofit organization’s mission is to alleviate hunger by supplying food products and resources to eligible agencies throughout its service areas.

The main warehouse is located in East Haven, with branch warehouses in Waterbury and Fairfield. Distribution sites are in New London and Stamford. Last year CFB distributed nearly 16 million pounds of food to the more than 500 food assistance programs it supports.

For more information about the Connecticut Food Bank visit CTFoodBank.org.

For more information about Quassy Amusement Park, including the laser light spectaculars, visit Quassy.com or call 1-800-FOR-PARK (367-7275).