CONNEAUT LAKE, PA. Last-minute cash lets amusement park open

The park plans to open Memorial Day weekend.
MEADVILLE, Pa. (AP) -- Conneaut Lake Park will apparently open on time after a judge approved last-minute financial arrangements by the park.
A judge approved Wednesday the cash-strapped park's taking out two loans and selling a billboard to raise the $200,000 it needs to open on time this spring. An amusement park, the facility is home to the country's sixth-oldest wooden roller coaster.
Herb Brill, the park's court-appointed custodian, said the two loans and billboard sale will give the park more than enough money -- $225,000 -- to open the park Memorial Day weekend for its 111th season.
"We will be ready, and the public will have a great time. Just hope for good weather," Brill said.
Wednesday's ruling by Judge Anthony Vardaro of Crawford County Common Pleas Court lifts months of doubt about whether the park, home to the Blue Streak roller coaster, would open on time or at all.
Ownership dispute
Earlier this year, the historic park, about 40 miles northeast of Youngstown, was embroiled in a legal dispute over its ownership.
Former owner Gary Harris, who was viewed as the park's savior before being convicted of racketeering and tax evasion in 1997, contended he still had a 99-year lease on the park's land.
Brill contended Harris gave the park to the community so it wouldn't be seized by the government.
A judge in February dismissed Harris' claims, but the court battle stalled or soured loans from businesses or individuals.
Last month, county officials scuttled the park's plans to ask for a $150,000 loan, saying residents flooded their offices with 50 phone calls opposing the loan.
To open the park on time, officials lined up a $150,000 loan from the owners of a car dealership, a $25,000 loan from a nonprofit economic development group and the $50,000 sale of the billboard.
Although the historic park will apparently open on time, crews have a lot of work to prepare the park, said Mary Ellen ReBrassier, chief operating officer of the park.
"We are not going to be at 100 percent at first, but we will probably be at 75 percent. All of the kiddie rides will be open," ReBrassier said.