Sacramento, Calif. – A suburban amusement park has gotten so many complaints from neighbors about bloodcurdling screams that it has instituted a no-shrieking rule for its scary new thrill ride, the Scandia Screamer, a gigantic, windmill-like contraption that sends people plunging 16 stories to earth at nearly 60 mph.
Riders who let out a screech – or just about any other noise – are pulled off and sent to the back of the line.
“After the first complaint, our rule was no profanity,” said Steve Baddley, general manager at the Scandia Family Fun Center. “Then neighbors said it wasn’t just that – it was the crazy, excessive screaming. Then they said it was really all of it, the loud laughing, everything. Eventually, we said, ‘Bag it, that’s it – no noise.”‘
The rule was imposed March 29, nearly three weeks after the ride opened.
As passengers are strapped into the two metal baskets, the operator recites this warning: “We are required to remove you from this ride if you make any noise. If you feel you might make a noise, please cover your mouth tightly with your hand. … If we hear any noise through your hand, we will remove you from the ride.”
Those who dared the ride last week said keeping quiet is harder than it sounds.
“I think we were just talking loudly. I wouldn’t say it was screaming,” said 15-year-old Anna Matsoyan, after she and her little sister were pulled off the ride for what sounded more like a whimper.
Given the new policy, will the Scandia Screamer be renamed? “No, we can’t afford a new sign,” Baddley said.
