Euclid Beach Park – Kevin's Northeast Ohio Amusement Memories

2 photos merged together: The giant octopus from the Laff-In-The-Dark ride at Euclid Beach Park (as the item appears today in Kevin's collection), and a pair of Laff-In-The-Dark riders approaching the end of the ride (Vintage photo: Harry Christiansen Collection - Special Collections, Michael Schwartz Library at Cleveland State University)

Laff-In-The-Dark Artifacts – Halloween Feature!

October 29, 2025October 29, 2025Kevin F. Smith

Hello! I’ve recently acquired a number of unique & special pieces for my collection which I’ve been anxious to announce. In honor of Halloween this week, I’m excited to start by sharing two of my recent purchases from the Euclid Beach Boys’ 3rd memorabilia auction: Original elements from the Laff-In-The-Dark ride at Euclid Beach Park!

2 photos merged together: The giant greeting card that Kevin made for the 130th anniversary of Euclid Beach Park's opening and the 90th birthday of Laughing Sal, and a selection of Kevin's Euclid Beach Park memorabilia collection on display

Reflections on the 20th Annual “Remembering The Sights & Sounds of Euclid Beach Park” event

October 7, 2025October 31, 2025Kevin F. Smith

As is tradition, the annual “Remembering The Sights & Sounds of Euclid Beach Park” event was recently held on the final Sunday of September, which once marked the end of the amusement park’s season. This was the first major public event organized by Euclid Beach Park Now since I stepped into the role of Vice President of the organization, as well as the largest display to date of my personal memorabilia collection! The weather was fantastic, and attendance was great for the main event as well as the vintage car show.

2 photos merged together: Kevin standing in front of the Euclid Beach Park Arch just before it was relocated, and the arch as seen shortly after the move was completed

Euclid Beach Park Arch Relocation

August 14, 2025August 14, 2025Kevin F. Smith

As many local enthusiasts are already aware, a watch party was held on July 17, 2025, for the relocation of the historic Euclid Beach Park Arch! The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and excitement, along with just a bit of nervousness.

2 photos merged together: Art Steele on the original Thriller platform, and Kevin on approximately the same location in the present day with the original ride operator's phone

A Thrilling Acquisition!

June 3, 2025August 14, 2025Kevin F. Smith

I recently acquired a very special, one-of-a-kind item for my collection: the ride operator’s phone from the Thriller roller coaster at Euclid Beach Park!

Kevin on the Euclid Beach Grand Carousel at the Cleveland History Center. Both Kevin and the pictured carousel horse are wearing party hats.

Happy 115th Birthday to the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel!

May 17, 2025August 14, 2025Kevin F. Smith

I spent most of today at the Cleveland History Center, celebrating the anniversary of the carousel’s debut at Euclid Beach Park in 1910! There was a steady flow of riders throughout the day for the occasion, and while I was not officially scheduled to participate in the event, I came prepared with several vintage items from my personal collection that have direct connections to the carousel! (Please see the photos below for more detailed descriptions.)

“Why I Keep The Essence Of Euclid Beach Park Alive” (Poem)

March 18, 2025March 22, 2025Kevin F. Smith

I wrote this poem around 2011 to honor the legacy of Euclid Beach Park and everyone who was a part of its history. It also doubles as an expression of my commitment to keeping that legacy alive for current and future generations.

Julie Smith’s Euclid Beach Park Memories

March 12, 2025March 15, 2025Kevin F. Smith

Even though I was only 14 years old when Euclid Beach Park closed, I still have wonderful memories of that special place. It had its own unique sounds, smells, and “feel.” When I told my brother of my involvement as a board member of Euclid Beach Park Now (EBPN), even he said, “That was your favorite place in the whole world!”

Surviving Euclid Beach Park Campground Structures

March 12, 2025March 22, 2025Kevin F. Smith

During a recent visit to Euclid Beach, I took a walk into the nearby Wildwood Park (both properties are part of the Cleveland Metroparks’ Euclid Creek Reservation today) to get a look through the fence at the 3 concrete cottages from the original Euclid Beach Park campground which still stand on the present-day trailer park property (currently under redevelopment). The cottages are not in good condition, but I’m cautiously optimistic that they could possibly be restored or at least preserved. I’ve heard it suggested that one or more of these buildings should eventually become a small museum about Euclid Beach Park’s history, and while I’m not currently aware of any official decisions or plans for the cottages, I personally think that a permanent historical display there would be wonderful!