Cypress Gardens

Central Florida's First Theme Park and Longest Running Tourist Attraction
Part 3

by Anthony Scaggs
Golf Clubs, Golf Resorts, Golf Courses

"I want the guests to remember the great ski show and say "Wow" what a great show."

This is the intention of water skier, Kenny Blais, when he performs.

Kenny Blais said: "We choreograph the entertainment for the guests in the park. We hope that the comedy and dancing appeals to guests of all ages but our main focus is the skiing. We want our guests to feel they have seen really good skiing. We want the guests to recall past memories and reflect fondly on the good times of bygone days."

He explained that some of the skiers work part time or for the summer and some stay for years. The skier's employment requirements are flexible to meet the needs of the skiers and the park.

"We have doctors and Realtors as part of our skiing group."

He added that the boat drivers have 25 years of experience. The driver's experience is important to the success of the show. If they drive too fast, it throws off the skier's balance. If they drive too slowly, it is difficult to perform the multilevel stunts.

The current skiing performance is Rockin' Around the Dock. This is a 50's waterfront ski show which features Myron Skihandleman, a soda jerk and nerdy gas station attendant, Terrible Tony Buffa, his Harley riding gang, Venus, cheerleader queen and American Grandstand. The ski jumpers jump, crash and burn while dragging around dead man's curve. The groups decide to bury the ski and unite. They realized that it is better to parallel than to slalom. The show's finale is the classic Cypress Garden skiing pyramid, a treat for all.

The performers in The Rockin 50's Show are: