Six Flags Darien Lake

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Zac Brown Band concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday:

Andrew R. Witzel, 18, of Rochester Road, Lakeville, is charged with criminal trespass and trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return both times. Witzel was arraigned in Darien Town Court and remanded to jail in lieu of $1,500 bail. 

Bart M. Bartlett, 29, of East 2nd Street, Jamestown, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering the VIP area of the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.  Bartlett was arraigned in Darien Court and remanded to jail in lieu of $250 bail.

Alexandra H. Mitchell, 20, of Lamont Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass, harassment, 2nd, and resisting arrest after allegedly entering the Employee Road Exit after being told several times not to enter the area. Mitchell also allegedly pushed a deputy and then resisted arrest.

Nicholas A. Cummings, 18, of Lori Lane, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Joseph P. Fedele, 20, of Harvest Drive, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Taylor J. Greean, 19, of Holley Byron Road, Holley, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon, 4th, after allegedly being found in possession of brass knuckles.

Jacob S. Vail, 24, of Nicole Lane, Angola, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.

Joshua A. Kuminski, 25, of Briarcliff Road, Cheektowaga, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and disorderly conduct after allegedly punching a PAC security officer in the face after being asked to leave the venue and then fighting with PAC security while being ejected.

Daniel M. Regan, 22, of Greenwood Place, Buffalo, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly slapping a PAC security officer in the face.

William Dormann Jr., 32, of Bennett Road, Cheektowaga, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching and twisting the hand of a Darien Lake security officer.

Gary R. McTarnaghan, 27, of Route 408, Nunda, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly participating in a large fight in the lawn area of the concert venue.

Joseph S. Tonque, 30, of Main Street, Corning, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting with PAC security.

John P. Mahoney, 44, of Seib Road, Girard, Pa., is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue without a ticket.

Braydon B. Wolfe, 25, of Victor Lane, Hamlin, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Brian D. Adams, 24, of Robbins Nest Court, Lancaster, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Bradley T. Willis, 24, of Allens Hill Road, Honeoye, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Christopher P. Colby II, 35, of Linwood Avenue, Tonawanda, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Margaret M. Hout, 54, of Griffon Avenue, Niagara Falls, is charged with three counts of harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching a patron in the face, striking two other patrons in the face and pulling one's hair. 

Brittany E. Hout, 24, of Griffon Avenue, Niagara Falls, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pulling another patron's hair and pulling her to the ground.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office during the Goo Goo Dolls concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday.

(name redacted upon request), 18, of Byron Avenue, Tonawanda, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing marijuana.

(name redacted upon request), 19, of West Gate Road, Kenmore, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing marijuana.

Trent R. Stinson, 19, of Trevett Road, Springville, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly possessing marijuana.

Gary T. Davies, 22, of Bunting Road, Orchard Park, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly entering the food distribution building designated for employees only after being ejected from the concert venue. Davies was jailed on $500 bail.

Two people were issued citations for allegedly possessing a fictitious driver's license:

Christopher J. Schiappa, 19, of Hearthstone Drive, East Amherst;
Jay M. Forman, 19, of James Street, Fairport.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Luke Bryan concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday:

David P. Mayne, 28, of James Street, Medina, for is charged with disorderly conduct, harassment, 2nd, and resisting arrest after allegedly being involved in a physical altercation inside the concert venue after grabbing a acquaintance by the throat and punching her in the face. Mayne then allegedly resisted arrest. Mayne was arraigned in Darien Court and remanded to jail in lieu of $500 bail.

Michael R. J. Fiumano, 20, of Glenn Avenue, Pulaski, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after he allegedly punched and pushed a Live Nation Security Officer.

Kassidy R. Watson, 19, of Lake Avenue, Hilton, is charged with tampering with physical evidence and unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana and then attempted to conceal the evidence in her shirt.

Ariana M. Watson, 20, of Lighthouse Road, Hilton, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Mark A. Buldyke, 22, of Amber Court, Port Perry, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass after allegedly jumping a fence into the venue.

Kirstia M. Dlugosz, 19, of South Prince Drive, Depew, is charged with trespass after allegedly reenentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Stephen J. Hayes, 24, of Saya Road, Weedsport, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence onto the Darien Lake property.

Corey J. Hinman, 25, of Ryan Road, Weedsport, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence onto Darien Lake property.

Jacob R. Andol, 19, of East Blood Road, Cowlesville, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the medical tent inside the venue.

Lucas R. Logsdon, 19, of Dunkley Road, Leicester, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting inside the concert venue.

Trey G. Henderson, 22, of Terry Hills Drive, Batavia, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting with concert security while being ejected from the venue.

Samuel A. Musolino II, 23, of Hyde Park, Niagara Falls, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.

(Name Redacted), 23, of Hillpine Road, Cheektowaga, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told on to return. (The person arrested was apparently using the ID of another individual, so the name has been redacted).

Jordan M. Coulson, 23, of McMurchy Avenue, South Brampton, Ontario, Canada, is charged with trespass after allegedly jumping a fence on Employee Road into the back area.

Danielle B. Russell, 19, of Floren Tine Way, Chili, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Matthew H. Coe, 22, of Route 62, Frewsburg, is charged with trespass after allegedly jumping a fence into the concert venue.

Ryan M. Hanes, 25, of Cleveland Drive, Cheektowaga, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly fighting with Live Nation Security.

David D. Carpes, 27, of Nelson Road, Clyde, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing a Live Nation Security Officer.

Bryan T. Mogle, 23, of Englewood Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Gabrielle L. Frey, 20, of Boyce Road, Corfu, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance on Sumner Road.

The following people were issued tickets for alleged possession of a fictious license:

Madeline L. Bissell, 19, of East Aurora
Michael A. Marcucci, 19, of Spencerport
Jon M. Tokar, 19, of Big Flats
Emily E. Shapiro, 19 of Buffalo
Anthony Martusciello, 20, of Spencerport

The following people were issued tickets for alleged possession of another person's license:

Eileen L. Argona, 19 of Niagara Falls
Franjo B. Tabar, 20, of Buffalo
William A. Sanchez, 29, of Spring Valley
Jordan Brandwood, 21, of Beemsville, Ontario, Canada

The rock band KISS played Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, and photographer Amanda Earl was there to get some pictures for us.

The Sheriff's Office reported no arrests during the concert.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the One Republic concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday:

Christopher M. Kirsch, 19, of Gerald Drive, Hamburg, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Bryce R. Feiner, 18, of West 70th Street, Dunkirk, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Jenna R. Andolina, 18, of Tisbury Road, Hamburg, was issued a ticket for alleged possession of a fictitious Pennsylvania Identification Card.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Blake Shelton concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Saturday. 

Richard A. Laskowski, 47, of Claudette Court, Cheektowaga, is charged with criminal mischief, 4^th, after allegedly recklessly causing damage to a vehicle over $250.

Farron R. Rich, 23, of Slaterville Road, Brooktondale, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly biting a CSC Security Guard.

Kayla D. Michael-Lane, 18, of Gulf Road, Holley, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching another concert patron in the nose.

Matthew Lilly, 25, of Marsh Road, Lyndonville, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly being involved in a fight in the parking lot.

Anthony M. Conrad, 26, of East Center Street, Medina, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly being involved in a fight in the parking lot.

Holly M. Bernhardt, 52 of Sovocool Hill Road, Groton, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office during the Rockstar Energy Mayhem concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Tuesday.

Logan J. Lukowski, 18, of Buffalo Road, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

(name redacted), 18, of Southland Drive, Rochester, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

A 17-year-old resident ,of Lexington Green, West Seneca, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Kyle J. Ramen, 19, of Kirkwood Drive, West Seneca, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

A 17-year-old resident of Bridlewood Drive, East Amherst, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

MatthewJ Suszka, 20, of Capital Heights, Holland, is charged with criminal possession of marijuana, 5th, criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th, and criminal possession of a hypodermic Instrument after allegedly being found in possession of more than 25 grams of marijuana, hallucinogenic mushrooms and hypodermic needles.

Shaun H. McGhee, 29, of Route 11, Antwerp, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Jeffrey T. Peyman, 30, of Ellicott Street Road, Batavia, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Jemel Cannon, 37, of Crotona Park, North Bronx, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the parking lot.

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office during the Keith Urban concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Friday.

Veronica E. Dudla, 19, of Carolyn Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, is charged with criminal impersonation, 2nd, after allegedly impersonating another person. She was also issued a ticket for alleged possession of another’s license.

Tyler J. Sobkowiak, 19, of Dean Road, Depew, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Nicholas M. Boulard, 22, of College Road, Stevensville, Ontario, Canada, is charged with criminal trespass, 3rd, after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Sara E. Friedman, 26, of Ayrshire Lane, Henrietta, is charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance in the campground.

Dominic J. Manarasi, 24, of 26th Street, Niagara Falls, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly punching a security guard.

Breanna M. Rivers, 23, of Rhode Island Avenue, Niagara Falls, is charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly pushing and hitting a security guard.

The following people were ticketed for alleged possession of a fictitious license:

Nicole D. Dugo, 18, of Dansville
Caroline A. Grande, 18, of Scottsville
Brittany M. Copeland, 19, of Warsaw
Ryan S. Cordis, 19, of Springville
Samuel E. Anderson, 20, of Kane, Pa.
Mackenzie C. Garby, 18, of Great Valley
Megan E. Arno, 20, of Clarence
Thomas C. Schena, 18, of Great Valley
Danielle N. Mueller, 19, of Rochester
Michael Gallagher, 19, of Hamburg

The following people were issued tickets for alleged possession of another person's license:

Anthony J. Laurienzo, 19, of Akron
Lydin N. Kallin, 19, of Orchard Park
Haley M. Waple, 20, of Lockport
Kayla B. Kreuder, 19, of Hamburg
Angela N. Creek, 19, of Cheektowaga
Alec E. Davis, 18, of Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada – 2 counts
Molly K. Gorski, 19, of Akron
Chelsea D. Rzepka, 20, of Rochester
Patrick G. Stairs, 18, of Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada

While at Darien Lake for the Gus Macker Tournament, I found out three members of the Harlem Globe Trotters were inside the park putting on a show. I got just the tail end.

Herschend Family Entertainment, owners of Darien Lake Theme Park, also own the Harlem Globetrotters.

For years, the Gus Macker Tournament has been played in Buffalo. This year, for the first time, it was played at Darien Lake Theme Park. The tournament was spread over Saturday and Sunday (some Saturday games were delayed to Sunday because of rain). I showed up in time for a portion of two games and the final championship game of the day (among various divisions). The team in the light gray tops won 20-6.

To purchase prints, click here.

The following arrests were made during the Brad Paisley concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Thursday.

Nolin S. Jackson, 36, of Capen Boulevard, Amherst, charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly blocking vehicular traffic and causing a disturbance while exiting the concert parking lot.  

David S. Rosati, 24, of Fix Road, Grand Island, charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the south PAC entrance after being ejected from the venue and told not to return.

Rachel N. Brandt, 22, of Chelsea Park, Pittsford, charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the south PAC entrance after being ejected from the venue and told not to return, and disorderly conduct after allegedly causing a disturbance while being ejected the second time.

Michael J. Arcuri, 20, of Old Goodrich Road, Clarence, charged with harassment, 2nd, after allegedly shoving and slapping a deputy.

Adam P. Wilson, 18, of Blake Road, Brockport, charged with unlawful possession, of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Morgan K. Miller, 18, of Fairmont Street, Buffalo, charged with unlawful possession, of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

Ryan David Adams, 20, of North Ellicott Creek Road, Amherst, charged with unlawful possession, of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana, and possession of a fictitious license. 

Juliana Bilodeau, 18, of Winona Boulevard, Rochester, issued an UTT for possession of a fictitious license.

Juliana M. Y. Tirone, 18, of Wadsworth Court, Tonawanda, issued an UTT for possession of a fictitious license.

Victoria A. Schlabig, 18, of Banko Drive, Depew, issued an UTT for possession of a fictitious license.

Paul N. Castricone, 17, of Nathans Trail, Lancaster, issued an UTT for possession of a fictitious license.

The following people were arrested during the Fall Out Boy concert at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center on Wednesday.

Jemel Cannon, 36, of Crotona Park, Bronx, is charged with trespass after allegedly reentering the concert venue after being ejected and told not to return.

Erica A. Price, 28, of Park Street, Buffalo, is charged with trespass after allegedly refusing to leave the concert venue after being directed to do so several times. Price was remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $500 bail.

Lily J. Walton, 20, of Maple Avenue, Elmira, is charged with harassment, 2nd, and criminal trespass, 3rd. Walton allegedly punched a concert security officer while being escorted out of the concert. An appearance ticket was issued for the harassment, 2nd, and Walton was released. Walton then reentered the concert venue after being told she could not return. Walton was arraigned on the criminal trespass, 3rd, charge and remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $200 bail.

Jordan J. Ruday, 22, of Livingston Street, Elmira, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana after he was allegedly found to be in possession of marijuana cigarettes. Ruday was issued an appearance ticket and released. Ruday then reentered the concert venue after being told not to return. Ruday was arraigned on the charge of criminal trespass, 3rd, and remanded to the Genesee County Jail in lieu of $200 bail.

UPDATE 5 p.m.: The Sheriff's Office just released this list of alleged ABC violations at last night's concert.

Robert B. Dugan, 18, of Lake Road, North East, Pa.
Samantha D. Oriani, 19, of Broadway, Grand Island
Jordan J. H. Storch, 17, of Marlin Drive, West Seneca
Brandon R. Borzillire, 18, of Casum Court, Niagara Falls
Kelsey J. Wiskup, 18, of Matteson Corners, Holland
Kaylee A. Gutschow, 18, of Chatham Road, Medina, Ohio
Danielle N. Pinelli, 18, of French Road, Cheektowaga
Carly B. Polisoto, 20, of East Main Street, Fredonia
Erin E. Johnson, 18, of Sunset Creek Drive, West Seneca
Emily N. Kasprzyk, 18, of Sweet Road, East Aurora
Grace M. Wisner, 19, of Main Street, West Seneca

This week, Nik Wallenda opened his new show in the Gallaxy Theater at Darien Lake Theme Park, and those who have attended the first few shows have been treated to exactly what Wallenda promised -- first class entertainment.

Besides Wallenda and his family performing a high wire act, the show includes performances by dancers, hula hoop artists, a rope gymnast, comedians and jugglers (both the type who toss objects and those who toss each other).

It's Ed Sullivan without The Beatles. It's vaudeville without the travel.

"Me and my wife love vaudeville," Wallenda said. "Her family actually came over from Australia to perform on vaudeville. There's definitely a passion for that. We talked about it a lot and said, 'you know what, let's do a show where we incorporate a bunch of other acts.' "

The idea for the show has been percolating some time, Wallenda said, and after he walked a wire over Niagara Falls, he knew he wanted to come back to Western New York. He said the support he received from the community during the process of getting permission for the walk was so strong, he wanted to do something to give back to Western New York.

From his career in live performance, and with his family's rich history and all of the connections he has with the world's top acts, Wallenda thought he should bring it all together to create a special show.

"I was like, you know let's all get together and make an awesome show for Western New York," Wallenda said. "You heard me at the end, and I mean that, I love this place. I doubt you'll find a show of this volume, this variety at any other amusement park anyplace else in the country, probably not around the world."

At least three times while we talked, Wallenda said, "I love Western New York."

"I get opportunities to perform all over the world, but I love it right here," Wellenda said. "The people love me. I love the people here because they were so supportive."

The 10-week run for the show is the longest Wallenda has stayed in one place in nine or 10 years, he said.

"Ever since I walked over Niagara Falls, I said I wanted to have a permanent place here in WNY," Wallenda said. "A year went by and I was busy, but nobody from Western New York really stepped forward and said, 'hey, we want you here.' The casino offered a little bit. They wanted, but then they couldn't fulfill. So many places reached out, but never followed through, then Darien Lake was like, 'we want to do it. We're going to follow through. Let's do it.' "

Vincent Nicoletti, marketing director for Darien Lake, said the folks at Darien Lake feel really fortunate to bring a show of such world class caliber to Western New York.

What's so cool about it is if you remember Lena, the way she did the hoops, just the music that she used, it had the classic kind of vaudeville sound, but it was modernized with some hip-hop beats," Nicoletti said. "It's a really cool variety show. A lot of people don't know what to expect when they come here for this show. 'What am I going to go see?' and it's such a big surprise. The level of talent they have in each act is just phenomenal."

Wallenda hopes people from all over the region will come out and see the show. He hopes to make it more than a one-summer-and-done event. He wants to keep coming back.

"We put a lot of money into this," Wallenda said. "I'm used to making a lot more money, but to me it was like, I promised to bring something back here, so let's do it, let's do it in a big way, let's do it right and hopefully we'll be invited back."

Performers included: Sergio & Martha Martinez, the Dancing Gauchos; Nik and Erendira Wallenda, swaypoles; Lianna Ashton, hula hoops; Nick Slimick, on silk ropes; Giuliano and Fabio Anastasini, foot jugglers; Ty Tojo, juggler; Nik, Erendira, & Delilah Wallenda, Alec Bryant, Nick Slimick in the finale, a high wire act. Philippe Thibadeau had a recurring comedic role, including an audience participation routine. Ty McFarlan was the MC.

Performances are Tuesday through Sunday at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are free to park guests and VIP packages, which includes a tour after the show, a meet-and-greet with Wallenda and front-row seats are available.

Nick Slimick

Giuliano and Fabio Anastasini

Sergio Martinez

Philippe Thibadeau

Lianna Ashton

Philippe Thibadeau playing the incorrigible romantic in an audience participation routine.

Ty Tojo

The finale.

VIP guests get their picture taken on stage with Nik Wallenda.

Thousands of people from throughout WNY were at Darien Lake Theme Park today for the 2nd annual Color Me Rad 5K. The event isn't a real race, but for participants, it's obviously real fun.

Color Me Rad benefits Special Olympics.

Press release, as approved by Sgt. Thomas A. Sanfratello:

The following people were arrested by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office during the Dave Matthews Band concert at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center (PAC) on June 11:

A 17-year -old male, of Cassandra Circle, Churchville, was arrested for criminal impersonation, 2nd, after allegedly impersonating another person while attempting to gain entry to the concert venue. He was also charged with three counts of possession of another's license. He was arraigned in Darien Town Court and jailed in lieu of $1,000 bail.

The following were issued appearance ticket for 4 p.m., June, 24, in Darien Town Court:

(name redacted; allegedly false name used), 21, of Lake Street, Perry, was arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the south PAC entrance after being ejected from the venue and told not to return.

William A. Meister, 29, of Windmill Road, West Seneca, was arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the south PAC entrance after being ejected from the venue and told not to return.

Richard W. Meister, 63, of Abbott Road, Orchard Park, was arrested for trespass after allegedly reentering the south PAC entrance after being ejected from the venue and told not to return.

Robert E. Langenbrahn, 38, of Chili Avenue, Rochester, was arrested for harassment after allegedly punching a male in the back of the head and also urinating on that person’s leg.

A 17-year-old male, of West Ham Circle, West Chili, was arrested for unlawful possession of marijuana after allegedly being found in possession of marijuana.

(name redacted upon request), 19, of West Grimsby Road, Buffalo, was issued a uniform traffic ticket for possession of a fraudulent license.

Jeremy M. Jacobs III, 18, of North Davis Road, East Aurora, was issued a uniform traffic ticket for possession of a fraudulent license.

Jacob A. Shine, 19, of Krantz Lane, Getzville, was issued a uniform traffic ticket for possession of a fraudulent license.

Rachel A. McConnell,19, of South Wind Way, Rochester, was issued a uniform traffic ticket for possession of another’s license.

Matthew M. Moran, 18, of East Gotham Road, Watertown, was issued a uniform traffic ticket for possession of another’s license.

Austin R. Briganti,18, of Essla Drive, Rochester, was issued a uniform traffic ticket for possession of a fraudulent license.

A 17-year-old male, of Shrubbery Lane, Rochester, was issued a uniform traffic ticket for possession of another’s license.

A 17-year-old male, of Meadow Spring Court, East Amherst, was issued a uniform traffic ticket for possession of another’s license

Cole M. Essler, 19, of Nunda, was issued a uniform traffic ticket for possession of another’s license.

Nik Wallenda, "The King of the Highwire," performed at Darien Lake for the first time on a 750-foot-long wire stretched over one of the lakes.

He performed with is wife, Erendira, and Nick Slimick and Alec Bryant, who were making their professional debut. Slimick and Bryant are graduates of a high school in Sarasota, Fla., where they studied circus performing.

Wallenda drove a specially equipped motorcycle across the wire, which was 150 feet above the water at its apex, with Erendira and either Nick or Alec on a trapeze bar attached below. At the apex, Wallanda performed a handstand on the bike seat on one trip. On another he stood on the seat. On other trips, Erendira and the two young men performed stunts. The final trip was just Nik and Erendira and they performed barrel rolls at the far end of the wire.

This isn't the show Wallenda will be performing at Darien Lake this summer.

The show this summer will be in the Galaxy Theater (to be renamed the Nik Wallenda Theater). Shows start June 24 and run through Sept. 1. The 10-week run will feature two performances every day (4 p.m. and 7 p.m.) except Monday.

The hour-long show will feature top aerialists and stunt performers, Wallenda said. The finale will feature the Wallenda Family Pyramid on the Wire, untethered high above the stage.

During the show's run, performers will entertain park guests with wandering performances throughout the park, called "pop up performances." There will also be a regular interactive 20-minute show on the Gazebo Stage.

Wallenda said one reason he agreed to perform at Darien Lake is he that felt the need to give back to Western New York after being so warmly embraced during the run-up to his highwire walk over Niagara Falls.

"When I got off that cable in Niagara Falls, I said there will always be a piece of my heart that is in this region," Wallenda said. "This community has embraced me. It's been amazing. I get goosebumps.

"I think this shows my commitment to this region, to Western New York and Toronto," Wallenda said. "The community has been so good to me."

More pictures after the jump:

Press release:

City officials, Gus Macker organizers, Darien Lake executives, and members of the Police Athletic League joined together outside Buffalo City Hall this morning to announce that the Gus Macker tournament will be returning to Western New York this year. Genesee County's Darien Lake intervened to save the tournament, which would have otherwise been canceled this year.

“We’re excited to be able to bring the tournament back (here),” said Gus Macker organizer Scott McNeal. “Darien Lake offers the necessary space and infrastructure for the thousands of players and families that come to participate in and watch the games.”

This Gus Macker tournament is the second-largest out of 38 locations nationwide, with more than 3,000 players and spectators annually. The three-on-three tournament attracts both male and female players, 78 percent of whom are under the age of 24, and 47 percent of whom are under 17. 

“As Western New York’s family-fun destination, the Gus Macker Tournament is a perfect fit for us,” said Darien Lake spokesman Vince Nicoletti. “We’re very excited to be hosting the games this year and look forward to continuing this great ... tradition.”

This year’s tournament will take place on July 19th and 20th across Darien Lake’s sprawling parking lots, which will be converted into basketball courts with four to six featured games taking place inside the park itself. Darien Lake will also be keeping the Police Athletic League as the event’s charitable beneficiary.

In another sign that spring is really here, Darien Lake opened to the entire public today (season pass holders had access last weekend).

When Rod Rankin -- the new general manager of Darien Lake Theme Park -- was a young man, he never thought he'd wind up running facilities with rollercoasters and waterslides.

"If you'd asked me I would have said you were crazy," Rankin said. "I was going to be a high school teacher."

He studied secondary education at the University of Southern California and was working as a production manager at Paramount Pictures when Paramount bought a chain of six entertainment parks. Paramount transferred him to the theme park division. He's been working in and running theme parks for 25 years now.

But it's worked out for the would-be high school teacher. Asked what his favorite part of his job is his first response is that it's working with the youngsters who take jobs in the parks each summer.

"It's the good and the bad of this industry," Rankin said. "You're training a new generation of children every year, because this is really kind of a first job. That's the good part." Then he laughs (Rankin, a big man, has a hearty laugh). "The bad part is you're training a new generation of kids every year."

Rankin replaces Bob Montgomery, who ran the park for two years, but decided over the winter that he wanted to return to his native Canada to pursue opportunities closer to home.

Under Montgomery's leadership, Darien Lake was working on developing more of a local flare, bringing in Anchor Bar to serve wings, serving Weber Mustard and Dippin' Dots. That's a trend that will continue, Rankin said.

Besides hiring Nik Wallenda to provide entertainment throughout the season, Three Brothers Winery has agreed to set up a wine-tasting area, a wine shop and will cross promote Darien Lake with tags on its bottles at retail locations.

Another change coming to Darien Lake is a redesigned menu for Beaver Brothers and Maria's Italian Kitchen. The new menu will focus on lighter fare for health conscious diners, Rankin said. Just this week he hired a new chef to oversee the creation of the new menu.

With Paramount, Rankin started out as a project manager and was involved in rollercoaster development.

He describes himself as a coaster junkie. A native of the Los Angeles area, Rankin had plenty of access to coasters at numerous theme parks growing up, notably, of course, Disney and Knotts Berry Farm (he spent a lot of time at Knotts, he said).

Does that mean there's a new coaster in the works for Darien Lake? He won't say. He did say, "It's really fun when you go into a facility to learn the new coasters and then hopefully, eventually, build a new coaster."

Rankin spent 22 years with Paramount and its successor company, before leaving in 2007 as the Western regional vice president. He's been with Herschend Family Entertainment for four years, most recently as general manager of the company's park in Denver (unrelated side note: Herschend recently acquired the Harlem Globetrotters).

A certified master gardener, Rankin is looking forward to putting down roots in Genesee County.  He was excited that he had no trouble selling his home in Denver. He's looking forward to visiting the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Batavia. His gardening interest drifts toward heirloom tomatoes and roses. In fact, he's started a rose garden at every theme park he's run and Darien Lake will be no different, he said.

Darien Lake Theme Park's opening day is May 10. The park is hiring now for seasonal positions.

Press release:

The region’s largest seasonal employer is looking to fill approximately 2,500 open positions across its operations, including the amusement park, water park, lodging, entertainment, food, and retail departments.

More than 50 percent of eligible employees from 2013 plan to return to Darien Lake this season, including local area teachers, seniors, high school and college students. Returning employees, along with new team members, will support weekend and holiday operations starting May 10, with daily park operations beginning June 13. Staffing levels adjust during these time periods and increase once the season is in full swing. 

"There’s something special about working a summer job at Darien Lake,” said Jan Peters, Darien Lake director of human resources. “We’re looking for energetic, friendly applicants of all ages and backgrounds who are interested in learning new skills and helping to create memorable experiences for our guests. It’s hard not to have a fantastic summer when you’re around great people in an environment that’s as fun as Darien Lake.”

Immediate opportunities are available in food services, park services, ride operations, retail, accommodations, campground housekeeping, games, gift shop sales, aquatic operations, skilled trades and park maintenance, entertainment, guest services, safety and security.

Interested applicants can apply online at www.DarienLake.com/jobs or call the Darien Lake Job Line at 585-599-5108.