The Demon (roller coaster)
From ArticleWorld
The Demon is an amusement ride at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL an has a clone at Paramount's Great America in Santa Clara, CA as Turn of the Century. They are both multi – looping roller coasters.
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Turn of the Century
The Turn of the Century was designed by Arrow Development, California and it was first opened to the public in 1976. It was painted white in color. It was the first roller coaster ride to have a double corkscrew. Two airtime hills were also featured and were popular as they ejected loose articles from the coaster, like sunglasses, hats etc.
The Demon
The Turn of the Century was heavily modified after 1979. The airtime hills were replaced by back to back loops and a tunnel with lights. Fake rock formations were added. The ride was painted black and given a new name “The Demon”. The theme was changed and fog machines were placed in the tunnels. Blood colored water flowed from the fake rocks and the ride had an innovative logo. Each side of the car had flames painted on it.
The Ride had its own soundtrack that was played throughout. The notorious “Demon Song” originally written for Mariott’s Great America was a part of this soundtrack.
The Toning down
Numerous Religious groups began complaining about the “devilish” theme and due to the rise in the number of complaints, the theming was greatly modified. Most of the demon sign was covered, the fog machines were removed as well as the 3D graphics and flames were removed. As of today, the rock formations are no longer present and the tunnel lighting has also been done away with. The ride at Santa Clara retains most of the theming on the trains.
The Fright Fest 2005
The Fright Fest was organized by Six Flags Great America in 2005 wherein most of the old theming for the Demon was restored. The original logo was back in place (though no longer a 3D graphic), fog machines were back in the tunnels and the Demon Song was played in the queue. Red lights and tiki torches were placed around the ride. However, whether this theming will be permanent or not, is still unknown.