There was a big birthday celebration in Amarillo today, and at 70 years old it looks like there's no signs of slowing down or old age at this birthday party. I'm talking about Wonderland which even with a storm moving in still found a moment to celebrate 70 years of fun and games in the Texas Panhandle

Michael J. Rivera
Michael J. Rivera/TSM
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Now if you're gonna have a birthday party you need plenty of treats and there was no shortage of those to be found along with the incredible staff at the park serving them up. the centerpiece was a beautiful sheet cake with a collage of some of the early views of the park.

Michael J. Rivera
Michael J. Rivera/TSM
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Wonderland Park today as we know it came along way from its humble origins when Paul and Althea Roads first opened what was then known as "Kiddie Land" 70 years ago in 1951 with only three rides, all of which were built by Paul Roads himself.

Michael J. Rivera
Michael J. Rivera/TSM
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Naturally it was an instant hit bringing joy to folks all across the Panhandle. Paul initially worked at the then Amarillo Air Force Base for the first 10 years the park was open. He then made it full time after that continuing design and construct attractions in the park.

Michael J. Rivera/TSM
Michael J. Rivera/TSM
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The name change to Wonderland Park occured in 1969. Interestingly enough it kept a theme going with Thompson Park's other tenant the Story Land Zoo which was also getting it's footing at about the same time.

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Today the Roads Family is very much still involved in the park, While Paul and Althea have passed on, Both of their children continue to take active roles in the day to day operation of the park keeping it in the family. Congratulations! and to many many more years of fun!

LOOK: This "Amarillo Pictorial" is an Amazing Collection of Historical Photos!

Wow. Just wow.

Robbi McDaniel Rivers dug up this incredible magazine published in 1931. You'll find the many Amarillo buildings and landmarks that you know and love--they're brand new in these photos!

Enjoy!

Sixth Street Over The Years - WOW! What A Change!

Sixth Street in Amarillo looked incredibly different not too long ago. Have you forgotten what it looked like in 2007? Buckle up, the ride is incredible.

Amarillo Landmarks: Negative Yelp Reviews

Yelp can be a strange and angry place. That's what I found out recently when I decided to sort the reviews by "lowest rating" first.

I was okay with the people upset over bad service and what not. But I came across a few reviews that, for lack of a better word, left me speechless in their scathing negative reviews on some of Amarillo's most iconic places. Prepare your self for plenty of head shaking and "I dunno" shrugs.

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