American Coaster Enthusiasts recognizes Classic Coaster at Washington State Fair as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark, a designation reserved for rides of historical significance.
Edward Bollinger (1877-1949) and his son Robert Bollinger (1909-2004), who owned and operated Oaks Park in Portland, Oregon, hired famed roller coaster designer John A. Miller (1872-1941) to build a roller coaster for the 1935 Puyallup Fair. The coaster was originally designed as a side-friction ride to accommodate trains from Scenic Railway that once operated at Oaks Park. Construction was supervised by Fred Pyfer using materials delivered by horse-drawn wagons and hoisted into place utilizing a Model-A Ford.
In 1950 Walker LeRoy updated the track design to accommodate new trains that Robert Bollinger purchased from the defunct Giant Dipper at Happyland Park in Vancouver, British Columbia. Today, these are the only Frederick Church-designed coaster trains still in operation.
A fire in 1970 destroyed a major section of the coaster as well as several other classic rides. Fortunately, the coaster was quickly rebuilt for that year's fair. Although well maintained over its long history, John Hinde completely rebuilt and restored the historic 55-foot-high, 2,650-foot-long thrill ride from 2009 through 2013 for future generations to enjoy. Before being renamed Classic Coaster in 2013, it was previously known by several other names, including Roller Coaster, The Coaster and Giant Coaster.
Presented by American Coaster Enthusiasts
September 2013