Media Contact:
Haley Kish, Public Relations Manager
hkish@cypressgardens.com
June 11, 2008

Oh What a Night! Catch the Cypress Gardens Skiers in a Rare Setting

Winter Haven, FL - Cypress Gardens debuted its seasonal nighttime ski show on June 7. Park visitors can catch the unique show on Saturday evenings at 9 p.m. this summer, running through Labor Day. Be amazed by the flips, tricks and graceful ballet lines of the Cypress Gardens Skiers. The new elements of the show include: upbeat themed music; displays of pyrotechnics; and powerful spotlights will create a feeling of summer nights in America.

Guests will not want to miss the action of the new daytime ski show starting soon. The show is being revamped with new moves, music and costumes. Shows take place three times a day (with the exception of four shows on Saturday) starting at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

The first water ski show at Cypress Gardens was performed in 1943 and was a bit of an accident. Julie Pope, the park founders wife, had sent a photo to the Orlando Sentinel, which they ran, and featured beautiful flowers and skiers in the background. The next day three servicemen showed up and asked what time the water ski show was. Mrs. Pope stated that the ski show was at 3:30 p.m. and asked the gentlemen to enjoy the gardens until that time. Ironically, though, there was no ski show so Mrs. Pope quickly telephoned the local school to have her son, Dick Pope, Jr., round up some friends to perform for the soldiers. She picked the children up promptly at 3 p.m. and the show began exactly on time! The Popes two children and friends entertained the visitors that day and began the World-Famous Water Ski Show that is still performed on beautiful Lake Eloise today.

Cypress Gardens is located in Winter Haven, Florida four miles west of SR 27 on Cypress Gardens Boulevard. Regular admission is $39.95, plus tax for ages 10-59, Children admission is $34.95 plus tax for ages 3-9 and Senior admission is $34.95, plus tax for 60+. For more details visit www.cypressgardens.com or call 863-324-2111.