U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for August 16

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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MONDAY, AUGUST 16: FIRST LOOPING ROLLER COASTER

Profile America — Monday, August 16th.  While the summer season is rapidly drawing to a close, many children are begging their parents for just one more visit to the nearest amusement or theme park.  As it has been for over a century, one of the prime features of these parks is their latest roller coaster.  From their beginnings in the U.S. at Coney Island, New York, in 1884, they have fascinated riders and onlookers alike.  For some years, roller coasters that include a loop to scare their riders have been popular.  The first such ride appeared at Coney Island in 1900, called "Boynton's Centrifugal Railway," which included a 20-foot wide loop.  Now, roller coaster fans are drawn to 580 amusement and theme parks around the country.  You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.

Sources:  Kane's Famous First Facts, 3626

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2010, t. 1193

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).  

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau