Revelry in the rain at Summer Scream
Plentiful booze + high speed spinning + good times for all!
As throngs of people eager for free booze started pouring through the gates of Lakeside Amusement Park, thunderheads started to fill the sky and the wind began to howl, threatening to put an early end to the Denver Film Society Reel Social Club’s highly anticipated Summer Scream event. Try as it might, nature was unable to dampen the spirit of the hundreds of attendees who continued to regale themselves with free booze, unlimited rides, and the worst hits of the ’90s as the wind knocked over signs and the rain started to fall.
Before entering the park proper, a Coors booth was on hand to provide free Coors Light. Once inside, attendees were given the option of booze from Boulder Beer, Colorado Cider Company, and Altitude Spirits to get the taste of piss water out of their mouths, while most of the standard Lakeside concessions vendors were in operation selling overpriced amusement park food. A 303 Magazine-sponsored DJ greeted the crowd with phat beatz, or whatever the fuck they’re called, as people made their way into the park, with another DJ parked next to the giant screen set up for National Lampoon’s Vacation.
After about an hour, the park was swarming with people of all 21+ ages, with most congregating in the center where all the beer booths were. At times any movement required careful tiptoeing through swarms of individuals, many of whom were probably about one beer away from making someone’s casual trip on a roller coaster a very uncomfortable one.
Since most people spent all of their time where the booze was, the actual midway saw the bare minimum of attendees, at least early on. Despite the wind and the threat of lightning, the rides remained operational. Ballsy move, but the inclement weather failed to keep people from riding a half-century-old roller coaster. In fact, it was the only ride that required anything resembling a wait.
After a couple of hours enjoying the festivities, one thing was clear: The Reel Social Club sure as hell knows how to throw a party. If you weren’t able to make it, you can still join Reel Social Club for $60 for a yearlong membership, which includes special screenings, events, and more parties throughout the year.
