By Art Gallagher
Jennifer Lawton of Six Flags issued the following statement in response to MMM’s follow up questions regarding last Friday’s Muslim Day at Great Adventure:
“The day was a private event with tickets available by the organizers the day of for those guests who wished to enjoy the event. For more information regarding the event and the day of ticket sales, please contact the ICNA of NJ.”
Grace reports that she spoke with a Six Flags staff member who told her that she could buy a ticket for entry “but might not be allowed into” the park, and a representative of ICNA who told her she wouldn’t be admitted to the park because her sleeves were too short. Grace did not see who was actually selling the tickets, a Six Flags staff member or a ICNA member.
ICNANJ was selling tickets in advance through there web site and through Muslim vendors throughout NJ, PA, NY and Del.
Online ticket sales apparently closed on Thursday, the day before the event, and an announcement was placed on ICNA NJ’s site that tickets would be available at the gate.
It seems to me that Six Flags and ICNA did almost everything right. The exception being how the communicated about the event on the day of. Six Flags staff members telling people who were clearly not invited to the private event that they could pay to park or buy a ticket, but that they might not be admitted was clearly the source of the confusion and upset. Clear communication that the park was closed for a private event, including signage at the entrance to the parking area and to the park itself would have made the difference. I bet they do that next year.
Posted: September 13th, 2010 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Muslim, Six Flags | Tags: Great Adventure, Muslim Day | Comments Off on Six Flag’s “Last Word” on Muslim Day
Jennifer Lawton, Public Relations Supervisor of Six Flags Great Adventure, Wild Safari and Hurricane Harbor issued the following statement to MMM under the heading “Family Fun Day:”
We host numerous group events in our parks. Many organizations such as, charities, private companies, religious groups, celebrities, have rented the park, just like they could rent a ballroom at a hotel. The Muslim Day event is a fun-filled family outing that typically coincides with Eid, the end of the Ramadan holiday. The day consists of a variety of activities including prayer services, food vendors offering a Halal menu and of course our signature rides and attractions are open for guests to enjoy.
UPDATE: By Art Gallagher
I responded to Jennifer’s statement with the following message:
“Hello Jennifer,
Thank you for your prompt reply.
There seems to be some conflicting information. We have two first hand reports of visitors being told that they could buy a ticket to enter the park but that they would not be admitted if they did not comply with the Muslim customs and dress code.
Additionally, a reader reporting getting the following message from someone is your organization via facebook:
“Actually, anyone could buy the ticket if they wanted to enjoy the theme park and Islamic Family Fun Day festivities to celebrate Eid, the end of Ramadan. For the entire season, this date was a private event and non-scheduled operating day. During non-operating days, our park is available for rent just like one would rent a ballroom.”
Was the park “rented” for a private event? If so, why were tickets available for sale? ”
Thank you,
Art Gallagher”
We’ll keep MMM readers posted.
By Grace Cangemi and Art Gallagher
Today is Muslim Day at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson. If you’re planning to visit the park, dress like a Muslim or you won’t get in.
MMM received a tip about a mother and daughter being turned away from the park because it was Muslim Day. Grace headed right over.
Upon arrival at the park, Grace was informed by the parking attendant that she was welcome to pay $15 to park her car, but that she would not be admitted to the park because it was Muslim Day.
Grace parked her car and approach the ticket booth where the attendant graciously suggested she not buy a ticket, “because I’ll have to refund your money, they will not allow you into the park.”
A gentleman from the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) who didn’t give his name told Grace that the organization had arranged to use the park to celebrate the end of Ramadan and that she would be “welcome to fellowship with us if you respect our customs and dress appropriately.” He said that her sleeves were too short and added, “you wouldn’t want a lady of the evening coming into your church.” The gentleman from ICNA referred Grace to the website WhyMuslim.org.
Brian from Toms River, a Great Adventure season pass holder who declined to give his last name told Grace that a park representative told him he was welcome to purchase a ticket for the day but that he might not get admitted because he was wearing shorts. Brian was with his two young daughters.
Great Adventure’s website indicates that the park is closed today.
Park President John Fitzgerald has not returned a phone call for comment. Six Flags Corporate has not responded to an email for comment.
The good news is that Grace was refunded her $15 parking fee.
Posted: September 10th, 2010 | Author: Art Gallagher | Filed under: Muslim | 4 Comments »
