By Alexandra Pecci
Correspondent

Never mind the weather or the calendar.

A sure sign that summer is on its way is the grand opening of Canobie Lake Park in Salem, N.H.

“It kind of jump starts everybody into the summer,” says Chris Nicoli, Canobie’s marketing manager. “I think the summer started early this year.”

The 2010 season at Canobie Lake kicks off on Saturday with a grand opening and one-day sale. Visitors can buy 2010 admission passes for $22 each, a savings of $8 off the regular season general admission price. There is no limit to how many passes can be purchased at the sale price, and each pass is valid for any day this season, including July Fourth.

Canobie Lake features more than 55 rides, games, and attractions. The more than 100-year-old venue has not raised its prices this year. And yet, Nicoli says, there are exciting new things to see and do.

“We have put in a couple of new games, which is going to be exciting,” he says.

One is a three-point challenge that lets hoopsters try their hand at shooting 12 different three-point shots on a basketball court to win sports jerseys and other prizes.

Also new this year is Paintball Alley, a game in which visitors can purchase a certain number of paintballs and shoot scenes, displays and props.

For music lovers, Canobie is hosting the “Summer of Superstars,” with tribute performances to Michael Jackson, Elvis, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, and the Divas of Pop across its stages.

But for all of the varied attractions, Nicoli says visitors still love an old favorite: The Yankee Cannonball, that wooden roller coaster that’s been at the park since 1936 and remains Canobie’s most popular attraction.

Nicoli says he always hears stories about people who met their husband or wife at the park, or who came to Canobie as children and are now taking their own children.

“We’re in the business of creating memories,” Nicoli says. “You can truly come with the family.”

Visit the park
Rides
Canobie’s rides provide high-flying thrills, wet-and-wild fun, and stuff just for the kids. Here are some favorites:
Canobie Corkscrew Rollercoaster with two corkscrew loops and a big drop.
Pirata pirate ship.
Yankee Cannonball wooden rollercoaster — Canobie’s most popular attraction.
Antique Carousel from 1903.
Blue Heron scenic lake cruise of Canobie Lake.
Giant Sky Wheel offering views from the highest point in the park.
Boston Tea Party water ride, with a 50-foot drop and nearly 250,000 gallons of water.
Autobahn track is one of the park’s most popular kiddie rides.
Food
From traditional carnival staples like popcorn, candy apples, fried dough and cotton candy, to Mexican fare and seafood, hotdogs and pizza, Canobie visitors can find a huge variety of culinary options at the park’s 20 food stands and restaurants.
Minuteman Fried Clams serving clam plates, lobster rolls and fish and chips.
Dancing Bear Canteen for BBQ.
Candy Shop where you can find cotton candy, homemade fudge, and candy apples.
Poncho Cantina serving nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and other Mexican faves.
Café D’or satisfies your caffeine cravings with lattes, cappuccinos, and Starbucks coffee.
Live entertainment
This summer is Canobie’s Summer of Superstars, with tribute acts performing all season long.
There’s also a Canobie Talent search every Thursday night, which invites aspiring singers to compete for weekly prizes. One winner at the end of the season will be able to record a demo CD.
Also check out the Friday Night Dance Party, which transforms the park’s Midway into a family-friendly nightclub where everyone from kids to grandparents can do the Electric Slide.
Summer of Superstars schedule:
June 26 to July 2: The King Lives, Dancehall Theater, daily.
July 3 to Aug. 23: Tribute to the King of Pop, Dancehall Theater, daily (except Tuesdays).
Aug. 24 to Aug. 30: The King Lives, Dancehall Theater, daily.
Aug. 31 to Sept. 6: Tribute to the King of Pop, Dancehall Theater, daily (except Tuesdays).
June 26 to Sept. 6: Tribute to the Divas of Pop, Midway Stage, daily (except Tuesdays).
June 26 to Sept. 6: Kids Rule, Midway Stage, daily.
June 26 to Sept. 6: Tribute to Faith & Tim, Village Stage, daily (except Mondays).

If you go:
What: Canobie Lake Park’s Grand Opening and One-Day Sale.
Where: 85 N. Policy Street, Salem, N.H. 03079.
When: Saturday, April 24, rain date Sunday, April 25.
How: Spring general admission (April 24 to May 23) $23; under 48-inches-tall or over 60-years-old $20; age 3 and under are always free. Visit www.canobie.com or call 603-893-3506.