| February, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: |
Contact: |
Director of Public Relations 972.263.2391 X 109 kayw@classicattractions.com |
UNITED STATES PRESIDENTS EXHIBIT OPENS IN GRAND PRAIRIE
President George W. Bush and his 41 presidential predecessors are on display as the newest permanent exhibit at The Palace of Wax. "The magnificent impact of walking into a space and seeing all of the presidents standing shoulder to shoulder is an overwhelming sight", states Stephen C.H. Lockwood, CEO of Classic Attractions Inc. Classic Attractions is the parent company of The Palace of Wax and Ripley's Believe It or Not! in Grand Prairie and The Plaza Wax Museum and Ripley's Believe It or Not! in San Antonio.
The exhibit, including each president in lifelike wax, is a compelling and powerful patriotic statement. Details are so real that it often feels many of them are looking directly at visitors. Plans were underway for the newest exhibit long before the tragic events of September 11. However, the time-line was sped up to complete the project as soon as possible. All of the magnificent figures, except George W. Bush, were purchased from an outside source. The events of September 11 only reinforced and accelerated plans already in progress to complete the most expensive and complex sets of the entire museum. Each of the 42 figures is valued at $17,000 - $22,000.
Sonya Vasquez, resident wax artist increased her schedule of creating President Bush for completion in time for the opening of the exhibit. Vasquez comments that President Bush was not as challenging as other figures she has done. There is a great selection of photos and TV coverage of him available. "I probably watched his State of the Nation speech a hundred times. I could most likely quote much of it verbatim," she adds with a smile.
"Guests who have seen the exhibit as it was being completed are amazed at how real the presidents look", states Kay Webb, Director of Public Relations. "Many will stand and share memories of each of the presidents they remember in their lifetime, it’s a great family interaction opportunity", she adds.
Mr. Lockwood stresses his pride in being able to offer such a quality patriotic statement in a time of great need for renewed patriotism. His strong beliefs in patriotism and freedom of rights are obvious not only in this powerful statement of our country’s history, but are also depicted in the popular section in the museum of The Road to Freedom. The depiction of our country’s struggle for freedom is presented through "The Rule of Law". Authentic portrayals of participants in the creation of documents involved begin with The Magna Carta.
Following is The Constitution, The Bill of Rights, The Surrender at Appomattox and The Emancipation Proclamation and concluding with the impassioned "I Have a Dream" speech given by Martin Luther King Jr.
These patriotic sections encompass a large portion of the museum; however many other interests are represented. Among the most popular is the inspirational journey through The Life of Christ, most appropriate for the Holiday season. Children of all ages enjoy The Land of Make Believe, bringing to life many classical children’s stories. Other sections to delight visitors include the Wild West and the always popular Hollywood.
The Palace of Wax and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is located midway between Dallas and Fort Worth at Belt Line and I-30 in Grand Prairie. Open year-round for family entertainment, it has become a favorite venue for local residents as well as visitors from other areas.
To arrange for photos/interviews, please contact:
Kay Webb
Executive Director of Marketing & Public Relations
972-263-2391
kayw@classicattractions.com
601 East Safari Parkway 
Grand Prairie, TX 75050 (972) 263-2391
(Belt Line and I-30, 7 minutes East of Six Flags)