JACKSON, NJ — Jackson Township is gearing up for its annual Jackson Day celebration, and this year’s event will feature a special nod to the town’s amusement park legacy: a display of one of the now-demolished Kingda Ka roller coaster cars, once a crown jewel of Six Flags Great Adventure.
Ray Cattonar, a volunteer organizer for Jackson Township, confirmed the exciting addition, sparking nostalgia among locals and thrill-seekers alike.
“This is going to be huge,” Cattonar said. “There will be a photo station, with a large backdrop of the coaster and a VIP area for rollercoaster enthusiasts.”
Cattonar said the allure of Kingda Ka was a national and global phenomenon and expects coaster enthusiasts from around the country to schedule their annual visit to Great Adventure around the Jackson Day event to see a piece of history, possibly for one last time.
Jackson Day 2025: A Day of Fun and Festivities
The 2025 Jackson Day celebration will take place on September 14 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Johnson Memorial Park, located at 192 Kierych Memorial Drive.
The family-friendly event promises a packed lineup, including food vendors, amusement rides, a drone show, skydivers, entertainment, military displays, and a pro racer exhibition.
A highlight of the day will be the Nick Gennusa ATV and Dirt Bike Exhibition, showcasing high-octane stunts. In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled for September 21.
Kingda Ka: A Legendary Landmark in Jackson
For decades, Six Flags Great Adventure has been a defining feature of Jackson Township, drawing millions of visitors annually and cementing the town’s reputation as a hub for thrill-seekers. At the heart of the park’s allure was Kingda Ka, which opened in 2005 as the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world at the time.
Towering at 456 feet and reaching speeds of 128 mph in just 3.5 seconds, the coaster’s iconic green and teal structure became a symbol of Jackson’s adventurous spirit.
Kingda Ka held the record for the tallest coaster until 2010 and remained a fan favorite despite occasional mechanical issues and closures. Its hydraulic launch system and sheer scale made it a landmark visible from miles away, often the first glimpse of Six Flags for visitors approaching the park.
The Demolition of Kingda Ka
In early 2024, Six Flags Great Adventure announced the closure and demolition of Kingda Ka, citing rising maintenance costs and the need to make way for new attractions as part of a park-wide redevelopment plan. The decision sparked outcry from roller coaster enthusiasts, who launched petitions to save the record-breaking ride. Despite the efforts, demolition began in late 2024, with the last of Kingda Ka’s structure removed by January 2025. The coaster’s closure marked the end of an era for Jackson, as locals and visitors mourned the loss of a ride that had defined the park for nearly two decades.
A Piece of History Returns
Ray Cattonar, a longtime volunteer organizer for Jackson Township events, shared the news of Kingda Ka’s partial return with enthusiasm. “We’re thrilled to have one of Kingda Ka’s cars on display at Jackson Day,” Cattonar said. “It’s a piece of history that means so much to our community, and we’re excited for families to see it up close and share their memories.”
The car, one of the original trainsets used on the coaster, will be showcased near the Nick Gennusa ATV and Dirt Bike Exhibition area, allowing visitors to take photos and reminisce about the ride that once dominated the Jackson skyline.
For many, the display will be a bittersweet reminder of the coaster’s glory days.
A Celebration of Jackson’s Past and Future
Jackson Day has long been a tradition in the township, celebrating the community’s vibrancy with a mix of entertainment and local pride. The inclusion of the Kingda Ka car this year adds a layer of historical significance, bridging Jackson’s past as a thrill-seeking destination with its present-day community spirit.
Six Flags Great Adventure remains a major attraction in Jackson, even without Kingda Ka, and continues to evolve with new rides and experiences.
However, for longtime residents and visitors, the memory of Kingda Ka’s towering presence endures. As Jackson Day 2025 approaches, the event promises to be a day of fun, reflection, and celebration for all who attend.