FULTON -- The Syracuse area is close to tying the record for the most 90+ degree days in a year and the heat has been a huge boost for water parks. Attendance at Thunder Island park in Fulton is up about 20% this summer.
"I'd say that if you're in the outdoor entertainment business and you didn't do well this year - than you don't belong in the business. Because we kind of did well by default," said owner Harry Perau.
At times this summer, the heat was even hard for the park to handle. Thunder Island had to cool the water down on some especially hot days.
The dry weather meant water parks don't lose any business to rainy days. Perau said Thunder Island sold out of season passes for the first time in 34 years. Seabreeze and Enchanted Forest Water Safari also saw more guests.
Hot weather could continue for a few more weeks but Thunder Island and Enchanted Forest Water Safari closed up for the season on Labor Day. Perau says most of his staff and customers have to get back to school.
