Sadly, I’ll never get a chance to experience so many of the iconic things that symbolize Old Florida. They are long gone, having succumbed to “progress”. Cypress Gardens, Florida’s first theme park, is one of those.

The park opened in 1936 as a botanical garden but during WWII, water ski shows were added. Over the decades, as the park’s appeal grew numerous movies were filmed there. It became known as the Water Ski Capital of the World and it seemed poised for continued success.

But, the mouse is formidable. After Walt Disney World opened in 1971, the park struggled along but bankruptcy was inevitable. In 2010, the gardens were incorporated as part of Legoland Florida but the ski shows ended.

So, imagine my excitement when I learned that the water ski team continues to travel and compete under the Cypress Gardens name. The town of Winter Haven, in central Florida, set up a water ski course on Lake Silver and the team offers free shows every 3rd Saturday, March -October.

After a couple misses this summer, last weekend some friends and I finally made it over for the show. I was duly impressed. Not only with the music and theme but with the athletic ability of all the skiers (the youngest was 3 years old, while the eldest was in her 60s).

The coaches, boat captains, and ski team obviously put a tremendous amount of effort into their costumes, choreography, and skills. I definitely enjoyed the show!