UPDATE: Six Flags Celebrates 45th Anniversary Saturday with Deals, Free Tickets

UPDATE: Thank you for participating in our ticket giveaway. Winners have been notified by email and the contest is now closed.

For many, Saturday is St. Patrick’s Day and the end of winter, but for coaster enthusiasts and summer fun-lovers, it’s also the kickoff for Six Flags Over Georgia’s 2012 season, and its 45^th anniversary.

South Cobb Patch is celebrating by offering two lucky readers two free tickets each for Saturday, opening day.

To enter, just leave a comment below by noon on Wednesday telling us about your favorite Six Flags memory and we will randomly select two readers as winners. (Contest rules are attached to this article.)

As a way to say thanks for 45 years, the amusement park is offering $19.67 tickets for parkgoers who bring six nonperishable items to be donated to MUST Ministries. Suggested items to donate include canned meats, dry milk, beans and canned vegetables. A full list of accepted items can be found online at sixflags.com. 

The special price commemorates the year the park first opened in 1967, and it is only valid on March 17 and 18.

“We are thrilled to welcome the first guests for our 45^th season here at Six Flags Over Georgia,” said Park President Melinda Ashcraft.  “What better way to kickoff the season than to offer an incredible ticket price while at the same time helping hundreds of needy families throughout the Atlanta community.”

Additionally, the first 1,045 guests will receive a free ticket to return on June 16 for a special 45^th anniversary celebration. On June 16, 1967, the park opened its doors becoming the second amusement park in the Six Flags chain.

The deals don’t stop there. Six Flags Over Georgia is offering a Summer Thrill Pass for $54.99, the same price as a one-day admission. A Thrill Pass includes unlimited visits to the park through September 30, 2012.  For more information, visit sixflags.com/overgeorgia.

This 45^th season is packed with new shows, such as iLuminate™, an incredible dance show featuring state-of-the-art light-up costumes and stunning visual effects – all in the dark! The park will also debut Pop 40, a high-energy musical showcase of hits from the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s and Rhythm & Grooves, an R&B music show paying tribute to legends like Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner, and Aretha Franklin.  The new shows will run daily May 26 through Aug. 12. 

The park’s operating hours during opening weekend will be 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Sunday. The park is open weekends only until May 25 and daily for Spring Break March 31 – April 8.