Visiting an Orlando theme park can be one of the most exciting experiences in a child’s life. From seeing their favorite characters to riding the thrill rides, theme parks know how to bring out the best in a child. And the same can be said for an adult. As we often associate theme parks with children, we sometimes forget how a day riding your favorite coaster or watching a special parade can lift anybody’s spirit, even adult’s. Such was the case with Edward Wasik, a retired Korean War veteran who spent countless hours experiencing all that Busch Gardens had to offer.
All day, every day for the past 12 years, Edward Wasik has spent his days sitting in his scooter, watching his favorite productions such as KaTonga, Rock a Doo Wop, and the Mystic Sheiks of Morocco. With a daily diet of three to five shows, Mr. Wasik almost certainly attended at least 15,000 performances at Busch Gardens.
“He didn’t go there for the animals or the rides,” said Heather Fisher, his granddaughter. “It was only for the shows.”
And for the shows he saw he learned almost every intricate detail of each of his favorites. He loved the colorful, kid-friendly costumes, and watching top-tier dancers tearing it up to YMCA or Shake Your Booty.
Each day, Mr Wasik flirted shamelessly with the women of the shows, claiming it was his birthday, a reward he claimed seven days a week. But the only women in his life were his grandchildren, especially great granddaughter Sarinaty, who was diagnosed with leukemia as an infant and was often seen with him at the park. The two certainly loved to spend their days at Busch Gardens, watching the shows and catching ice cream at a shop near the Marrakesh Theater.
Mr. Wasik was a native of Bridgeport, Connecticut who served with the Air Force in Japan and Korea during the Korean War. Years after the war, he moved to Tampa where he worked for Drake’s Cakes for 20 years, running packaged pastries to convenience stores.
He retired in 1994 and bought a yearly pass to Busch Gardens. It wasn’t long before Mr. Wasik was going to the park from sun up to sun down.
“It gave him a purpose in life, helped him enjoy life and keep his outgoing spirit,” said Fisher.
He kept up the routine until a few years ago, when a blood infusion placed him in a series of nursing homes. Mr. Wasik died August 3. He was 78. True to form he left behind funeral instructions calling for three dancing girls and an all-you-can-eat-buffet.
Farewell Mr. Wasik and thanks for making Busch Gardens such an important part of your life!
