Thrills on Lake Delton

Wisconsin resident who have been vacationing in the Dells for as long as they can remember have no doubt, attended The Tommy Bartlett Show. The show has been running for over five decades, and has recently undergone forced renovations. Many believe the show is better now than ever before. The show runs for about 90 minutes and is great fun for the entire family. Performances include extreme water skiing, trick boat moves, comedy and other stunts, all on the water of Lake Delton.

The innovator of the show has an interesting past in entertainment. He began his career in broadcasting and began work at age 13 at the WISN radio station in Milwaukee. Later in his career, he moved to television and at one point witnessed a water skiing show that served as his inspiration for the Dells extravaganza. The show began as a traveling experience that was based in Chicago. The second performances occurred at the Dells, and it was such a popular event, city officials asked Bartlett to make the Dells his permanent home. The show continued to travel on the occasional basis performing at World's Fairs and U.S.O tours.

In 2008, terrential downpour storms and flooding caused Lake Delton to flood and subsequently drain. The flooding was so bad, there were houses washed away into the Wisconsin River. The show was forced to be scaled back, and for the obvious reasons, did not include the water performances. Fewer people attended the show, but there were still die-hard supporters that wanted to make sure the show would be able to rebuild for future years. In 2009, the show was back, better than ever. The lake had been refilled, and it once again provided the backdrop for amazing stunts and tricks. People were relived to find out the show would go on.

Show tickets range in price from $9.00 to $23.00, depending on your age and how close you want to be to the action. There are group discounts available. A number of area hotels occasionally offer package deals that include accomodations and tickets to area attractions. Those staying at The Copa Cabana Hotel and Suites are entitled to free tickets to the Tommy Bartlett Show. This pirate themed resort has plenty to offer to kids and their families, including an indoor waterpark. In addition to the Tommy Bartlett tickets, guests of the Copa Cabana also receive tickets to the nearby Riverview waterpark.

Those attending the Tommy Bartlett Show will be pleased with the performance, as well as all there is to do in the area. Before or after the show, there is plenty to eat, plenty do drink, and plenty to see. It does not matter whether you have seen the amazing water show every summer of your life, or you are making your first visit to the Dells and first trip to the show. You will be amazed with the spectacular performance and talented performers. Share the tradition of The Tommy Bartlett show with you children, and pass along the joy.