| Share it

ADVERTISEMENT

GURNEE, Ill. – A day-long trip to Six Flags Great America this week afforded area factory worker Bill Karback the most pleasant moment of his 57-year-long life.

Karback, who has worked as a welding specialist for 35 years in nearby Waukegan, said he had never been to the 123-acre theme park, despite living less than five miles away.

“I never knew what I was missing,” said Karback, who could hardly believe the park boasted a 13-acre water recreation area. “To think, all this has been here this whole time.”

Karback made the trip to Six Flags with his wife and two grandchildren, taking his first day off of work in 32 years. “I’ve never been one for vacations. I do yard work on the weekends. I always said that was my vacation.”

Continuing on, Karback said he could not wait to tell his co-workers at Lehman’s Tool and Die about the rollercoaster paradise practically in their own backyards.

Karback’s wife, Mary Karback, noted that her husband did seem to be the happiest he’s ever been during the seven-hour outing to Six Flags, but added he didn’t actually ride any of the rides or engage in other entertainment attractions while there. “He seemed to love it, but all he really did was follow me and the kids around carrying our bags.”

“I’ve never seen such colorful shopping bags,” added Bill Karback.