Roger Tofte puts a plastic bag over a small castle next to the kiddie train to keep it safe through the off-season at Enchanted Forest on Tuesday, October 27. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Enchanted Forest, a beloved theme park just south of Salem on Interstate 5, usually closes for the season on Sept. 30. But this year, it stayed open until Oct. 4.
Pandemic restrictions reduced the number of visitors at the park, cutting into its bottom line. The Tofte family, which has owned and operated Enchanted forest for nearly 50 years, wanted to get just a few more days in this year. The family has appealed directly to visitors for $500,000 to help pay its expenses until next season.
In the meantime, it’s closing time at Enchanted Forest. Storybook figures have been placed in storage. Structures, such as the castle, are being wrapped in plastic coverings. While closed, winter is a busy time at the park as staff takes apart rides for maintenance and safety inspections.
Roger Tofte, the park’s 90-year-old founder, took Salem Reporter on a tour of Enchanted Forest just as it was preparing for winter.
– Jake Thomas
The drained Big Timber Log Ride following the end of the season at Enchanted Forest on Tuesday, October 27. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
A sign reminds patrons of social distancing restrictions at Enchanted Forest on Tuesday, October 27. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Roger Tofte, creator of Enchanted Forest, stands in Tofteville Western Town on Tuesday, October 27. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Roger Tofte, creator of Enchanted Forest, stands next to the witch’s head on Tuesday, October 27. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
The witch’s head at Enchanted Forest on Tuesday, October 27. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Notes and comment cards at Enchanted Forest on Tuesday, October 27. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Figures vulnerable to the elements are put indoors for the season at Enchanted Forest on Tuesday, October 27. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Staff members at Enchanted Forest have had to take on extra duties after lower revenues due to the pandemic forced layoffs. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Taped arrows direct traffic at Enchanted Forest on Tuesday, October 27. The park was limited to 250 people at a time, including staff this last year. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Roger Tofte exits the kiddie train area at Enchanted Forest on Tuesday, October 27. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Mary Tofte steps out of a building at Enchanted Forest on Tuesday, October 27. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Roger Tofte, center, creator of Enchanted Forest, sits with his daughters Susan Vaslev, left, and Mary Tofte, right, on Tuesday, October 27. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Roger Tofte, creator of Enchanted Forest, walks through a giant tree stump statue on Tuesday, October 27. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
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