Orlando, FL (August 31, 2020) – Bursting with vibrant and eye-catching photos, Mind Blown! is a must-have for every curious mind. The book’s 256 pages are filled with more than 1,200 all-new and all-true stories from around the world!

With in-depth features, the science behind some of the weirdest facts, colorful and compelling photographs, and contributions from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! fans, this book takes you on a deep dive into our strange and wonderful world.

In the 17^th edition of the best-selling Ripley’s annual book, meet incredible people and animals like:

• LadyBEAST, a circus and escape artist from New Orleans, who stuns audiences by taking the art of bottle walking to new heights.
• Mose, a rescue dog born with only two limbs, who has taught himself to walk and run bipedally—he really stands out in a crowd!
• The Australian hairdresser who transforms clients’ hair into your favorite foods!
• Atlanta’s Anaïs Hayden, who uses her creativity and grooming expertise to transform pups into Lisa Frank–inspired masterpieces, different species, mermaids, and so much more.
• And some of the world’s best freestyle footballers who are mixing it up by combining soccer with amazing acrobatic feats and choreography!

Now available for pre-order, Mind Blown! goes on sale at all major retailers September 29, 2020.

For more information, please click here. Review copies, video, and further information available on request.

Sneak Peek

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MEDIA CONTACT

Suzanne Smagala-Potts
Public Relations Manager
Ripley Entertainment Inc.
smagala@ripleys.com
727-439-0136

About Ripley Entertainment

Ripley’s Publishing is part of the Ripley Entertainment Inc. family of worldwide attractions, the global leader in location-based entertainment. More than 15 million people visit its 100-plus attractions in 11 countries each year. In addition to its 30 Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, the Orlando, Florida-based company has publishing, licensing and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including the syndicated Believe It or Not! television show, best-selling books, and the popular syndicated cartoon strip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, that still runs daily in countries around the world. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the second-largest privately held company in Canada. Learn more about Ripley’s Believe It or Not! by visiting Ripleys.com and following them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

The post Have Your Mind Blown with Ripley’s Believe It or Not! appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.

Orlando, FL (March 17, 2020) –Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Presents Sideshow and Other Curiosities goes on sale April 7, 2020, and is the most comprehensive record of traditional and modern sideshow acts.

The exclusive photos and expanded stories featured in the book’s 192 pages may be hard to believe, but prove that truth is often stranger than fiction:

• In 1933, Robert Ripley chose human eye-popper Avelino Perez Matos to appear at his first Odditorium. He could bulge his eyes more than a centimeter out of their sockets, stunning audiences!
• Rubber Man James Morris could stretch the skin on any part of his body to incredible lengths!
• JoJo The Dog-Faced Boy, Fedor Jeftichew, was born in Russia in 1868. He exhibited the genetic condition hypertrichosis, which caused thick hair up to 8 inches long to grow all over his face.
• Fireproof Man Kutty Singlee claimed he could not be harmed by fire and regularly took blowtorches to his bare skin—and even eyes—to prove it.

From three-legged wonder Francesco Lentini to a headless chicken that refused to die, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Presents Sideshow and Other Curiosities offers a deep dive into all things sideshow, with remarkable photos and stories.

Ripley’s Believe it Or Not! Presents Sideshow and Other Curiosities will be available at major retailers and on Amazon.com on April 7^th. Pre-orders are now available. Review copies and further information available on request.

Images and book excerpts can be found here.

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MEDIA CONTACT 
Suzanne Smagala-Potts
Public Relations Manager
Ripley Entertainment Inc.
smagala@ripleys.com
Office: 407-345-8010 Cell: 727-439-0136

About Ripley Entertainment
Ripley’s Publishing is part of the Ripley Entertainment Inc. family of worldwide attractions, the global leader in location-based entertainment. More than 15 million people visit its 100-plus attractions in 11 countries each year. In addition to its 31 Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, the Orlando, Florida-based company has publishing, licensing and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including the syndicated Believe It or Not! television show, best-selling books, and the popular syndicated cartoon strip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, that still runs daily in countries around the world. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the second-largest privately held company in Canada. Learn more about Ripley’s Believe It or Not! by visiting Ripleys.com and following them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

The post Explore Sideshow Curiosities with Book of True Stories and Fascinating Acts! appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.

African Penguins Arrive as Part of the Largest Expansion in Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach’s 20-year History!

Myrtle Beach, SC (March 10, 2020) – Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach is excited to announce Ripley’s Penguin Playhouse is now open!

The 5,500-square-foot expansion is the largest in Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach’s 20-year history. The African penguin habitat has floor-to-ceiling viewing glass and a 360-degree crawl tunnel for guests to waddle through. This addition also includes a brand-new Ocean Wonders gallery housing fascinating species of fish from all over the world.

Sporting their black-and-white plumage, the African penguin is the only species of penguin found on the African continent, preferring warmer water temperatures unlike their Antarctic counterparts. Their unique black stripes and spots serve as their identification, similar to a human fingerprint.

The African penguin is one of the most endangered penguins in the world—numbers have declined by 60 percent in the last 28 years. Welcoming Ripley’s new colony in 2020 is just the beginning of the Aquarium’s conservation efforts, as an on-site penguin nursery will house and care for baby penguins, helping Ripley’s Aquarium foster a growing flock.

Ripley’s expansion features two new state-of-the-art classrooms for educational programs, school groups, and unique experiences that will allow guests to get up close and personal with these extraordinary birds.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Penguin Encounters – Interact—and even pet—Ripley’s most adorable creatures beak-to-beak while learning about this species from Aquarium staff experts.

Paint with the Penguins – Pal up with a penguin to create—and take home—a one-of-a-kind piece of footprint art!

“We are beyond excited to welcome African Black Footed penguins to Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach. This brand-new and completely immersive penguin habitat will not only captivate and entertain our guests but also provide an educational experience for our visitors. We know this new penguin addition will support our educational and conservation missions while offering family-friendly entertainment for visitors of all ages,” said Pablo Chavez, General Manager, Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.

SAVAGE SEAS!

Tales of adventure, myth, and ruin, this temporary, pop-up exhibit is officially open just in time for guests to enjoy alongside the all-new Penguin Playhouse.

Savage Seas is an all-new exhibit, where guests learn life at sea isn’t for everyone! Find out what it takes to survive on the open waters when you explore this interactive exhibit.

Learn about daily pirate life, sea monsters from myth and lore, and the very true stories of shipwrecks filled with treasure and secrets of the past.

Ripley’s Aquarium is located at 110 Celebrity Circle at Broadway at the Beach and is open 365 days a year.

For media images and video, please click here.

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MEDIA CONTACTS
Pablo Chavez
General Manager
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Pchavez@ripleys.com
Office: 843-424-4590

Suzanne Smagala-Potts
Public Relations Manager
Ripley Entertainment
smagala@ripleys.com
Office: 407-345-8010 Cell: 727-439-0136

About Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
Ripley’s Aquarium opened in Myrtle Beach in 1997 and boasts more than 14,000 fish on display as well as many interactive experiences. Guests can pet a stingray, bamboo shark, hold a horseshoe crab, and enjoy hourly dive shows. One featured exhibit is the 750,000-gallon Dangerous Reef, which has a 330-foot glidepath through an underwater tunnel, allowing guests to come face-to-face with sharks, giant sawfish, and Gabby the Green Sea Turtle.Ripley’s Aquariums are part of the Ripley Entertainment Inc. (www.ripleys.com) family of worldwide attractions, the global leader in location-based entertainment. More than 15 million people visit its 100-plus attractions in 11 countries each year.  In addition to its three world-renowned aquariums and 31 Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, the Orlando, Florida-based company has publishing, licensing and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including the syndicated Believe It or Not! Television show, best-selling books and the popular syndicated cartoon strip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, that still runs daily in countries around the world. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the second-largest privately held company in Canada. Learn more about Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach by visiting RipleyAquariums.com/MyrtleBeach and following them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The post Penguins Arrive at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach! appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.

In Celebration of its 100^th Anniversary, Ripley’s to Host Interactive

‘Ripley’s Believe It or Not!’ Car Lot Activation All Weekend Long

ORLANDO, FL (July 1, 2019) – Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is coming to San Diego this July for Comic-Con! Marking their first-ever appearance at the event, Ripley’s will bring the iconic 100-year-old brand to life with a panel moderated by Bruce Campbell, host of the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! reboot airing on Travel Channel Sundays at 9|8c. Campbell will also participate in an exclusive autograph signing, and Ripley’s is transforming Petco Park into a massive outdoor activation along with an indoor booth experience.

RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT CAR LOT – PETCO PARK

Inflatable tube men, human car washes, and a pinball arcade — the Car Lot has it all. Hawking some of the strangest vehicles money can buy — from the world’s smallest street legal car to a Landspeeder and Hummer made out of lottery tickets — lot owner LeRoy has a curious car for you. Step into LeRoy’s office, where you can snap a photo as a souvenir of searching for the strangest sedan or station wagon of your dreams. The Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Car Lot is going to be full of surprises!

INDOOR BOOTH – #4015

Inside the convention center, eventgoers can head to booth #4015 and cruise into Ripley’s Garage to view props and peculiar pieces from the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! collection — from shrunken heads to the original Star Wars® lightsaber. There will also be unique retail items like a shrunken head air freshener, and giveaways and prizes to redeem at the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Car Lot at Petco Park.

Plus, the newest edition of the Ripley’s annual, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Beyond the Bizarre, will be available FIRST at San Diego Comic-Con before it officially hits stores — featuring a look behind the scenes with Bruce Campbell on set in the Ripley Warehouse. Pick up a copy before you head over to Bruce’s signing and get it autographed by the man himself!

PANEL

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Extraordinary Humans Revealed with Bruce Campbell

Saturday, July 20^th
4:00 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.
Hilton Hotel, Indigo Ballroom

Host Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead) introduces fans to the extraordinary, the death defying, and the unusual people featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not! “Cyborg” Angel Giuffria (Hunger Games) lives life with one of the most advanced prosthetic arms on the market. John “Hammerhead” Ferraro boasts a skull more than two times thicker than average, using it to shock sideshow audiences. “Half-man” Short E. Dangerously doesn’t let proportions stop him from challenging physics to perform. Ripleys.com editor Sabrina Sieck (producer Ripley’s Believe It or Not!) also joins to dive down the rabbit hole of Ripley history. Bruce and the cast will participate in a Q&A session.

AUTOGRAPH SIGNING

Saturday, July 20^th
12pm – 2pm
Sails Pavilion

In addition, Bruce Campbell will participate in an exclusive pre-panel autograph signing. Fans can enter the exclusive portal prior to Comic-Con for their chance to win a spot in line to this ticketed-only autograph session.

For more info on everything Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and Bruce Campbell at San Diego Comic-Con, visit Ripleys.com/SDCC.

# # #

ABOUT RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is part of the Ripley Entertainment Inc. family of worldwide attractions, the global leader in location-based entertainment. More than 14 million people visit its 100-plus attractions in 10 countries each year. In addition to its 30 Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, the Orlando, Florida-based company has publishing, licensing and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including the syndicated Believe It or Not! television show, best-selling books and the popular syndicated cartoon strip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, that still runs daily in countries around the world. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the second-largest privately held company in Canada. Learn more about Ripley’s Believe It or Not! by visiting Ripleys.com and following them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

ABOUT TRAVEL CHANNEL

For the bold, daring and spontaneous; those adventurers who embrace the thrill of the unexpected; those risk-takers who aren’t afraid of a little mystery; if you’re up for anything, down for whatever, and above all, love great stories, journey on to Travel Channel. We’re more than you expect and everything you didn’t know you were looking for. Reaching more than 82 million U.S. cable homes, Travel Channel is the world’s leading travel media brand. Fans also can visit Travel Channel for more information or interact with other fans through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. Travel Channel is owned by Discovery, Inc., a global leader in real life entertainment spanning 220 countries and territories, whose portfolio also includes Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery and OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Ripley’s Believe It or Not:
Suzanne Smagala-Potts
Public Relations Manager
smagala@ripleys.com
Office: 407-345-8010 Cell: 727-439-0136

Press Website: Ripleys.com/SDCC

Travel Channel:
Stephanie DePietro Sarcona
stephanie_sarcona@discovery.com
212.524.8154

Caryn Schlossberg
caryn_schlossberg@discovery.com,
212.524.8153

Press Website: https://press.discovery.com/us/trv/

Superjuice on behalf of Travel Channel:
Lauren Kenyon
lkenyon@superjuiceco.com
917.536.2117

The post Ripley’s and Bruce Campbell at San Diego Comic-Con appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.

As a category exclusive partner, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! will be featured throughout Nitro Circus’ live shows and the Nitro World Games. Utilizing athlete ambassadors, the two brands will collaborate on original digital content and engaging experiences. As part of this agreement, Ripley Publishing also becomes the exclusive publisher for Nitro Circus, releasing its first title in Spring 2019.

Pushing human limits to the extreme for the last century, Ripley’s officially began when a young Robert Ripley pulled together a few notable feats of endurance, sketching each. He submitted the cartoon to his editors with the title “Champs and Chumps” but also offered “Believe It or Not” as an alternative. Today, unbelievable feats are still carrying on Ripley’s legacy—where Nitro Circus athletes, led by Travis Pastrana, continue to amaze audiences around the world by pushing progression and achieving what was previously thought impossible.

“Both global family entertainment brands, Nitro Circus and Ripley’s strive to make the unbelievable believable. It’s this passion and common thread that makes for a perfect partnership,” said Amanda Joiner, Ripley’s Senior Director of Publishing and Licensing.

“Nitro fans can expect a truly unique partnership between two like-minded brands. There couldn’t be a better strategic alignment, and we are excited to bring the partnership to life across the globe through live event experiences, content, and a number of publishing projects,” said Brett Clarke, Nitro Circus’ Chief Commercial Officer.

Kicking off the partnership, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! will be participating in “Evel Live” this Sunday, July 8, 2018 in Las Vegas. For more information and media opportunities, call Sabrina Sieck, Creative Content Manager at (407) 450-1516.

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About Ripley Entertainment

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is part of the Ripley Entertainment Inc. (www.ripleys.com) family of worldwide attractions, the global leader in location-based entertainment.  More than 14 million people visit its 100-plus attractions in 10 countries each year.  In addition to its 30 Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, the Orlando, Florida-based company has publishing, licensing, and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including the syndicated Believe It or Not! television show, best-selling books and the popular syndicated cartoon strip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, that still runs daily in countries around the world. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the second-largest privately held company in Canada.

About Nitro Circus

Nitro Circus, the world’s largest action sports entertainment brand, creates electrifying live events and original content that at once exhilarate, captivate, and inspire thrill-seeking fans worldwide. Cofounded by Travis Pastrana in 2003, Nitro Circus has since grown into a multiplatform phenomenon, producing hit television shows, critically acclaimed documentaries, innovative digital offerings, and Nitro Circus Live, playing to sold-out stadiums on five continents.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!:

Suzanne Smagala-Potts
Public Relations Manager
smagala@ripleys.com
Office: 407-345-8010 x8148

Cell: 727-439-0136

Sabrina Sieck
Creative Content Manager
sieck@ripleys.com
407-450-1516

Nitro Circus:

Greg Terlizzi
VP, Global Head of Public Relations
greg@nitrocircus.com
310-600-3229

Reid Vokey
Global Director of Public Relations
reid@nitrocircus.com
206-799-6997

The post Celebrating 100 Years, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Signs Two-Year Partnership with Nitro Circus appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.

Gatlinburg, TN (February 26, 2018) Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is celebrating the historical birth of three African black-footed baby penguins.

Haley and Glen are the proud parents to two baby penguins, weighing in at 63 grams and 61 grams. The third penguin, weighing in at 60 grams, was born to proud parents Nick and Doza.

The baby penguins are doing well and are being monitored around the clock by the experienced Ripley Husbandry team.

“We are excited about the births of these new baby penguins. It is a historical event at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies any time a baby penguin is born. Any birth is a beautiful thing here at the aquarium, but the birth of an endangered animal is truly spectacular. Best of all, the babies are ridiculously cute,” said Ryan DeSear, Regional Manager of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

In Ripley’s Penguin Playhouse, burrowed nesting boxes and mud holes have been built into the rocky habitat for nest building. In the wild, mature birds lay two eggs in the nest, which is protected from the sun and most predators, and both parents incubate the eggs and feed the chicks for two to four months. African penguins breed in huge, noisy colonies and the mating pair stays together in a tight bond for their entire life.

African penguins are considered “Endangered” which means they are facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. Major reasons include depletion of their food from overfishing and pollution. Since 1930, the African penguin population has dropped from an estimated one million down to 55,000.

Names Needed!

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies wants your help in naming the new baby penguins. They are taking submissions on their website until March 4, 2018. Once the top names are collected, they will hold a voting contest starting on March 7, 2018, to name the new baby penguins.

Visit RipleysAquariumOfTheSmokies.com to submit your names!

In 2010, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies added African Black-Footed Penguins as a part of the $5 million Ripley’s Penguin Playhouse. The exhibit was named one of the 10 best places to see Penguins by 10Best.com, a division of USA Today Travel.

Quote by 10Best.com: “Penguin Playhouse at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg might be the world’s best penguin exhibits. The $5 million project includes indoor and outdoor exhibit with innovative viewing options. Crawl through transparent tunnels to see the birds from below or pop-up to see them nose to beak,”

The aquarium is located at traffic light #5 on the Parkway in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and is open 365 days a year. For information: call 888-240-1358 or see us on the web at www.ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com.

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ABOUT RIPLEY’S AQUARIUM OF THE SMOKIES

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Ripley’s / Guinness Attractions in Tennessee are owned by Ripley Entertainment Inc., keepers of the venerable Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Brand and a global leader in location-based family entertainment. More than 14 million guests visit in over 100 worldwide attractions in 11 countries annually. The Orlando-based company also has divisions that oversee publishing, licensing and broadcast operations.  Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Group Company, the second-largest privately held company in Canada.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, the second most visited attraction in Tennessee, was voted the number one aquarium in the nation by USA Today10Best.com, one of the Top 5 Aquariums in the USA & the world by TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice in 2014 & 2015, Top Destination to See Penguins by USA Today and Forbes Traveler named it one of the America’s Best Aquariums. Thousands of exotic sea creatures live in its 1.4 million gallons of water. The aquarium is known for its amazing shark exhibit that features 11-foot sharks and one of the most spectacular underwater tunnels in the world.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Suzanne Smagala-Potts
Public Relations Manager
Ripley Entertainment Inc.
O: 407-345-8010 C: 727-439-0136
smagala@ripleys.com

Dee Lundy
LundyThomas
Phone: 865-755-2128 | Fax: 865-522-7821
lundy@ripleys.com

The post Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Celebrates Birth of Baby Penguins appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.

ST. AUGUSTINE
Kasey Johnson nominated her Dad, Jerry Johns. Jerry has been a member of the Bardin Volunteer Fire Department, serving as chief from 1984-2016. He has passed the reigns of chief to another member, but still continues to volunteer for the department.

He works 40 hours a week, sometimes more, and also attends and holds a position at the Tabernacle Baptist Church. He is the first one to offer help during times of need. He has been seen in 90+ mph winds during a hurricane cutting trees and clearing debris from the roads.

His family is proud of him and pleased to nominate him as a homespun hero!

OCEAN CITY
Jasmine Dennis nominated Lisa Wilgus, Director of Shirley Grace Pregnancy Center. Lisa goes above and beyond to help the mothers of her community and their families. Lisa makes everyone feel welcome and part of the family. She is passionate about the community and helping others.

BALTIMORE
Dominic Hall was nominated. Dominic is a great male role model for our community. He has taken his 6-year-old nephew Trevaughn under his wing. Tre is going through a rough time, and Dominic has taken time to mentor him and get him enrolled in beneficial programs. Dominic is a kind-hearted and exemplary member of our community.

KEY WEST
Taylor Nickerson was nominated by her mom. At 9-years-old, Taylor is a terrific helper. She listened to past Homespun Hero Ms. Patricia Blanco on the radio, and Taylor wanted to enter the contest too. She volunteers at the library by shelving books, helping kids use the gaming systems, and reading stories during story time. At her elementary school, she assists her teachers, and at home she reads to her brothers and encourages them to read as well.

PRIZES

Winners receive a prize pack from Ripley’s including a lifetime pass to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and will be registered for Super Hero Sweepstakes grand prize of $2500 plus $2500 for their favorite charity.

If you would like to nominate someone who makes a difference in our community, please go to www.ripleys.com/homespunhero.  Winners will be announced weekly throughout the summer. This program is part of Ripley’s Superhero Summer, which includes Marvel® character appearances over the summer with a portion of all proceeds on appearance days going to charity, and a Sweepstakes of $2500 for the winner and $2500 for their favorite charity.

On character appearance days, Ripley’s will show the film Look to the Sky by producer Brett Culp. Look to the Sky is a full-length film about children who have overcome incredible obstacles to give back. It is a truly inspirational film that celebrates the theme of our Superhero Summer, giving back and helping our community.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Suzanne Smagala-Potts
Public Relations Manager
Ripley Entertainment
smagala@ripleys.com
Office: 407-345-8010 Cell: 727-439-0136

About Ripley Entertainment
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is part of the Ripley Entertainment Inc. (www.ripleys.com) family of worldwide attractions, the global leader in location-based entertainment.  More than 14 million people visit its 100-plus attractions in 11 countries each year.  In addition to its 31 Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, the Orlando, Florida-based company has publishing, licensing and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including the syndicated Believe It or Not! television show, best-selling books and the popular syndicated cartoon strip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, that still runs daily in countries around the world. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the second-largest privately held company in Canada.

About Marvel Entertainment, LLC
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-six years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information, visit www.marvel.com. © 2017 MARVEL

The post Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Names Weekly Winners of Homespun Hero Contest! appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.

Teachers, administrators, counselors, and support staff are eligible for free admission; they just need to bring a current pay stub and photo ID when they visit the attraction.

“We appreciate all the hard work our teachers do throughout the school year. This is one small way for us to give back and show our gratitude.” – Paul Hoffine, General Manager.

Visitors will get to enjoy the brand-new Ripley’s Wax Hands. Model your hands in wax! Hold hands with your partner, and get creative with colors, glazes, and glitters.

Homespun Heroes

Teacher Appreciation Days falls during Ripley’s Homespun Heroes contest, where people who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in their community are nominated to win a lifetime pass to Ripley’s and other prizes.

Ripley’s is also offering a $2,500 sweepstakes as part of Ripley’s Superhero Summer. This is open to anyone – all people need to do is enter any of Ripley’s Florida attractions. The randomly selected winner will get $2,500 and a charity of their choice will also get $2,500.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Paul Hoffine
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando
hoffine@ripleys.com
Cell: 904-377-2607

Suzanne Smagala-Potts
Public Relations Manager
Ripley Entertainment
smagala@ripleys.com
Office: 407-345-8010 Cell: 727-439-0136

About Ripley Entertainment

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando is part of the Ripley Entertainment Inc. (www.ripleys.com) family of worldwide attractions, the global leader in location-based entertainment.  More than 14 million people visit its 100-plus attractions in 11 countries each year.  In addition to its 31 Believe It or Not! Odditoriums, the Orlando, Florida-based company has publishing, licensing and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including the syndicated Believe It or Not! television show, best-selling books and the popular syndicated cartoon strip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, that still runs daily in countries around the world. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the third-largest privately held company in Canada.

The post Ripley’s Orlando is Appreciating Educators All Summer Long! appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.

This dog portrait – made from actual dog hair – was purchased at Ripley’s Bizarre Buying Bazaar in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – (July 14, 2014) Not sure what to do with that two-headed stuffed cow that’s been taking up space in the basement? Ripley’s Believe It or Not! has a solution for you.

Ripley’s Bizarre Buying Bazaar is coming to the Peoria Riverfront Museum on Friday, August 8 and Saturday, August 9 from 10 am to 6 pm. Peoria is the eighth stop on a road trip through the U.S. and Canada to find and acquire items worthy of being part of the world-famous Ripley’s Believe It or Not! collection.

Edward Meyer, Ripley’s VP of Exhibits and Archives, will review all items that come in and will make on-the-spot offers for items worthy of becoming Ripley’s Believe It or Not! exhibits. For more than 35 years, Meyer has traveled the world collecting unusual stories and unbelievable items for the company. He has acquired over 20,000 different museum artifacts, as well as countless stories for its cartoon and books.

 What is Ripley’s looking for at the Bizarre Buying Bazaar?

This thumb sculpture – made from decades of fingernail clippings – was recently purchased at Ripley’s Bizarre Buying Bazaar in Panama City Beach, Fla.

“We’re hoping to find oddities, artifacts, relics, strange things from science and nature, unusual artwork – the weirder the better,”
says Meyer.

Meyer has purchased more than 100 items from the public at Bizarre Buying Bazaar events – everything from a rare New Guinea widow’s finger chopper and a motorcycle created from cow, alligator and other animal bones, to a lamp made from a taxidermy chicken. Items offered but not purchased included a $400,000 Lamborghini and what may be a Stradivarius violin worth an estimated $2.5 million.

Even if Ripley’s doesn’t acquire an item, its owner may still get an oddpraisal ­– that means Meyer won’t necessarily tell people what an item is worth, but will give them an idea of how unusual it is.

“This is our first Bizarre Buying Bazaar held in the midwest, so I’m excited to see what kind of oddities we can find,” said Meyer.

Meyer will also give a lecture on the secrets of finding strange artifacts and the stories behind many of the items in the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! collection. His lecture takes place at 2 pm on Sunday, August 10, also at the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

Oddity owners planning to attend the Bizarre Buying Bazaarare encouraged to RSVP to Angela Johnson at Johnson@ripleys.com in advance and provide some details on the item to allow Ripley’s research team the opportunity to see what they can find out about the particular item(s) of interest in advance.

The Bizarre Buying Bazaar will be held on Friday, August 8 and Saturday, August 9 from 10 am to 6 pm at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, located at 222 SW Washington Street.

Images of items purchased at Ripley’s Bizarre Buying Bazaar events are available on DropBox

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About Ripley Entertainment

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is part of the Ripley Entertainment Inc. (www.ripleys.com) family of worldwide attractions, the global leader in location-based entertainment. More than 12 million people visit its 90-plus attractions in 9 countries each year. In addition to its 31 Believe It or Not!Odditoriums, the Orlando, Florida-based company has publishing, licensing and broadcast divisions that oversee projects including the syndicated Believe It or Not! television show, best-selling books and the popular syndicated cartoon strip, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, that still runs daily in 42 countries. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the third-largest privately held company in Canada.

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