Baltimore, MD (February 7, 2019) – Legendary Fertility Statues that have been credited with helping thousands of happy couples conceive have arrived at Baltimore’s weirdest spot – Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Inner Harbor. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, these powerful statues will be on display starting February 11, 2019 and free for guests to see and touch.

The iconic Fertility Statues, originating from West Africa, will remain in Baltimore through the third week of March.

While admission is required for entrance to the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium, the Fertility Statues have been positioned in the museum lobby allowing free access for those who wish to touch the legendary works of art.

Ripley’s acquired the statues, which measure 5-feet-tall and weigh more than 70 lbs each, in 1993. The statues are made from ebony wood and were hand-carved by craftsman of the Baulé tribe of the West African nation of Cote D’Ivoire in the 1930s.

West African nation of Cote D’Ivoire in the 1930s.

THE LEGEND

According to tribal legend, to ensure a couple’s fertility, the statues should be placed on both sides of the doorway leading into the bedroom. If a woman or her spouse touches either statue as they enter the room, they will soon get pregnant.

While Ripley’s cannot loan the statues to prospective parents for their bedrooms, the power of the statues is still strong. Thousands of women have written to Ripley’s claiming that after years of trying to conceive, one rub of the statues soon brought a bundle of joy.

THE BABY BOOM

When Ripley’s first received the statues in 1993, they were displayed at their Headquarters. A few months later, Ripley’s experienced a Baby Boom! Six employees became pregnant after touching the statues, and word started to spread. Women requested to visit the office just to touch the statues.

Over the years, Ripley’s has received countless messages from couples. Here are a few of their very personal stories:

VICTORIA
I came to see the statues in London in November, and although it is in its early days, I am pregnant!

MELISSA
I had been unsuccessful for a few months trying to get pregnant through fertility treatments. I went on a two-week European vacation. Our last stop was London to touch the fertility statues. A few weeks later I returned to the States, and my next treatment was successful! We had a baby girl in March!

LAUREN
We had a long road trying to get pregnant. I went to the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium and rubbed both statues, and within 48 hours we learned we were pregnant.

SAMANTHA
We were trying for about two years, and the doctors told us they didn’t think it would be possible for us to have children. The statues were something that we thought “Why not give it a try?” So we did, and here she is, and I would touch them again.

BACK ON TOUR

Take advantage of the opportunity to visit the statues before they leave on March 17, 2019! Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Baltimore is located at 301 Light St. Pavilion and is open 365 days of the year. See website for attraction hours.

To keep up-to-date with future tour dates, please visit Ripleys.com/fertility-statues

ORIGIN OF THE STATUES

Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Legendary Fertility Statues from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! on Vimeo.

 ###

Media Contacts

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

 
Sarah Mitchell
General Manager
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Baltimore
mitchell@ripleys.com
Office: 443-615-7878

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.

The post Just in Time for Valentine’s Day, Legendary Fertility Statues Arrive in Baltimore! appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.

Baltimore, MD (December 12th, 2018) – Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Baltimore, Maryland concluded their year- long “Believe in Baltimore” project with a fun-filled family bash this past Sunday, December 9th, by hosting several students from Maree G. Farring Elementary, Graceland Park Elementary, Holabird Elementary and Johnston Square Elementary schools for an early Christmas.

The children who participated in the free event were joined by their family members who were treated to a night of fun, entertainment, and presents! Each participant received a new coat, lots of gifts and an opportunity to have private access with their families to all the Ripley attractions on the Inner Harbor. They also enjoyed a nice meal catered by Mission Barbeque in Canton. Other locations that assisted with items for the children and their families were: Kohl’s, Bath &Body Works, Target, Wal-Mart, and Burlington.

Ripley’s Believe in Baltimore project began in January of 2018. Ripley team members earned scholarships based on their involvement in the community. The team members from Ripley’s provided meals for the homeless, outdoor play equipment to schools in need, they spent time volunteering and reading to children in the community, and worked with numerous service agencies throughout the city to provide time, services and needed equipment.

“The project has just been such an inspiration to me and to the staff. To be able to give back to our community and help those in need while also assisting our team members to further their educational goals has been such an amazing experience. We love our city, the people who live here and to be able to give back to Baltimore has been a blessing.” Sarah Mitchell, the General Manager of Ripley’s attractions in Baltimore. Ripley Entertainment Inc. plans to continue the program in the future.

Sarah Mitchell
General Manager
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Baltimore
Office: 443-615-7878
mitchell@ripleys.com

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

About Ripley Entertainment
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Baltimore 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 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.

The post Ripley’s “Believe In Baltimore” Celebration Bash appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.

Teachers, administrators, counselors, and support staff are eligible for free admission and 50% off up to four guests; they just need to bring a current pay stub and photo ID when they visit the attraction.

Included attractions are:

Baltimore, MD:  Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Marvelous Mirror Maze and 4D Moving Theater

Ocean City, MD:  Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Marvelous Mirror Maze and Impossible Laser Race

St. Augustine, FL: Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, Red Train Tours, Ghost Train Adventure and Bayfront Mini Golf.

Key West, FL: Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Panama City Beach, FL: Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, 7D Moving Theater, Marvelous Mirror Maze

Orlando, FL: Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

For more information regarding each location, please visit ripleys.com/attractions/  or contact Kim Kiff, Regional Manager at kiff@ripleys.com.

###

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

Kim Kiff
Regional Manager
Ripley Entertainment Inc.
kiff@ripleys.com
Office: 904-824-1606

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 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.

The post Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Educator Appreciation Day appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.

Ripley’s is hosting TWO Trashy Fashion Shows and is on the search for contestants.

Grand Prairie, TX & Baltimore, MD (March 9, 2018) Do you fancy yourself a fashionista? Can you spot a diamond in the rough? If so, Ripley’s wants to put your design skills to the test!

What is a Trashy Fashion Show?

In 2012, Ripley’s hosted their very first Trashy Fashion show. The challenge was simple: create a wearable design that is made from trash and recycled materials. Ripley’s is bringing the contest back and with it some amazing prizes! The Grand Prize winner will receive $1,000. The first and second runner ups will also receive a cash prizes of $500 for first runner up and $250 for second runner up. All contestants will receive a Ripley’s swag bag of merchandise just for participating.

All winners will become a “Ripley Feature” and appear on Ripley’s social media and featured on their popular blog. There is also the possibility of being highlighted in their best-selling book and the winning garment becoming a permanent exhibit displayed in a Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium.

How to Enter  

To enter you must create an original, wearable design made from everyday items not typically used in garment making.

Grand Prairie fashionistas should submit design no later than March 31, 2018. Submit a video or photo of your design to Ripleys.com/GrandPrairie/Fashion. Ripley’s will be holding a Grand Prairie Trashy Fashion & Art Show where your design will get a chance to make its debut. This event will take place on April 14, 2018 at 11am.

Baltimore fashionistas should submit design no later than May 21, 2018. Submit a video or photo of your design to Ripleys.com/baltimore/trashy-fashion. Ripley’s will be holding a Baltimore Trashy Fashion & Art Show where your design will get a chance to make its debut. This event will take place on May 26, 2018 at 1 pm.

There will be a panel of judges who will be scoring based on creative use of material, model’s runway walk, garment movability, and overall design. 

Previous Winners 

At the young age of 15, Kennedy Truster won the student prize her party dress made entirely out of newspaper. Analise Barnard and co-designer Amani Grant won first prize in the twelve and under division for a party dress and headband were created entirely from coffee filters. The 17 and up category was won by Masha Sardari who had two entries. The first was a formal, knee length gown made from used paint brushes and paper bags.  Her second entry was a cocktail dress made from a used shower curtain.

Prizes

1st place: $1000

2nd place: $500

3rd place: $250

If you think you have what it takes to become crowned the next winner of Ripley’s Trashy Fashion, submit your entry before each city’s deadline!

Grand Prairie – Ripleys.com/GrandPrairie/Fashion / Baltimore –  Ripleys.com/baltimore/trashy-fashion

If you have any questions about the contest, please send an email to Suzanne Smagala at smagala@ripleys.com. Good luck!

###

MEDIA CONTACTS

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

Rachel Rotella
General Manager
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! – Grand Prairie
972-263-2391
rotella@ripleys.com

Sarah Mitchell
General Manager
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! – Baltimore
443-615-7878
mitchell@ripleys.com

About Ripley Entertainment
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Baltimore 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 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.

The post Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Grand Prairie & Baltimore to Host Trashy Fashion Show! appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! reopening will be full of entertainment and activities for all ages.  Don’t miss live performances from 2016-2017 Washington, D.C. Magician of the Year, Eric Henning, and legendary sword swallower, Tyler Fyre. Performances will begin at 12:00 pm and will last until 4:00 pm.

Ripley’s will provide a celebration cake, kids arts and crafts, a Balloon Twister, and prize giveaways. The Chamber of Commerce will be on site for a welcoming ceremony at 12:00 pm, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony and beach ball drop at 1:00 pm.

ABOUT THE ODDITORIUM

This renovation is the largest one Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Ocean City has ever undertaken. Renovations started with an all-new lobby and exhibits, and there are new and exciting upgrades in all of their 12 themed galleries.

Ripley’s is most excited about the new Kids Interactive Room. This brand-new exhibit will have hands-on games and activities for children and adults to enjoy.

Ripley’s returned to the boardwalk in 2001, and they are excited to be going on their 17^th year. There is something to intrigue the curiosity of every visitor inside Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS 

Tyler Fyre is a sword swallower extraordinaire, and is featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not! books, and has made live appearances at multiple Ripley’s events.

Eric Henning is the 2016-2017 Washington, D.C. Magician of the Year. His award-winning blend of wit and wizardry has been seen around the world, from the streets of Paris to the White House, where he has performed for President Obama and the First Family. Add in three Presidential Inaugurals and five other White House appearances, and you have a truly Presidential prestidigitator!

###

MEDIA CONTACTS

Audra Ely
Supervisor
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Ocean City
aely@ripleys.com
Office: 410-289-5600

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

ABOUT RIPLEY ENTERTAINMENT

Ripley Entertainment Inc. is the global leader in location-based entertainment. More than 14 million people visit its over 100 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 countries all around the world. Ripley Entertainment is a Jim Pattison Company, the second-largest privately held company in Canada.

The post Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium Grand Reopening Event Ocean City, MD appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.

BALTIMORE, Md. (Feb. 7, 2018) – Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Baltimore is known for its collection of incredible exhibits, but now Ripley’s is doing something incredible for the community.

Ripley’s is rolling out its “Believe in Baltimore” project, on ongoing effort to give back.

For the first project, Ripley’s is providing structured outdoor play items to Graceland Park-O’Donnell Heights school, plus each homeroom will receive a bag of recess items and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! books. Ripley’s is donating $500 to the cause and has partnered with local Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Play It Again Sports, and Under Armor to give items such as jump ropes, soccer balls, footballs, and hula hoops to the school.

The items were delivered to the school on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 10am.

This isn’t a one-time donation for Ripley’s. The staff at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Baltimore will also be volunteering at the school weekly to read to students and create interactive reading/writing projects for classes. Additionally, Ripley’s will recognize students and teachers who go above and beyond with “Incredible Kid” and “Incredible Teacher” awards.

“We believe in the City of Baltimore and look forward to giving back to our community,” said Sarah Mitchell, GM of Ripley’s Baltimore.

Mitchell and the Ripley’s staff hope to expand the effort. Ripley’s plans to have staff volunteer to read at Maree G. Farring, as well, and is looking for other area schools that would like to partner on reading efforts and “Incredible Kid”/”Incredible Teacher” awards. Ripley’s also hopes to complete a “Believe in Baltimore” event monthly.

Ripley’s Baltimore Odditorium is located at 301 Light Street. For more on Ripley’s Baltimore attractions, please visit www.ripleys.com/baltimore.

Media Contacts
Sarah Mitchell
General Manager
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Baltimore
443-615-7878
mitchell@ripleys.com

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

About Ripley Entertainment

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Baltimore 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 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 third-largest privately held company in Canada.

The post Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Baltimore Kicks Off “Believe in Baltimore” Project appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.

BALTIMORE, MD. (Feb. 01, 2018) – Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Baltimore is bringing Marvel’s^® highly anticipated film Black Panther^TM off the silver screen and to the Odditorium.

Visitors will have the chance to meet Marvel’s newest super hero, Black Panther himself, on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, just one day after the movie’s release. The character appearance will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To add to the fun, Ripley’s will offer free face painting and fun superhero games for all attendees. Guests dressed as a superhero will also get a super deal—50% off one Ripley’s Baltimore attraction. The hero who most impresses will receive a Ripley’s latest book, Shatter Your Senses and a Ripley’s sipper cup.

Ripley’s Baltimore attractions include:

• Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Baltimore Odditorium
• Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze
• Ripley’s 4D Moving Theater

Ripley’s Baltimore Odditorium is located at 301 Light Street. For more on Ripley’s Baltimore attractions, please visit www.ripleys.com/baltimore.

Media Contact

Sarah Mitchell
General Manager
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Baltimore
443-615-7878
mitchell@ripleys.com

Suzanne Smagala-Potts
Public Relations Manager
Ripley Entertainment
|407-345-8010 x8148
smagala@ripleys.com

About Ripley Entertainment

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Baltimore 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 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 third-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. © 2018 MARVEL

The post Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Baltimore Hosts Black Panther Character Appearance appeared first on Ripley Entertainment Inc.