Phil McLaughlin built several detailed models of Idora Park structures — all from memory. Idora Park Experience founder Jim Amey lifts the roof on the penny arcade to show detailed gaming machines inside. The model will be on display along with several of the actual machines.

CANFIELD TOWNSHIP — What could be the final open house for the Idora Park Experience will take place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The event at 4450 S. Turner Road will showcase the collection of Jim and Toni Amey, who have tried to keep alive the memories of Idora Park.

Idora was the Valley’s iconic amusement park from 1899 until it closed in 1984 following a fire that took out the featured Wildcat roller coaster.

The park originally a trolley stop and began with just a carousel and a picnic area. It grew into an amusement park with rides and entertainment venues until the fire.

“Oct. 20 and 21, 1984, an auction was held and everything was sold over the two-day event,” said Jim Amey, who once worked at the park.

Jim was able to obtain one piece of memorabilia: a porcelain light fixture that was mounted over the football toss game at the park. That one light fixture started a collection that has grown since 1993. Jim and Toni traveled to other states to obtain a piece they heard about or was discovered, many times by word of mouth.

In a few cases, the couple has found an item that was not the original from Idora, but was made by the same company and is a good replica. One such find is the animatronic elephant that was from the “Lost River” ride. It is not the original Idora elephant, but it was a match for the original. “One thing we have learned is, close enough is good enough for memories,” Jim said.

One new find that is original in the collection is the Tin Man trash can cover. Jim said the piece was located with a water ride based on the 1939 Wizard of Oz movie. That ride was eventually torn down to make way for the famous Wildcat roller coaster.

Toni said it was word of mouth that got the collection its first Wildcat car.

“Once we opened up here, people began donating to us,” Toni said.

She said a wonderful addition came with donations of models built by Phil McLaughlin. Jim said the hobbyist would build from memory and he was able to capture the look and feel of Idora Park. Among some of the models are the train and station, the rocket ride, and the penny arcade. The Ameys also have a scale model of the Wildcat.

With the huge collection and the new additions, the Ameys are ready to hold a final open house.

Toni said a lot of money and sweat have gone into the collection and the time has come to move on. She said some come and help during the open houses, but the rest of the year, it is all on the couple. Also, Canfield Township won’t permit it to be opened as a museum year-round, the Ameys are only permitted a couple of weekend days a year, they noted.

“We can never recoup what we have put into this collection,” Jim said.

After this open house, Toni said their home will be listed for sale. She said that will affect what happens to the collection.

“If the home sells quickly, then we will have to move fast,” she said. “Holding an auction is a last resort.”

Jim said he would prefer to see the collection stay intact and continue to be a public display, perhaps with a historical society’s involvement.

Tickets to get into the open house are $7.50 per person. More information is available at the website www.theidoraparkexperience.com.