BUFFALO, N.Y. (July 8, 2008) - Independence Day weekend was a record-breaking event for Niagara Falls State Park. Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts set total revenue records on Friday and Saturday, and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation sold a record number of Discovery Passes over the weekend.

Niagara Falls State Park welcomed 227,199 guests over the three-day weekend, a 24-percent increase over last year's turnout. Those guests helped Delaware North set a single-day revenue record at the park on the Fourth of July and then break it a day later. The company also set records for holiday weekend revenues and weekly sales. The weekly sales total beat the previous record by more than 26 percent.

"This was an absolutely incredible weekend for Niagara Falls, New York State Parks and Delaware North," said Don Henk, general manager for Delaware North at Niagara Falls. "It speaks volumes about the partnership we've built with our client and all of the wonderful attractions we offer at the park. It was a phenomenal weekend that's helping us build on what is already a great summer."

The state parks department also set a record for single-day sales of the Niagara USA Discovery Pass on the Fourth of July. Total sales came in 9 percent higher than any previous single-day total.

"A combination of hard work to prepare the park, fine guest relations, outstanding weather and folks staying closer to home resulted in a banner Fourth of July weekend," said Mark W. Thomas, director of the Western District for the state. "We are thrilled with the record success of the Niagara USA Discovery Pass on the Fourth of July and congratulate all of our partners on an amazing weekend."

The Discovery Pass, a favorite among park-goers, allows Niagara Falls guests access to the Cave of the Winds, the Maid of the Mist, Niagara Adventure Theater, the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, Niagara Aquarium and the Niagara Scenic Trolley. The pass costs $30 for adults and $23 for children.

Delaware North has operated as the official concessionaire at Niagara Falls State Park since 1995. The company operates a handful of retail and concession areas in the park and also employs a world-class chef at Top of the Falls Restaurant, a casual and premium dining restaurant offering spectacular views of Horseshoe Falls.