KUSA – Colorado’s smallest town by population had just eight residents as of the 2010 census … but you probably know it instead by the amusement park that bears its name and maybe the Walmart/shopping center next door.

Lakeside is named after Lake Rhoda, which was named after the daughter of the man who bought the park in the 1930s.

That woman, Rhoda Krasner, still manages the park now with help from her family.

You can see Lakeside off Interstate 70 at Sheridan Boulevard. The tiny town was incorporated on Nov. 25, 1907 and the amusement park opened on May 30, 1908 -- and has been there ever since (it was initially named White City and built by prominent Denver brewer Adolph Zang).

The amusement park opens for the season on May 5, and is a place that many Denver residents have been enjoying for generations (you can find the schedule and information about tickets here: https://bit.ly/2Fkd4ZN).

Because Lakeside has been around for so long and been such a big part of Denver summers, we decided to do something a little bit different with this week’s 9Neighborhoods.

Instead of sending a web producer to take pictures of a closed-for-the-season amusement park and a shopping center, we asked the more than 4,500 members of the Remembering Lakeside Amusement Park 1908-Present Facebook group to tell us about their memories and show us their photos. Here’s a look at their comments and the things they told us not to miss below.

This is part of 9NEWS' weekly #9Neighborhoods series. Join us on Instagram at noon for a photo tour of Lakeside!

The White City

Lakeside began as White City, and it opened to a crowd of 50,000 people. Back in the early 20th century, White City was a chain of amusement parks from around the world, and it got its name from its glowing white lights. Now, Lakeside is the only so-called “White City” left standing.

Here’s a look at the White City shortly after it opened courtesy the Denver Public Library.

Laffing Sal

Here's a YouTube video of another Laffing Sal for context. She's very ... unique.

Can't see the video? Click here: https://youtu.be/p2aTHkXs2Mo

A Laffing Sal once stood in the Lakeside funhouse (which is also gone) and laughed at everyone, and folks in the Facebook group miss her!

"The most famous unliked character...Laughin Sal! She should be returned to her perch of fame!" wrote Annette Bak.

"The kiddie rides were so much fun," wrote Pam Flory Burkholder. "I loved the motorcycle and boat ride. I remember they always played Elvis Presley songs on the Matterhorn, the smell of the train as we went around Lake Rhoda, the sound of Laughing Sal and the funky old smell of the fun house with the crazy spin ride and spinning barrel -- I'm surprised more people weren't hurt."

Westword reports that Laffing Sal is rumored to be somewhere in storage ...

The rides

Multiple people in the Facebook group said we've got to talk about the Cyclone, the historic white rollercoaster that folks in Denver have ridden for generations.

"Talk about Cyclone and Chipmunk, both are rare rides in this day and age, Cyclone is one of two better coasters in existence," wrote Will Thomas.

We'll get to the Wild Chipmunk here shortly, UltimateRollerCoaster.com says the Art Deco station for the Cyclone is an attraction in itself. This coaster was built in 1940 and designed by Edward Vettel Sr.

Here's a vintage look at that famous facade:

And here's a point-of-view look at this historic coaster from a rider:

Can't see the photo? Click here: https://youtu.be/8DEtxAFoqFc

Another ride at Lakeside that folks love to talk about is the Wild Chipmunk.

Honestly, it's hard to describe. Imagine making sharp turns in a bumper car that's also going over bumps.

You can kind of get a taste of what it's like here:

Can't see the video? Click here: https://youtu.be/I34A7fLSYFg

And check out the schematic for the original ride here:

The attractions that aren't there

As you can imagine, in its more than 100-year history, Lakeside has seen numerous rides and attractions come and go, include a swimming pool, race track, beach, the "speed boats" and so-called "Star Ride."

You can see historic photos of rides that are no longer at Lakeside below:

Of course, since Lakeside has been around so long, there are plenty of great memories there. Especially for Tracy Tisher Gripp.

"I got married at Lakeside!" she wrote.

" I go to Lakeside every season and I fall more in love with its charm as time passes," wrote Pandora Cole.

"We love Lakeside," Linda Lou Ornelas wrote. "We go there every summer."

Lakeside now

Mark Stein, who 9NEWS profiled earlier this year for his effort to document all of the neon signs in Denver, shot photos of Lakeside in its full glory -- specifically, at night.

You can see his photos below:

A big thank you to everyone in the Remembering Lakeside Amusement Park. 1908 - Present Facebook group for your help!

This feature on Lakeside is part of 9NEWS' weekly #9Neighborhoods series, which highlights Colorado communities. Is there a community we haven't featured yet that you'd like to see? Email us at webteam@9news.com