Valley Residents Who Endure 'Carmageddon' Rewarded With Free Carnival Rides

SANTA MONICA (CBS) — For many, riding the 405 can be something like a carnival ride...up, down, curving, fast, crawls to a halt, repeat.

So it's fitting that any San Fernando Valley residents who manage to endure (survive?) the coming "Carmageddon" weekend (July 15-18) -- when much of the the famed freeway will be closed as part of a $1 billion improvement project -- will be rewarded with free carnival rides at Pacific Park, the amusement part at the Santa Monica Pier.

Anyone with a valid San Fernando Valley zip code will get free and unlimited rides throughout the weeked.

Guests from other areas can also get a reward that weekend if they purchase an unlimited-ride pass -- a free construction-cone orange cotton candy.

Jeff Klocke, director of marketing and sales at Pacific Park, says the venue wants to honor anyone who braves what is expected to be a traffic nightmare.  He says, "If guests can make their way to Pacific Park through the detours and stifling traffic, we want to recognize their efforts with a free unlimited ride pass."

The offers will be available from 7 p.m. July 15 to 11 p.m. July 17. San Fernando Valley residents will have to show proof of their address to qualify for the free ride passes.

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