Winter Haven’s Cypress Gardens theme park is changing their hours of operation. Via the News Chief:

Cypress Gardens Adventure Park’s weekend-only schedule of open days in September might stop at the end of that month, but it also could stretch into October.

“Right now, we’re not sure,” park co-ower Rob Harper said Sunday.

[...]

Harper pointed out that most other theme parks the size of Cypress Gardens have a similar schedule. He said that when the winter residents come back to the area and attendance picks up, the management will adjust the scheduling accordingly.

“We’re business people,” Harper said. “We’re monitoring what’s feasible to keep (the park) open.”

Various local events are planned that should boost attendance and promote future visits.

The owners and managers of the park have also said they want to aggressively market the Gardens as a natural setting for weddings and wedding receptions.

“The wedding business will take on new importance, because the (recently renovated Magnolia) Mansion is absolutely stunning,” Gernert said.

Before Cypress Gardens implements its reduced operating schedule in September, the park has three events scheduled for August. On Aug. 16, the park will host the 2008 Florida Sports Hall of Fame Induction.

On Aug. 23, the park will be the site of the Florida Miss Cypress Gardens USA and Miss Winter Haven USA pageants. And on Aug. 30, the Belles, Blues and BBQ event will be held at the park as a fundraiser for the Winter Haven Firemans Association, an organization that helps local victims of residential fires.

Harper said Cypress Gardens management could release an official statement about the September schedule change this week.