Cocoon – Boy Boers
The award-winning caterpillar ride of Boy and Susan Boers
Operator: Boy and Susan Boers (Boers Amusement, Geleen, Netherlands) · since 2020
Cocoon Boers is a classic Dutch Rupsbaan, now operated by Boy and Susan Boers. The name refers to a ride in the caterpillar ride tradition: the cars follow a wavy circular track, while a canopy makes the ride a unique experience for part of the time. This combination of movement, music and the famous caterpillar ride moment sets Cocoon apart from many modern roundabout rides.
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What to expect
- Family-friendly
Highlights & records
Classic Dutch caterpillar ride with a canopy that closes for part of the ride. Won awards twice at the Echter Kermis: 2003 and 2021.
Cocoon preserves the special moment of the classic caterpillar ride: a wavy track, music and a canopy that suddenly changes the atmosphere.
What a ride on Cocoon Boers is like
On a Rupsbaan, the cars travel in a closed circuit along a track that rises and falls. The motion is different from that of a roller coaster: there is no long track with separate descents, but a repeated sequence of curves and waves. The ride is all about rhythm and sharing the experience in the cars. Those familiar with this type of ride particularly think of the moment when the canopy comes down over the riders.
Cocoon keeps this tradition alive at Dutch funfairs. From the outside, the ride has the typical circular layout. During the ride, the atmosphere changes as soon as the canopy closes. The open roundabout ride then becomes an enclosed space for a short time. This feature has made the caterpillar ride a popular meeting place for generations.
General
- Model
- Rupsbaan / caterpillar ride
- Also known as
- Cocoon Rupsbaan
Set-up & transport
- Transport units
- 2
The history of Cocoon: Lutgens and the Boers family
The ride's history is closely connected with the Lutgens showman family from Roermond. Harry and Karin Lutgens operated Cocoon for many years. Boy Boers learned the funfair trade, among other things, while helping to set up the Lutgens caterpillar ride. This was the start of his connection with the very ride that would later become part of his own operation.
In 2020, Boy and Susan Boers took over Cocoon. The change was an important step for their showman business. Boy had already travelled with other rides before then; later, he added Nightfly to his line-up. Cocoon and Nightfly are two different rides with different operating principles.
The caterpillar ride received special recognition at the Echter Kermis: in 2003, Cocoon won an award while still operated by H. C. Lutgens. In 2021, Cocoon won another award, now under Boers Amusement. These two prizes notably connect the history of the former and current operators.
Timeline
Operated by the Lutgens family for decades; taken over by Boy and Susan Boers for the 2020 season. Echter Kermisprijs 2003 under Lutgens and 2021 under Boers Amusement.
- Operator
- Boy and Susan Boers (Boers Amusement, Geleen, Netherlands)
- With operator since
- 2020
- Type of operation
- Travelling
- Status
- Active / in operation
- Last known season
- 2026
Previous operators
Harry and Karin Lutgens / H. C. Lutgens (Roermond, Netherlands), until 2019.
Who is Cocoon Boers suitable for?
Cocoon is a good choice for visitors who enjoy classic funfair movements but are not looking for big inversions. You can feel the waves and sideways forces, but the ride retains the character of a traditional caterpillar ride. For many, sharing a seat under the canopy is part of the experience. Ask the staff at the entrance about the specific rules for riding.
It is also worth a look for funfair fans comparing historic ride types. Cocoon shows why caterpillar rides have kept their place despite the arrival of new pendulum and spinning rides. Find more classics in the ride overview.
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