BRISTOL -- Pop star Whitney Houston created a stir at Lake Compounce Sunday afternoon when she visited the park with her family.

Scheduled for a performance at the Oakdale Musical Theatre in Wallingford Sunday night, Houston brought her husband, children and a couple of bodyguards to the nation's oldest amusement park for a little fun.

Park officials escorted the family to various rides, including the stomach-flipping Top Spin. They said Houston's children were especially fond of the Rotor.

After a wet trip on the log ride, Houston herself proclaimed a need for a towel, but ended up drying off in the sun like everyone else.

Fans spotted the famous singer and called out to her as she rested on a park bench with her husband, and word quickly spread among park patrons that Houston was there.

Houston and her family stayed at the park about two and a half hours.

Tom Wages, the park's general manager, said Houston's visit was unexpected. He said he hoped she put in a good word for the park with her audience Sunday.