Red Cross to hold auction for first public ride on Cedar Point's newest thrill ride - maXair

Wednesday, 13 April 2005

Red Cross Press Release

SANDUSKY, Ohio, April 13, 2005 – The Firelands Chapter of the American Red Cross, in cooperation with Cedar Point amusement park/resort, is holding an auction for thrill-seekers who want a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be among the first riders on the park’s new maXair thrill ride.

The Red Cross is auctioning seats on maXair to the 50 highest bidders, with bids starting at $75.  A winning bid will include breakfast at the park, a commemorative medallion, a coveted inaugural ride on maXair and complimentary admission to the park on Opening Day, Saturday, May 7.  (Successful bidders will select seats, with the highest bidders choosing first.)  Proceeds from the auction will help fund a variety of Red Cross programs.

Riders on this ultimate thrill ride will sit in outward-facing suspended seats that form a giant circle of 50 passengers.  maXair will swing riders back and forth in a seemingly out-of-control pendulum motion while rotating clockwise.  At the peak of the pendulum movement, that reaches a maximum speed of 70 mph, riders will be upside down 140 feet above the ground and will experience "airtime" – that coveted feeling of weightlessness that is popular for thrill-seekers on roller coasters.  (Guests must be at least 52 inches tall to ride maXair.)

The Firelands Chapter of the American Red Cross will be accepting maXair bids now through 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4.  For more information on how to place a bid, please contact the Red Cross Web site at www.firelandsredcross.org or call 419.626.1641, or 800.589.2286 (toll-free in Ohio).  Bids will also be accepted by fax at 419.626.9244 or via e-mail through the Red Cross Web site.