CP might take hit with rising gas prices

Tuesday, 30 August 2005

By BRANDI BARHITE
brandibarhite@sanduskyregister.com

SANDUSKY - The unofficial end of summer might be quiet.

Rising gas prices in the wake of Hurricane Katrina could keep guests away from Cedar Point during Labor Day weekend.

Park spokesman Robin Innes said the park has been concerned about the already high gas prices, and another hike could affect the park as well.

"People may not make the trip," Innes said today.

To combat the gas prices, the park will continue to aggressively promote its new discount program.

"We think we are giving people a good incentive to come," Innes said.

Seniors citizens, 62 and older, can get into the park for $9.95 through October, compared to the $44.95 general admission Funday price.

Juniors, 3 and older, under 48 inches tall, also pay $9.95 through October, compared to the $24.95 junior price.

Also, part of the discount program is two Starlight tickets for the price of one with a Web coupon. A Starlight ticket is $27, and good after 5 p.m., or 4 p.m. when the park closes at 8 p.m. This offer is good through Sept. 5.

Earlier this month, parent company Cedar Fair reported Sandusky's Cedar Point attendance is down 4 percent through the end of July compared to last year. Cedar Point had 3.2 million guests in 2004, down 4 percent from 2003.

Cedar Point officials have contributed the decline to the economy and rising gas prices.

BGSU Firelands professor Kay Strong said she thinks summer vacations will go on as planned.

"I suspect people will do what they normally do, since this is that last holiday weekend of summer," Strong said.

Staff writer Jenna Buzzacco contributed to this story.

FunCoast.com is your online guide to summer fun for Cedar Point, the LakeErie Islands and Sandusky area. Our site offers up-to-date information on area attractions, restaurants, hotels, gasoline prices, ferry schedules, swimming, birding and fishing, along with a complete listing of events happening in the Sandusky/Cedar Point area. To use our Webcam and zoom in on Cedar Point's rollercoasters, go to http://funcam.funcoast.com

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