Cedar Point and Ohio Commemorate Historic Milestones In 2003

Friday, 01 August 2003

Cedar Point Press Release

SANDUSKY, Ohio, July 31, 2003 - While Ohioans are in the midst of a year-long bicentennial celebration commemorating 200 years of statehood, Cedar Point amusement park/resort also has a long and rich heritage that spans three centuries. Currently home to more rides (68) and roller coasters (16) than any other park in the world, Cedar Point is celebrating a wide variety of historic milestones in 2003.

Topping the list of anniversaries this summer is the 40th season for the Cedar Point and Lake Erie (C.P. & L.E.) Railroad. Debuting in 1963, this amusement park classic treats its passengers to a 15-minute train excursion over bridges and through a land of "Old West" animation. Cedar Point is one of the few amusement parks in the world that still uses real coal-fired steam locomotives. Also this summer, the C.P. & L.E. Railroad will give its amazing 100 millionth ride!

Another historic occasion took place at Cedar Point on Tuesday, June 17, 2003. On that date 25 years ago, "The Amazement Park" opened the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world, Gemini. To commemorate the momentous occasion, guests visiting Cedar Point on June 17 were able to sign special 25th anniversary banners, which are currently displayed in the park's Town Hall Museum. Current park officials who were at Cedar Point in 1978 were also invited to take the first ride of the day on Gemini. Standing 125 feet tall and reaching speeds of 60 mph, Gemini has been thrilling guests for a quarter of a century. The Gemini roller coaster has given more than 78 million rides.

"Being one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, we owe it to our guests and predecessors to preserve and celebrate our history as much as possible," stated Daniel Keller, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point. "One of my favorite places to visit on the peninsula is the Town Hall Museum."

Located in Frontiertown, Cedar Point's first themed attraction that opened 35 years ago in 1968, the Town Hall Museum offers guests a chance to look back in time to the Cedar Point of yesterday. Guests marvel at the rides and attractions Cedar Point had to offer, as well as the dress of early parkgoers. Visitors to the museum can view old postcards and photos of the park, watch a documentary on the history of Cedar Point, see replica games, roller coaster models and much more.

Live musical entertainment at Cedar Point also debuted 35 years ago with shows at the Golden Palace (now the Palace Theatre) and the Ballroom while The Hobo Band performed on the midway.

Other anniversaries that are being celebrated this summer include the 15th year for Soak City water park. Built in 1988, this watery playground has grown into a huge 18-acre park that boasts more than a dozen inner tube and body slides, a gigantic 500,000-gallon wave pool, two lazy rivers, shaded picnic areas, a swim-up refreshment center and beach, as well as refreshment stands, a merchandise shop, rental lockers, shower and rest room facilities.

The Demon Drop, which simulates a free fall from the top of a 10-story building, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Snake River Falls, an 82-foot-tall water flume ride, debuted at the park 10 years ago while Power Tower, a skyscraping 300-foot-tall thrill ride, is celebrating its fifth season.

Younger guests who visit the park can also get into the celebration by taking a spin on the Kiddy Kingdom Carousel. Originally built in 1925, the Kiddieland Carousel, as it was known, first opened at Cedar Point 35 years ago this summer.

For more information, call the Cedar Point information line at 419.627.2350. For more about the history of Cedar Point, as well as current information (including dates, prices and hours of operation) log on to cedarpoint.com.