Cedar Point unveils new ride, big ‘spectacular’ for 150th birthday

“You can’t celebrate Cedar Point’s 150th anniversary without a new ride,” general manager says

Credit: Screen grab

Credit: Screen grab

A 150th birthday is more than enough reason for a spectacular. 

Cedar Pointplans to celebrate its 150th anniversary in a big way. The announcement was first made during a YouTube live recording, Dec. 11.

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The Sandusky amusement park will have new more food and beverage options and merchandise, but the planned daily interactive parade and new family-friendly ride were the highlights of the announcement.

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Credit: Screen grab

Credit: Screen grab

“You can’t celebrate Cedar Point’s 150th anniversary without a new ride,”  Cedar Point GM Jason McClure said.

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That ride, Snake River Expedition, will have manned boats take guests around a river. It’s a nod to the park’s former Western Cruise and Paddlewheel Excursions boat rides.

Cedar Point officials say there will be animatronic and live characters such as smugglers throughout the route.

Celebrate 150 Spectacular, the daily parade, will include floats celebrating Cedar Point’s history including those representing roller coasters and boats. The Celebrate 150 Spectacular begins with a dozen illuminating floats that pay tribute to the iconic turning points, innovations and celebrations in Cedar Point history. The Celebrate 150 Spectacular steps off nightly from June 12 through Aug. 16. It will travel down the Main Midway and culminate in a street party.

Performers will engage with guests, officials said during the video.

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“The parade is a celebration of our history. It tells our story and connects our guests  to the park in a special way,” McClure said.

The parades will occur June 12 through Aug. 16.

Cedar Point opened in 1870 and is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the nation after Lake Compounce in Connecticut.

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Like Kings Island in Mason, Cedar Point is owned by Cedar Fair Entertainment Co.

Kings Island opened for its first season in 1972.

Other things to look forward to in 2020:

Ticket of a Lifetime

Beginning in late February, guests can enter for a chance to win a Ticket of a Lifetime – a ticket that affords them free admission to Cedar Point beginning with the 150th anniversary season and lasting the rest of their lives.

150 winners will be chosen throughout 2020 and each winner can enjoy the ride with three select family or friends for a total of four Tickets of a Lifetime per winner. Guests will have the chance to win online, outside the park and at Cedar Point.

Ticket of a Lifetime access includes unlimited admission to Cedar Point, Cedar Point Shores Waterpark, free parking and more.

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