The Gates Open at Cedar Point This Saturday, May 15!

SANDUSKY, Ohio, May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Giant coasters, live shows and special activities will highlight Opening Weekend at Cedar Point when the Sandusky, Ohio, amusement park/resort opens for its 141st season on Saturday, May 15.  

The reigning "Best Amusement Park in the World," Cedar Point's rides and roller coasters will be complemented by special live music throughout the weekend, an opportunity to win a John Deere lawn mower and an all-you-can-eat meal and ticket combo on Sunday afternoon.

With 74 rides, including 17 roller coasters, no one has more rides and more coasters than Cedar Point.  Its Big Three coasters include the relentless Maverick, the 120-mph Top Thrill Dragster and the 310-foot-tall Millennium Force which will celebrate its 10th anniversary this summer.  There are also plenty of other guest favorites including three traditional carrousels and four kids' areas including Camp Snoopy and Planet Snoopy.

The park's newest addition, the Shoot the Rapids water ride, is expected to be in operation for the Memorial Day Weekend beginning Saturday, May 29.  Located along the Frontier Trail, the $10.5 million water ride will feature two hills, a dark tunnel, canyon walls with spraying water and a grand finale that will send boats skimming across churning rapids.

In between rides, guests will be able to watch some of the park's award-winning live entertainment.  Tropical Heat, Island Beat, a new show in the Red Garter Saloon, will feature the hits of Jimmy Buffett and Gloria Estefan, while Charlie Brown's Funtime Frolics will be performed in Camp Snoopy.  

Other activities at the park during Opening Weekend include:

• On Saturday, the Ohio State University Spring Athletic Band will perform the National Anthem at 9 a.m.  The band will also march along the midway and perform near the Iron Dragon and WildCat roller coasters at 1:30 p.m.
• Beginning Opening Day through Father's Day, Sunday, June 20, guests can register to win a new X324 or z445 John Deere lawn mower.  Entry forms can be obtained at Cedar Point's Guest Services, the Town Hall Museum or by mail.  For more information, please visit cedarpoint.com.
• On Sunday (May 16), The Undeserving will perform three shows at the Jack Aldrich Theatre (formerly the Centennial Theatre) at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.  The four-man band who originates from Northwest Ohio has recently garnered some national attention when its song, Something to Hope for, was used in commercials for the American Idol television show.
• The park will also hold an all-you-can-eat Picnic in the Park meal featuring broiled Johnsonville Brats, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, cookies, ice cream and assorted Pepsi beverages.  The picnic will be held in the Coral Courtyard from 4-6:30 p.m. on Sunday.  Tickets can be purchased online at cedarpoint.com or at the park's admission gates.
• Through the end of May, Pick-a-Date tickets for a June visit can be purchased online at cedarpoint.com for only $29.99, a savings of $16 per ticket!  Pick-a-Date tickets can be used with an upgrade to regular price for a visit to Cedar Point on any other 2010 operating date.

All of Cedar Point's resort properties will open for the season on Friday, May 14.  New Build-Your-Own Packages will be available throughout the season.  Resort guests also qualify for Early Entry and can enter the park one hour before it opens to the public.

Cedar Point will open for the summer on Saturday, May 15 and will be open every day through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6.  

SOURCE Cedar Point