Summer Is Here....Cedar Point Is Open

As I worked outside this past week I heard a comforting summer noise that just brings a smile to my face....When the wind blows just right you can hear the whistle on the Cedar Point train. I remember catching it every so often as I would doze off to sleep while growing up in my parent's house. Now, we are a little closer and the wind's been blowing just right all week. It's the coolest thing.

My dad has already posted about Cedar Point on his blog with it being opening weekend for Cedar Point. Cedar Point was my life growing up. I figured I'd post my reponse that I put on his blog here also.....

Okay, so my good ol' days may not be the same as yours but what about a little walk down memory lane for me.

I remember playing in Kid Arthur’s Court. The stinky ball pit, trying to get through the maze at the end faster than anyone else, playing in those God awful hot “playhouse” things, and being too scared to go up the net ladder thing.

I remember loving the Mill Race and thinking I was so brave when I rode in the front seat. And Riding White Water Landing and trying to push our entire weight to the back of the canoe so when you hit the bottom of the hill you’d try to skip, like skipping a rock on a pond.

I remember riding the spinning ride (I guess it’s now called the Rock, Spin, and Turn) and we could never make it go fast enough. I feel real bad for whoever had to ride and Ande’ and me. I’m sure they walked off feeling quite sick. And for some reason I always thought the wheel was a pizza pan. Why??

What about the notorious “smell of Cedar Point.” Especially by the water rides. Yep, it’s still there.

I remember going to all the shows including Centennial Theater and Lusty Lils and trying to repeat the songs and dance sequences once I got home.

I remember always wanting to be chosen to be in a show so I could get a button. Needless to say I was never chosen.

I remember going on the Pirate Ride every visit and feeling like it was so cool. Too bad it can’t hold a candle to the real Pirates Of The Caribbean at Disney.

I remember when the Troika was my favorite ride and then all the sudden they upped the height limit and I couldn’t ride it. What a bummer.

I remember crying as I got to watch my siblings go on Cedar Downs as I patiently (or not so patiently) waited to grow a ½ inch.

I remember trying to stuff my shoes to make me just “this” much taller.

I remember when Disaster Transport was Avalanche Run. I never rode it due to my size, but I remember when they changed it to DT and I rode it for the first time. It was top of the line and I was scared to death.

I remember the Swabinchen (sp?) Also know as the “lady with big boobs” ride. I never understood why they had that one and another smaller one (can’t remember the name) that was next to the Scrambler. Two of the same ride? Dunno.

I remember riding Ocean Motion and doing the whole wave stand up thing to emphasize the feeling of weightlessness.

I remember the food. I still get the same stuff. Corndog with ketchup, Berardi’s fries with vinegar and ketchup, and a funnel cake to finish the day. And you can’t forget about the salt-water taffy.

I remember the summer when we’d go over so dad could play his game-skee ball, but where you shot the ball out of the cannon. We were saving up all the stuffed animals so we could keep trading up. Then when we went to trade them in for the giant prize it had changed to a not so cool prize. Ah well.

I remember the smell of the Dodgem’s when you’d walk by or ride them. The smell of the gas and sparking metal.

I remember riding the Mine Ride and mom doing her “indian cry” in the last part that goes round and round.

I remember riding the paddlewheel ride and ruining all the “guides” jokes since we had ridden so many times.

I remember having at least one weekend a year when we would have a picnic day. We’d pack our lunch and leave the cooler at the picnic area, then come back later. Can you even still leave your stuff there without having someone steal it?

I remember leaving the park and always keeping my eyes out for toys that were left behind by others. I remember these feather/furry black long things that had stick-on eyes. I have no idea what they were but it totally made my day if I found one. I always wanted one of those walking lizard things on a metal stick. Now I know why I never got one….they have NO point.

Boy, I could go on and on about what I remember…obviously I remember a lot. Even though I could say a lot of negative things about Cedar Point, the bottom line is I can’t deny that it was a huge part of my life growing up and has produced so many fond memories.

I wish we could get passes this year. We went at the end of last year and it was an amazing amount of fun. The only problem is we can't afford to put down $200+ just to have fun. Maybe next year....