Kennywood Park will open for its 127th season on a truly Pittsburgh kind of day — April 12, also known as 412-day, a nod to the city’s area code.
The Steel Curtain roller coaster is also scheduled to reopen at some point this season.
“Our most up-to-date and official statement as of today is the Steel Curtain will make its grand return this season,” Lynsey Winters, communications director for Palace Entertainment, said on Thursday.
Winters added she could not give a date, but that the work to add additional columns to the ride is approximately 90% complete and two trains have been added back to the track. The coaster also needs more test runs.
“We’re excited,” Winters said. “Our guests may even see these test runs during their first visits to the park this spring. As soon as testing begins, an opening date will be announced.”
Cedar Point in Ohio experienced a similar situation with its Top Thrill 2 strata coaster.
“It’s a challenging location where they built this ride,” Pittsburgh-based director and historian for the National Amusement Park Historical Association Jim Futrell said on Thursday. “There are often adjustments that need to be made, especially with a ride this high and fast.”
Last month, Kennywood announced that it will soon be operating under new ownership, Atlanta-based Herschend, whose other holdings include Dollywood and the Harlem Globetrotters. Herschend will acquire Palace Entertainment’s U.S. attractions, which include Kennywood, Sandcastle in West Homestead and Idlewild & SoakZone in the Laurel Highlands.
The park will be owned by Palace Entertainment until the regulatory process is completed.
General manager Ricky Spicuzza said this will be the first time the park opens on April 12 since 1931. It is the earliest opening day since 1931. The park typically opens mid-April or later.
“We have so much going on at the park this year,” said Spicuzza. “This will be our longest season yet and we can’t wait to welcome guests for a year packed with unforgettable thrills, family fun and new traditions.”
The park is introducing an Eggcellent Celebration — it’s been decorated with more than 150 large Easter eggs and 75 large bunnies. The park has introduced a 6-foot tall Easter bunny called Tuft, who guests can meet during the open dates in April. Tuft will be located in a new celebration space available for party and event rentals.
The Eggcellent Celebration will be held on weekends beginning with opening weekend through April 27. There will be two additional operating days on April 18 and April 21.
Opening day will begin with the unveiling of the Kennywood Junction-themed area, modeled after a small steel town neighborhood and featuring five newly themed rides, a celebration room and retail store.
Located not far from Kiddieland, the rides include the Olde Kennywood Railroad, Kenny’s Cargo Drop — with a 35-foot drop — Parker’s Cloud Cruisers, which are helicopters to go up and down with a view of the Raging Rapids; Fire Bustin’ Brigade, which has names of local fire departments on the cars; and Coal Haulin’ Convoy.
The railroad will feature two trains. One is the return of the train known as the Gimbels Flyer that was at the World’s Fair and brought to Kennywood in 1945. During train rides, guests will see some things that used to be at the park, such as a log from the Log Jammer and a car from Turnpike.
“All families can experience these rides together,” said Taylor Bulischeck, marketing manager.
Spicuzza said some food items will include Easter-inspired dishes such as ham and potatoes and Pittsburgh specialties such as fried fish and pierogies.
Potato Patch fries will still be at the park, Spicuzza was asked.
“Potato Patch will always be here,” Spicuzza said. “There is no Kennywood without the Potato Patch.”