Great Ohio Coaster Club

Six Flags, Inc. has announced that, due to its bankruptcy reorganization, they have rejected the lease with the Kentucky Fair Board (which owns the land which the park uses) and will not open for the 2010 season. Information on season passes can be obtained on their website. No information on where the rides may be relocated.

"We are deeply disappointed to be leaving such a great fan base in the greater metropolitan area of Louisville and we are grateful to the thousands of employees at Kentucky Kingdom and the millions of guests for their dedication, support and loyalty over the years," said Mark Shapiro, Six Flags President and CEO.

"This action relates solely to Kentucky Kingdom," Shapiro continued. "The substantial lease payment has been a significant hurdle for this park in recent years. Our other parks, which reside largely on company-owned land, will be completely unaffected and will open as scheduled for the full 2010 season."

No more bidders came forward with a proposal during the shopping period, for Cedar Fair, LP, and the proposed merger with Apollo Management now heads to the unitholders for a vote. However several institutional investors, with large stakes in the company, have announced they plan to vote no on the merger.

Believe it or not, Crystal Beach Park closed 20 years ago last September. Though it may be long gone, it’s certainly not forgotten. Join Tim Wagner and Dan Wilke for a look back at Western New York’s summer playground, Crystal Beach Park. You’re invited to a private screening of Tim’s updated 35mm slide presentation, “Crystal Beach Remembered”. The screening will take place on Saturday, February 20^th at 6:30 PM at Harvest House, 1782 Seneca Street (corner of Juniata), Buffalo, NY 14210. Doors open at 6PM.

But that’s not all, prior to the screening, we’re gathering for dinner at 4 PM at Chef’s Restaurant, 291 Seneca Street (near downtown), Buffalo, NY 14204 (about 2 miles from Harvest House). www.ilovechefs.com What better way to chew the fat and catch up with old friends than over a tasty meal! We’ve made a reservation (under the name “Western New York Coaster Club”). You pick up the tab (your own, of course).

Friends Gary and Linda Tatu have allowed us the use of space within Harvest House for this special presentation. While the slide presentation is free, a small monetary donation to Harvest House for use of the building would be appreciated, but is not required.

So join us for an evening of friendship and fun as we remember Crystal Beach and let’s all “Laff In The Dark!”

For further information, call Tim Wagner (585) 425-7072 or Dan Wilke (716) 825-7266 evenings.

If it’s the first Friday in June, it can only mean one thing – it’s time for Cedar Point’s 22^nd Annual CoasterMania! This year’s event will be held on Friday, June 4 and Saturday, June 5, 2010 and promises to be bigger and better than ever before!

Can you say more than 15 hours of ERT on 11 (yes 11!) of Cedar Point’s best rides? We’ve got Top Thrill Dragster, Millennium Force, Magnum XL-200, Gemini, Maverick, Shoot-the-Rapids, Skyhawk, Disaster Transport, maXair, Blue Streak and Raptor.

How about not only one, but TWO CoasterMania!-exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of Millennium Force and Maverick? (Be sure to bring your camera!)

Back by popular demand will be the CoasterMania! Games of Skill Competition, Miniature Golf Challenge and the ultra-popular CoasterMania! Film Festival. You could win prizes ranging from exclusive ERT to winter tours and more!

And of course there free food, giveaways, special presentations, exclusive deals and events for guests at any Cedar Point Resort and much, much more.

The action kicks off on Friday, June 4, with a special presentation from our keynote speaker, all the way from Switzerland, Walter Bolliger of B & M! Bring your cameras and questions because this is one presentation you will not want to miss!

Cedar Point Amusement Resort is located in Sandusky, Ohio.

For more information, log on to www.coastermania.cedarpoint.com

I am improving after my heart attack and heart by-pass surgery and I apologize that updates to the GOCC website have been slow and delayed. Thanks for all the well wishes that have been sent during my recuperation.

We have started a page on Facebook for the Great Ohio Coaster Club. For those on Facebook, search for it and join, upload pictures, video, and post items on the wall.

I have received a lot of pictures from GOCC members John Marn, Cathy Schwab, Michael Burkes and Ray Osburn/Gravity Photography. I am getting the pictures ready for the website and will have them up soon. May is one of the busiest months in our business, and we traditionally run behind this time of year. Thanks for the understanding.