Cedar Point gives 100% for the 150th anniversary

SANDUSKY — Starting soon, and throughout the near future, Cedar Point will honor the Sandusky-based amusement park's storied past during its 150th anniversary. How so? In large part, with The Celebrate 150 Spectacular. It's a 51-day nightly parade featuring 12 floats, more than 100 performers — entertainers, dancers, acrobats, athletes and more — an original score and an epic street party in Celebration Plaza. No matter with decorative floats or dressed-up performers, the entire spectacle harkens back to popular attractions and favorite rides among guests. "The concept of the parade is to celebrate milestones in the park's history. You have Hotel Breakers all the way up to roller coasters to games to food and beverage," park spokesman Tony Clark said."All of the things that have made Cedar Point famous throughout the years; That's what it is, the story of our history." Starting Saturday, The Celebrate 150 Spectacular kicks off at 8:45 p.m. each operational night up until Aug. 15. The parade takes a loop around the midway. In addition to the 150th birthday parade, Cedar Point is showcasing a new ride experience called Snake River Expedition. Snake River Expedition, which recently debuted, takes its participants on a real paddleboat to explore Snake River. The ride features a storyline, live actors, special effects and more for an all-inclusive experience. While Snake River Expedition is a new ride, it pays homage to Cedar Point's past with nods to Western Cruise and Paddlewheel Excursions boat rides. The ride even sneaks in little "Easter eggs" about park staff and its location on the shores of Lake Erie in the ride's details. "The Snake River Expedition is a great way to kick that (the celebration) off. We are all about traditions, we've been traditional since 1870," Clark said. "It's (Cedar Point) what people come to do every summer. It's a new way to start a tradition, the whole family can ride, from infants all the way to grandparents." Cedar Point's 150th birthday celebration features new dining options and collectibles. One of the new events is Taste of the Point, a food tour that will feature 15 old favorite food items from Cedar Point's past. Pagoda gift shop, located on the Midway, will be featuring an all-new line of collectibles to mark the occasion. Actually in its 151st year of operation, Cedar Point pushed back the milestone occasion one year due to COVID-19.