A special tribute to and his legacy of FUN C1 Coming Sunday, October 2, 2011 Oct. 30 Showcase sanduskyregister.com Belaboring Point the

Register photos/TOM SHERER The yellow is pulled up the 310-foot-high on at . For the second consecutive season the ride was voted the best steel in the world. A lot can be discovered in a summer at Cedar Point lawn mower best ride in the best The sounds cutting grass. in the Kids say the Kids splashing world. The only time this is n “The Star-Spangled in the water. slightly debatable is on one darndest things Banner” at the very A ball pinging of the near-100-degree days, The funniest things to be beginning of the day. off a bat. These are the when every mist fan in the n A heard at Cedar Point come The Midway Carrousel’s sounds of summer park becomes the best ride. Maverick music right inside out of the mouths of kids, for most people. n The descent usually around 10 years the front gate. The sound of from Power n The whistles of the old, including: this past summer Tower’s drop n Cedar Point and Lake “Too high! Too high! Too for me was loose towers is the best high! Too high!” From a Erie Railroad trains. dirt sliding toward feeling in the n girl only about 100 feet Compressed air being the back of a park, followed released on up the 310-foot-high Millennium Force by reaching Millennium Force lift hill. and . train as it headed the apex of n n “I have to pee.” The roar of a Millennium up its lift hill Skyhawk’s swing. Force train returning Deadpanned by a girl at Cedar Point. n The launch literally the moment her past the queue. And screaming. on Top Thrill n “Arms down. Head Millennium Force train Lots of screaming. Dragster, no came to a complete back. And hold on.” I was fortunate matter how Followed by the and final stop. enough to visit tom many times you n prelaunch rumble “I did it! I did it! I did it! four amusement ride it, is the best I’m not dying! I’m not of . parks — Cedar sherer surprise in the n dying!” From a girl while A chain pulling a roller Point, Kings park. The Power • Is a graphic still being bounced coaster up its lift hill. Island, Kings Tower drop has n designer at around on a shot tower A Blue Streak train Dominion and similar abilities rolling through the the Register of Power Tower. Skyhawk Busch Gardens because it plays n “That’s enough!” old wooden track. Williamsburg and a ride nut on the primal, n From a boy only about Being able to hear, from — this season. at Cedar Point. instinctual outside the building, 10 seconds into a ride (And I held down • tomsherer@ fear of falling. on Witches’ Wheel. roll. one-and-a-half sanduskyregister.com n Facing west n n “Let me out!” From that Gulls fighting and jobs without on the top of the cawing over every piece same boy, upon having being fired.) drop towers of Power Tower to wait for the ride host of food they can find. That included rides on at sunset provides the best n to unlock each cabin. Paddlewheel Excursions’ every nonchildren’s roller view in the park. WindSeeker corny jokes and deliv- coaster in each park and at its top height is also high eries — one final year. 10 of the top 25 steel coasters on the list. (Pun intended.) n n The best rides are those The background in the world. In 45 days — n The best thrill-to- that can make grown men noise of the park, so far — at Cedar Point, I’ve wait-time ratio usually is scream like little girls. with the intermittent been on 385 rides, including Skyhawk, even though the Speaking of screaming ... crescendoing roar as Millennium Force 143 times. ride doesn’t last very long. a coaster train passes. But the following words Please do not sit or stand The screaming are not about me. They’re on the silver handrails. n If you’re screaming like The smells about you. And they’re about n The best sound in the you’re being bludgeoned to n Panda Express while what can be experienced at park is the crescendoing death before the ride moves, waiting in the queue a world-class amusement roar of Top Thrill Dragster maybe you shouldn’t ride. for Millennium Force. park, which happens to be as it heads up — or down n Females scream n Barbecue at Gristmill right in our backyard. — while you walk past below. significantly louder than Refreshments next Readers of this column: n The best smell in the males. I don’t know why. to . For your own safety please park is Subway baking bread n The only place worse n The Parmesan fries keep your arms and legs in the morning, if you’re than within one seat of at Happy Friar inside the paper at all times. in the park early enough. an over-the-top screamer across from . Sit upright, hold on tight n The best water during a two-minute ride is n The Cinnabon cart and enjoy your read of fountain is across from next to a group of cackling on the main midway. the Sandusky Register. the Pet Farm and Museum high school girls during n Lake Erie water on on Frontier Trail. The one a 90-minute wait for the ride. the water rides, for The bests outside of the Town Hall better or for worse. n Millennium Force is the Museum is good, too. n See CEDAR, Page C2 Cedar Point’s steel roller coasters in top 25 of 2011 Golden Ticket Awards

Millennium Force • No. 1 Top Thrill Dragster • No. 9 Magnum XL-200 • No. 10 • No. 18 Maverick • No. 21 Sandusky Register  SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2011 SHOWCASE CEDAR n From Page C1

n Young men: Don’t wear your high school football program’s T-shirt if you’re going to scream like a little girl. It doesn’t foster respect for or fear of your team to read a shirt that says some- thing like “Mustang Pride: Only the Strong Survive” when you sound like your 5-year-old sister. Now, if you somehow get your hands on and wear a shirt of your archrival team when you sound like your little sister, well, that’s good thinking. The tips n The “fun-ness” of a ride is directly proportional to the number of people who chicken out before getting on. Keep an eye out for this. n It’s only a ride. Millions of people have ridden it before. Don’t be afraid. Try it. n A Platinum Pass is worth buying just for the “free” parking and early entry to the park. n If you’re bringing someone to the park who’s never been there before, go in through the resort entrance at the back of the park. For better or for worse, one of the first things they’ll see — and hear — Register photos/TOM SHERER is Top Thrill Dragster roaring up its top hat. HalloWeekends skeletons join the fun while riders on Millennium Force’s red train put their arms in the air as the train comes down one of the ride’s hills. n The weekend after Labor Day but before HalloWeekends begins: Remember it. Be there for it. n No matter if you’re trying to ride all the roller coasters or just have a relaxing day, ride the big stuff early. Get into the park as soon as it opens and get to Millennium Force, Top Thrill Dragster or Maverick first. The quicker you can get on one — or more — before the line grows much, the less time you’ll waste in lines. n If a ride is on your must-ride list and is running, get on it as soon as you can. The “bigger” the ride, the more temperamental it seems to be in terms of being down for maintenance. n Pair up rides that are in close proximity to each other. When one is down for ABOVE: A train on Top Thrill Dragster heads down the track after clearing the ride’s top hat. repairs, ride the second one At 420 feet and 120 mph, it is the tallest and fastest ride in the park. And its launch is a while keeping an eye out for must-experience event. LEFT: The park’s new attraction for 2011, WindSeeker, didn’t open when the first ride reopens. until June 14, but the 301-foot-tall ride provides a great view of the park and Lake Erie. A good example is to ride Power Tower when Top in the park are experienced make sure to take a quick Yet, the only blood I saw you’re absolutely terrified more often than it burns you, Thrill Dragster is down, thus while looking around on look around for the couple at the park all season was of heights, give it a try. but both happen, as proven allowing you to see when rides. It’s not about seeing seconds you’re at the top. from a woman’s ears that For your safety we ask that by my five-hour, 15-minute Top Thrill reopens so you only the back of someone n If Maverick and Mean were pouring blood after you don’t sit or stand on the rain-delay wait for Maverick. can rush back over to ride else’s head and the ride Streak had a baby roller a ride on Maverick. I also silver handrails. Thank you. When down for “mechanical it with a very short line. right in front of you. coaster, it would cause your saw Maverick cause a n With WindSeeker in reasons,” a ride usually is For your safety and the n When the swing reaches neck to break simply by “wardrobe malfunction.” town, don’t forget about back up relatively quickly. safety of those around you its highest point on Skyhawk, looking at it. But, both can be (Her words, not mine.) Wave Swinger, the chained n Try RipCord and please do not sit or stand tilt your head back a little fun to ride. The key on Mean n WindSeeker isn’t as in Frontiertown. Skyscraper in Challenge on the silver handrails. bit so you can see some Streak — if you think it’s too extreme as a lot of people In some ways it’s a better Park behind Cedar Point. n At 93 mph, beware of the park — upside down. rough — is to sit up straight fear, unless you’re afraid of ride than WindSeeker. They cost extra, but you don’t of the bugs at night while n While certainly not but keep your back off the heights. Its top speed is only n If you’re at the park to have to pay to get into Cedar riding Millennium Force, guaranteed — or even seatback. That way it doesn’t about 30 mph, and you’re at ride and aren’t interested in Point to do them. And they’re especially early in the season. probable — wait in line for feel like King Kong is using the ride’s highest point for shows or other things you worth it — at least to try once. n Try riding in different Top Thrill Dragster when your back as a boxing speed only several seconds before can do, don’t get out of line sections of the roller coasters the ride closes because of bag. Also, it helps to ride as coming back down. Unless during delays. It pays off n See POINT, Page C3 — front, middle and back. rain. The first few trains close to the front of the train On most of them it really right after it reopens after as you can. It’s certainly not does make a difference. rain seem to be the most smooth, but it’s smoother. What those differences likely to roll back (i.e., not On Maverick, keep your eyes are is for you to experience make it over the top), thus on the track ahead and be for yourself — as is the giving you two launches. ready to move your head wind when riding in the n If you’re afraid of along with where the track front of Top Thrill Dragster. heights, think about riding is taking the train. Be one n Judge a book by its Top Thrill Dragster anyway. with the train, if you will. cover — at least in this one It’s easily the tallest thing in Otherwise, Maverick can instance. On a busy day — the park — at 420 feet — but give you more headaches or on a popular ride — the ride happens so fast — at than John McCain. pick who you walk into 120 mph — you barely even n Don’t ignore signs. the ride queue behind realize you’re up there. Your Lawyers exist for a reason. very carefully. You’ll brain tries to process the So do signs, even though be standing next to that speed more than the height, so few people seem to person or group for a while. and if you’re looking straight pay any attention to them. n No matter what you’re ahead at the back of the car For instance, Maverick has riding, make an effort to look in front of you, the height is signs that specifically state around. Some of the best even less noticeable. earrings should be removed; views — and sensations — If you’re not afraid of heights, people seldom do so. Sandusky Register SHOWCASE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2011  faint in line for Millennium POINT Force, probably from dehy- n From Page C2 dration. A few weeks later saw a late-teens girl pass n If you have time — and out because she was so afraid are allowed — stick your to ride Top Thrill Dragster. head in and take a quick n Disappointing: Many look at the ballroom on top riders were sprinting back of the arcade on the east through the queue to get side of the main midway. another ride on Millennium It truly is classic. Force during early ride time n Go out the beach one morning in September. entrance — don’t forget What made it disappointing to get stamped for was it was during the playing readmittance — and wander of our national anthem — on around the beach in your the 10th anniversary of 9/11. bare feet for a few minutes. n Vulgar: There is way too n Take the time to stop much swearing at the park, and pet the pygmy goats. especially by high schoolers They’re at the Pet Farm and college kids. Believe and Museum. Do not me, no one else cares what attempt to ride them. the “(expletive) (expletive) Seriously. A sign forbids it. (expletive)” said to you. Nor does anyone care The park that she’s a “(expletive).” n It’s 364 acres big, and And that last expletive is millions come from all over not what you’re probably the world to visit. Except for thinking; it’s much worse. people I had prearranged n Rule breakers by plans to meet, I didn’t run nature: People who smoke into a single person I knew. in nondesignated areas, n Life does not get any line jump, use excessive better than eating Toft’s ice profane language, etc., cream and listening to NFL should have their names Films music while walking put into a database so if through Cedar Point on the they have a second episode, way to Millennium Force. they’re automatically n It is possible to ride booted. Too many times every roller coaster in the people are told they’re doing park in one day. In fact, something against park even on the busiest days it rules, then do what they usually can be done with are told, then return to the time to spare. On July 3, one unwanted behavior after the of the busiest days of the authority figure is gone. Why year, it was finished in less have rules? Line jumping — than nine hours. That was as defined by Cedar Point — with a head start being able is fairly common, especially to get in an hour early but at Millennium Force because also with a few mechanical people jump ahead to delays. As hot as it was it felt rejoin their group after being like being a pig on a spit after forced to get rid of items being continuously rolled they can’t take on the ride. while being cooked all day. n Idiots who think n Sometimes you just they’re funny: I’m not sure get lucky with lines and when this became a “cool” weather. One day I was able thing to do, but too many to ride 43 rides — including people play with and change notoriously long-line rides the sandwich boards that Millennium Force 24 times, estimate how long of a Top Thrill Dragster four wait a ride’s line is. Why? times and Maverick twice n Opportunistic: — in less than 10 hours. And Saw a girl texting while I leisurely wandered around riding Scrambler. (FYI: the park part of the day, too. You’re not supposed to The average temperature Register photos/TOM SHERER use cameras or cell phones that day was 68 degrees. ABOVE: A train on Raptor begins its turn down the first drop after the lift hill. TOP INSET: MaXair swings and spins riders on any ride in the park.) If you find yourself sitting into a dizzy frenzy in front of . MIDDLE INSET: A Power Tower car is dropped, left, while another prepares to Off the silver handrails! or standing on the silver be dropped from the top of another tower, front. BOTTOM INSET: Millennium Force’s station and lift hill. The 310-foot-tall Now! handrails, please get down. hill, which is somewhat hidden until you get around this group of trees, scares away many potential riders every summer. n Disgusting: When did n No matter how BELOW: A train on Maverick rolls over an air-time hill. Maverick is wild by name and nature, and it is a must-ride attraction. spitting become a sport and many times you ride not something people do Millennium Force in a day, when physically necessary? don’t even start to think n Physically abusive to you’re approaching a record. strangers: If you’re going to On Millennium Force Ride put your arms up on a roller Night in May, I ran into a coaster — or any ride — put man who rode it 42 times them up, not out. The ride’s that day. He seemed very manufacturer did not intend proud and was wondering a fist of the person riding what the record was — next to you to be an obstacle. if any. In September, I met n Barking up the wrong “Single Rider Bob,” who rode tree: People who give the it 101 times Sept. 13, 2009. ride hosts grief about a The day I met him — Sept. 11, ride being down should be 2011 — he and “Single Rider allowed to ride ... and let John” rode it 103 times. maybe the park should deal. Let’s make this really other guests passed out how he thought he was whatever happens happen. T-shirts were made. make these latter rides 6s. easy: If you move up in line because of dehydration going to get it on the ride. n Awkward: No men’s n The worst words in It’s one “thrillier,” isn’t it? for any reason — including (twice in line for Millennium n Surprising: A father bathroom should have the English language are: Need that extra push over to join family and friends Force) or fear (once in line talked his daughter — urinals any closer than 3 feet “Millennium Force is down the cliff? Put it up to 6. who left you behind while for Top Thrill Dragster). maybe about 10 years old apart, because no man ever for mechanical reasons.” n Dippin’ Dots was the you went to the bathroom, n Apparently afraid of — into getting in line for voluntarily uses one right n For anyone who hasn’t “ice cream of the future” to get something to eat, being alone: People make Millennium Force. She next to another man anyway. experienced a similar ride, 15 years ago. It still is the “ice to put stuff in a locker, etc. such a big deal about riding was hesitant when she first If there are 1,000 urinals Maverick’s two launches cream of the future” today. — you are line jumping. together. But does it really walked into the queue, then and 500 men, bet anything — up the first hill and in Someone please explain. matter who you ride with completely freaked for every other one will be used. the tunnel — are interesting n Whoever put the People are ... when you’re going 420 feet 10 minutes when she got Architects and engineers surprises. “Despicable Me” minion n Too proud of in the air at 120 mph? closer to the station and saw need to plan accordingly. n We all have our time off to the side at the top themselves: About 3 million Are you going to discuss the first hill. They left the line n Unoriginal: At least in the sun. But just because of the lift hill on Disaster people visit Cedar Point where your relationship at the unloading platform. once a day a climb to the that time has passed Transport is a genius. every year. Many of them is at during this time? It’s The next day another top of a bigger roller coaster’s doesn’t mean the fun’s over. It was out-of-place funny. ride even the biggest roller 420 feet in the air ... going father-daughter duo was lift hill is accompanied by In the summer of 1989 it took For your safety you are coasters at the park. This 120 mph. That’s where it is. in line, and this daughter someone bellowing, “We’re three hours to get to ride not permitted to sit or does not make us overly n Rain Men (and was even smaller and all going to die!” The millions Magnum XL-200, which was stand on the silver handrails. special like we’re completing Women): An entire legion younger. She was unfazed of people who said the same then the tallest and fastest Please get down! astronaut training or some- of America’s youth — and laughed the entire ride. thing before you didn’t die. roller coaster in the world. n MaXair has to be the thing. Save the high-fives who aren’t good enough n Unpredictable: I think you’ll be OK. This summer Magnum most vomit-inducing ride in for after you accomplish with math to balance a Sat behind a woman on Top n Apparently hard-of- often was about five minutes the park. I’m an eyewitness something that requires checkbook or keep pace with Thrill Dragster who had to be hearing, maybe from all to board. And it’s still a to this opinion — multiple some talent or ability other other countries in math skills at least 80 years old. One day the screaming: For the love great coaster — one of times. The only other ride I than sitting in a train you’re — somehow become Dustin later saw a 20-ish-year-old of God, please do not sit or the top 10 steel ones in saw cause such an incident hydraulically restrained in Hoffman’s character when in good physical condition stand on the silver handrails! the world, in fact. was Millennium Force. — and strapped to — and not it comes to evening out lines n Why is it called n The most difficult ride falling out. (The only excep- on roller coaster platforms WindSeeker if it closes for a larger person to fit into tions are if you’re high-fiving to ensure they’re on the when the weather gets is Turnpike Cars. Think a loved one after that person same train as their friends “too windy?” Shouldn’t it be “fat guy in a little coat” rode a ride he or she was or family. (Also, please see The Sandusky Register called WindAvoider, then? from the movie “Tommy terrified of, or if that person the previous entry.) n While it’s a beautiful Boy.” But in a car. Thought is younger than about 10.) Get off the silver handrails! Newspaper In Education piece of music, I wonder for sure the Jaws of Life were n Rude: It’s no one else’s n Young and stupid: if whoever chose music going to have to be used. job to hold ride exit gates A teen boy tried to take a NEWSPAPER S Department would like to from the movie “Apollo 13” n HalloWeekends open for you. A minimum French fry container full of IN EDUCATION to be used on WindSeeker is a genius way to stretch 15 percent gratuity is ketchup onto Raptor after thank... knows what happened the summer and, of course, appreciated. Or at least carrying it in line for more on Apollo 13. money-making ability. maybe just say, “Thank you.” than an hour. He pleaded n In a world of remixes, n Here’s an idea for the n Kind: Many people his case to a ride host, copycats and Lady Gaga, the park’s next attraction: offered their water when but to no avail. Don’t know occasional “Back in Black” electrified handrails in P.O. BOX 545 by AC/DC while waiting certain parts of the park. PUBLIC NOTICE in the Millennium Force Think of it as a life-sized PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAM SANDUSKY, 44870 queue is a welcomed relief. version of the classic game Erie Metropolitan Housing Authority (EMHA) will be opening the 419-625-7661 n The loudest collective Operation. It could be an 1 bedroom waiting list on the Public Housing program effective 419-357-0015 cheer/scream of the season attraction and serve a Mon., Oct. 3, 2011, and closing the list on Fri.. Oct. 14, 2011. Only came when the music purpose. With only some applicants who are 55 yrs. and over and/or have a documented disability Through their generous playlist finally was changed of the handrails electrified are eligible to apply for 1 bedroom units. The 2, 3, & 4 bedroom lists support, newspapers are in the Millennium Force there’s a thrill-ride level remain closed. EMHA will not accept applications again for these units in the Public Housing program until a public notice is issued advising being furnished to queue after 45 minutes of suspense about which that the lists are reopened. of the same two songs ones are “live,” and maybe class-rooms throughout ERIE COMMUNITY PLAZA: Jerry Stoll, President our area as living over and over. it would keep people off the EMHA is accepting applications for Erie Community Plaza. Only n Had a “Spinal Tap” handrails, too. Plus, there’s applicants 62 yrs. and over with no felony criminal, or drug offenses ECHB textbooks for the “11” moment one day obvious ways to tie this within the last three (3) years may qualify. Language Arts, after noticing the park has in with HalloWeekends Applicants already on waiting lists for other housing programs must Social Studies, Math, Corkscrew and Gemini and the upcoming apply separately for these programs, and such applicants will NOT lose as 5s on its 1-to-5 ride-thrill Dinosaurs Alive! attraction. their place on other waiting lists when application is made for public Science and Citizenship. housing. scale. That puts them at the (Think “Jurassic Park.”) For more information about n EMHA will release and accept applications for these same level as Millennium Line jumping is an units during normal business hours which are 9:00am becoming a sponsor, call Lisa Wobser Force, Top Thrill Dragster, amusement park’s version of until 4:00pm Monday through Friday at 322 Warren The Sandusky Register speeding: Too many people Maverick, Magnum Street, Sandusky, Ohio 44870. EQUAL HOUSING 419-609-5838 or 800-466-1243, ext. 5838 and other rides. Instead, do it and think it’s not a big OPPORTUNITY