Roller coaster enthusiasts and families can officially start marking their calendars for a historic season at Kennywood, slated to kick off April 12 on what Pittsburghers fondly call 412 Day, after the city's area code. The date marks the park’s earliest opening in nearly a century, a throwback not seen since 1931. According to the WTAE report, the amusement park has been warming up to host revelers for its longest season to date, with this opening aligning with the park's rich 127-year history.
Not to entirely rest content on its historic laurels, the Steel Curtain roller coaster is scheduled to switch tracks back to full throttle sometime this season after being closed for the entire 2024 season for a modification project. "The work to add the additional columns to the ride is approximately 90% complete at this point. And the two trains have been added back to the track," Lynsey Winters, the communications director, stated, as per WTAE. Cedar Point in Ohio had seemingly faced a similar challenge with its coaster, underscoring the complexity of bringing such cutting-edge rides to life.
Beyond the thrills, Kennywood is introducing Kennywood Junction, a newly themed area that replaces the former Thomas Town. This addition will feature five themed rides, including the Old Kennywood Railroad, which promises to give park-goers a historical ride through the park's past. "you're going to see some different things along the way throughout that ride. That will show you some things that used to be at the park," General Manager Ricky Spicuzza shared in an interview with TribLIVE.
Moreover, Kennywood is set to celebrate Easter with its first-ever Eggcellent Celebration, which promises to bring over 150 large Easter eggs and a meet-and-greet with Tuft, the park's oversized Easter Bunny. “We have so much going on at the park this year,” Spicuzza elaborated to TribLIVE. Patrons can expect a blend of traditional and seasonal culinary offerings, from ham and potatoes to Pittsburgh classics like fried fish and pierogies. And, most importantly for Kennywood regulars, the Potato Patch fries are still to be a fixture at the park.
With an array of events scheduled throughout the year, including Bites and Pints and the Phantom Fall Fest, the park shows no sign of slowing its roll anytime soon. Stay tuned for further updates as testing commences, and Kennywood embarks on another roller-coaster ride of a season.
