Bert

Well now, let me think ! Having read the posts on this topic "old school attractions", I totally recall and relate to most of them. My favorite ride was the King Cobra, although that's not very many years gone. I loved the clown band, the parachute show, and the bi-planes show. I loved riding the train when it went into "indian country" and the old settlement. It had real, live, people in the village. That was, until some jerk decided to have an "incident" with a young lady back there. Hence, no more real people in the settlement. It was just statues, fake people, or whatever you want to call them. It was cool, seeing people dressed in "period" clothing, and they would wave at the people on the train. It was "real" and you really felt like you were back in the pioneer days. I also remember the Wild animal safari - the tram went back into the animal preserve, and there were lions, and giraffes and sometimes a lion would be lying on the tracks and the tram would have to stop till it moved. That was a great experience. Till some jerk (employee) got out of the jeep, and the lion got him/her. No more Wild animal safari . One of the tram cars is now a feature at Jungle Jim's (grocery store complex) on Rt 4 in Fairfield. Oh, that was a wonderful Kings Island. I guess the young folds just laugh at us "old timers" now.

Well, here's another old thought - does anybody remember when somebody used to parachute down onto International Street up near the front? There used to be a big circle or an X painted on the ground. And how about the 2 old bi-planes that did a "dog fight" ? They were visible from International Street area. And does anybody remember the "clown band"? Maybe that wasn't the name of it, but I seem to remember them one time "marching" into the water ? Gosh, how many years ago was that? I sure miss the good old days. I'm going to have to shut up because you're all gonna think I'm crazy.

Do you remember the "local" craftsmen in the shops? Did you ice skate? Winterfest (in the earlier years) was the first time I ever had Amaretto in my hot chocolate. I remember that a small cup was $2.50. But, mmmmm, it was good (if you like hot chocolate. . .and amaretto) ! ! You're right, there isn't much to do around here, except the Cincinnati Zoo - Christmas lights are pretty. But, what there is, is so expensive, that it takes all the fun out of doing anything. Unless, of course, you are wealthy. And I'm not. So, I stay home a lot. hahaha. Bye now.

I see that you are from Lebanon OH. That's cool. I'm also from Lebanon OH (now in Cincinnati), but when we lived in Lebanon, my son worked at KI. He posted the topic in this forum ("Former Employee"). I'm guessing you're still young, but it's fun talking to you. Thanks for reading my post.

QUOTE(ssdd1970 @ Nov 10 2007, 03:29 PM) * What led to the failed rerun? I think it was just low attendance. If it [Winterfest] ended in 1992, and was revived in 2005, that was about 13 years. I think, in 13 years, people found other interests, and younger people, now young adults, didn't really know what it was and how much fun it was and probably just didn't care. They were still interested in rides. Winterfest seemed to bring a different group of folks, maybe a little older. I enjoyed the Christmas shops and I remember some local crafts people were allowed to "set up shop" in some of the regular shops. The ice rink in the fountain area on International Street was wonderful. I remember entire families there, lots of room to skate - and fall down. It's a good memory for me. The best thing about that is that nobody can take away memories. They are there forever. Oops, I think I replied twice. Sorry.

I think it was just low attendance. If it [Winterfest] ended in 1992, and was revived in 2005, that was about 13 years. I think, in 13 years, people found other interests, and younger people, now young adults, didn't really know what it was and how much fun it was and probably just didn't care. They were still interested in rides. Winterfest seemed to bring a different group of folks, maybe a little older. I enjoyed the Christmas shops and I remember some local crafts people were allowed to "set up shop" in some of the regular shops. The ice rink in the fountain area on International Street was wonderful. I remember entire families there, lots of room to skate - and fall down. It's a good memory for me. The best thing about that is that nobody can take away memories. They are there forever.

Does anyone know if KI will put the white lights back on the Eiffel Tower to make it look like a Christmas Tree, with a big star at the top? I remember that being a "landmark" along I-71 at Kings Island. It seems to me that they stopped decorating the Tower for several years. Am I right or wrong? Thanks for your comments.