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It hurts having to tell anyone this, but I think it deserves some attention on this board. On Wednesday, December 26th, Kings Island lost one of their own. Jessica Galley, a former rides associate at The Racer, lost her life in an car accident. She was only 18 years old, a freshman at the University of Cincinnati, and a graduate of Mason High School. I was lucky enough to work with Jessica Galley the past two years of her life, and become a close friend to her. She was a terrific young women who had an incredible heart. She always wanted to make people smile, and make sure nobody was left out. Every time I saw her she always had the biggest smile on her face, that seemed to light up a room, one that can't be matched. I'll always remember the fun quirky moments at work, the Cedar Point trips, the concerts, and everything that made us friends. When you work at Kings Island, you don't just "meet" people. You meet people that will change you forever, people you will never forget. Jessica was one of these friends that have impacted my life greatly and I know she left the same impact on everyone she has spoken to. Please pray for the Galley family, I simply can't imagine what they must be going though. Pray for Jessica's friends and hope they stay strong through this. Below I have included a news article on the accident, which includes a video of a reunion her friends had to remember her. Rest in peace Jessica, you will be greatly missed by everyone you have touched. Best regards, Cody Johnson http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/news/local_news/nb-i-71-at-standstill-after-fatal-crash

I know I've written about memorable trips on this site before, but one has now come to the forefront in my mind (I think mood affects which trip is most memorable for me; there are so many to choose from). I'll set the scene: It was 2003. I hadn't been to Kings Island in 18 years. I had been away, serving in Texas, New Jersey and Montana, then Turkey, then off to college in Maine. I lived a lifetime away from my "hometown" (this region that stretches from Downtown Cincinnati to Miamisburg, and points in between), and never thought I'd have a chance to come back and visit the park I loved so much. But, as fate would have it, I met my wife, got married, moved back to Mason, the town I was virtually born in. I could see the park, watch it's nice little fireworks displays from points around town, but I hadn't planned on visiting just yet. Then, just out of the blue, my wife saw that I was feeling down one day, and she said "Come on, honey, I'm taking you to see a doctor, Dr. Pokaei." Not being sure exactly who this doctor was, I figured it was her family doctor or something. When we rolled into the parking lot of (Paramount's) Kings Island, I immediately figured out her clever play on the acronym "PKI." For the first time in 18 loooooonnngg years, I was being led through the familiar front gate. It was one of those perfect, cloudless days where the sky looks impossibly blue, and the air is of the most comfortable temperature and humidity. The powerful, bombastic theme from "Superman" by John Williams was booming over the loudspeakers as we waited in the gathering line. The Face/Off, which I was finally seeing up close and in person, was lifting into position high above and to the left, ready to drop a cycle of eager riders into what lie beyond the obscurring trees and season pass center. The scent of many perfumes and sun screen blended miraculously well with the aroma of funnel cake and french fry. The signature, multi-chime steam whistle of the train echoed into my soul with just the right harmony to well up such long-built-up feelings of joy that I almost cried like a dork. -Thankfully, said coaster released with a dramatic, mechanical clunk, followed by a kind of thrill-borne scream I'd not heard "live" in quite some time, which threw my emotions into another, wonderful direction! As we got closer to the gate, I looked past the booths and could see the majestic Royal Fountains, (which, by the way, have you noticed how they tower out of view past the ceiling of the front gate as you come in?). We made our way into the "lobby" and as I came out into the plaza, I don't know if it was timed to do this or not, but the closing crescendo of the Superman Theme was building, and so were the fountains! It was like the dag-gone park knew I was coming! I could go on and on about this trip, but I just wanted to show what was so memorable about coming to the park after being away for so long. I will say that I rode the brand-new Delirium that day, which was memorable, because during one high swing, it felt like time slowed down, and I looked around at the park, under the amazingly bright, blue sky. For some reason, I locked on to the flashing, white lights (of the hammer game?) on Coney Mall, and watched it disappear out of view as the ride swung back through and under. For some reason, that will always stick out in my mind as one of the most memorable trips to Kings Island I can recall.

Well said Cody. I first met Jess when we rode up to Cedar Point together, within the first hour we were already singing to Ke$ha in my car. Very outgoing and accepted everyone. She'll be missed. (On the way to Cedar Point a train stopped, thus stopping traffic, so we jumped out and posed for a picture)

I am so very sorry. So much in life happens that we cannot understand. My heart goes out to her family, friends and her Kings Island family. Terp, with tears ih his eyes as he types.

Alright, SonofBaconador, I admit it. I cheated. I bought the cat from Cedar Point.

As a long time employee of Kings Island, I feel the loss of one of our own. I have met lots of people while working at Kings Island and we get to be part of a big family. It was indeed very sad to hear it was one of our own that died in that awful accident. May she find the joy and ever lasting life in the presence of our Lord. Rest In Peace dear friend.

Nice cat lol Easy: Any Basket Ball Game Hard: Zephyr with Tower in background Expert: Flight of Fear "security camera" at door entrance.

When I proposed to my husband in the horrific "Days of Thunder"- (I was afraid of losing the ring on another ride.)

When some dude proposed to his girlfriend at the front of The Vortex train I was in. Thank God, for his sake, she said yes. They were already buckled in and it's a slow chain lift to the top

July 1982. Rode The Bat several times - totally new experience! Rode The Beast for the first time & came off of it shaking - still do to this day! Took my very first #2 at an amusement park that day (could have been from The Beast shaking me up). The weather was perfect, the park not too crowded, and was with 3 friends - all of us had a great, no, make that outstanding time! The other time, which was equally as memorable, was in July of 2010. I was with my daughter and met up with a KIC member or two and, since I had to use my walker, we were able to access rides via the exit gate (of the ride), thus avoiding the long queue lines. A simply marvelous time - 2 days - with absolutely gorgeous weather, and except for puking after riding Delirium for the first time, everything was perfect. I would imagine that future visits will also be awesome, but I will have to use my walker from now on which can be a bit frustrating whilst navigating through crowds. I need a loud, dual-note horn and a shirt with a big orange triangle on the back!

I remember her working though i never met her,i feel so bad for all of you who knew her,im so sorry.I know everytime i have to wait for that darn train,im going to remember that picture and have a moment of prayer.God bless her friends and family,something tells me she's in a better place.

Thoughts & prayers to all affected.

God Bless her and her family.

Sorry to hear of the loss.

Wow, Thats terrible news...... God bless her family and loved ones. I have known her for a few years, not on a very personal level but me and her have had our fair share of good conversations over the past few years. She was an incredible person and a great KI employee, She will definitly be missed.

I'm tired of hearing about fatal car crashes....... prayers out to her family.

This past 4th of July when Coasterfanatic2012 and I took our girlfriends on the VIP tour. Great day.

Of whom? Have you seen the park's FaceBook page? You might get a horrid name that way. Something like "Big Honkin' Coaster" or "Mr. Helbig's Wild Ride."

Easy: The Racer Hard: Linus' Beetle Bugs Expert: Adventure Express brake run

Me too, I was #69 dude.

I am so, so sorry for the loss. Especially at Coasting for Kids, it was obvious how great a friendship The Racer crew had with one another. Both Jessica's family and her KI "family" are in my prayers.

So sad, these are the young people that sure goes to KI to work make a little money, but really are the heart and soul that lets all enthusiasts, their families, enjoy the rides and a great day at a grand old park. Thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

So much tragedy as of late. She had her entire life ahead of her. I wish her family, friends, and extended Kings Island family all the best.

Goodbye Jess..

RIP

So sad. Rides associates both past and present will have heavy hearts. Once a rides associate, always a rides associate.

I can see why woodie cravers want Gravity Group, but RMC is in the traditional woodie business. If you want a pre-fab woodie, RMC can make those too. Rocky Mountain Construction has more options that they have done than both Intamin and Gravity Group, and that is why I voted RMC. It was close between RMC and GG for me.

You passed.

Please, not the stand up gimmick again. It died in the 90's. Let it stay dead.

One could guess the most memorable of mine My first visit to Boomerang Bay Being myself I was amazed by the art work and colors of everything I saw. The entrance reminded me of Typhoon Lagoon and the architecture looked like something out of a book. I saw all of the references to Crocodile Dundee around and began to actually feel like I was in it. In fact my first water slide I rode at the new park was the Down Under Thunder or the Sydney Sidewinder. I remember how I walked the long walk around the Crocodile Run which I actually liked doing, all of the yellow and blue tubes floating around was just a sight (but a pain to get into). The most memorable part was the theming of the park, which I still dream of today.

They did. The result was: Just sayin'. KI also needs to stay away from using "Beast" in a name. Adding another "Beast" will just confuse people.

LIke IBEW Sparky, would have to say opening day for DB was my fav time. I remember that day as being one of the most beautiful days weather wise-sunny, not too hot and not too cold but just right.

They are all memorable.Riding Vortex with my Mother,Prom date puking on my shoes in line for The Beast(I still rode!),Ice skating with my friends,riding DB non-stop with fastlane with my wife, riding Woodstock Express and Viking Fury with my 4 year old! Her favorite seat is the back with hands up from start to finish on both. Today i took her sledding and she pretended to ride all her favorite KI rides going down the hill.

not sure if its just one visit or the brains ability to mold many visits into just one. But it would have to be one of the last times my Gpa was able to go to the park. We always go on Shriner's day. He would go to the picnic area and sit and socialize. Gma would go with us to the shows. We would laugh and enjoy food for way too long. Wait in long lines for The Beast, or log flume rides. Run to ride the backwards Racer. Dad and I would create a tape in the old recording studio. Eat fugdge in Ol' Coney. Gma and Aunt would tell me that the trees leading back to White Water Canyon were gum trees because of all the gum stuck to it. Being too small to ride King Cobra. Walking under the shade of the green over growth leading to Hannah Barbara/Nick land. Getting a picture infront of the Scooby/Fred Statues. Riding Antique cars with my cousin. Getting to drive even though I was 10 or 6 or 13. Like I said, not sure if it was just one trip or the memories of many trips bleeding into one. Doesnt matter though because it still makes me smile. I still remember riding the shuttle to the parking lot, getting out and into the car and barely being awake by the time the car hit the expressway.

Probably back somewhere around 1998 when I ran from a character in Hannah-Barbera Land and ended up under a table in Rivertown. I don't remember much of it, but my parents always like to tell that story to my friends and at family gatherings...

Without a doubt, opening day of Diamondback in 2009. Not only was I fortunate enough to be one of the auction riders, but that is also when I met the wonderful small group of Friends I have from this site.

My most memorable KI trip. My brother and I took a trip to "The Island" on my birthday June 6th, several years ago. The lines were mostly "walk-on" and we literally grabbed 6 rides (each) Beast, Vortex, SOB (rip) Flight of Fear, Racer, 3 laps (each) on Adventure Express, and Flight Deck, and Face/Off. Sorry, I don't recall the year, and coaster names may have been different at that time.

I too was fortunate to get to experience The Bat roller coaster. I took 3 laps on it before I returned to find out it had been closed.

Hank taking his first #2 at an amusement park and remembering it was in July of 1982 made my day.I had a rough day at work and that just made me laugh so hard. Thanks Hank!

Most of my KI and PKI visits have been in the past 10-11 years and I think my most memorable visit was in July of 2010, I went with my mom, and sister and we had one of the best trips I've ever had to Kings Island. We wanted to make an effort to ride every coaster in the park more than once that day. But I had told them that I wanted to get on The Beast at least 5 times, Little did we know, The lines were SO full on that day that I thought it would be hard to enjoy it. Overall we made the best of it and got to get our Beast night ride and rode Almost every coaster once. Very memorable trip indeed.

I thought I would share some of the experience and what is at the Christmas Town at the Creation Museum. So a bit of background information before I begin to share the experience, the display goes in the order as follows, pre flood, flood, and the birth of Christ. The pre flood era showed a woman and a husband (likely a son of Noah) whom were getting ready for the flood, the wife was a more comedic frantic character while the husband was mello and not worried, it was personally themed well. The flood era (I believe) was not really shown due to that I had to hurry through, but it showed a bit of the ark, and a few designs for the new amusement park. The birth of Christ era was Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in the house (not a barn) upon which a man dressed in the stereotypical archaeologist garb speaking of why the set is placed and why there is what you passed through, then a small market right next to the house. The lights were very nice that night and very ornate. With the lights there is a magi place where a "magi" told of their travels, which very close to that was a themed camel ride. In the lights there were areas with certain light designs and dinosaurs with lights. Overall I liked the night event. A few days after I visited the museum for the planetarium display which placed theories on the Christmas Star. Oh yes there was a donkey, for all you Theme Park Reviewers who are fanatical for donkeys.

Oh wow, I did not know this. Maybe I'll have to plan for this next year!

Awesome! I visited the Creation Museum about 5 years ago or so, soon after they opened. I've been wanting to go back and check it out again. I was unaware that they had a Christmas event. That'll be something I'll definitely want to check out!

We need a Jimmy John's.

Or a multi-launch hugging the terrain and jetting in and out of Ravines.

Intamin. Unreliable? Maybe a bit. But great rides? Definitely. I'd love to see KI put in a giga coaster.

Great photos! You got a lot more than I did. If you liked this year's event, wait until next year!

Great job with what you've posted so far! Keep it coming! I LOVE it! I am a huge Star Wars fan, so that's awesome!

Eva’s heart was in the event big time! She did her best to get us all singing along…Ice Ice Baby… I am sorry that I can’t remember all of The Racer crew’s names…this is the operator who started us out for the morning…a real nice guy. (Next year I will have to bring a notepad!) As a side note…if you are wondering how I do know some names and not others…I cheat and zoom in on their name tags in my photos. I don’t know what this gentleman’s usual title is…but for today I think it was “babysitter”. At last year’s event we rode the Red Racer, this year it was the Blue…which means that we were the kings of losing…it was a little disheartening. Out of the 109 rides I took we only won maybe 5-6 times. We did not sing Queen’s “We Are The Champions” very much that day. (What’s even sadder is that John would cheat and send us a little early and we STILL couldn’t win.) If you think I have a lot of photos of this event…if you happen to be over Don’s house one evening and he says “Let me show you my photos & videos of Coasting For Kids”, you better run for the exit fast! He seemed to always be filming…and me attempting to duck. A nice shot of KingsIsland1972 This was one of the biggest shocks of the event for me…I had NO idea that ohiocolts was so young. I was riding with Jennifer (jlopez) and asked her if she had run into ohiocolts because he was supposed to be here…she pointed forward to him getting into the train and said “Oh yeah…there he is”. She was as surprised that he wasn’t an “adult” as I was. (ohiocolts…your posts make you appear much older than your age…yes that’s a compliment! ) Just like last year, The Racer crew could not have been nicer. Yes that is KIC's own jlopez in the second row...it was really nice to meet her at the event. The “break area”…something that I was determined not to use…no offense to those that did. Having The Racer crew take pictures for me was awesome...when I got home it was like digging in a box of cereal for the prize to see what it was! This picture was a nice surprise, an excellent picture of Gary (XGatorHead) & Brad (IndyGuy4KI). Cody seemed to really be enjoying entertaining us with trivia and "jokes".

Took this in 2008: