It was brought up on the boards a while back and I was just wondering what everyone thought about Winterfest returning to PKI.

*whistles*

If Winterfest could be done in a good and profitable manner, they never would have cancelled it.

I don't think it will ever come back.

It is my understanding that the only reason they canceled it in the first place is so that they could prolong the postseason. In doing so, they wouldn`t have the time to set up for Winterfest so they decided to cancel it. I know the park conducted a survey exclusively about bringing Winterfest back a couple months ago. However, the survey also said that they might not ever bring it back. But it also said they might bring it back for 2004. Who knows, we`ll just have to wait and see. Next year this time we`ll know if they thought they should bring it back.

::shugs:: I dont know anything, you cant get it out of me!!!!!!!!

I think it's a real possibility. The Beach does their Winterfest number each year, and maybe PKI has seen them have some success with it. I hope they bring it back. Oh, by the way....I accidentally thought it was 2004 and voted for 2005. Oopsie. Meant to click the first choice.

"I don't know I thing.....I swear..............." Sorry.....I am definatly am not allowed to say anything on this subject.

Will PKI bring back Winterfest???

Believe it when I see it.

I would MUCH rather go to WinterFest than go to Fearfest thats all i gotta say about this subject

I just hope that if they bring back Winterfest, that they also bring back the transforming of the Eiffel Tower into a Christmas tree. That is the main thing I remember about visiting WinterFest when in the late 80`s when I was young.

I highly doubt they won't make the Eiffel Tower into a Christmas tree if they bring it back.

Someone said that they prefer Winterfest to Fearfest.. I agree with the exception of the fact that not many rides will be open for Winterfest. I'd like to see them just expand the post-season until early November and reopen for Winterfest in Early December.

I wouldn't be too entirely surprised if Winterfest made an amazing return for 2004, but I assure you that I don't have any inside information, so take that for what it's worth.

It was brought up on the boards a while back

Then do a search and add your two cents. Magically, it ends up on top of the board.

Sparky leave it open for the kiddies. Search function does not work all that well anyways.

my lips are officially shut. but maybe sometime next month, when I decide what I'm doing they'll be flapping.

*cough* Yes they will *cough*

Sometime next year? Hmm... one can hope... if not then in 05.

Edited January 1, 197056 yr by DragonLord

On 11/2/04 Jeff Siebert told a group of enthusiasts that the Kings Island season used to end in September because of weather conditions, which gave the park plenty of time to prepare for WinterFest.

Now that the park stays open until the first weekend of November (global warming???) and there is FEARFEST...WinterFest is no longer celebrated.

Can Winter Fest be returned? Maybe, however I doubt it because:

1. It would give the park less than 1 month to prepare.

2. A seasonal labor shortage during a time when students are preparing for final exams.

3. With Holiday Fest at The Beach and celebrations elsewhere (including Santa Claus at MANY malls), it probably wouldn't be profitable enough to justify the expenditures.

But hey, I'm an outside. Maybe the park is planning to bring back WinterFest and has devised a cost effective way to do it.

Have a great weekend!

Italian Chef

Also on Nov 2, right before the final ride on The Beast... Jeff said that its sad to close down the park for the winter and see it closed until the spring... but "we're working on that".

You Have a very good Point beastfreak....Hmmm But anywho i would love to see Winterfest return...ahh i miss the Smurfs Enchated voyage.. I always Rode that during winterfest!

Will PKI bring back Winterfest???

Believe it when I see it.

jeffery said they will bring back winterfest in 2004 they will, trust me

Edited January 1, 197056 yr by PKI_man

^We have no reason too.

It would not be hard at all to prepare. You can shuffle staff around alot to do it. Its also easier if all rides do not have to be prepared. You would most likely see the park close in October instead of November. Then 3 weeks later it would reopen in time for Thanksgiving. It would give the park plenty of time to get ready and get staffing done,get the rides there not running started on rehab and decorate. In that time new people can be hired in for shows,ride ops could get a break and then still have extra holiday money. I am sure the park wouldn't open up till well after school is out in the afternoon.

jeffery said they will bring back winterfest in 2004 they will, trust me

Now he never said specifically that it was coming back in 2004. He never even mentioned Winterfest... just the possibility of less of an off season. Take that as you may.

He has never heard of it himself.

He has never heard of it himself.

i have ive been to the 1993 winterfest when i was little

You don't get it do you. Jeff never heard of it. You were 3-4. I doubt your memory is clear.

I, for one, hope they decide to bring back Winterfest - with or without many rides...Winterfest was always more about the atmosphere - hot chocolate, ice skating (a.k.a. falling on your butt), the shows, etc...I always liked going...I also think they could pull off FearFest and WinterFest in the same year. Yes, I know it would be a fast transition - a few weeks - but I think it could be done...I'm hoping for Winter 2004!

It can be done. Most of the aesthetic stuff they do for Fearfest is done in about 2 weeks, and they can't do anything over the weekend. If the park is closed for 3 weeks, they can work on it all the time, and have students help on the weekends. It can be done.

Losing Streak,

If you are an employee of PKI, and know of anything that is going to happen, you cannot tell. That emplies also after you are fired/you quit. So unless you wanna get in some serious trouble, keep your trap shut.

According to the rules of seasonal workers, you would have to fire then rehire the workers in about a weeks time. This includes getting new minor permits and background checks. It would be (if they brought it back) a scheduling nightmare.

Or do as food service used to do... fire all the line associates and only bring back the supervisors and crew leaders since not as many people are needed to work.

It can be done. Most of the aesthetic stuff they do for Fearfest is done in about 2 weeks, and they can't do anything over the weekend. If the park is closed for 3 weeks, they can work on it all the time, and have students help on the weekends. It can be done.

I knew FF setup was done fairly quickly during the weekdays. I totally agree...It's just a matter of if they are willing to do this and when they decide to start WF...plus, not all areas of the park have to be used for FearFest, so they could even start making changes during the end of FF. There are definitely other things that would need to be done too - changing the fountain to a rink...planning and rehearsing a show or two...etc. I'm sure they could get people to work...I wouldn't mind working that - I've worked most other things there...need the full experience!