On April 29th, 2022 Kings Island celebrated its birthday on its official 50th Anniversary. The first family to enter Kings Island on April 29, 1972 were Taryn Harrison, Tamara Hitson, and Heather Hitson (all sisters.) They performed the ribbon cutting again at a rededication. Followed by a ceremony with guest speakers and birthday cake. Kings Island had extra entertainment on the International Bandstand, and a grand finale fireworks display. Alton Fitzgerald White a former Kings Island performer and critically acclaimed actor best known for playing King Mufasa in Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway sang the National Anthem.
Speakers at the ceremony:
- Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted
- Kings Island vice president and general manager Mike Koontz
- Cedar Fair Entertainment CEO Richard Zimmerman
- City of Mason Mayor Barbara Spaeth
- Founder of Kings Island Gary Wachs
- President of International Theme Park Services Dennis Speigel
Additional discussions about April 29th, 2022 can be found on the forums here: https://kicentral.com/forums/index.php?/topic/40501-kings-island-to-celebrate-official-birthday-on-april-29th-2022/
Additional discussions on the 50th anniversary updates can be found on the forums here: https://kicentral.com/forums/index.php?/topic/39084-50th-anniversary-updates/
April 29th, 2022 Birthday Gallery
April 29th, 2022 Birthday Entertainment and Fireworks
https://youtu.be/gmRfdxhPOx8
April 29th, 2022 Birthday Ceremony with all of the guest speakers.
https://youtu.be/0c9T2NiJDiE