Kennywood’s first ever Holiday Lights event begins tomorrow, Friday December 2nd, 2011. If you’re up for a sneak peek of what you’re in for, take a look at the photo tour we posted on our Facebook page from tonight’s preview night! This looks like it will be a great family event!
Pitt Fall’s Last Day at Kennywood is Sunday, September 18th
We had a pretty good feeling this was coming, but now we know for sure. 2011 was the last season for Kennywood’s famous drop-tower, Pitt Fall. The last day it will be operating, also Kennywood’s last regular-season operating day for 2011, is Sunday, September 18th. Pitt Fall opened in 1997, and at the time it was the world’s tallest drop-tower at 251 feet… towering over Steel Phantom and Skycoaster. Riders often felt even higher, as the tower sits on the edge of the Monongahela River ravine. Riders could overlook United States Steel’s Edgar Thompson plant, as well as views of the Westinghouse Bridge, Rankin Bridge, or even Kennywood itself, depending on which site you sat on. The tower could also be seen from far away with its blinking white light at the top. The tower was also turned into a huge Christmas tree which could be seen as far away as McKeesport! The iconic ride will surely be missed by many, but we look forward to what will replace it in 2012! That’s right, it has also been confirmed that a new ride will replace Pitt Fall for next season. There has been much speculation as to what the new ride might be, and an official announcement is expected very soon. We’ll be sure to let you know once that happens. Stay tuned!
New for 2011: Kennywood’s Holiday Lights!
For the first time in Kennywood’s 114 season history, the park will be open in December! Kennywood’s Holiday Lights is a new holiday event that will feature a light show around the lagoon with tens of thousands of lights! Several rides will also be open, including the Carousel, Kangaroo, Paratrooper, and a newly holiday themed Olde Kennywood Railroad. Several rides in Kiddieland are also planned to be open. A variety of food will also be offered, including kettle corn, s’mores, a variety of hot drinks, and of course…. Potato Patch Fries!
Parking will be free for the event, and a “small admission” fee has yet to be determined.
Dates of the event: December 2-4, 9-11, 16-18
Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Kennywood’s Pitt Fall Up For Sale
The rumors that Kennywood is considering removing Pitt Fall after the 2011 season are confirmed to be true. International Rides Management (www.irmpri.com) has listed what is clearly Pittfall as being up for sale on their Facebook page. The fact that they are investigating the sale of the ride, however, still does not yet confirm 100% that the ride will be gone next year, as that will likely depend on how the sale goes.
Facebook Photos of Pittfall Here
Now, the question is what (if anything) will be replacing Pittfall in 2012 if sale of the ride does happen. Any thoughts of what it could be, or what you would like to see? Join the discussion here!
Kennywood Off-Season Photo Tour!
Have you ever wondered what goes on in Kennywood during the winter months? Now is your chance to find out! Click here to view our 2011 Off-Season photo tour of Kennywood Park! Many thanks to Kennywood Public Relations Manager Jeff Filicko for allowing us to visit the park this past week.
If you would like to comment on the photos, join the discussion in our forums here.