ThrillNetwork.com :: Man makes 1,000th trip to Kings Island

Offbeat: Man makes 1,000th trip to Kings Island

By Aaron

Jul. 22nd, 2004 -- Today, 41 year-old Don Helbrig of Fairfield, Ohio, entered Paramount's Kings Island on a red carpet. Park officials chose to honor him for making his 1,000th visit to the amusement park. He was given a large commemorative ticket in addition to the red carpet welcome. Helbrig made his 1,000th trip with his wife Laura and 9 year-old daughter Maria.

Helbrig began to visit the park in the 1980s as a result of his love for roller coasters, especially the park's famous Racer. Helbrig has taken 11,673 rides on the Racer, earning mention in the Guinness Book of Records for his 11,000th ride. He has made an estimated 19,000 trips on all the park's coasters combined.

In the 1980s, Helbrig mentioned he was a daily visitor, but nowadays limits his trips to around 25 to 30 visits per season. "You could say in the 1980s I was a bit obsessed" he said. "I went to bed at night thinking about the park."

For Helbrig, it doesn't look as though the fun of Kings Island will wear off anytime soon. "That thrill just never wore out," he said.

For additional information, see The Macon Telegraph.