News: Cedar Point to Host First Employee Reunion

Posted at 10:59 AM EDT (1459 GMT)

Jul. 30th, 2008 -- SANDUSKY, Ohio -- Cedar Point wants all of its past employees to get "Back to the Point."

And they won't have to cook, clean, sweep, check a lap bar, operate a game or sell a sweatshirt.

On Labor Day Weekend, Friday, Aug. 29 through Monday, Sept. 1, Cedar Point will host the first "Back to the Point," a four-day reunion for all of its past employees who worked seasonally or full-time at the Sandusky, Ohio, amusement park/resort. Families of employees are also invited to attend.

In operation since 1870, Cedar Point has thousands of employees who worked at the park and will be eligible to attend the event. Not only do they live in Ohio and the surrounding states, but across the country, too. The park estimates the number of past and present employees totals nearly 200,000 people. Many of the park's employees have developed strong friendships with their co-workers that have lasted beyond their summers in Sandusky. Some also met their future spouse while working at the park, including Knute Rockne, the legendary Notre Dame football coach who married the Sandusky girl he met while working as a lifeguard on the Cedar Point Beach in 1913.

"One of the best things about working at Cedar Point is the people you meet. You form a bond that can last a lifetime," said John Hildebrandt, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point. "The 'Back to the Point' employee reunion is a wonderful opportunity for employees to reconnect with old friends and have a great time experiencing the changes at the park."

The center of activities for "Back to the Point: Cedar Point's Employee Reunion" will be the historic Grand Ballroom that has hosted many employee events during the park's 138-year history. The Ballroom will be used as a gathering place so participants can make arrangements to get together with their old friends and crew members. A message board will also be available to coordinate meeting times and places.

On Saturday evening, a live band will perform in the Ballroom to recreate the employee dances of past years.

Other activities during the event will include an Old-Fashioned Employee Chicken Barbecue that will be held from 4-7 p.m. in the Coral Courtyard on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30-31. Group photos and exclusive ride sessions on two of the park's most popular coasters after the park closes to the public on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30-31 will also be available. Participants will also qualify for early entry to the park (9 a.m.).

To attend "Back to the Point," participants must pre-register online or register at the park during the event. Participants are eligible for a special ticket price of $24.95 per day, if purchased online in advance of the event. (A maximum of six tickets per order is permitted.) Former employees who are Cedar Point Season Pass-holders or Cedar Fair Platinum Pass members will be able to attend the event for free. However, there will be an additional charge for the meal. Special rates for overnight accommodations at the Cedar Point Resort Properties are also available.

For more information about "Back to the Point," please visit cedarpointreunion.com