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It's always a sad time of year. The leaves are falling, school is in full swing and the thrills of PKI have been laid to rest for another offseason. Today was the day when we had to say goodbye to Paramount's Kings Island for the 2006 year. But as the clock works, this isn't about the end of the 2006 season, but rather think of it as looking forward to the 2007 season.

If you look back at the past six months, I don't think anyone can argue that this has been quite a historic year for the park... maybe one of the most historic years that the park has ever had. From the park being sold to Cedar Fair to the almost total removal of Hanna Barbera from the grounds, it's hard to look back and think about how, for us loyal enthusiasts, our world was slowly changed forever.

I'm remember back in April on opening day eating breakfast with the characters. Had someone approached me that day and told me that all of my employee friends would be calling Dick Kinzel 'boss' in six months, I would have thought they were crazy. Of course, it's the end of October and here we are: a changed park, a changed community, and changed people.

I have had the opportunity to meet several of the Cedar Fair officials and they strike me as nice people. Of course actions speak louder than words, so they met my approval when they insisted that I-Street open up before 10 because that's what's best for the guests, or even adding trash cans and insisting that the midways be cleaner because they believe in a safer and more sanitary environment for the guests. Cedar Fair, in the eyes of the every day enthusiast, will always been walking a thin line between what we consider tradition and what they consider progress and in that situation they will almost always fail, as per one group's standards or another. So I ask you to look back at the past season and realize that if a group can make such a positive impact on the park in just a few months, there's no telling what's in store for the future of our little park.

Now comes the hard part... waiting... anticipating... waiting... waiting out the cold months of the year until we are finally welcomed back into our home away from home. I can't tell you how many days are left between now and April 21st, opening day. However I can tell you that to this humble person, it's certainly always going to be one day too many.

Also, and I can't stress this enough: It's not over. There are still a lot of things up both the sleeves of both PKI and PKIC. I can assure you that we have an annoucement which will be made within the next couple weeks that will be shocking, fun, exciting, and well-overdue. I don't want to take any wind away from the park, however. Keep checking the site -- you never know what kind of news will be flying in from the marketing staff of PKI.

May your path always rise to meet you, and a coaster always be in your horizon.

Regards,
Ryan
PKICentral.com - Please stand up, please stand up, please stand up

Today I am proud to announce PKICentral's new film:

THE COASTERS OF KINGS ISLAND!

The site has huge plans for the offseason. Tired of spending your time trolling fan site forums, dusting your PKI souveneirs, or dare I say working....in the offseason? Well stay tuned to PKICentral because we have LOTS of surprises, exclusive content, and much much more coming in the offseason to hold you over untill PKI resumes operation for the 2007 season!

Get ready to spin into action with another exciting surprise! We're thrilled to introduce a brand new Slot Section to our site, where you can indulge in a thrilling gaming experience like never before. Take a spin on a variety of popular slot machines, including the rip city slot, and test your luck to win big. The best part? You can wager your way to the top using forum reputation points, and then cash them in for real prizes! Our slot section is the perfect place to roll the dice, take risks, and reap rewards. So, place your bets and get ready to hit the jackpot!

The Coasters of Kings Island will be a half hour long, dvd quality documentary on the history of Kings Islands coaster collection and its current collection. With info taken from guest, internet, and variosu polls, the coasters have been ranked by the general public in order of their popularity. You are the ones who chose your favorites. The video stars the parks own marketing spokesperson Maureen Kaiser and features video clips exclusive to PKICentral.com, videos and media you wont find on ANY other fan site, or amusement park site for that matter. You will see:

-Never before seen historical footage
-Angles of the rides never seen by the public before, including those on special event tours.
-New information and facts
-sneak peeks into the maintenance and construction of the coasters.
-Select, never before heard, tracks from the upcoming Combat Stupendous release.
and so much more!

Along with this post I have released a teaser trailer for the movie:

You can view the lower quality versions on my site and on youtube or feel free to download the higher quality trailer. Windows media player or a .wmv compatible player is required to view the trailer. You can get it for free.

Teaser Trailer: Youtube Link
As always stay tuned to pkic for more updates, and I hope to hear some feedback soon as well as meet some of you at PKIC day this weekend to kick off the offseason. It sould be a great time!

Regards,
-Ronny Salerno

Note: The trailer as well as the full length feature do include exclusive footage as well as POV footage. The POV footage is stock footage distributed to the media by the park and was taken by the park itself. All other footage was taken WITH park permission. Special thanks to PKI's marketing team and their Rides and Operations department.



*Special thanks to The Klockster for hosting me!*

Today was the dry run/media event for Fearfest 2006! PKIC was fortunate enough to be invited to this event which included such attractions as:

-Circus of Horrors in 3D which is now located back where the Enchanted Theatre once stood. This wonderful 3D experience is terrifying for children and adults alike.

-Treasures of Egypt - The crazy inmates of last year's Maze of Madness have broken out... can you make it through this disorienting maze...alive?

-Cowboy Carnage - Howdy Partner! Let's head on in to that there town, but make sure you don't drink the Moonshine, it kind of makes you go crazy... we wouldn't want that to happen to you too now, would we?

-Psycho Path - This now-classic path sends you through the woods, only to encounter death, violence, and everything else that you would expect to find if you happen to find yourself walking down a haunted trail.

-Massacre Manor - You have an appointment with the real estate agent Ima Liar (pronounced ee-ma le-er). She says there's nothing wrong with the house, but can she be trusted?

-Headless Hollow - Taking an innocent train ride on the Kings Island & Miami Valley Railroad turns into quite an adventure when the train brakes down and in order to get home you need to walk through the Western Woods. There are rumors that a headless horseman runs rapid in these woods, but those are just rumors... right?

-Corn Stalkers - It's harvest time! Walking through what seems to be an ordinary cornfield takes a turn for the worst when the scare crows tell you to get out!

-The Worksite - This worksite has been left untouched for years ever since something terrible went wrong. Please don't disturb the spirits. They may just put you to work... or go ahead and kill you.

-Holiday Horror - Even the elves are angry that Winterfest was cancelled! What if something happened to Christmas that was just terrible, irreparable, or even demonic? I'd rather just not find out.

Click here to see photos from the event.

Sweet Nightmares,

Ryan
PKICentral.com - Bringing 'sexy' back to Paramount's Kings Island.