News: Sandusky hopes to have downtown's name in lights

http://www.pointbuzz.com/news.htm?id=990

Didn't we just have a story about accidents on Sandusky roads? I love signs like that but in that location?

If my memory serves me right, the firehouse is located way off the road. I think instead of advertising downtown, they are thinking pure profits.
*** Edited 8/9/2006 11:33:10 AM UTC by 901liveson***

There will likely be accidents there with all that traffic that is there at times.OOh,don't watch the road lets watch the video above our heads.

If there is a accident there at least the fire department is right there also.

It is beyond my comprehension why Sandusky chooses to spend money on something like this while also boo-hooing their loss of revenue, cutting services, etc.

<whiny>But its not their fault.</whiny> They took over a city in bad shape that was left that way from the previous administration and despite their best efforts just haven't been able to show any improvement despite wasting lots of money on frivolous programs.

Oh wait, am I getting my cities/states confused again?

They would make back thier money with advertising so the money issue isn't bothering me. I just wish they would put something downtown really worth visiting. They have a couple bars, a hot dog cart during the day, A big clock with the date in the grass and a really nice library. Other than a cool view of Cedar Point, the waterfront does nothing for me. Locals know about the festivals already. To get the tourist dollar, they need an attraction. What kind? I don't know.
*** Edited 8/9/2006 12:56:24 PM UTC by 901liveson***

Sandusky is the Roller Coaster Capital of the World, right? Then they need a Roller Coaster Festival! It could coincide with CoasterMania so there will be plenty of enthusiasts in town.

-Tambo

That actually sounds like a good idea.

Would coaster enthusiasts pull themselves away from, well, coasters to go over to downtown for a corn dog?

I think the idea is good. How to make it work is a different story. :)

That's the trick isn't it. Anything the city does that could pull customers away from CP (concerts, carnival, whatever else) is not going to please CP's management.

They would have to roll out the red carpet. Other than the price of a ticket, Cedar Point gives ACE and everyone else VIP service. ERT for all, first class buffets all for the price of a ticket. The goal to advertise the park. Without them, they can't advertise #1 park and other stuff. A believe me, they (enthusiansts), know this.

Does it count as EXCLUSIVE Ride Time if EVERYONE gets it? Isn't that called General Admission.

Coaster Geeks will go anywhere coaster related. The Festival (or CoasterFest ® :) ) could run for 3 or 4 days CoasterMania weekend. You could have coaster model contests, a parade with floats, industry insiders showing off the newest technologies, and yes, corn dogs and cotton candy.

It could be the festival Sandusky desperately needs.

-Tambo

Sorry, let me change my statement. Other than the dues of joining the club, They pay nothing extra for the royalty they get. ACE and everyone else (other clubs!)

If the locals will go to festivals that celebrate baskets, rivers, melons, walleye, and strawberries, why not roller coasters?

Would some sort of a partnership work where the park would allow reduced admission for a day or two, while coordinating with Sandusky to provide downtown attractions and so forth? It could be done during bonus weekends when the weather is a bit more tame and when CP would be losing as much money. Perhaps have the festival run Thursday-Saturday, with reduced admission on Thursday and Friday nights? That way, they'd get people downtown as well as into the park.

Chief Wahoo said:
Would coaster enthusiasts pull themselves away from, well, coasters to go over to downtown for a corn dog?

Nah, but set up a few gravy buffets downtown and it might work. ;)

I agree with you walt, But I also believe, if you build it they will come. I'm thinking a copy of what other places like Disney do. A cool boardwalk with shopping and nightlife with a fantasy theme. New years clelebrations, marti gras, ect.... And most important a hotel or two. Sandusky is blowing it, they could have built convention space a long time ago.
*** Edited 8/9/2006 1:49:55 PM UTC by 901liveson***

Why does it have to be tied to the park? It would be a celebration of all roller coasters, not just Cedar Point's.

If CP wanted to offer a reduced admission for enthusiasts during the festival to lure more customers, so be it. I'm sure things could be worked out.

I doubt CP would lose much if any money. If you're going to go to Sandusky for CoasterFest® :), I'm pretty sure they will make a stop at CP.

-Tambo