Steel Curtain and nostalgic mascots to return to Kennywood
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You can meet Tuft, the 6-foot bunny, at Kennywood's Eggcellent Celebration. Photo: Chrissy Suttles/Axios
Kennywood will open for its 127th season on April 12, marking the first time the park has opened on 412 Day since 1931.
Why it matters: The season brings a packed slate of new Easter attractions, a renovated themed area and the highly anticipated return of the Steel Curtain.
Zoom in: Kennywood Junction, the new steel-town-themed area, replaces Thomas Town and features five reimagined rides — like two trains on the Olde Kennywood Railroad, diesel locomotives on the Coal Haulin' Convoy and a cargo-lifting crane called Kenny's Cargo Drop — and a new celebration space and retail shop.
- Jeeters, the iconic pink mascot from the '70s and '80s, returns to the park after decades away.
- The Steel Curtain, Pennsylvania's tallest coaster, will reopen later this year after an extensive modification project, and structural upgrades are 90% complete, says Lynsey Winters, communications director for Kennywood parent company, Palace Entertainment. Guests may catch test runs on Opening Day.
- Fan favorites are back, including Bites and Pints, a food and drink festival serving international flavors and craft brews (this year with two new countries, Cuba and Spain).
The latest: Herschend Family Entertainment, the owner of Dollywood and the largest family-run theme park company in the U.S., is buying Palace Entertainment, but Palace will maintain operations during the transition.
The bottom line: Potato Patch fries aren't going anywhere.
If you go: Kennywood's new Eggcellent Celebration runs weekends April 12-27, plus bonus days April 18 and 21. It features 150+ oversized Easter eggs, giant chocolate bunnies, meet-and-greets with new mascot Tuft the Bunny, themed photo-ops and an optional brunch with Tuft in Kennywood Junction (serving Pittsburgh nods like fried fish and pierogies).
🗓️ Check Kennywood's full season calendar here.
📍4800 Kennywood Blvd., West Mifflin
💵 To mark the start of the season, the park is offering up to 50% off tickets and season passes. Buy here.
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