“It was a dark and stormy night.” That is how the Peanuts character Snoopy would begin his stories in the comic strips I read as a kid. While it wasn’t dark or even stormy when I joined Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy and the #330 Ambassadors of the LeBron James Family Foundation for the grand opening of Cedar Point Shores Waterpark, it was rainy, very rainy. However, that didn’t stop me from enjoying being part of the exclusive event and getting a preview of the newly revamped waterpark.
This is the second time my husband, Bobby, and I were able to attend an opening at Cedar Point. Last time it was for the opening of the Valravn roller coaster. (To see all the Cedar Point posts we’ve done, click here.) Let me tell you, when Cedar Point puts on an event, they hold nothing back. They pull out all the stops and make it special for all who attend, even on a cold and rainy night. The staff was all smiles despite the rain.
The food was amazing. I remembered from last year that they had this tremendous spread for their guests. This year was just as incredible. I enjoy shrimp cocktail, but only at the Cedar Point events have I gotten such big shrimp! Then there was the pulled pork, brisket, fried shrimp, mac-n-cheese, potato wedges, salad and vegetables. I was feeling a little adventuresome and even tried this small, round, green vegetable that I had never seen before. I asked the staff who was attending the table what it was and while she, too, wasn’t sure, she encouraged me to try it. I did. It wasn’t bad. I asked the chef later what it was and he explained it was a type of squash called patapan. At least I think that is what he called it.
Then there was the desserts! I pretty much stuffed myself with the food, but I did find a little room for a delicious chocolate layered dessert. I think it was something like a Snickers cake. Whatever it was, it was amazing. Cedar Point may be famous for their thrills, but they seem to put the same excellent efforts into their food.
Hey, but the night wasn’t about the food, it was about the Waterpark. It is a beautiful place. I could imagine it on a hot summer day teaming with people. The music playing out of the speakers filling the air with sounds of summer celebrations. And the laughter that seems to be a natural part of hanging out with friends at the beach. Only at Cedar Point Shores, there will also be screams, because they are the king of thrills.
There are 18 acres of slides and attractions for people to enjoy. Many of them involve twists, turns, drops and other surprises. I will admit on the night we were there I was a little jealous of the young people. You see, while they were out in the rain in their bathing suits riding Point Plummet or hanging out in the wave pool, I was under an umbrella with jeans and a sweatshirt on! I guess it was just too cold for my old bones, that even the thought of heated water couldn’t get me into my suit.
Oh, don’t get me wrong, though, I still did get into water, if only up to my ankles! I finally had to get in some how, so I took my shoes and socks off, pulled my pant legs up and waded into the water at Lemmy’s Lagoon. It is meant for the kids under 36″, but I think the lifeguards cut me some slack. So for a few minutes I enjoyed the water (which was warm) and splashed around a bit. You know me, if I can get near water, I will!
While the weather did clear up long enough for the ceremonies, it didn’t last. Bobby and I decided to leave before 8 pm, because we both had to work the next day and the weather had made it clear I wasn’t going to ride the slides. (I am just not that brave.)
