South Hills

Kennywood Park opens for the season

Kristina Serafini
By Kristina Serafini
1 Min Read • May 8, 2021 | 5 years Ago
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Slide 1
Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
A rider shoots a video as they and others ride the Wave Swinger on opening day at Kennywood Park on Saturday.
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Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
Kennedy Wienskovich, 4, waves as she rides the carousel with father Evan Wienskovich on opening day at Kennywood Park on Saturday.
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Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
People wave and put their hands up as the first Jack Rabbit ride of the season leaves the station on opening day at Kennywood Park on Saturday. In celebration of the Jack Rabbit’s centennial anniversary—rescheduled from last year—winners of Kennywood’s “100 years, 100 Memories” contest were given the opportunity to be the roller coaster’s first riders a half hour before the park officially opened to guests.
Slide 4
Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
Winners of Kennywood’s “100 years, 100 Memories” contest celebrating the Jack Rabbit’s centennial birthday, which was rescheduled from last year, are seen on the roller coaster on opening day Saturday. The winners were given the opportunity to be the first Jack Rabbit riders of the season a half hour before the park opened to guests.
Slide 5
Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
Kennywood Park employee Ben Salvo, 15, of Mt. Lebanon wipes down the counter at his game booth before the gates opened for opening day at the West Mifflin amusement park Saturday.
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Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
Siblings Tayden Collier, 9, (from left), Harlei Collier, 4, and Tristin Collier, 4, all of Allison Park ride The Whip on opening day at Kennywood Park on Saturday.
Slide 7
Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
A scared Leah Graham, 6, closes her eyes and leans into father Ian Graham, both of Scott, as the Jack Rabbit leaves the station on opening day at Kennywood Park on Saturday. In celebration of the Jack Rabbit’s centennial anniversary—rescheduled from last year—winners of Kennywood’s “100 years, 100 Memories” contest were given the opportunity to be the roller coaster’s first riders a half hour before the park officially opened to guests.
Slide 8
Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
People ride the Thunderbolt on opening day at Kennywood Park on Saturday.
Slide 9
Kristina Serafini | Tribune-Review
Winners of Kennywood’s “100 years, 100 Memories” contest celebrating the Jack Rabbit’s centennial birthday, which was rescheduled from last year, clap during a ceremony in front of the roller coaster on opening day Saturday. The winners were given the opportunity to be the first Jack Rabbit riders of the season a half hour before the park opened to guests.

Kennywood Park kicked off its 123rd season Saturday — two months earlier than last year’s delayed opening because of the covid-19 pandemic.

Some rides and attractions, including Noah’s Ark, Skycoaster and the 4D Theater, still remain closed as the West Mifflin park follows safety protocols recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The Steel Curtain also was closed Saturday as it continues undergoing modification work.

Winners of the “100 Years, 100 Memories” contest celebrating the Jack Rabbit’s centennial birthday, which was rescheduled from last year, were invited to a ceremonial first ride of the season a half hour before the park opened to guests.

Idlewild and SoakZone in Ligonier Township plan to open for the season May 29.

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About the Writers

Kristina Serafini is a TribLive photojournalist covering Southwestern Pennsylvania. She is a Pittsburgh native and Point Park graduate. Her work has been honored locally and nationally. She can be reached at kserafini@triblive.com.

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