Phoenix Phall Phunfest (10/5/02)
Associated parks:
None
Run through the fields and houses, because there’s something in the air…and that something is the smell of Knoebel’s in the fall. After an awesome time at Kennywood the night before, my friend Jason and I ventured into the great wide open to Elysburg, PA for Phoenix Phall Phunfest 2002.
We arrived at the park shortly before 4 PM, setup camp (M-10), and entered the park. I had trouble remembering where the PPP tickets were being sold, so we walked around for a bit and found it within 10 minutes or so.
After purchasing our tickets, we still had 15 minutes before they could be used, so we stopped over and played a few games of Fascination, where I managed to win a game. Unfortunately, Fascination closed at 5 PM, so it ended up being the last time I’d get to play until April, but I got more than enough games in this season.
Phoenix and Twister weren’t available to PPPers until 6 PM, so we went over to the Haunted Mansion for some spooks. When we got there, the line filled the entire queue and extended out past the ticket booth. Luckily, H.M. moves people through rather quickly. We waited about 15 minutes, during which I got to see GregLeg jump from a moving H.M. car (his didn’t stop). Once again, I got the crap scared out of me by the horn and headlights, but oh what fun!
We still had some time to kill before Phoenix and Twister opened, so we made our way over to the Skooters for a smashing time. Rather than beat the hell out of each other like we usually do, Jason and I decided to ally. Needless to say we really wreaked some havoc out there, especially since I’ve finally mastered steering those wonderful Lusse skooters.
We sat down for some food at the food court Phoenix to kill some time. I had cheese sticks and a lemonade, both of which were equally wonderful.
By the time we were finished eating, it was finally 6 PM, so we got in line for Phoenix, which had a line extending out to the ticket booth. Thanks to two trains and speedy ride ops, we were on the ride in no time for another incredible ride. Phoenix has been my favorite woodie since my first trip to Knoebel’s, and it’s going to take a lot for another woodie to beat it.
Next, of course, was the other half of the dynamic duo, Twister. Two train wait, one click, and we were on our way up the lift hill for one hell of a ride. Unfortunately, Twister ate my nametag, which was a rather crucial part of my costume, but we’ll get to that later.
We tore up on the Skooters once again before heading back to the Phoenix for ride number two. I’d have to say this was the best ride of the night for us. We sat in the back, which is my favorite part of the train and the darkness only added to the thrill.
Since it was dark now, we queued up for Gasoline Alley, which is right next door to the Phoenix. Knoebel’s did a fantastic job with this! Aside from the awesome theming, they had people stationed in the places where you’d least expect them. I even had one ride on the rear bumper of my car and not say anything until I turned around and screamed. I would love to see Kennywood do this to the Turnpike for next year’s Fright Nights.
We racked up three more extreme rides on Twister and another blissful ride on Phoenix before heading back to Camp Kennywood Boulevard to get the fire started. After 15 minutes of getting things prepared, we headed over to the bonfire to see what was going on. There was a good crowd surrounding the pile of wood that would eventually become a bonfire. A small group of people sang the Star Spangled Banner, which everyone seemed to enjoy. I attempted to sing “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” but I was unable to remember the words for reasons I will not discuss.
About 10 minutes later, the fire was finally lit and warmth soon displaced the cool, mountain air that we experienced during the half hour before hand. We sat by the fire for nearly a half hour enjoying drinks and good conversation (the Doors without Jim Morrison?) before hitting the sack. Despite larger crowds, I enjoyed this year’s PPP more than last year’s. It was a beautiful day - blue skies, warm temperatures, and cool breezes - and what a better place to enjoy it than in Central Pennsylvania.
Now about my costume, I was the guy dressed as a cowboy, most likely seen taking pictures or doing some silly cowboy walk. I was supposed to be Cowboy Joe from Kennywood (the guy on the bench), this is where the loss of nametag comes in. With it, I was Cowboy Joe, without it, I was just a normal cowboy. Regardless, people seemed to enjoy it, especially since I look nothing like the cowboy type. I must say I regret wearing those boots all night, my feet are killing me right now.
As expected, I saw some really cool costumes there. The RCT guys were hilarious, as was the guy with the Magnum car on his head. The couple dressed as the Rolling Thunder paint crew who carried buckets of invisible paint were quite clever. I also enjoyed the guy wearing the Phoenix lift hill ornament on his head, it lit up and everything!
These are the times I stop and thank God for having been born in the U.S.A., because I know I wouldn’t be able to do these sorts of things in some parts of the world. I hope everyone had a great time, I know I sure did!
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Joe Cernelli
Webmaster, Kennywood Boulevard
"The answer my friend, is blowin' in the wind."
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-Sean
Five bucks to the first person to find all three music references (excluding my sig).
Here's a picture of me in my costume.
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Joe Cernelli
Webmaster, Kennywood Boulevard
"The answer my friend, is blowin' in the wind."
*** This post was edited by cernelli on 10/6/2002. ***
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"When I was growing up, we were taught something called manners. You'd understand that if you weren't such an idiot." - Jack Handey
I had the Magnum hat that I am sure ya'll saw. Awesome time.
You can't belive the number of people that wanted to get their pic taken with me.
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All I need is 4.5 million bucks and a half a mile long sliver of land and maybe someone could build me my very own Shivering Timbers. ;)
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- Dan Kel....uh...I mean...er...Chris Moore
9/28 and 10/5 2002: Legend and Raven and Phoenix...OH MY!
I saw the The Magnum hat a little too much this weekend, MagnumForce! ;) Did you happen to see my B&M T-shirt?
Kara and Rob both got some kick booty POV on Power Surge. I especially enjoyed the ride when MagnumForce got the ride op (she was kind of cute by the way) to double the ride cycle.
Still, the highlight of the night was making all of the people laughing at me for shooting POV on Flyers shut up when I was snapping as good or better than everyone else on the ride... holding a camcorder. [end horn toot]
This weekend was probably the best weekend I've had at a park since Coastermania at CP. I will be back next year and I might actually wear my costume this time!
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- John
Line jumping is cause for removal from soceity.
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Joe Cernelli
Webmaster, Kennywood Boulevard
"Don't criticize what you can't understand."
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Joe Cernelli
Webmaster, Kennywood Boulevard
"Don't criticize what you can't understand."
Bring the $20, we'll change it from your hand to ours ;)
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Gene & Lynne
Those ride ops wanted me you know. The whole pumpkin incident was too funny too. I can't wait to see the video. Someone has to send me a copy.
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All I need is 4.5 million bucks and a half a mile long sliver of land and maybe someone could build me my very own Shivering Timbers. ;)
We didn't start the fire, it's been always burning since the worlds been turning.
We didn't start the fire while while we did ignite it but we're trying to fight it!
AKA BILLY JOEL FANATIC!
Thought I'd fill you in, great tr, drooling over PA!
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Last year this week changed my life forever. Please remember suicide is not a solution!
For anyone interested in seeing the famous Magnum hat, here's a pic. Thanks to everyone for the great weekend. The pictures don't even do justice to the insanity I witnessed! :)
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Hooked on Phoenix works for me
Skyliner has no relationship to the chili
Insanity? I know we are a little odd, well I am really odd. But insane come on.
It doesn't matter that we were playing capture the pumpkin,or licking the north pole or trying to take the pumpkin on phoenix or getting back on phoenix without giving any tickets only to realize we have to give tickets or recreating the run of Maggie or ......
OK Insane suits me very well. ;)
-Brent
YOU HAVE GOT TO RIDE THIS!!!!!
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PPP Quote of the Year:
"I've got a B and M shirt"
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