Cedar Point's Fry-day Deal

Editor's note: Justin Dietz is a Register correspondent representing CPFoodBlog.com and @FUNFoodBlog on X. SANDUSKY — This weekend is what is typically called the "bonus weekend" for Cedar Point's season of operation. After being open for daily operation through Labor Day, the park was closed all week and is now back open for weekends only through Nov. 1. But HalloWeekends does not officially start until Thursday, Sept. 17. Thus the bonus weekend between the normal season and the start of HalloWeekends. For the past several years, Cedar Point has used the bonus weekend to tout the Happy Friar's Fresh-Cut Fries Fest — in ode to that delicious fried potato. This year, Cedar Point chefs have created four new options exclusively available through Sunday: • Barbacoa Fries — smoked beef barbacoa, pickled red onion and queso — at Happy Friar • Poutine — topped with beef gravy and cheese curds — at Happy Friar • Brisket Burnt Ends —bourbon-glazed brisket and sweet drop peppers — at Hot Potato • Hot Honey — fried cheese curds, jalapeños, cayenne ranch and hot honey — at Hot Potato As an added bonus, Cedar Point is also offering free admission this weekend for anyone with a last name ending in some variation of "fry." Simply show a government-issued ID with your name and get into the park for the day. While HalloWeekends may still be a week away, this bonus weekend is also giving guests the opportunity to sneak a peek at some of the park's haunted houses. Like last season, indoor mazes are not included with admission. Guests need to purchase a haunted attractions pass starting at $15 for one day or $59 for the season, which must be connected to a season pass. It also offers a season-long express pass for $249. The bonus weekend houses include Midnight, Fearground Freak Show, The Haunting of Eerie Estate, and Slaughterhouse.