Cedar Point kicking off Tricks and Treats Fall Fest

SANDUSKY — COVID-19 may have canceled HalloWeekends, but fear not, there's still plenty to do at Cedar Point. HalloWeekends has always been one of the park's biggest draws, bringing in thousands during Cedar Point's final weeks. The cancellation could hurt the park's attendance as industry insiders report theme parks already suffer diminished crowds due to the pandemic. The park's parent company, Cedar Fair, however, announced in August that, even with diminished crowds, they've been able to make a profit by adjusting operation schedules. But Cedar Point conjured up the Tricks and Treats Fall Fest to attract people while maintaining the COVID-19 safety protocols. "Halloween is a special time at Cedar Point, and our guests really look forward to it," said Jason McClure, the park's vice president and general manager. "Our mission to make people happy continues into the fall season, and we're committed to entertaining our fans, friends and families safely." The park believes the outdoor street festival will spell fun for kids and adults of all ages noon to 8 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday until Nov. 1. McClure said, despite having to do things differently this year, the festival will offer fun and safe ways to celebrate, including Halloween decor, live entertainment, games and new fall food and drinks around the park. Scary-good food Cedar Point cooked up new fall- and Halloween-inspired food, including Toxic Mac, Frankenstein Fries, vampire chili dogs, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, pumpkin spice funnel cake and more. Guests can purchase a tasting card and enjoy up to six "tricks" – food out of the ordinary — and "treats" — more recognizable and traditional food items. On the midways, Brews and Booze Bars will serve up specialty drinks and a variety of craft beers. Thrilling activities The festival has events for people of all ages, including a monster makeover, mask and bracelet crafting, pumpkin decorating, a costume contest, hay mazes and more. But it wouldn't be Halloween without trick-or-treating. Kids can pick up sweets at socially distanced trick-or-treat candy stations in the park. There's also the Trick-or-Treat Bean Challenge, which will pit contestants against each other in a jelly bean tasting with some unique flavors. The festival will feature dance parties with live music and an entertainment lineup that could wake the dead. Besides live music, there's the "You're Too Old to Trick-or-Treat Game Show" for adults.