Blue Streak receives landmark plaque

SANDUSKY — A Cedar Point landmark ride was inducted into a unique fraternity on Monday. American Coaster Enthusiasts unveiled a plaque at the entrance of the Blue Streak roller coaster. The plaque commemorates Blue Streak as an ACE landmark roller coaster. This designation is reserved for "rides of historic significance," according to the plaque. "Since 1964, our guests have loved its simple hills and airtime thrills," Cedar Point posted online. Blue Streak, the oldest coaster at the park, was designed and built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company according to the book "The American Amusement Park." The plaque was unveiled as part of Coaster Con, an annual convention of roller coaster enthusiasts. The convention features exclusive ride times for attendees as well as presentations, workshops and behind-the-scenes tours, according to ACE's website. Cedar Point's Blue Streak is the 46th coaster to receive ACE's landmark status. It is the second ride on the list named Blue Streak. The Blue Streak roller coaster at Conneaut Lake Park in Pennsylvania closed for the final time at the end of the 2019 season. In January, during the ride's demolition, it caught fire and burned to the ground. Cedar Point's Magnum XL-200 is also a member of the exclusive ACE landmark coaster club. Magnum received its designation in 2004. Ohio roller coasters designated as ACE landmarks: • The Beast (Kings Island) • The Racer (Kings Island) • Big Dipper (Geauga Lake) • Magnum XL-200 (Cedar Point) • Blue Streak (Cedar Point) The out-and-back design of Blue Streak sees trains reach speeds of up to 40 mph. The lift hill is 78 feet tall and the first drop is 72 feet. ACE began in 1978 with its first convention held at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia. ACE is a nonprofit with over 6,500 members in 16 countries, according to its website. "Ultimately, ACE's mission is to promote and enjoy roller coasters everywhere, regardless of type or size," its website states. The plaque also gave some insight into its "Blue Streak" labeling, "which was named after the Sandusky High School (Blue Streaks) athletic team." --- Appreciate news from your community? Click here to subscribe to the Register.