Boardwalk Nights taps into nostalgia

Editor's note: Justin Dietz is a Register correspondent representing cpfoodblog.com and @funfoodblog on X. SANDUSKY — Intensity. When guests think of visiting Cedar Point, you might get a little nervous. You might get amped up with excitement. You might be ready to experience the intensity that comes with the world-class collection of roller coasters. Going into the 2024 season, our nerves were a little on edge, too, as it appeared the company was cutting back on the broader appeal of live entertainment in the park. After all, there still is no show in Lusty Lil's Palace Theatre. However, once we saw the productions of Class of '99 and The Rally, the intensity was brought to the summer lineup of shows, even if the excitement of their newest roller coaster has sizzled. From now through Aug. 18, except on Tuesdays, Cedar Point has introduced a new iteration of the annual beach celebration with Boardwalk Nights. This year's event — while still celebrating the beach with a DJ, beach games and live entertainment — brings the intensity to the boardwalk area inside the park. When we envision a classic boardwalk amusement park, we foresee the nostalgia and atmosphere similar in style to the HalloWeekends maze Fearground Freak Show. Without the scary, we want to see acts of feat. We want to see classic simple items like cotton candy and popcorn, live music and just be a celebration that brings guests out for an evening of fun. Boardwalk Nights is nothing short of amazing. It pulls in everything guests might have experienced in a classic 1920s boardwalk. From the moment the cavalcade enters the midway at 7 p.m., there is non-stop intensity. The schedule is jam-packed and keeps guests moving throughout the area to try and see everything. The central stage in front of the Ferris wheel features various acts, like a hot dog eating contest, or acrobatics. Jump over to the area beside the Grand Pavilion to see a high diver jump into a pool only 10 feet deep. Or near WindSeeker is a Wheel of Destiny. Head out to the beach area to see synchronized kite flyers, fire manipulators and hand-balancing acts. Did we mention there are also musical acts throughout the area? As if the stimulation of Boardwalk Nights is not enough, there is also an interactive scavenger hunt that takes guests all around looking for various photo ops like the missing wild mice or a selfie with the popcorn character. For each task completed, guests get a free — yes free — button. When all 10 are collected, they can get a bonus Boardwalk Nights button. We have been visiting the annual beach celebration for years and have never seen so much excitement and crowds as ever before. The intensity of Boardwalk Nights can be felt all around as this event is nothing like guests have ever experienced at Cedar Point. Bravo to the live entertainment department for finally making the Boardwalk Nights exactly what the guest deserves that pays tribute to the parks past.