Cedar Fair extends Peanuts license

Editor's note: Justin Dietz is a Register correspondent representing CPFoodBlog.com and @CPFoodBlog on Twitter.When guests think of Cedar Point, they picture the great collection of record-setting roller coasters, family entertainment, Halloweekends and the Peanuts characters.Cedar Point offers two Peanuts themed kids areas, Planet Snoopy and Camp Snoopy, in addition to Kiddie Kingdom.The partnership with the Peanuts franchise can be contributed to Cedar Fair's purchase of Knott's Berry Farm out in southern California. The Knotts family had a licensing agreement with the Peanuts characters dating back to 1983.When Cedar Fair acquired Knott's Berry Farm in 1997, the contract with the Berenstain Bears was coming to an end following the 1998 season, and it made sense to roll out the licensing partnership to some of the other parks. Cedar Point transitioned their kids areas to the Peanuts brand for the 1999 season."Cedar Fair has been a longstanding and cherished partner to Peanuts, dating back many years to when Camp Snoopy first opened at Knott's Berry Farm in 1983," said Craig Schulz, son of Charles M. Schulz and president and CEO of Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates. "On behalf of my entire family, I look forward to many more years of bringing the joy of my father's characters to the fans in Cedar Fair's parks."Snoopy and the entire Peanuts crew will entertain guests at Cedar Point and Cedar Fair's other properties through 2025. Cedar Fair, Peanuts Worldwide and the family of Charles M. Schulz on Tuesday announced a deal to renew the licensing agreement.On Tuesday, it was announced the Peanuts licensing agreement with Cedar Fair will be extended through 2025.Among an excerpt from a press release:Cedar Fair, L.P. (NYSE: FUN), a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, Peanuts Worldwide, a subsidiary controlled by DHX Media, Ltd. (TSX: DHX.A, DHX.B; NASDAQ: DHXM), and the family of Charles M. Schulz have renewed the license agreement to showcase the iconic Peanuts characters, created by Schulz, throughout Cedar Fair's 11 amusement park locations. The agreement covers Cedar Fair's North American exclusive use of Peanuts in the company's attractions, entertainment and sports, food and beverage, lodging and retail operations. The new agreement extends the relationship to 2025.Cedar Fair president and CEO Matt Ouimet also commented on the deal."The renewed relationship between Cedar Fair and Peanuts Worldwide allows both companies to develop and extend their brands, creating a more immersive experience for guests through meet-and-greets, live entertainment, merchandise and themed areas throughout the parks," Ouimet said. "The value Peanuts brings to our parks is demonstrated in many ways. For example, our Peanuts themed Planet Snoopy children's area at Kings Island near Cincinnati was just named "Best Kid's Area" for the 17th year by Amusements Today, the leading industry news source. With more than half of our parks now offering a free pre-K season pass for children, our continued showcasing of the beloved Peanuts characters underscores our commitment to entertaining young families."The company recently announced the debut of an expanded Peanuts themed children's area at Carowinds, its popular park in Charlotte, N.C. The Camp Snoopy area will feature five new rides, an 8,000 square-foot climb-and-play area called Beagle Scout Acres and enhanced dining and relaxation facilities.Parks throughout the portfolio offer value-added attractions featuring the Peanuts such as character breakfasts, seasonal events like The Great Pumpkin Fest and other themed entertainment year-round."On the heels of our recent acquisition of the Peanuts brand, further cementing our relationship with Cedar Fair, assures an extensive and continued North American presence in the amusement park area," said Dana Landry, the CEO of DHX Media. "This agreement extension speaks to the enduring appeal of the Peanuts brand, and as a leader in children's content and brands, we value the opportunity to work with Cedar Fair to reach an all-family audience for Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang."