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Top bidder pays $5,000 for roller coaster ride

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By Justin McClelland, Staff Writer Updated 5:46 PM Friday, April 17, 2009

When Kings Island opens Saturday, April 18, Allan Hague of Yantis, Texas, will sit in the front row when the amusement park’s new roller coaster, Diamondback, takes it maiden voyage.

Hague paid $3,100 and was the top individual bidder in an online auction. That’s more than $1,000 a minute for the ride that is expected to last three minutes.

Kings Island auctioned off seats on the first ride of the Diamondback, the $22 million, 5,282-feet-long thrill ride that travels at speeds exceeding 80 m.p.h., to raise money for A Kid Again.

Hague also paid $800 a piece for his wife and father-in-law to take the first trip.

“We’re all big roller coaster fanatics. The thrill of going fast is what drives us,” said Hague, who will drive 20 hours to take the first ride.

More than $102,000 was raised in the auction for A Kid Again, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing fun-filled outings and on-going support to children with life threatening illnesses and their families, from the day of diagnosis until the children reach the age of 20.

California-based Blackhawk Network was the top corporate bidder with $5,000 and won a seat of its choice on the inaugural ride. Park spokesman Don Helbig said the company will donate the ride to a child with life threatening illnesses.

Hap Durkin, executive director of A Kid Again, said the money raised far surpassed his expectations.

“This is beyond our wildest dreams,” Durkin said. “The number is phenomenal. To get bids from around the country and have exposure like that from Kings Island is incredible. This is our biggest fund-raiser since we opened in Cincinnati eight years ago.”

Durkin estimated 30 to 50 kids from the organization will ride on Diamondback from donated rides.

The park opens for the season on Saturday, but will be closed April 19 for a private event and then be open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Weekday hours begin Memorial Day.

Besides the much-anticipated debut of Diamondback, the Beast will celebrate its 30th season as the longest wooden roller coaster in the world. To celebrate the Beast’s anniversary, the park will invite roller coaster enthusiasts from around the world for a special weekend May 9 and 10.

Helbig said that the park also offers many family entertainment opportunities for those who chose not to venture the rugged rails of Beast or Diamondback. The park will add three new shows, including a classic country production, a new children’s show, and a celebration of recent pop hits.

Kings Island was the recipient of many unique and special visitors in 2008, including daredevils, tightrope walkers, and world champion competitive eaters. Helbig said to expect many more of these unique attractions. Although plans are still being finalized for special events on Memorial Day and July 4, Helbig said that the second annual Skyline Chile Eat-Off will happen on Labor Day weekend. Sean Hannity’s Freedom Alliance concert will also return on Aug. 21.

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i tell you what if i had fifty million dollars i would still pay it to ride the roller coaster because it helps out all the kids in bad condition, and also you make history because you were the first one to ride.

tyler harrison
3:39 AM, 4/19/2009

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i think all the people who donated money are great because some of the kids in need may not be able to ride the roller coaster but they will still like the fact they still have a chance at life

tyler harrison
3:34 AM, 4/19/2009

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Some people have too much money. If I had $5000 i sure wouldn't waste it to ride a roller coaster. Stupid . Is it a tax deduction?

jaybo
11:37 AM, 4/17/2009

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