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Noah's Ark at Kennywood receives Golden Ticket award | TribLIVE.com
Allegheny

Noah's Ark at Kennywood receives Golden Ticket award

Ben Schmitt
Ben Schmitt
ptrLIVkennywood01050516
Tribune-Review file
Kennywood's classic Noah's Ark was named Best Funhouse/Walk-Through Attraction at the Sept. 8 Golden Ticket Awards in Branson, Mo. The awards for 'best of the best' in the amusement industry are calculated from an international poll by Amusement Today.
ptrLIVkennywood02050516
Sidney Davis | Tribune-Review
The classic Kennywood attraction Noah's Ark makes its return to the amusement park as shown on Wednesday, May 4, 2016.

Kennywood's Noah's Ark funhouse won the "Best Funhouse/Walkthrough Attraction" Golden Ticket award for the eighth consecutive year by Amusement Today magazine.

"It's a great honor," Kennywood spokesman Nick Paradise told the Tribune-Review on Sunday. "We work very hard to preserve rides like Noah's ark and keep them fun for new generations and for old generations, as well."

The awards ceremony was held Saturday in Bristol, Conn., at Lake Compounce amusement park.

"The Golden Ticket Awards make for one of our biggest weekends of the year," Amusement Today's Tim Baldwin, Golden Ticket Awards events coordinator, said in a statement Sunday. "We put weeks and weeks of work into the event, but when it comes down to celebrating all that is great in the industry, it's all worth it."

The longstanding Kennywood attraction received a makeover last year centerpieced by its traditional whale entrance, returning to its roots.

Additionally, Kennywood's Merry Go Round was named a finalist for Best Carousel, and both Phantom Fright Nights and Holiday Lights made the lists for Best Halloween and Christmas events.

"Being a finalist in four categories certainly illustrates that Kennywood staff care about what they are doing," Baldwin said. "The holiday festivals have grown in popularity, and the park has developed a perfect mix of the newest thrill rides blended with old classics. Noah's Ark is just one example of the park's many charms, as is Thunderbolt, a really beloved wooden coaster. Combine that with the highly ranked Phantom's Revenge, and the park has something for everyone, regardless of age. I can see why local residents consider the park something really special, and I'm envious of those who can visit regularly."

Kennywood's sister park, Idlewild & SoakZone in Ligonier, was also honored, being named Best Children's Park for the eighth straight year.

Ben Schmitt is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 412-320-7991, bschmitt@tribweb.com or via Twitter at @Bencschmitt.