Leviathan First Rides Up for Auction in support of SickKids Foundation

VAUGHAN, ON, Jan. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada's Wonderland, in cooperation with SickKids Foundation, is holding a one of a kind auction that will appeal to philanthropists and coaster-lovers alike.  Beginning on January 19, 2012, the Park will auction off 96 seats to the highest bidders, who will be the first riders on Leviathan; Canada's fastest and tallest roller coaster. Bids can be placed from January 19, 2012 until April 18, 2012 by visiting http://leviathan.canadaswonderland.com.

The official public opening of Leviathan, including the top 96 bidders supporting SickKids, will take place on Friday, April 27. The highest successful bidder will select their seat on the first train while all other successful bidders will be assigned their seats according to their bid amount.  Minimum bids begin at $75.00.

A winning bid will include the inaugural ride on Leviathan, a commemorative gift from the Park, a reception dinner, and a complimentary ticket for a friend to watch winners enjoy their first ride.  Following the inaugural ride, each event ticket holder and their guest will be invited to stay and play in the Park until 10:00 pm as Canada's Wonderland opens all of its rides for Season Pass Sneak Preview Night.

One-hundred percent of the proceeds from the Leviathan first-to-ride auction will go directly towards supporting the new SickKids Research & Learning Tower. SickKids inspires communities to invest in health and scientific advances to improve the lives of children and their families in Canada and around the world.

Leviathan will be the 16^th roller coaster built at Canada's Wonderland.  At over 5,486 feet (1,672M) in length, Leviathan will climb to an astonishing height of 306 feet (93.3M) followed by an exhilarating 80 degree drop.  Reaching a top speed of 148 kilometers per hour, riders will experience extreme coaster thrills on this record breaking coaster.

Canada's Wonderland is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FUN." In addition to Canada's Wonderland, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, six water parks, one indoor water park resort and five hotels. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, Calif. under a management contract.

Dineen Beaven
Manager, Public Relations and Special Events
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[email protected]