Magnum roller coaster at Cedar Point celebrates its 20th birthday

SANDUSKY, Ohio (AP) — Cedar Point amusement park is opening its new season with a birthday celebration for its pioneering Magnum roller coaster.

The Magnum XL-200 was the first coaster more than 200 feet tall when it debuted in 1989. A new entrance sign will be unveiled for the ride and free birthday cake and ice cream will be served during Saturday’s opening day festivities at the northern Ohio park.

Cedar Point has 17 roller coasters among its 75 rides.

The park here will launch its 140th season today with an opening ceremony at the main entrance featuring a skydiver delivering the American flag and the national anthem performed by a local choir and the Ohio State University spring athletic band.

Cedar Point’s sister park in southwest Ohio, Kings Island, opened last month.