Kings Island, OH (Toledo News Now) - A popular ride at Kings Island reached a big milestone on Sunday. The Beast roller coaster officially turned 35 years old.
The ride was first introduced to the public in April of 1979, on Friday the 13th.
Hundreds of media outlets from across the United States and Great Britain flocked to the park for the chance to ride aboard The Beast. Many reporters mounted cameras onto the front car to capture the thrilling moments.
To date, The Beast has given 48,882,975 rides. The record year was 1980, when 2,150,353 park visitors experienced what's become known as the world's longest wooden roller coaster.
In 2004, The Beast was awarded the Coaster Landmark Award by the American Coaster Enthusiasts, which recognizes coasters of historical significance.
Kings Island opens for the 2014 season on Friday, April 18.
