Has the last Winterfest already been held... again?

There is great speculation that Kings Island's classic Christmas holiday event, brought back last year after a decade's-plus hiatus, won't be held in 2006 and in future years.

After great promotion and great reviews, Kings Island's revival of Winterfest in 2005 was considered a success by the park, then owned by Viacom.

Then, at the beginning of the 2006 season, the park is owned by CBS Corporation (Viacom split into two, and a new Viacom was created, CBS being the new name of the old corporation). PKI starts selling advance tickets to the 2006 Winterfest for only $9.99. The event is advertised in park brochures, and by posters throughout the park.

Then, on June 30, Kings Island has yet another owner. Cedar Fair, L.P. completes its acquisition of Paramount Parks. Shortly after:

- The park is no longer selling Winterfest tickets.
- All in-park advertising of Winterfest has been removed.
- Plush bears with the Winterfest logo are being given away as prizes at the "Age & Weight" game on Coney Mall.

There are many conflicting theories, answers, and statements going on now, such as the thread on PKI Central.

For the return of Winterfest:
- Good reviews from those who went
- Cedar Fair has the opportunity to improve upon the event, make it better, bring in more guests than 2005.
- Stopping ticket sales may be a publicity stunt to get guests to demand the event happens.
- The last time it was held, prior to the hiatus: Paramount acquired Kings Island in 1992, prior to November, when the event began that year. They were good enough to honor a prior commitment, so why wouldn't Cedar Fair do the same?
- One of the most frequently asked questions the park recieved was "When are you bringing back Winterfest?" Why drop it again?
- CF may be dropping the "Paramount's" prefix from the park prior to Winterfest. They may even include the event as part of 2007 season passes.

Against Winterfest's return:
- Low attendance, especially due to season passes not being included, and high admission price ($25). In the beginning, passholders got discounts, but they weren't substantial enough.
- The event, especially now, is by no means sold out!
- Not only did they pull ticket sales, they pulled all promotion of Winterfest!
- Cedar Fair's flagship park, Cedar Point, tried a Christmas event in 1994. I won't go into details, but it was the last "Christmas in the Park" CP held. Why risk it again with KI (and Carowinds, who had the event in '05 as well)?
- If so many wanted Winterfest back, why didn't they come in droves?

As one park spokesperson said, "Stay tuned."