As you know, Vortex turns 25 this year. In 1987 I was in 7th grade and just getting over my fear of coasters. I still remember getting my first KI season pass at Winterfest, December '86 and seeing Vortex's hill towering over the trees. I was lucky enough to ride it on opening morning, April 11, 1987. I didn't really understand the layout until (while we waited for the rope to drop) I climbed to the 50 foot platform of the Eiffel Tower. I got two rides that day, and forever turned into a coaster fan.

Of course there was no internet back then, so I had to rely on newspaper clippings, like this article from the Cincinnati Enquirer. I hope you enjoy it!

cover http://flic.kr/p/bndvo5

page 1 http://flic.kr/p/bA8naB

page 2 http://flic.kr/p/bA8nsp

page 3 http://flic.kr/p/bndwy7

page 4 http://flic.kr/p/bA8ojD

page 5 http://flic.kr/p/bndxCd

page 6 http://flic.kr/p/bA8pe8

page 7 http://flic.kr/p/bA8pxe

page 8 http://flic.kr/p/bA8pQM

PS If someone can suggest a more elegant way to post these pics, I'd appreciate it!

Looking through those makes me want a nice Richland cigarette.

Even though the ride is rough at some points, I have always really enjoyed this ride... Back seat is the best going down the first drop!

^ I do have to agree with this

Thanks for posting that newspaper article!

Here's to another twenty-five years!

Really interesting coaster construction stuff in that article.

Wow, really, 25 years? I had no idea. Kind of cool that it coincides with the 40th anniversary celebration, too. The Vortex is such a classic, the first coaster that scared the pants off of me, but I went on it and felt like a hero.

25 years later, it's still the classiest ride in the park, just barely edging out Adventure Express. Not to mention those curves...

Sorry, Arrow fanboy moment.