Retired minister spends estimated 6.3 days on Kings Island coaster

Contributed photo Gary Coleman, of Monford Heights, is seen on King's Island's Diamondback roller coaster.

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Staff Report Updated 7:35 AM Friday, August 6, 2010

MASON — Retired minister Gary Coleman traveled more than 3,000 miles this past year inside Kings Island amusement park.

The 68-year-old Monford Heights, Ohio native took his 3,000th ride Thursday, Aug. 5 on the Diamondback roller coaster. Since 2009, Coleman has visited Kings Island 170 times and spent an accumulated time of 6.3 days riding it.

“It’s a great ride,” said Coleman, a season pass holder. “As soon as the ride ends I can’t wait to get back in line to ride it again.”

The same day at Kings Island, a group of 30 other ambitious riders rode the Racer roller coaster for 10 hours to raise money for ailing children. Kings Island and the Racer played host to Coasting For Kids 2010, a marathon riding session organized to raise money for Give Kids the World Village. The program is a Florida-based nonprofit organization that provides week-long vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses as well as their families.

Kings Island officials designated a special car specifically for the Coasting For Kids group, who were allowed to ride it continuously without waiting in line.

By 2 p.m., the majority of riders had close to 70 trips that day under their belts. Don Helbig, spokesman for Kings Island, said that more than $2,500 had been raised at Kings Island for the Give Kids the World Village. Helbig said each Cedar Fair Park conducted a similar event Thursday and combined raised more than $22,000 for the charity.

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