Unprecedented rainfall in California led to a steep decline in attendance at Knott’s Berry Farm while wildfire smoke and extreme temperatures dampened crowds at other Cedar Fair theme parks, according to the company’s latest financial report.
Park closures and reduced crowds caused by the California rains contributed to a 17% drop in attendance at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park and California’s Great America in Santa Clara during Cedar Fair’s second quarter that ended June 25.
“Unfortunately, anomalous weather patterns — including unprecedented rainfall in California and wildfires in Canada — have significantly disrupted year-to-date attendance, as well as sales of 2023 season passes, creating a headwind on demand,” Cedar Fair CEO Richard Zimmerman said in the quarterly report issued on Thursday, Aug. 3.
SEE ALSO: 10 rainy day closures cost Knott’s Berry Farm millions in early 2023
California’s heavy rains were blamed for a 9% decrease in 2023 season pass sales — largely at Knott’s and Great America.
California’s “monsoon-like conditions” in the company’s first quarter resulted in lower season pass sales in the second quarter that impacted overall attendance. The decline was partially offset by a 6% increase in the average season pass prices.
SEE ALSO: Knott’s Berry Farm hopes to reopen Xcelerator coaster this summer
Impacts from North America’s disruptive weather patterns weren’t isolated to Cedar Fair’s California parks.
Air quality issues caused by Canadian wildfire smoke hurt attendance at Canada’s Wonderland in the Toronto area. Unprecedented rainfall and extreme temperatures plagued Cedar Fair parks on the East Coast.
By contrast, attendance was up 7% at Cedar Fair’s six Midwest parks that were less affected by adverse weather during the quarter.
SEE ALSO: Knott’s Scary Farm teases return of ‘The Hanging’ for 50th anniversary season
Cedar Fair estimates that high temperatures, heavy rains and…
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