This column had contributions from Sgt. Roadkill and Jason, both The Point Online Staff Members.

Wow, there is a lot to get through today. With the start of the 2005 Season rapidly approaching, the rumors are starting to fly. Today we are going to look at the possibilities of gambling at Cedar Point, a possible Soak City expansion, and then try to figure out what is going on in Frontier Town.

The most controversial issue around the state of Ohio this year is gambling. Should it be legal? Who should operate them, Indians or private business? Should they be across the state or only in certain areas? If gambling is legalized, Cedar Point would be allowed to open up a casino. And finally, where would Cedar Point put a casino? We have enough trouble figuring out where the next coaster will go, which, incidentally, can be built over other park attractions, but a casino? Holy Cow!

Do not go rushing to find the satellite views of Cedar Point just yet, there are several prime locations for a casino. The Cedars Dorms has never been an attractive building in the Marina, and most employees are not too fond of living their either. Even though it is an historical building, I say tear the sucker down for something new; something big, bright, beautiful, and with a great view; a casino. Just think about it for a second. You exit the park, come to this giant building, and all you see are family's spending time together and having fun. How is this possible you say? Well, the first two floors of this massive building are the latest arcade games, maybe a movie theater showing some PG movies, laser tag, and other family activities. So you ask, where is all that gambling taking place? On the third floor (or maybe a little higher) is the casino. After proving you are 21, you step on one of four large escalators going to the casino. As you go up, you can look down at the kids playing games and having fun, and then you hear it, the coins are clanging out of a slot machine as someone hits the jackpot. Slots are not your thing, than head to the poker or blackjack tables. Take some exciting gambles as you watch the sunset over beautiful Sandusky Bay and the Cedar Point Marina.

Sunsets aren't your thing? How about the old west? If it is, you are in luck. Visit Frontier Town and experience what gambling was like in the west. This could possibly be put in the top of the old Sky Ride Station next to Snake River Falls and Town Hall (it currently is bathrooms).  If the 20s is your favorite era, then visit the upstairs of the Coliseum and visit a speakeasy.  Get some alcoholic beverages and then take a spin on the roulette

wheel.  Maybe every couple of hours their could be a "raid" on the casino with mock police officers and they get in a gun fight with the "owners" of the casino. Remember, you have to be over 21 in here, so they can do this kind of stuff.

Enough about casinos, what about Soak City? Well, I say a swim-up casino, where you swim to each table. Nah, just joking, that would be a little too much. Anyway, with the opening of the Kalahari Water park on May 25, all of the water park venues in the area

will have to face this new giant. With an expansion, Cedar Point could easily have a marketing campaign along the lines of "Why swim indoors in the summer when you can swim outdoors". I am not too familiar with the water park industry, but with the two phase water park expansion down the road at Geauga Lake, Cedar Fair could still have some water in its veins.

The only problem I foresee with expanding Soak City is where the future attractions would go. In the past, Soak City has expanded into Camper Village. I believe that it would be best to tear down the older part of Soak City and completely redesign the area, utilizing the current space. Possible additions would be a water coaster and other slides.

Last but certainly not least, is Frontier Town. For years we have heard the rumors about the B&M coaster. The rumors are of either a flying or floorless coaster, but I believe the chances are better with a flying coaster. Everyone believed a coaster was coming in   2004 after the Swan Boats were removed, but nothing came. Rumors were flying in late 2004 over the removal of White Water Landing, but nothing came from them. So, what is going to happen back there no one knows. I believe that the next coaster will not break the height barrier, but the length barrier. The major criticisms of Top Thrill Dragster is that it is too short. A long (over four minutes) coaster would be extremely popular and could "go around the park", meaning it would not have a large footprint at all, it would just go around the park.

That's all for today. Once the season opens on May 7, the rumors should start to fly in