Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari have received nine nominations across six categories in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Public voting is open now to determine the winners.
The nominations were selected by a panel of editors and industry experts, park officials said. Holiday World is nominated for Best Theme Park, while Splashin’ Safari is up for Best Outdoor Water Park.
Several individual attractions also earned recognition. Three rides — Cheetah Chase, Mammoth, and Wildebeest — are nominated for Best Water Coaster. The Voyage is nominated for Best Roller Coaster. Bahari River is up for Best Lazy River, and both Bahari Wave Pool and The Wave are nominated for Best Wave Pool.
“Our team is honored to be nominated in so many categories again this year,” said Matt Eckert, president and CEO of Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. “The recognition from industry experts is nice, but Holiday World exists because of our guests who visit and love the park. We hope everyone will help us reach the top by voting daily — especially for best outdoor water park and best water coaster.”
Voting began March 23 and continues through April 20. The top 10 winners in each category, as determined by reader votes, will be announced on April 29. Votes can be cast here.
Holiday World is preparing to open its 80th season in May. Park officials said the anniversary will include an expanded operating calendar and the return of several events and entertainment offerings, including Holidays in the Sky drone show, the Nerveless Nocks stunt show, the Summer Wine’d Down Culinary Festival, and the Dino Corn Maze Adventure. A new event is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
By Ryan Richardson The Owensboro Times