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 percent 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 Aug. 3.
California’s heavy rains were blamed for a 9 percent 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 percent increase in the average season pass prices.
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 percent at Cedar Fair’s six Midwest parks that were less affected by adverse weather.
Cedar Fair estimates that high temperatures, heavy rains and wildfire smoke accounted for 300,000 fewer visitors in the quarter.
An overall 6 percent drop in attendance at Cedar Fair parks contributed to a revenue decline that was offset by increased visitor spending and higher prices.
