KENNY’S CARGO DROP | PHOTO COURTESY OF KENNYWOOD

While the littlest fans of Kennywood Park have to say goodbye to “Thomas & Friends” rides, they can say hello to a new area inspired by Kennywood’s history and its connection to the Steel City.

Named “Kennywood Junction,” the area will launch on Saturday, April 12, which will also be the earliest park opening ever for the park’s spring and summer seasons. The new space will offer five rides, including the Olde Kennywood Railroad, Kenny’s Cargo Drop, Parker’s Cloud Cruisers, Fire Bustin Brigade and a Coal Haulin’ Convoy.

Kennywood announced in January that it was ending the Thomas Town attraction after seven years, but hadn’t said what would replace it.

The railroad will showcase pieces of park history, including a Log Jammer boat from the much-beloved ride that was retired in September 2017 to make way for the new Steel Curtain roller coaster; Turnpike car from another retired ride; Kiddie Cadillac and more as it chugs through views of the Monongahela River and the Edgar Thomson Works steel mill.

“Kennywood and Pittsburgh are synonymous and our new family-friendly area, Kennywood Junction, pays tribute to just that, our park and its historic love for the Steel City,” General Manager Ricky Spicuzza said in a release.

The area will also include a Junction Gift shop and a re-imagined Celebration Room.

To accompany the new area, from April 12 to 27, a new Eggcellent Easter Celebration will also take place. On Saturdays and Sundays, children will be able to meet with Tuft the Kennywood Easter Bunny and participate in an Easter egg scavenger hunt. Also, there will be spring-themed food and beverage options and an unlimited character brunch buffet.

Kennywood is calling the park’s opening day on April 12, “412” day. The park will be open weekends only through May 23, when it begins daily hours through Aug 18. At that time, it will resume a weekend-only or holiday schedule through most of the fall.