Kings Island turned blue in the summer of 1983, introducing the Smurfs — the beloved tiny blue cartoon characters — to park guests during a special two-week event from August 22 through September 5. The event offered families their first opportunity to meet the internationally popular characters in person, bringing the magic of the Smurfs to life.

The Smurfs took center stage in the live musical production, “Smurfs are Coming,” performed at Kings Island’s International Showplace theater. The 15-minute show featured Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Clumsy, and Vanity alongside Kings Island’s live performers. The playful story followed the Smurfs on a quest to find a new home, captivating audiences with music, humor, and charm.

Children 12 and under were treated to a free, colorful Smurf poster, and between performances, the Smurf characters roamed the park, creating delightful interactions with visitors.

The event coincided with the peak of the Smurfs’ popularity as a top-rated Saturday morning cartoon on NBC, produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions, a division of Taft Broadcasting, which also operated Kings Island. The Smurfs’ visit was part of a larger celebration marking the 25th anniversary of their creation in Belgium and included appearances at all four Taft-operated amusement parks: Kings Island, Kings Dominion, Carowinds, and Canada’s Wonderland.

This two-week celebration introduced the Smurfs as a key part of Kings Island’s entertainment lineup, paving the way for their permanent integration in 1984 with the transformation of the park’s beloved Enchanted Voyage boat ride into Smurfs Enchanted Voyage.

For fans in 1983, Kings Island offered a first glimpse into the enchanting world of the Smurfs, making it a truly memorable summer.

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