Kenny Geidel, AKA 'Cotton Candy Guy,' passes away - 05-10-11

Per EN colleague Dejan Kovacevic, Kenny Geidel, AKA, the Cotton Candy Guy, has died.

Mr. Geidel was a vendor at all three professional sports venues in Pittsburgh selling everything from Coca-Cola to Lemonade to Cotton Candy. He also worked at the Mellon/Civic Arena as well as Three Rivers Stadium.

Depending on who you talked too, he was either the "Coke Here!" Guy, the "Lemonade!" Guy or, as Penguins fans were probably most familiar with, the "Cotton Candy" Guy.

Mr. Geidel's popularity took off in recent years. There are countless Facebook pages dedicated to the man and YouTube is littered with fuzzy videos of him selling his concessions.

If you have never been to a Penguins, Pirates or Steelers game, Mr. Geidel's cult status in Pittsburgh is hard to explain. It's one of those "Pittsburgh things" only we have a way of identifying with. It's like saying "Kennywood's Open" or that you need to "Red up your house."

The "Cotton Candy Guy" always will be a "Pittsburgh thing."

{youtube width="480" height="390"}VVvxqWbbt8E{/youtube}

Update: Penguins president David Morehouse issued the following statement:

“Ken provided great service to our fans and was part of the fabric of a Penguins game at Mellon Arena or CONSOL Energy Center. The history of Pittsburgh sports is unique because it includes not just great players and coaches, but also memorable vendors and ushers. Ken was part of that history. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family.”

The Pirates will hold a moment of silence prior to tonight's game in honor of Mr. Geidel.

(Photo: Facebook)