originally posted on 6/7/2019
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
The annual tradition of Schlittercon at Schlitterbahn, New Braunfels, Texas, reached its 16th year. For 2019 Schlitterbahn decided the nearly 300 attendees should “party like a rockstar.” The VIP treatment started as guests were granted admission all day Saturday, prior to the event’s official start. As late afternoon approached, it was time to check in. Each guest received a gift tote, complete with an event T-shirt, event sunglasses and a refillable souvenir cup.
When it was time to “eat like a rockstar,” the culinary staff laid out a wonderful BBQ feast, complete with all the fixings, including peach cobbler and ice cream for dessert. Winter Prosapio, corporate director of communications, and Matt Ratliff, director of marketing, welcomed everyone to this year’s event. Terri Adams, Schlitterbahn’s COO, even stopped by to model a special Schlittercon 16 rockstar jacket. Following dinner, attendees enjoyed free time on the many attractions available throughout the resort.
As the park closed to the public, Schlittercon attendees were treated to an hour of exclusive time on many of Blastenhoff area’s attractions, such as the Torrent River, Black Knight slides, Wolfpack, and, of course, Master Blaster. Then it was time to move to the Surfenburg section to close out the first day’s activities. Many guests participated in the annual ACE South Central Boogie Bahn competition. Nearby, others spent time relaxing in the park’s giant heated pool while enjoying an adult (or non-alcoholic) beverage of their choice. A taco/nacho bar offered a late-night snack as the New Braunfels High School steel drum band provided the evening’s musical entertainment.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Sunday morning found attendees back in Surfenburg eating a hearty breakfast, including the Southern favorite of chicken and waffles, as well as an amazing assortment of fresh fruits. Adults could even start their day with fresh mimosas. A drawing was held that allowed many groups to have a free Skycoaster ride. As an added event benefit, everyone was given a wristband for a free lunch and drink refills throughout the day. Then it was off for exclusive access to the original water coaster, Dragon’s Revenge.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Soon the park opened to the public, and attendees were free to enjoy all Schlitterbahn has to offer, including such attractions as The Falls, or one of the many spring river-fed tube chutes in Schlitterbahn’s original section. Midday, some attendees participated in a special team event, ROCK QUEST, created specifically for this event by Schlitterbahn alum Angela Flournoy. Teams found themselves locating staff members to answer trivia questions, sing songs, play air guitar and other rockin’ activities, which ultimately led to various gifts for all participants.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
As evening approached, attendees gathered at the Bavarian Hall for another VIP dinner. During dinner, Prosapio announced that the Rockstar Schlittercon 16 jacket would be donated to the ACE South Central region to be auctioned off at the region’s next Winterfest off-season event. She also made a special presentation to the regional rep team of a limited-edition mug commemorating the park’s 40th anniversary as a thank you for their work putting on Schlittercon. The region took time to thank management and the entire Schlitterbahn staff for their tireless efforts to make this annual event the amazing success it is each year. Medals and prize packs donated by Schlitterbahn were awarded to the winners of this year's Boogie Bahn competition in categories such as junior division, senior division, and best wipeout junior and senior.
At park closing, attendees met for exclusive access to the Hillside tube chute and Lagoon activity pool. The evening continued with a dessert bar and more hot tub time and adult beverages. The grand finale of this year’s event was a full rock concert by the amazing rock cover group Knotty Grove, complete with concert lighting and lasers. Members and their guests all rocked out, from the comfort of dry land, a relaxing spot in the hot tub or up close and personal in the Lagoon activity pool. After more than a full hour bringing down the house, it was sadly time to bring this year’s event to a close. As they were leaving, many attendees commented this was the best Schlittercon ever, and all are looking forward to what may come at next year’s Schlittercon 17.
— Jeff Braziel
ACE South Central assistant regional representative
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
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