originally posted on 1/8/2021
As the year 2020 recedes into memory, I wonder what the lasting effects of this time we wish to forget will be. What remembrance will be sparked when I reach into a coat pocket and pull out a face mask from a time long ago? Will I smile when I encounter a social-distancing reminder sign? How will I explain to my granddaughter why we saw her for a full year only from the screen of an electronic device? This past year has been challenging to everyone, but I ponder what will become permanent in our culture.
While I enjoyed a trip to Eastcoaster in February, for me this pandemic year began on Friday, March 13. On that day, I would be at the only amusement park I visited all year, Dollywood. We went in hopeful, but by the end of the day the Festival of Nations was cancelled and all went home, both near and far, to reflect on how to remain positive distantly.
Then, the run on toilet paper and sanitizer happened. As I’ve often said, when I watched a zombie movie, I never thought these shortages were the beginning before the movie cameras rolled. But now we know what is important to our civilization: paper products and hygiene.
Within a few weeks ACE made the difficult decision to cancel the July Italy trip as COVID-19 was in the news for all the wrong reasons in cities I had just learned to pronounce. But this was only April; when I recorded the first video message, I didn’t think about summer being canceled. But of course, it was.
I began to hear from friends who were furloughed from their jobs, thankful my own family members were able to work remotely. Looking just a decade back, if the pandemic had happened then, I don’t think technology would have been able to keep up. We would not have been able to video chat easily, especially in groups. Our isolation from one another would have been very bleak. Plus, curbside delivery might not even have become an option.
Technology helped us stay connected through this distanced year. I am forever thankful to everyone who helped replace the in-person Coaster Con with the virtual events in June. I hope it never has to be repeated in the future. And I am also grateful to everyone who continued to volunteer for ACE while events were canceled. RollerCoaster! continued to be published. ACE News updates routinely arrived. All thanks to those who work behind the scenes.
As the year progressed, parks began to creatively reopen in some format for the most part. The pictures of activities outside staying safe were happy occurrences during the waning days of the year. While I was happy to see friends enjoying maximum rides due to a lack of crowds, the fact attendance was capped for capacity made me anxious for the long term health of the industry.
As more parks opened for holiday displays, I realized planning more than two weeks in advance was just to develop an idea and then see where things stood closer to the actual dates. I have made and canceled more trip plans this year than I ever care to remember. The IAAPA Expo had no choice but to delay until next year.
Now, the year is over. A vaccine is in the pipeline. People are regularly staying safe. I know I have developed an understanding of how I will feel safe in certain situations and avoid anything otherwise. But I am sad for the people I know who have gotten sick, and grieve for those who have friends, loved ones or who have died themselves during this terrible year.
When I began 2020, I did not foresee anything like what has happened. Who could? Now, looking toward 2021, I think while I am very hopeful for the future, I will be satisfied to just “be.”
Stay safe and see you in the queue,
— Robert Ulrich, ACE President
@#$%&!
#ACENews