originally posted on 1/11/2021
Photo: Courtesy ACE Members. View full-sized image.
Did we ever think that loose articles would be encouraged or even required on a roller coaster? 2020 was certainly the year that encompassed all that we in America had never encountered or expected. Americans who visited parks in Asia were not used to seeing people wearing masks, but that culture has now been integrated into our daily lives.
Some parks required masks, some required masks on rides, while some parks encouraged but did not require them – it was the year of new experiences. Learning how to wear a mask was a challenge in itself, but for parkgoers, learning how to keep your mask from becoming a loose article was another. One young ACE member shared that she bites her mask to ensure she doesn’t lose it while riding. Have you learned a trick to keep your mask secure? Share it with us in the comments!
Masks became a new option as park souvenirs when some parks created custom, seasonal masks to ensure parkgoers could express their enthusiasm. The next time you find one you love, share it with the community using our new hashtag #ACEMasksUp. It’s an unexpected opportunity to meet fellow enthusiasts virtually.
Photo: Courtesy ACE Members. View full-sized image.
Events were limited this summer, but a few parks like Kennywood, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Silver Dollar City, and ZDT’s offered events for ACE members with alterations to accommodate safety protocols. Some hosted informal events for those who felt comfortable gathering, and some had to cancel all special events, but ACE members were dreaming of a coaster ride and visits with friends. Many ventured to regional parks, and some planned trips to other states to fulfill those coaster dreams that weren’t available in their area of the country.
Wild Adventures and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk hosted drive-in movie nights, Busch Gardens Williamsburg launched a beer festival that offered a limited number of operating rides with reservations for a specified time period for a visit. Six Flags Great America hosted a drive-in concert in its parking lot. Six Flags Great America was able to open its Hurricane Harbor waterpark, but not the thrill park for visitors to enjoy. Del Grosso’s Park went straight to the heart of their patrons by offering take out of their famous foods. Patrons order online and pick it up for lunch or dinner. You can even still enjoy their pizza!
We hope you have enjoyed seeing some familiar faces or a virtual introduction to some of your fellow members with #ACEMasksUp. Next time you are out at a park, share a moment of your day with us too!
American Coaster Enthusiasts is a nonprofit, volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, appreciation and safe enjoyment of roller coasters. With 6,000 members worldwide, ACE is the largest and longest-running enthusiast organization in the world. Members of ACE receive exclusive park benefits, newsletters, magazines and the opportunity to attend national, local and even international tours at parks. You can enjoy the benefits of members today! Join at join.aceonline.org.
Photo: Courtesy Clint Novak. View full-sized image.
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