originally posted on 4/23/2021
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Fiesta Fest was scheduled to be held at Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio) on February 20, but Mother Nature got all riled up a few days before that, and suddenly the whole country became aware of the Lone Star State being plunged to unheard of temperatures below zero, power outages and all sorts of non-Texas-like problems. And although the weather recovered by the day of the event, the effects of the winter calamity ran far deeper. The park still struggled with power issues, damage and the effects on plumbing. It could not operate that weekend.
In a kind move, both the park and Facebook group Thrill Seekers United (TSU) invited ACE to coincide with that group’s scheduled event. On April 10, 193 registered attendees from the two groups met for a day of camaraderie and enthusiast perks. ACE even placed a box of RollerCoaster! magazines at the TSU table as a gesture of gratitude. Perhaps a few new members joined because of the common love of roller coasters.
A lift hill climb was a hearty start for attendees who braved the high winds.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
The morning started with a climb up the lift hill of Goliath. And wind. Lots of wind. Of note, there was more wind at the top of the lift hill of Goliath. But no problem. The chill and the bluster didn’t take away from the fun of climbing to the top of a Bolliger & Mabillard coaster.
Before the spring crowds were let into the park, attendees were skirted around them to grab first rides on the park’s signature ride, Iron Rattler. A Flash Pass ticket for the coaster was also handed out at registration.
First rides on Iron Rattler kicked off the operating day.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Before the Boardwalk opened at noon, attendees enjoyed a walk-through of the park’s dark ride, Pirates of the Deep Sea. It made for great photo opportunities.
A walk-through tour of Pirates of the Deep Sea dark ride was a fun perk.
Photos: S. Madonna Horcher and Tim Baldwin
View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
Throughout the day, the park enjoyed a healthy crowd. Once winds stopped affecting certain rides, a momentary power outage outside of the park caused a frustrating glitch, which meant that rides had to be certified to operate again. This process took a bit of time, but everything came up. Many people enjoyed the five live shows the park had to offer, as the outdoor venues were not affected by any of the operational delays.
Five outdoor shows entertained guests, even with a power outage snafu causing ride operation issues.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Park President Jeffrey Siebert and Marketing Director Chris Ozimek Photos: S. Madonna Horcher
View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
When evening arrived, attendees gathered in the park’s picnic pavilions for dinner. Marketing Director Chris Ozimek, Marketing Manager Jeff Filicko and Park President (and ACE honorary member) Jeffrey Siebert addressed the crowd with a welcome, news and details of the upcoming massive enthusiast event, Roller Coaster Rodeo. It will be taking place June 11 – 13, and tickets are already on sale. Filicko pointed out that the rescheduled date was the wedding anniversary of Regional Representative Jason Knutson and his wife, Krystal. Special “steel” items had been selected for the couple in honor of their 11th anniversary (the year noted by steel in such anniversary traditions).
Jeff Filicko presents Regional Rep Jason Knutson and wife, Krystal, with a “steel anniversary” gift bag.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Joshua Glass of Thrill Seekers United questioned the audience with trivia and an assortment of prizes was given away to those who answered, as well as a few door prizes from the park.
Following closing, three rides were offered in night ERT. While Superman Krypton Coaster was the big gun, a surprise hit was Zoom Jets, a Zamperla family ride. Many enthusiasts said they had never ridden it, so most people made a point to do so. Sky Screamer was also on offer.
Superman Krypton Coaster closed out the night in an ERT session.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
The park’s Jeff Filicko hops aboard Zoom Jets with ACEers to take a spin.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Had Fiesta Fest been held in February, ACEers would have enjoyed the park’s Mardi Gras event. But spring brought about different rides and different shows. Thanks were given to the park for rescheduling and to TSU for letting ACE members join its event.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News Editor
@#$%&!
#ACENews