originally posted on 7/16/2021 1:26:17 AM
Y'all
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
With 662 attendees from 38 states, Coaster Con 43 was a welcome week, particularly after its delay from 2020. The weather ranged from sweltering to rainy to pristine, and once Mother Nature got her groove, convention-goers were blessed.
All four host parks offered attendees wonderful hospitality. There’s a difference between being welcoming and “getting” ACE. The perks and signage and banners and souvenirs … it was a week of great effort — and it was noticeable and appreciated. Throw in a fifth host at a coaster manufacturer’s facility and it was gold.
Full coverage of Coaster Con 43 will be seen in an upcoming issue of RollerCoaster!, but in the meantime, here are some highlights that those in Pennsylvania enjoyed during the week.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Two ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Plaque ceremonies
While Hersheypark had to endure rain showers during its ACE Roller Coaster Landmark presentation for Comet, a sea of umbrellas were testament to the dedicated members who were in attendance to honor the 75-year-old Herbert Schmeck woodie. In contrast, Thunderhawk at Dorney Park had ideal conditions, and the media and General Manager Mike Fehnel (who had great fun with ACE) embraced the moment.
Janine Matscherz, Dave Hahner, Melinda Gaspari, Tom Rebbie.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Two “Spirit of ACE” recipients
With no convention taking place in 2020, Tom Rebbie, president of Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. (PTCI), honored two recipients with the company’s manufacturer’s award. Historian Dave Hahner and ACE Eastern Pennsylvania Assistant Regional Representative Melinda Gaspari were touched and moved by their respective awards.
Kingdom Coaster.
Photo: Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.
Three traditional single lap bars on woodies
What was once commonplace is now a rarity. In the past three decades, so-called traditional lap bars that stretched over both riders have since been replaced with individual lap bars. Attendees at Coaster Con got to enjoy three examples of this pleasure from the past: Hersheypark’s Comet, Dutch Wonderland’s Kingdom Coaster and the top-rated Phoenix at Knoebels. A treat!
Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.
Midway Olympics
It only takes place at Coaster Con, and Dorney Park (exhibiting hospitality touches extraordinaire) provided the fun for the competition. Floats were even added to the opening fanfare. It was amusing to see the general public became intrigued with the happenings.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
An incredible tour of Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.
Seeing a ride manufacturer’s facility is always an interesting excursion, but PTCI knocked it out of the park! Incredibly organized, the tour led ACE members past offices, through the workshop with numerous coaster cars on display and some photo ops, and a great luncheon. With auctions and goodies given away at the end, it was a tremendous diversion from the parks. Kudos to hosts Tom Rebbie and Janine Matscherz for their applaudable efforts. Magnificent!
Industry dignitaries graced attendees at the banquet.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Rick, Dick and Brian Knoebel.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
The strangest banquet ever, but great moments regardless
Okay, even when a hotel renovation — including its kitchen — is unfinished, it is still rather startling to see a nice meal served on paper plates and with plastic tableware. There was carpet — in the ballroom at least. The environment was admittedly odd, but anyone who attends the banquet can attest that the evening is more than just about china and cutlery. Keynote speaker Dick Knoebel, along with his sons, took attendees down memory lane and all the key moments in the history of Knoebels Amusement Resort. Anyone there that night also now knows what “OMG!” is when they visit the park. (Shhh! It’s a secret.) Contest winners and honorary and Spirit of ACE recipients were announced, and auctions and more took place. Hosts Mike and Janine Matscherz kept the long night moving, but one of the most humbling touches of the evening was to see representatives of all four host parks at the event. Bravo!
John Fetterman.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
John Fetterman speaks
John Fetterman is known more to local ACE members, but those who know their coaster “stuff” know how instrumental the gentleman was and is to Knoebels’ coaster history. During the evening meal on Saturday, Fetterman spoke to attendees on little-known and historical facts about the rise of many coasters at Knoebels. (And, yes, ACE has asked him for his notes.)
These coaster-themed bench seats were up for auction.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Some of the most over-the-top auction items ever
While it seemed like there were a hundred auctions — and that isn’t too far off — the week was a wow! Each host park had things to offer, and among the bunch were some really cool items. PTCI really went over the top with creative and super-fun items to take home (if you could get them there). In all, the week’s astounding total for ACE’s funds was $26,170.50, with five figures coming from PTCI alone.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Swag!
It was a week of fun giveaway items. Ranging from Knoebels wood to two T-shirts from Dorney and PTCI, posters, gift bags, buttons and more, it was a significant haul.
“Roll ‘em and control ‘em.”
Photo: Dave Jackson. View full-sized image.
A Fascinating Tournament
The skill game Fascination was once a staple in many amusement parks around the country. Now it is a rarity. Knoebels boasts one of the remaining systems and offered attendees EGT (exclusive game time). For a solid hour, members had a blast at the games (“roll ‘em and control ‘em”). Totally fascinating.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
The Rubber Ducky Regatta
It has become a quirky favorite. Racing in the lazy river of Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, this year’s competition was a sell-out of 450 ducks. The new collectible was decorated in a train conductor’s outfit. (Collect them all!)
Flying Turns.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Rides on Flying Turns and Black Diamond — an ACE exclusive
Like most parks, Knoebels is challenged with staffing shortages. Two rides that require a lot of labor have been removed temporarily from the operating schedule. However, the park made sure Coaster Con attendees could enjoy Black Diamond and Flying Turns in ERT sessions.
Photos: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
An abundance of behind-the-scenes opportunities
First timers had to totally dig all the opportunities to go into back areas and experience lights-on rides, walkthroughs and the like. Such opportunities happened all week. It was a photographer’s dream.
Did you attend? Is it agreed that it was a great time? Be sure to drop a note of thanks to our hosts. See much more bonus content at CoasterCon.com.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News Editor
#ACENews