originally posted on 8/6/2021
Photo: Courtesy Schlitterbahn Galveston. View full-sized image.
On a scorching July 17, ACE members were treated to the first Bahn Con held at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Galveston, Texas. The big question for most attendees was what differences they would find in the park since Cedar Fair bought Schlitterbahn. The question was soon answered. There was no change in being able to bring in a cooler of snacks and drinks, just a quick check to ensure that no glass bottles or other forbidden items were included. Gone were the wristbands that so many Schlitterbahn visitors were used to, and paper tickets were handed out.
Photos: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
All attendees were provided with a T-shirt, park tickets and the chance to take a tour led by park staff. Sign-ups were also under way for the infamous Boogie Bahn contest. The park then provided a delicious Schlitterbahn-quality breakfast that all attendees greatly appreciated. Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston had also sectioned off a part of the Blastenhoff Pavilion for Bahn Con attendees. After breakfast, the Boogie Bahn contest was held, to the delight of the attendees. The wipeouts were spectacular and provided great entertainment to all the attendees.
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Contest winners displayed their medals. View full-sized image.
All the competitors put on a great show, and the Boogie Bahn challenge was a huge success! Top winners were Jeff Mercer in the junior division and Bryce Azlin in the senior division.
Then it was time for a big highlight — ERT on Massiv, which was celebrating its fifth birthday. This massive ride is the best of the best and offered thrilling rides to all the attendees. Massiv uses the latest technology to blast riders uphill and is a thrilling ride from the first drop to the climactic finish. Massiv ends with a triple-down section into the splash pool that gives riders an exhilarating sense of speed.
Massiv was celebrating a fifth birthday. View full-sized image.
Once the park opened, attendees enjoyed numerous park attractions. View full-sized image.
The park then opened to the general public, and attendees could ride the rest of the rides before the crowds made their appearance. Wolfpack, a three-person tube slide, was very popular, along with the Torrent and its furious waves that the ride is known to provide.
The park offered tours to show off the new features Cedar Fair had implemented to enhance the guest experience. The cabanas had been upgraded, and new shade structures filled the park to offer some relief from the sun. The new front entry was shown off with its quick, efficient bag check, and access was explained. Then it was off to the upgraded catering facility, which was delivering some magnificent meals. Management also pointed out that the rides had been painted and gel coated. The tour ended with a backstage look at Massiv that included a climb up the emergency catwalk for spectacular views and a great opportunity to photograph the park’s most incredible water ride.
Attendees were offered an up-close photo op. View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
A delicious dinner was then provided along with cake and ice cream to celebrate Massiv’s birthday!
After an exhausting day, ACE was treated to the Blastenhoff Hot Tub for an after-hours party, complete with adult beverages.
Attendees thanked Angela Flourney, Niki Adams and Aaron Martinez for putting together such a fantastic event. The day was a Schlitterbahn event to be remembered, and as ACE members walked out of the park, they found the tubes — being as tired as ACE members were — ready to rest.
Tubes rest to welcome visitors the next day. View full-sized image.
It was an incredible day that was enjoyed by all!
— Mike Robinson
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