originally posted on 10/22/2021
All Photos: Ken Jones. View full-sized image.
On September 18, the return of the long-awaited, infamous (ok, maybe not infamous, but definitely long-awaited) Roller Coasters, EH!, the signature event for ACE Canada, arrived. It was the first event in the region since January 2020’s No Coasters, EH!
Fifty-three ACE members and guests from across Ontario made the trip to Toronto to take part in one of the best events around. Even with some restrictions still in effect, the event was great. The only change from previous years was the missing nighttime ERT, owing to a schedule conflict.
As usual, the day started bright and early with 7:30 a.m. registration and goodie bags from the park. Inside were items from Yukon Striker, including a hat or a hoody. Registration was followed by morning coffee and cookies at Starbucks. Once coffee time was done, it was time for some epic morning ERT, which this year featured Mighty Canadian Minebuster (PTC 1981), Windseeker, Skyhawk and, of course, Yukon Striker (B&M 2019). After more than an hour of ERT, guests who were so inclined were walked over to Behemoth for the first ride of the day.
Yukon Striker. View full-sized image.
Attendees enjoyed memorabilia provided by Aldo Parise. View full-sized image.
Those not wanting Behemoth headed for the Backlot Cafe and a buffet breakfast of eggs, pancakes, toast, sausage, fruit, and the one thing every Canadian event needs — bacon! With breakfast done, everyone was on their own to wander, ride and enjoy the perfect weather day. An informal takeover of Leviathan happened at 11 with almost everyone heading there for a ride. After a few hours of riding — and being able to work off some of the big breakfast (and all that bacon) — it was time for lunch. The plan was for assigned meals for the guests, but Wonderland took it further and it became a full on buffet — again. The menu featured chicken, pasta, burgers, dogs, veggies and dessert. This was one of the best meals ACE has had at the event. As usual, it wasn’t just lunch. With this being the 40th anniversary of the park, former employee Aldo Parise put together a great display of pictures, brochures and flyers from throughout the park’s history, including a large map showing the concept for the park and what rides were originally planned. Peter Switzer, director of ride maintenance and construction for the park, also joined us for a Q&A, talking about some of the issues the park has had to get through to be able to open and to keep things safe for the visitors. Attendees thanked Parise and Switzer for the presentations they provided. Luke Fillion was also presented his plaque from the ACE Coaster Con video contest.
A map of the park from 1981 was on display. View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
Once everyone managed to drag themselves back into the park after that large lunch, they were free to ride what they wanted. The park was quite busy, with long lines for everything. Fast Lane helped, but even those lines were packed. One of the best running coasters in the park this year was definitely the 1991 Arrow suspended coaster, Vortex. That coaster has been screaming this year. Despite no nighttime ERT, many guests stayed right to the end and still finished off the night with a ride on Leviathan. And just like other years, there was also the nighttime snack of Beavertails, a Canadian pastry delight.
Vortex. View full-sized image.
The long-awaited return of Roller Coasters, Eh! was a great event. The food, the goodie bags, the fantastic job done by all the park staff, Anna Paulo from group sales and Jim Williamson from marketing — all efforts were incredibly appreciated for such an amazing event.
The park is now into Halloween Haunt. While Haunt is always a fun time, many Canadian ACEers are looking forward to the newest event started in 2019, Winterfest. Having only happened one time, it is definitely a most anticipated event, almost as anticipated as Roller Coasters, EH! ACE Canada hopes things get back to normal so all ACE family can be back at the event.
— Ken Jones, ACE Canada Regional Representative
@#$%&!
#ACENews