originally posted on 7/15/2022
Photo: Joel Brewton-Riling. View full-sized image.
Waldameer & Water World in Erie, Pennsylvania, may not be a convenient-to-reach park for those who don’t live in western Pennsylvania, western New York State or northern Ohio, but it isn’t far from the Coaster Con 44 parks, Cedar Point and Kennywood. ACE Western Pennsylvania scheduled Ravine Flyer Frenzy the Saturday before Con to provide attendees (and anyone who loves an exciting wood coaster) an opportunity to experience the thrills of Ravine Flyer II as well as the charm of this traditional, family-owned park. On a beautiful, breezy June 18, this pre-Con event attracted 239 attendees from 24 different states and Canadian provinces, many of whom were visiting Waldameer for the first time.
Waldameer thoughtfully provided doughnuts and coffee during check-in at the West Lakeview Grove Pavilion. At this time attendees could also purchase the remaining new “countless friends” ACE Western Pennsylvania regional T-shirts.
Ravine Flyer II.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
ERT on an award-winning woodie is how to start off the day.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
So attendees didn’t have to wait too long to experience Ravine Flyer II, the 90-minute morning ERT included it along with Herb Schmeck’s Comet, which celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2021; the SBF Visa spinner Whirlwind; and the always popular Bill Tracy dark ride Whacky Shack, celebrating 52 years at the park.
Comet.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
A ride through Whacky Shack can be cosmic.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Walking through Pirate’s Cove is a must-do when at Waldameer.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Waldameer’s waterpark, Water World, opened at 11, and amusement park rides began operating at noon, which is when ERT ended. No official activities were scheduled in the afternoon, so attendees were free to explore both parks on their own. Popular with attendees was Pirates Cove, a walkthrough and another Bill Tracy creation, marking 50 years in 2022.
Attendees gathered again at the West Lakeview Grove Pavilion at 5 p.m. for an all-you-can-eat picnic. During the dinner, Regional Rep Bill Linkenheimer III welcomed everyone and spoke about the region and its parks and his own history at Waldameer, as well as reminding everyone about the silent auction and the upcoming behind-the-scenes experience. The silent auction featured some coveted items from Waldameer, including wood stacks and a restraint from Ravine Flyer II.
Bill Linkenheimer III.
Photo: Jay Jacobs.
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Paul Nelson.
Photo: Sarah Windisch.
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Steve Gorman.
Photo: Sarah Windisch.
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Waldameer’s owner, Paul Nelson, now 88 years old and still working at the park, recounted his childhood beginnings at Waldameer, where he had his first job as a dishwasher at the age of 11. He told attendees that this year he has begun working on a 10-year plan for park expansion. His son-in-law, Park President Steve Gorman, thanked attendees for coming and also provided more park history. The group photo took place immediately after dinner.
The large number of attendees made it necessary to split the group into three for the behind-the-scenes experience. Attendees were allowed to walk under the Ravine Flyer II station and reach the infield and final turn for photo opportunities. The coaster’s lift chain in the motor house could be viewed as well — all while the coaster was operating.
The behind-the-scenes experience was a fun perk.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Photo: Bill Linkenheimer III. View full-sized image.
Photo: Lee Ann Draud. View full-sized image.
There is no way to describe the thrill of Ravine Flyer II rides at night. The darkness; the view of Lake Erie, especially in the moonlight; and the wild, out-of-control excitement of this wood coaster careening over the roadway, around the banked curves and through its tunnel has to be experienced. Attendees enjoyed 90 minutes of evening ERT after the park closed at 9 p.m.
Also included in evening ERT was Steel Dragon, the Maurer spinning coaster, located near the back of the park. During ERT, complimentary snacks and soft drinks were available across from Whacky Shack.
Attendees appreciated the ACE Western Pennsylvania regional rep team and volunteers and the Waldameer staff for organizing Ravine Flyer Frenzy and for all the ERT and extras. It was an awesome day and warmup for Coaster Con 44!
— Lee Ann Draud, ACE Publications Director
Steel Dragon was included in the night ERT.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
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