originally posted on 6/16/2023
Photo: Xander Lee. View full-sized image.
It was a great, warm weekend in New Braunfels, Texas, with temperatures in the 80s for 100 ACE members and guests. While technically a two-day event, Saturday (May 27) was just a day to pick up event credentials and T-shirts in the morning and enjoy a bonus day at Schlitterbahn. Last year, the park celebrated its 24th consecutive win as Best Water Park in Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Awards. The event theme this year was Bahn Heroes and Villains. Attendees were to choose one or the other when registering, but they made enough shirts for attendees to have both!
That evening, everyone gathered at the Dragon’s Lair pool for snacks and beverages of choice. One of the benefits of an ACE event is the opportunity to socialize, and the opening night cocktail hour was perfect for that. The park even opened Boogie Bahn for attendees to get in some extra rides.
The Dragon’s Lair heated pool was a wonderful location to socialize and snack.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
Sunday, May 28, Schlittercon kicked into the full-day experience. The morning started with a fantastic breakfast of warm items, fresh fruit and a bacon bar (which is a tongue-in-cheek tradition to Schlittercons past, delightfully kept even with Schlitterbahn now under the Cedar Fair regime).
Cassidy Schippel, brand activation manager for Schlitterbahn, welcomed everyone. It was her first Schlittercon experience, and her energy and effort were clearly visible.
The finale to Dragon’s Revenge is always fun.
Photos: Joseph Ciza. View full-sized image.
General Manager Darren Hill addresses attendees.
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The Boogie Bahn competition has both junior and adult divisions.
Photo: Xander Lee. View full-sized image.
ERT on Dragon’s Revenge, the world’s first uphill water coaster, started things off. Competition on Boogie Bahn was also morning fun. Winners in the junior division were Amelia Simons (Best on Wave), Ian Simons (first place), George Neal (second) and Kevin Cline (third). Best Wipeout was awarded to Alayna Sorenson. In the adult division, winners were Shawn Diehl (Best on Wave), Marsha Neal (first), Javelin Momon (second) and Kim Hamilton (third). Best Wipeout went to Jaison Lee. Tiny thrill seekers weren’t left out as a kids’ area was open for ERT as well.
Attendees had several hours to play, but more options were available. Those interested in seeing a behind-the-scenes – or more accurately, in the room! – look at some of the renovated accommodations at the resort were able to do so, complete with chilled bottled water and baked cookies. On the lighter side, the event’s theme came to life in the sandy area of Surfenburg with a sword fight. Heroes and villains had a ball in the comical farce. To fully get the idea, bonus points were given for “dramatic death.” Alan Nichols, Londyn McCarty, Ian Simons and Bethany Hutson pulled off top performances.
Heroes versus Villains came to life during a silly battle.
Photo: Xander Lee. View full-sized image.
Victors!
Photo: Xander Lee. View full-sized image.
Dinner came early in the evening, and it was superb. The park’s catering team wowed once again with several upscale offerings, including deliciously tender brisket from the park’s smokers. Awards were given and announcements from the rep team and park – along with the appearance of some longtime familiar faces – made for a pleasant gathering.
Winners of the Boogie Bahn competition took home medals and prizes.
Photo: Xander Lee. View full-sized image.
After closing, evening activities capped off the event wonderfully. The Blastenhoff tower was open to attendees, as well as the kiddie areas. With three fun attractions open, riders could get their fill. Others opted for the vast assortment of sweets at the dessert bar or a frosty beverage to finish the night.
Attendees had a great time and conveyed their appreciation to Schippel and park representatives. Thanks were also extended to the ACE South Central regional rep team and volunteers for their time and effort put into the event.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News
The Blastenhoff tower was open for ERT.
Photo: Joseph Ciza. View full-sized image.
Great desserts and adult beverages capped off the evening.
Photo: Joseph Ciza. View full-sized image.
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