originally posted on 7/28/2023
Photo: Courtesy of the Rus Ozana Collection. View full-sized image.
For the second year in a row with lower than expected attendance for an event at Lake Compounce, 55 ACE members and their guests gathered at the Bristol, Connecticut, park for a fun-filled day of adventure.
Sunshine and warm temperatures along with high humidity sent most of the general public directly to the waterpark section, but heavy crowds and large groups also occupied the amusement park. It was a very busy day owing to crowds and some attractions either closed or operating at reduced capacity.
For attendees, the day began with the frustration of unoccupied parking ticket booths leading to the parking lot. Word of ACE’s early arrivals was apparently not shared, which would have allowed admission materials to have been distributed. Many frustrating texts were exchanged until, and even after, the booths opened and there was an incredibly long line of cars waiting to enter.
Check in went smoothly though, and after the 11 a.m. opening, attendees took a quick spin or two on favorite ride(s) before heading to the catering pavilions for the all-you-care-to-eat buffet lunch. A multitude of assorted door prize items, including several pairs of park-donated return-admission tickets, spread over two picnic tables inside the pavilion.
During lunch and dessert of assorted ice cream novelties, a small group was noticed at the rear of ACE’s assigned pavilion. Upon greeting them, attendees noticed a huge bin of watermelon. Watermelon was not available in the ACE buffet line, so they were asked where it came from. It seemed their group had been moved from its original pavilion, but group members had splintered off. The watermelon was an optional menu item, and there was plenty of it. The small group was getting ready to depart, so it offered the ACE group the sweet juicy treat. Being true ACEers, “free food” was accepted, of course, and it was delicious.
During lunch, door prizes were awarded, and a special prize was given (a limited-edition, gold ACE New England pin) to the attendee who traveled the farthest to attend (Louisville, Kentucky!). Finally, a group photo was taken before attendees dispersed to take advantage of all Lake Compounce had to offer until the 9 p.m. fireworks.
Lake Compounce’s Ferris Wheel shimmers at dusk.
Photo: Rus Ozana. View full-sized image.
The queue for Boulder Dash was closed a little early to the general public in preparation for ERT (on both Boulder Dash and Phobia Phear Coaster). Attendees gathered at the Boulder Dash entrance to wait for the queue to be cleared, then were free to enter either the Boulder Dash or Phobia queue. Re-rides were permitted on both coasters whenever a seat became empty and no one was waiting for that row.
Boulder Dash rides were in near darkness, adding to the thrill of this mountainside wood coaster. The oppressive humidity increased after sundown, making for “moist” rides, though at the speeds of the two coasters the moving air was a bit of a relief. The moistened track made for faster rides on the 23-year-old terrain out-and-back.
Attendees enjoyed ERT on the park’s popular Boulder Dash.
Photos: Rus Ozana. View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
ACE New England extended its gratitude to the Lake Compounce management and staff, especially the Boulder Dash and Phobia Phear Coaster ops crew for a great day at “The Lake.”
— Rus Ozana, ACE New England Regional Representative
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