originally posted on 8/18/2023
Photo: Bill Linkenheimer III. View full-sized image.
There are many ways to honor the memory of someone who has left this world, and ACE Western Pennsylvania has chosen a unique way to honor Gary Baker, a former regional representative and ACE events director. On a weekend day in July, preferably the one closest to his birthday on July 24, the region celebrates Gary Baker Memorial Day at Lakemont Park in Altoona, home of the world’s oldest roller coaster, Leap The Dips, whose restoration Baker had championed. Lakemont has always been a small, traditional amusement park — the kind that Gary Baker especially loved.
ACE members gathered at Lakemont Park to honor former ACE regional representative and events director Gary Baker, whose efforts were integral in the restoration of its Leap The Dips.
Photos: Bill Linkenheimer III. View full-sized image.
On a sunny July 30, approximately 16 ACEers (including one from Canada!) enjoyed a day at Lakemont for this informal event that included rides and activities that were important to Baker. Lakemont generously offered a discounted all-day unlimited ride-and-play pass that covered all amusement rides, go karts, paddle boats and mini-golf courses. There were no scheduled meals but several informal takeover times (ITOTs).
The first was on Skyliner, designed by John Allen and moved to Lakemont from New York’s Roseland Park in 1987. The peppy double-out-and-back wood coaster could use some TLC, but attendees didn’t miss a chance to ride this underrated coaster that overlooks the Altoona Curve’s minor league ballfield. Other ITOTs were on the Motorway Go-Karts, Tin Lizzy Antique Cars and the C.P. Huntington Train, which offers a relaxing ride around the backside of the park and lake.
Lakemont Park generously provided snacks for attendees during the Gary Baker Memorial Day event.
Photo: Brett Weissbart. View full-sized image.
Since Leap The Dips operates only one four-person car at a time, attendees rode it at their leisure, rather than as part of an ITOT. This last-remaining figure-eight, side-friction coaster, designed by Edward Joy Morris, celebrated its 121st birthday earlier in June. The group photo was taken in front of the station, where the ACE Roller Coaster Landmark plaque explains the coaster’s significance.
There was plenty of time in the afternoon to participate in the Gary Baker Memorial Miniature Golf Tournament. Among his many talents, Baker was an accomplished professional mini golfer, and competition is keen during these tournaments. Lakemont has two courses: the older Rabbit Hole course, with its woodlands-themed holes, and the adventurous Keystone Falls course, with its tricky water hazards. After all the putts were made, Dan Zunko emerged the winner.
Celebrating Gary Baker’s stature as an accomplished miniature golfer, one of the highlights of the event was the Gary Baker Memorial Miniature Golf Tournament.
Photos: Bill Linkenheimer III. View full-sized image.
In addition to rides, Lakemont also includes basketball and volleyball courts, a playground, paddle boats on the lake, batting cages, picnic pavilions and some food options. Most attendees focused on the rides and the mini-golf courses, but it was a pleasant day to walk around and appreciate this small western Pennsylvania park and to remember Gary Baker, who loved traditional parks and contributed so much to his region and to ACE.
— Lee Ann Draud, ACE Publications Director
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