originally posted on 8/25/2023
Although often forgotten in the shadows of Ohio’s mammoth theme parks Cedar Point (Sandusky) and Kings Island (Mason), Stricker’s Grove (Ross, Ohio) attracted roughly 150 ACE members for its Picnic at the Grove III event on July 29.
The day was essentially composed of two, three-hour-long sessions in the park with dinner in between. Though these weren’t technically ERT (as the park wasn’t only hosting ACE members), it sure felt like it because the longest line never exceeded 10 minutes throughout the day.
Stricker’s Grove’s signature attraction is undoubtedly the park-built Tornado, which dominates the park’s skyline. Although it features a fairly typical double-out-and-back layout, one hill midway through the ride is particularly jarring. It can catch riders completely off guard — especially those seated in the back row.
Every ride in the park was operational except the pirate ship. One of the most popular attractions was the train ride, which provided magnificent views of… corn, a river, a pair of wood roller coasters — the other being the park’s junior Teddy Bear and a hippopotamus, if one kept their eyes peeled.
Though it was hot, as temperatures neared 90 degrees, many attendees made their way over to a free game of 18-hole miniature golf, mere feet away from the two roller coasters.
Among the most welcome benefits were free drinks and snacks throughout the day, including ice cream, popcorn, snow cones and cotton candy. Something different from last year was corn on the cob at dinner served alongside the typical cheeseburgers and hot dogs.
A surprise addition to the schedule came at 5:30 p.m. when Pam Stricker, granddaughter of the park’s founder, gave a talk about its 99-year history, including how the 2022 horror movie “Bones and All” features scenes from Stricker’s Grove.
The day went smoothly from start to finish as guests were able to ride and eat to their heart’s content. Stricker’s Grove will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024; expect ACE to be on hand to join in the festivities.
— Adam Osbourne
#ACENews