Blogs

originally posted on 12/29/2023

Photo: Evangelos Ringas. View full-sized image.

The annual Mid-Atlantic KD Fall Thrillfest at Kings Dominion (Doswell, Virginia) was back this year, occurring on October 21 — the latest date it’s been held since its inception in 2006. The event almost didn’t happen for the second year in a row owing to severe weather, but fortunately a rescheduled date was feasible this year. While some couldn’t make the new date, a handful of ACEers who had a conflict with the original date were glad to be able to sign up. Total attendance for the event was 120, 20 of whom were first-time ACE event attendees!

First rides of the day included Tumbili and Reptilian.

Photo: Sam Marks. View full-sized image.

The morning began with ERT on Tumbili, the park’s 4D Free Spin. A few minutes prior to the park opening at 11 a.m., attendees were happy to walk next door and get the first rides of the day on Reptilian, the only Mack Rides bobsled in the United States. Many attendees next headed to Twisted Timbers for informal takeover time on the RMC I-Box coaster while others darted elsewhere to catch a ride or two before the crowds arrived.

Many attendees made their way to Twisted Timbers for ITOT.
Photo: Evangelos Ringas. View full-sized image.

At 1 p.m. the crowds had still not arrived but some rain clouds started appearing over the park. After members rode Boo Blasters, making a note of their score for a chance at a prize later in the event, they hurried to the picnic grounds, most beating the downpour that arrived just after 1:30 p.m. As usual, the food was delicious, with smoked brisket served for the first time at this event. While folks ate, they also had the opportunity to bid on several silent auction items and get to know their fellow attendees through a Bingo game.

The silent auction and meal provided attendees a welcome opportunity to avoid a sudden downpour.

Auction items included a Twisted Timbers lap bar spring, suspension spring, seat shoulder pad and wood coaster restraint key. There was also a live auction for a Volcano: The Blast Coaster media kit. Meanwhile, a raffle was held for the opportunity to go on a private backstage tour of Intimidator 305 (two winners). In all, over $650 was raised for the three primary funds that ACE supports: Archives, Preservation and National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives.

ACE Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative Evangelos Ringas (left) and Kings Dominion Communications Director Jeff Zindren speak to attendees.

Jeff Zindren, the new communications director at Kings Dominion, was the guest speaker. While he did not share many specifics, he did state that the park intends to involve ACE in its big 50th anniversary celebration in 2025. Also from the marketing department was Kyle Kruthoffer (an ACE member) and Amy Hairfield, who was the primary person of contact for the event. Following the meal, a ladies' “happy hour” was held at the Parched Pig Bar, which has become a tradition at ACE Mid-Atlantic events. (Guys were allowed to participate as well.)

A ladies' “happy hour” has become a tradition at the region’s events, with this one being held at the Parched Pig Bar.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.

The time had some for more special activities while the park prepared for the evening of Haunt.

Attendees gathered at 4 p.m. at the Blood on the Bayou haunted house for a lights-on tour. Shortly after 4:30 p.m., attendees met for a midway tournament game at Grizzly Falls. Everybody had a chance at this squirt gun racing game, but the bracket-style elimination tournament came down to two semifinalists: Tracy Dorgan and Hanna Smith, with Hannah prevailing in the end.

A midway tournament was held at the Grizzly Falls water gun racing game.
Photo: Jon Sanford. View full-sized image.

At 5 p.m. attendees headed to Grizzly for ERT. What? ERT in the middle of the day? That’s right — and there was a good reason for it.

This year was a first for Kings Dominion, with Haunt being a separate ticketed event. Everyone who was in the park at 5 p.m., including those who had a qualifying pass or purchased a combo ticket (day and Haunt), was required to report to the front of the park for a ticket check and hand stamp. Others had to wait until 6 p.m. for the park to “reopen.”

ERT was held on Grizzly to allow the park to switch from regular operations to its Haunt event.

Fortunately, ACE members in attendance for KD Fall Thrillfest were exempted, and Kings Dominion organized the Grizzly ERT to keep them busy during the period of transition. Wood coaster lover Bill Galvin remarked how great a feeling it was to have exciting ERT on a wood coaster running so well. For 2023 The Gravity Group had refurbished the first two-thirds of the ride track. Thanks to the park for operating both trains; most attendees enjoyed multiple rides during ERT.

ACEers also spent time on the park’s Racer 75.

At close to 6 p.m., the group was ushered back over to Blood on the Bayou, where attendees took part in a Thrillfest tradition — exclusive haunt time (EHT)! Attendees were able to experience the haunted house just before the general public at more relaxed pace. Coming out of the EHT, the park was packed! Many attendees visited a couple of haunted houses and watched the main stage show, while others headed home for the evening.

— Evangelos Ringas, ACE Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative

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