originally posted on 12/29/2023
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
Mother Nature had not cooperated with some recent fall events — in 2022, both of the Mid-Atlantic region’s traditional fall events were canceled because of Hurricane Ian. This year, KD Fall Thrillfest was rescheduled because high winds and heavy rain caused Kings Dominion (Doswell, Virginia) to close the park. Fortunately, Mother Nature was kind the following day, because on Sunday, September 23, the Six Flags Celebrate America event at Six Flags America (Upper Marlboro, Maryland) occurred as planned. About 60 ACEers and guests came from 10 states to enjoy the event, which was offered at no cost to members this year!
Morning ERT on Superman: Ride of Steel was a highlight of Six Flags Celebrate America.
Photo: Ryan Fitzgerald. View full-sized image.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
Clear skies were a surprise to most event attendees as they were quickly checked in. All entered the park and headed to Superman: Ride of Steel for ERT on the popular Intamin hypercoaster. Impressively, the ride team was ready to go a few minutes before the scheduled 11 a.m. start, and most enjoyed several rides throughout the hour.
Opening a little before noon, attendees were surprised by a short ERT session on Batwing before the park opened to the public.
Photos: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
The park’s opening time was noon, but attendees received a pleasant surprise at 11:45 when informed that Batwing was up and ready. Many headed in the direction of the rare Vekoma Flying Dutchman and managed one or two rides during the bonus ERT. Informal takeover time (ITOT) on Roar was up next, but some hard rain delayed operations. Resilient and positive, attendees instead headed to the nearby French Quarter Flyers.
While in the Coyote Creek area, ACEers enjoyed Rodeo, a Huss Breakdance.
Photos: Evangelos Ringas. View full-sized image.
Some took advantage of the German Food Festival during the day, then at 2 p.m. all assembled at the Coyote Creek area. In small groups, they were treated to a special lights-on tour of the park’s newest Fright Fest attraction, Unwrapped. It was a creative mixture of scary themes and Christmas — a nod to the fact that the building was home to Santa during its former Holiday event.
Most of the park leadership team was on hand for a Q&A session to explain improvements being made to enhance the guest experience.
Photo: Evangelos Ringas. View full-sized image.
Next up was the Q&A session. General Manager Ramar Vaughn and the majority of his leadership team talked about their respective areas, including what improvements had recently taken place at the park and what is slated for the future. The park obviously wanted to welcome ACE and highlight all the good things happening and it was apparent that at the top of the list are the people, as park supervisors and management demonstrated a focus on a culture of caring. The property was clean and operations were running smoothly. (The ACE logo projected on the wall was a nice touch.)
Attendees enjoyed the park’s Fright Fest attractions throughout the day including Unwrapped, which mixed Halloween and Christmas themes.
Photos: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
In addition to the usual door prizes, park maintenance brought a bunch of cool coaster items to give away, including a seat cushion, a giant spring, some bolts and several coaster wheels. Following the Q&A, attendees remained in the Grand Theatre for the “Aaron Radatz Magical Entertainer” show. In addition, the park arranged VIP seating for two more shows, “Circus Street” and “Dead Man’s Party.” “Circus Street” was an up-close show with acrobatics, juggling and balancing acts, which exceeded expectations. “Dead Man’s Party” was the park’s latest stunt show, and attendees found it highly entertaining.
Six Flags Celebrate America presented an opportunity for ACEers to enjoy the park’s collection of roller coasters including Wild One and Rajin’ Cajun.
Photos: Evangelos Ringas. View full-sized image.
It was great for ACE members to hang out with old friends all day and meet some new ones in what turned out to be a very intimate event. Six Flags America was pleased to learn the event was well received and communicated excitement in planning next year’s Six Flags Celebrate America.
— Evangelos Ringas, ACE Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative
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