originally posted on 12/29/2023
Photo: Garrett J. Sauers. View full-sized image.
ACE Holiday Magic at Kennywood is always special and not just because it’s a chance to get together as a region one more time before the end of the year. To those who grew up in the North, where most parks closed between Labor Day and Memorial Day, it’s still a treat to visit an amusement park and ride a coaster in the winter. Since the first ACE Holiday Magic in 2011, when Kennywood introduced Holiday Lights, it has been an informal event. This is mostly because the weather around Pittsburgh in late November and December is problematic with extreme cold and snow (and thus park closings) a frequent possibility.
Elena Marziale and Lee Ann Draud welcome attendees to ACE Holiday Magic.
Photo: Garrett J. Sauers. View full-sized image.
This year was different. The regional rep team planned a formal event with registration, a meal and ERT! On a sunny but cold November 25, 124 Holiday Magic attendees checked in at the West Mifflin park beginning at 1 p.m. to be ready for early entry at 1:45. Because of limited space in the End Zone Café, attendance was capped and limited to ACE members.
Old Mill, the oldest ride in the park, was the site of the group photo at 2, after which attendees could begin ERT with a Jack Rabbit ride or an Old Mill behind-the-scenes tour. With temperatures expected to drop, some headed for Jack Rabbit because it runs only if the temperature is above 40 degrees. The ACE Roller Coaster Landmark and ACE Coaster Classic was in fine form, and with only attendees riding, everyone was able to score multiple rides.
A behind-the-scenes tour of Old Mill offered attendees a fascinating look at the 122-year-old park icon.
Photo: Garrett J. Sauers. View full-sized image.
Photo: Bill Linkenheimer III. View full-sized image.
Others stayed at Old Mill, where they could begin their tour with a view of the trough and the gears that turn the giant wooden water wheel. It was a real treat to see the trough without water and to hear Marie Ruby, Kennywood’s director of operations, explain the mechanisms and the safety measures taken by the ride crew. Old Mill has undergone many name changes and reincarnations since 1901 when it opened as Ye Olde Mill. In 2020, after a stint as Garfield’s Nightmare, it became Old Mill again — a family-friendly dark ride that pays tribute to the 1980s version, themed as an Old West ghost town with slapstick skeletons, led by Harold, a would-be bank robber with his sidekick, a skunk.
A beautiful park by day, Kennywood came alive at night with more than two million holiday lights.
Photo: Bill Linkenheimer III. View full-sized image.
Photo: Bill Linkenheimer III. View full-sized image.
The park opened at 3 p.m., and the first scheduled informal takeover time (ITOT) was on Kangaroo, the only remaining flying coaster operating in the United States. It’s a popular ride that always has a line, so attendees got a “jump” on most of the other park guests. An ITOT followed on Ghostwood Estate, an interactive, trackless dark ride that provides an opportunity for riders to use their ghost blasters to rid the mansion of the spirits that have made it their home, which is decorated for the holidays.
The official tree lighting ceremony took place at 5:45, when a countdown led to the lighting of the 90-foot-tall tree. It took a few tries, but soon the tallest tree in Pennsylvania was shining with thousands of multicolored lights. Speaking of lights, the entire park features more than two million of them. Its synchronized light show and decorated trees, bushes, walkways and rides are an attraction itself.
A model train display courtesy of the Pennsylvania Independent Hi-Railers is always popular at Kennywood during the holiday season.
Photo: Lee Ann Draud. View full-sized image.
Other rides operating during ACE Holiday Magic but not scheduled for ITOTs were Spinvasion, Journey with Thomas (train), Auto Race, Pirate and a number of rides in Thomas Town and Kiddieland. Always popular is the model train display organized by the Pennsylvania Independent Hi-Railers, who set up hundreds of feet of tracks and scenes in the Arcade. The model amusement park is a popular stop along the tracks, as well as a number of alien-themed buildings.
The Holiday Feast was followed by a visit by Santa Claus.
Photos: Bill Linkenheimer III. View full-sized image.
Photo: Bill Linkenheimer III. View full-sized image.
The Holiday Feast in the End Zone Café was truly a feast, as well as an opportunity to get out of the cold, sit and chat. Attendees could choose from meat dishes, soups, salads, pasta and potatoes, sides and desserts, along with assorted drinks. An unexpected treat during dinner was the presence of Santa, who was joined by Kenny Kangaroo for a bit. Santa made the rounds of tables, spending extra time at the ones with children. Santa, along with Mrs. Claus, also provided photo opportunities. Regional Rep Bill Linkenheimer III thanked everyone for coming to ACE Holiday Magic and added a special thanks to Elena Marziale, registration coordinator, and Ruby, along with the regional rep team.
Following their meals, some attendees took part in an ITOT on Noah’s Ark.
Photo: Bill Linkenheimer III. View full-sized image.
Photo: Bill Linkenheimer III. View full-sized image.
After dinner, more ITOTs — first on Noah’s Ark, the last operating Noah’s Ark in the world, and finishing on the Dentzel Merry-Go-Round, built too late for the Philadelphia sesquicentennial of 1926, and installed at Kennywood in 1927.
After dark, the event’s name — ACE Holiday Magic — takes on new meaning.
Photos: Lee Ann Draud. View full-sized image.
In between the two evening ITOTs, attendees gathered to see the last Lagoon Light Show of the evening, a synchronized show with lights and music that included all the structures around the lagoon.
Following a full day, ACEers said goodbye to Kennywood for the season, looking forward to more fun in 2024.
Photo: Bill Linkenheimer III. View full-sized image.
It was a beautiful night to be at a classic park with friends. Attendees were grateful to the regional rep team and to Kennywood for a fun and happy introduction to the holiday season.
— Lee Ann Draud, ACE Publications Director
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