originally posted on 8/5/2024
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
A few days prior to Ravine Flyer Frenzy, the weather forecast looked a bit ominous, with rain expected throughout the day. As the event neared, the chance of rain continued to decline. Finally, on the morning of June 8, when 133 attendees from 14 states, plus Canada, arrived at Waldameer & Water World in Erie, Pennsylvania, the skies were partly sunny and remained so throughout the day. Morning temperatures in the low 60s gave way to the mid 60s by afternoon, making for a very pleasant and comfortable day. The hardy attendees who took on the wave pool and water slides in Water World were treated to small crowds and short lines.
As is typical at ACE events at Waldameer, attendees gathered at the Lakeview Grove where they could sample doughnuts courtesy of the park and take part in a fundraiser called Ice Cream for Breakfast.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jennifer Herchek. View full-sized image.
Two hours before the rides opened to the public, the Lakeview Grove was the most active place in the park, as ACE members checked in for the event, enjoyed complimentary coffee and doughnuts graciously provided by the park and Ice Cream for Breakfast to support Give Kids The World (GKTW). For the first time in the 10 years that ACE Western Pennsylvania has served up morning sundaes, Dippin’ Dots was the ice cream, providing the volunteers with far less strenuous scooping.
Why ice cream for breakfast? While at the GKTW Village in central Florida, sick children and their families escape the realities of doctors and treatments, and one such treat is to visit Henri’s Starlite Scoops every morning for breakfast if they wish. It’s a wonderful memory that has evolved into a fundraiser — speaking of which, a whopping $373 in funds were raised! Thanks to Waldameer for providing the frozen treats and to the Lucas family for donating the tasty toppings.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
For some, the day began with ERT on the park’s small-but-fun Comet.
Photo: Jesse Rose. View full-sized image.
Photo: Bill Linkenheimer III. View full-sized image.
Comet, a 1951 junior-sized wooden coaster, and Whacky Shack, the park’s very popular Bill Tracy-designed dark ride, hosted an hour and a half of morning ERT. Concurrently, attendees had the opportunity to explore Pirate’s Cove — a dark walkthrough funhouse that is also a product of Bill Tracy — with the lights on. The highlight was being able to climb a ladder in a narrow space into the “attic” of the attraction and have a bird’s-eye view of the maze within it.
For others, time before the park’s opening to the public was spent on Whacky Shack or getting a close look at the Pirate’s Cove walkthrough.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jennifer Herchek. View full-sized image.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
The event’s group photo was taken in front of Steel Dragon, a Maurer spinning coaster that is celebrating 20 years at Waldameer. An ITOT (informal takeover time) — the first of the day — followed on it. Other afternoon ITOTs included a spirited ride on Dodgems, L. Ruth Express (train) and Merry-Go-Round, which has been at the park for 35 years.
ITOTs are a mainstay of ACE Western Pennsylvania events, and Ravine Flyer Frenzy was no different.
Photo: Bill Linkenheimer III. View full-sized image.
Photo: Dave Hahner. View full-sized image.
Photo: Dave Hahner. View full-sized image.
An all-you-can-eat picnic dinner allowed hungry eventgoers to fill up on burgers, chicken strips and ox roast accompanied by several sides, plus ice cream for dessert. Thanks was given to Waldameer, represented by Park President Steve Gorman. Attendees, who were in great spirits thanks to enjoying an ideal day at such a well-maintained and operated traditional park, collectively showed their appreciation to Gorman and the rest of the Waldameer staff for their warm hospitality and graciousness. Gorman proceeded to address the group, indicating that there would be a new attraction for 2025. [It was subsequently announced that a Zamperla NebulaZ, to be known as Time Twister, would replace Spider.] A couple of items from Ravine Flyer II were awarded to those who answered Waldameer trivia questions correctly. ACE Cares Coordinator Kris Leach thanked everyone who donated to Ice Cream for Breakfast and reminded them of the upcoming ACE Cares event at Kennywood on September 1 to benefit Give Kids The World.
The afternoon included a behind-the-scenes look at Ravine Flyer II.
Photo: Alex Doak. View full-sized image.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Following dinner and announcements by ACE Western Pennsylvania Regional Representative Bill Linkenheimer III, attendees enjoyed Waldameer as the sun went down.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Photo: Will Rook. View full-sized image.
An evening ITOT was held on the Ferris Wheel, providing a beautiful view of one of America’s Great Lakes — Lake Erie — as sunset neared.
Always the highlight of this annual visit is evening ERT on the event’s namesake, Ravine Flyer II, the 2008 wooden creation from The Gravity Group, featuring Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters rolling stock. The coveted after-dark night rides served as a grand finale to a spectacular day.
Following a successful effort on the part of the event’s planners, it concluded with ERT on Ravine Flyer II.
Photo: Lee Ann Draud collection. View full-sized image.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Almost on cue, as if it were waiting for the last ride train to return, just after ERT ended, rain began to fall from the sky.
— Bill Linkenheimer III, ACE Western Pennsylvania Regional Representative
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