originally posted on 8/19/2024
Photo: Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.
On July 27, 45 ACE members traveled to Valleyfair (Shakopee, Minnesota) for some good old-fashioned rootin’ tootin’ fun. The date being the National Day of the Cowboy, a rodeo was the theme of this year’s event, and there was no better way to celebrate than to ride some of the wildest rides around.
This year’s event would prove to be a little different than previously. In late June, Valleyfair suffered major flooding due to the Minnesota River cresting its banks and subjecting the Minnesota Valley to some of the most extreme flooding in more than 50 years. Valleyfair is in this flood plain and is accustomed to rising waters, as the back part of the park ends up under water every couple of years. As such, the rides in this area are built to withstand the pressure of periodic flooding. Flooding is typically associated with the spring thaw and usually only affects the early season weekend operations; never before has the park dealt with flooding in the middle to late part of June.
Throughout the event that took place following intense flooding in the region, attendees enjoyed Valleyfair favorites such as Excalibur and Wild Thing.
Photo: HaeKyung Thompson. View full-sized image.
Photo: Kyle Krcil. View full-sized image.
The park remained open every day during the flooding; however, it did create challenges, as two of its star roller coasters (Renegade and Excalibur) were under water. Also, the parking lot was fully flooded, so guests had to park off site and be bussed in. As it turned out, the only thing that kept the whole park from getting flooded was a hill on the property behind High Roller, where thousands of pounds of sand had been shipped in to create a dam and walkway for guests. Capacity was limited, and many ACE members initially had concerns about the event and the park they love.
ACE Rodeo was to feature ERT on Renegade and some behind-the-scenes tours of the Valleyscare haunts that will return to the park this year after a three-year hiatus. Unfortunately, as the event day approached, tours of the haunts were canceled owing to work to restore them and get them ready for the fall season. Yet the day of the event came and so did ACEers — for many, it was their first visit back since the park became fully operational, and there was still plenty to do even without the tours.
Ben Wilson (above) and Jodi Ketelson (below) were the winners of roller coaster wheels in the raffle.
Photo: Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.
A group lunch was held, complete with some wonderful raffle prizes presented by Valleyfair. Some of the raffle prizes included wheels from the Arrow Corkscrew and a panel from the park’s Scrambler. There were informal meetups throughout the day, and many ACEers could be seen all around the park on their favorite rides. The temperature was a hot and humid 91 degrees, but between this and most of the public still not knowing that Valleyfair was fully open, the crowds were small and allowed for short lines all day.
The sun goes down over the iconic Corkscrew, which has operated at Valleyfair since 1980.
Photo: Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.
The event ended with ERT on Renegade in the dark. This part of the event is always a fan favorite, as there is just something about the Great Coasters International, Inc. wood coaster that makes it feel like it runs best at night with the lights out and the arrival of cooler air. Most in attendance agreed that Renegade is really the star of Valleyfair, Yee haw!
The event finished with night rides on the park’s GCII Renegade.
Photo: HaeKyung Thompson. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tom Nickerson. View full-sized image.
The ACE North Central team extends thanks to Valleyfair for its hospitality and assistance with putting the latest installment of the annual event together.
— Tom Nickerson, ACE North Central Regional Representative
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