ACE Eastern Great Lakes: Picnic at the Grove IV

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originally posted on 10/28/2024

Photo: Tim Stradtman. View full-sized image.

(A note: An organization dedicated to a hobby that’s a prime example of diversity, ACE is a wonderful collection of individuals representing divergent backgrounds, lifestyles and age groups. ACE News reflects this diversity, featuring the work of a vast array of writers approaching topics from differing viewpoints and experiences. There may be no greater example of this than a report from new ACE News writer Spencer Sulisz — 11 years old but exhibiting the same enthusiasm as those who’ve been active in ACE for decades. I hope you enjoy reading his work as much as I enjoy featuring it in our beloved publication. -Ed.)

A cool wind blew across a field of wheat in Hamilton County, Ohio, on September 29. Alongside a lonely country road, two wooden coasters stood as guests arrived at the mystical Stricker's Grove. The park is open to the public only four days out of the year. So magical, it compares to unicorns and mermaids.

Along with other park guests, ACEers quickly lined up for Tornado when the gates opened.
Photo: Daniel Glauser. View full-sized image.

As one parks in the gravel lot, the entrance becomes visible. There is a tornado siren located next to Tornado — one of the coasters constructed by the park itself. Even though it looked like it was going to rain, barely any drops fell onto the park. Until 1 p.m. the amusement park side was gated off, but guests still got to play unique games in the arcade. As the gates finally opened, the sound of brakes and Tornado testing sparked happiness in everyone.

Rides on Tornado are a special treat considering Stricker’s Grove — a private picnic facility — is open to the public only four days a year.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.

Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.

Everyone rushed to Tornado, and this author was on one of the first trains of the day. A gentle mist coated the riders as they ascended the lift hill. The first drop on Tornado could have made anyone laugh. After the first turn and two bunny hops, riders enter another turn and after dipping down into a drop, rise up into a piece of straight track. This leads to a dive down into easily the best part of the ride — as some call it, the "Tornado ejector death hill," which definitely lives up to its name. Riders get absolutely chucked out of their seats in this element, which definitely surprised some people. The drop doesn't even look that sharp, but it is that good! After a turn that gives some great laterals, there are two more bunny hills before entering the brakes.

Ominous clouds hover above the park’s Teddy Bear coaster, which was closed for the day.
Photo: Andy Stein. View full-sized image.

Throughout the day, guests enjoyed the park’s other rides, including a classic kiddy Whip.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.

While Teddy Bear — the park’s smaller junior wood coaster — was closed, guests enjoyed some flat rides, including the Ferris wheel, carousel, kiddy Whip, Tilt-A-Whirl and Electric Rainbow. The train takes riders past corn fields and through a tunnel before giving spectacular views of Tornado. At around 4 p.m. the rides closed, and the food was served. There were potato salads, burgers, hot dogs and more! In the big banquet hall where attendees gathered, this author enjoyed talking to fellow enthusiasts.

Stricker’s Grove features a comprehensive collection of rides that includes a train alongside Tornado.
Photo: Daniel Glauser. View full-sized image.