originally posted on 11/4/2024
Photo: Connor Dea. View full-sized image.
On Saturday, September 7, the ACE Eastern Pennsylvania region held its fifth annual CocoaCon event at Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
ACE volunteers prepare to welcome CocoaCon attendees to the 2024 installment of the event.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
Storm clouds loom over Candymonium — one of the coasters that is part of Hersheypark’s Sweet Start early entry.
Photo: John Jacobsen. View full-sized image.
Attendees made their way to the park’s main entrance and checked in at CocoaCon’s designated ticketing window. Registered attendees were treated to a specially designed button that featured the event’s logo. After check-in attendees were invited to join the park’s Sweet Start early entry on multiple attractions like Comet, Skyrush and Candymonium. Rain clouds began to move in shortly after the park opened, but thankfully attendees were able to take a few rides before the storm arrived.
The storm got in the way of some ITOTs, but not all — one on the Wave Swinger dodged the rain drops.
Photo: Mike Matscherz. View full-sized image.
Informal takeover times (ITOTs) were scheduled throughout the day on rides such as the Great Bear, Kissing Tower and Wave Swinger. Unfortunately, the first two ITOTs had to be canceled owing to the heavy rain in the late morning and early afternoon hours. On a positive note, the rain kept crowds lighter than usual, which allowed attendees to ride most of their favorite coasters and attractions.
ACE Eastern Pennsylvania Regional Representative Mike Matscherz spoke to attendees at the meal in the Tidal Force catering area.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
At 3 p.m. the skies cleared, the sun came out and dinner was served in the Tidal Force catering area. The meal included chicken bites, vegetable fried rice, bratwurst, meatball sandwiches, mixed green salad, watermelon and plenty of ice cream selections. ACE Eastern Pennsylvania Regional Representative Mike Matscherz made a few announcements and gave instructions about the behind-the-scenes tour of Wildcat’s Revenge.
A tour of Wildcat’s Revenge’s hard-to-reach areas created the opportunity for some unique photos of the popular Rocky Mountain Construction coaster.
Photo: Derek Smith. View full-sized image.
The Wildcat’s Revenge tour was led by Hersheypark Senior Sales Manager Connor Dea. Dea led participants to the back side of the coaster, which is normally inaccessible to the public, and the timing was also perfect because the tour took place while the sun was beginning to set. A golden hour indeed!
Fahrenheit was one of many Hersheypark coasters enjoyed by attendees throughout the day.
Photo: Derek Smith. View full-sized image.
The group photo, which was originally scheduled for the morning but had to be moved to the evening, was taken at Skyrush‘s entrance. Skyrush plus Comet, Great Bear and sooperdooperLooper added to a coaster-filled backdrop at sunset.
While park guests left the property, attendees spent time waiting for ERT by participating in a Whack-A-Mole Championship.
Photo: Jessica Knouse. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jessica Knouse. View full-sized image.
As the sun went down attendees were able to get in those last coaster rides before meeting to wait for the ride lines to clear. To help pass the time until ERT began, this year attendees were able to participate in a Whack-A-Mole championship. More than 70 participants gave it their best whack, and after three rounds, Nathan LaConte was crowned the champion. There was also a separate children’s round, won by Bryce James. Congrats to Nathan and Bryce! Both contestants took home a special prize, which was their very own Whack-A-Mole plush figure.
Photo: Jessica Knouse. View full-sized image.
ERT highlighted two of Hersheypark’s most iconic coasters — Comet and Skyrush (below).
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
After the lines had been cleared, the group enjoyed an hour of ERT on Comet and Skyrush. For many, this was their first opportunity to experience Comet’s brand-new trains, which were supplied by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc., and Skyrush’s upgraded seats and station effects. The energetic ride crews kept the lines moving with fast and efficient operations. That same energy was contagious, and riders left the station cheering every time. As ERT ended, the remaining riders made their way out the park exit and were already looking forward to next year’s event.
The ACE Eastern Pennsylvania regional representative team expressed gratitude to Dea, Kim Greene and the operations teams at Hersheypark for hosting the event and welcoming ACE with open arms. Their hospitality helps make this event sweeter every year!
— Mike Matscherz, ACE Eastern Pennsylvania Regional Representative
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