originally posted on 11/4/2024
Photo: Evangelos Ringas collection. View full-sized image.
As crisp fall weather started to creep into the fading summer season, 178 coaster enthusiasts gathered at Kings Dominion (Doswell, Virginia) for an unforgettable day of ERT, games and behind-the-scenes tours. The event drew participants from 14 states plus Washington, D.C., with attendees traveling from as far as Michigan, Ohio and Illinois. Of the group, 47 guests were non-ACE members, and many were visiting Kings Dominion for the first time!
ERT on Twisted Timbers (pictured) and Apple Zapple kicked off the event, along with custom-made event T-shirts from ACEer Brody Rose.
Photo: Rachel Goodman. View full-sized image.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
The morning began with ERT on Twisted Timbers and Apple Zapple, giving attendees a chance to experience these beloved coasters with minimal wait times. ACE members were treated to excellently designed event T-shirts, made by Mid-Atlantic member Brody Rose, and the ACE mini store was open for those looking to grab some extra coaster memorabilia. After a thrilling morning, the Boo Blasters informal takeover time competition saw Ashley Rolf come out on top with a stellar score.
The Midway Games Tournament brought out some fierce competition among attendees.
Photos: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
Midday featured the Midway Games Tournament at Splash Gun, where Will Rook claimed victory, with Sammy Serwe close behind as the runner-up. Attendees enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch, which included brisket, a mac and cheese bar (reminiscent of the defunct Mac Bowl!) and ice cream, providing the perfect fuel for an afternoon packed with fun. Door prizes were plentiful, ensuring that many members left with a special souvenir from the event.
The silent auction raised more than $2,000 for the ACE Preservation Fund and led to Austin Samaniego winning a wheel from the defunct Volcano: The Blast Coaster.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
Photo: Dean Samaniego. View full-sized image.
Three winners won a tour of Rapterra’s construction site led by Kyle Kruthoffer.
Photo: Justin Bates. View full-sized image.
Photo: Sam Marks. View full-sized image.
A key highlight of the day was the silent auction and Rapterra tour raffle, which raised more than $2,000 for the ACE Preservation Fund. One of the most coveted items up for grabs was an authentic Intamin road wheel from Volcano: The Blast Coaster, making for some competitive bidding. The three lucky winners of the Rapterra tour and their guests got a behind-the-scenes look at this exciting addition to Jungle X-Pedition, which will undoubtedly be a crowd favorite when it opens in 2025. Kyle Kruthoffer, digital communications manager (and ACE member), led the informative tour.
In addition to all the festivities, ACE officially announced that its spring conference in 2025 will be hosted by Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Virginia) from May 16 to 18, giving everyone a fantastic reason to return next year.
A tour of MonsterCon and other frights gave Fall Thrillfest the feel of the kind of Halloween event enthusiasts love in October.
Photo: Stephanie Brady. View full-sized image.
Photo: Stephanie Brady. View full-sized image.
Photos: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
As the formal event portion of the day drew to a close, attendees gathered for a lights-on tour of MonsterCon followed by some exclusive haunt time (EHT) — the chance to walk through the maze with no wait before it opened to the public. The chance to see “behind the curtain” at one of the region’s best Halloween events proved to be a memorable way to cap off the evening. Once EHT concluded, many stayed and enjoyed the excellent night rides and other haunt mazes throughout the park.
Intimidator 305, Project 305… regardless of what it’s called (or will be called), the Intamin gigacoaster was a highlight for many in attendance.
Photo: Jonathan Allen. View full-sized image.
The memories of the day’s events ensured that everyone went home with tired feet and wide smiles, all thanks to the incredible efforts of the Kings Dominion team and event lead Youth Sales Representative Amy Hairline and the many ACE volunteers who made the terrific event possible.
— Justin Barlow
#ACENews