originally posted on 2/3/2025
Throughout the month of January, ACE News posts have represented what I feel are the organization’s strengths. The publication continues with coverage of holiday events held at parks across the country, from chilly weather destinations like Sweden to Texas — where most people likely don’t associate with Christmas lights and trees. To think that it wasn’t so long ago that Halloween events were coming of age! I don’t think anyone could have predicted the winter holidays would further extend the seasons of the world’s amusement parks past the start of the new year, but here we are.
Recently, ACE News posted its annual coverage of the IAAPA Expo in Orlando, and I stand by my assertion that the organization covers the event better than all others. It is truly a carefully choreographed endeavor, beginning with ACE President Elizabeth Ringas and a team of volunteers tasked with the physical demands of setting up a booth deep into the trade show floor. Meanwhile, Communications Director Derek Perry is responsible for his own team who create a wealth of content, allowing anyone interested to feel as though they’re actually there, while Tim Baldwin utilizes his vast array of industry connections to summarize all the news — even things that aren’t immediately obvious. I am always most proud of the publications team, including all the editors who make sure ACE can boast of the absolute best of journalistic standards.
Last year, ACE News was responsible for a two-part series on wood coaster maintenance, thanks to the organization’s excellent relationship with the fine folks at Waldameer in Erie, Pennsylvania. In this post, I am excited to introduce the first part of a new series highlighting wood coaster relocation, courtesy of longtime ACE member Stephen O’Donnell. For those unfamiliar, Stephen is no stranger to wood coasters, having worked on them for eight years and been on television more than 400 times (including “Good Morning America”) to share his expertise. In his first article, he tackles the sensitive issue of how wood coasters are chosen for relocation — which means he also explains why some rides we’d love to have seen given new homes over the years were eliminated as candidates.
It's no secret I love wood coasters and desire to see all preserved, but Stephen’s insight provides valid reasons why these kinds of dreams differ from what is realistically possible. It also exhibits something wonderful about ACE — it is composed of individuals who have not only a passion for roller coasters, but also the backgrounds to discuss them from many different points of view. It truly is a fascinating group of people.
— Rob Ascough, ACE News Editor
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