originally posted on 10/27/2025
Photo: Adam Kranzel. View full-sized image.
Many parts of the country enjoyed a warm start to the fall, and that was true when 142 ACE members and guests checked in for Fright Bash at Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio) on September 27. It certainly wasn’t hot, but the above-average temps would qualify as warm. However, with all the activities planned for the event, being out in the sun wasn’t a concern.
Volunteers were ready to greet attendees at registration.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Attendees couldn’t resist clowning around under Poltergeist.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: Xander Lee. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jeremy Simons. View full-sized image.
Following the morning check-in, the group headed into the park for the first perk. Who doesn’t love an up-close and personal interaction with a coaster’s supports and track? ACEers were clamoring to find the best angles and create the funniest poses under the spaghetti bowl of Poltergeist, the Premier Rides launched coaster.
Cinema Slasher marked the site of one of the park’s haunts.
Photo: Adam Kranzel. View full-sized image.
After plenty of time with the ride, attendees headed over to Rockville to get a sneak preview of one of the evening haunts, Cinema Slasher. Rockville High became a movie theater with the scares themed around six fictional films. It was nicely done (credited to Knott’s Berry Farm), and without the scare actors to startle members, each could take a moment to appreciate the details and intricacies of the theming.
Once the park opened at 11, there was plenty of time to take in the décor and numerous rides. Theme parks tend to get busier as the day goes on during Halloween events, but it didn’t matter. The event credential served as a Flash Pass, an entrance to the VIP lounge and an Express Haunted Attractions Pass once evening arrived.
Two more haunts were available for preview early in the afternoon: The Conjuring Universe and Saw: Legacy.
Attendees had reserved seating for “Haunted Hollywood.”
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
After seeing “Haunted Hollywood,” attendees were photographed with the cast on stage.
Photo: Xander Lee. View full-sized image.
Following that, attendees had their first opportunity for reserved seating at one of the park’s numerous shows. “Haunted Hollywood” was a fantastic musical show with select songs paying homage to films of the past. Once it was over, the group photo was taken on stage, and attendees had an opportunity to socialize with the cast.
During the meal, a lively game of “Family Feud” was played.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
Winners of “Family Feud” received gift bags with items that were useful in the park.
Photo: Xander Lee. View full-sized image.
Other shows and more rides were available during the afternoon, but when evening fell, everyone gathered for a group meal in the park’s pavilions. One of the park’s team members was in costume as Steve Harvey and played host to a round of “Family Feud.” It brought about laughs, and the winners received bags with several items, including the interactive lanterns that caused various elements to activate around the park. ACE South Central’s rep team and park personnel addressed the crowd as well.
In the night hours, attendees had reserved seating for three wonderful shows. “Crossroads” was a straightforward country rock show with no Halloween motif. The live band along with the performers nailed it.
“Monster Mash Bash.”
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
Unquestionably, the best show of the night was “Monster Mash Bash,” a rollicking concert with all show cast members combining to make a complement of 27 performers. It was extraordinary.
Fireworks shows in the quarry are always special.
Photo: Mike Robinson. View full-sized image.
Following that, members were able to take advantage of the reserved Adirondack chairs for the “Frightful Finale” nighttime spectacular. Fireworks, flames, fountains, actors and projections made for one sensational show.
In between shows, many darted into the haunted houses to see all the scares and appreciate the full effect of the houses they had toured earlier in the day.
ERT on Iron Rattler was a great way to end the evening.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Following the fireworks finale, most guests then had to head to the parking lot to face the thousands of people exiting at the same time. ACE, however, had much more fun enjoying ERT on the rides in Crackaxle Canyon, which included three coasters: Iron Rattler (Rocky Mountain Construction), Roadrunner Express (Arrow’s last mine train) and Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger (Bolliger & Mabillard).
The value of all the perks combined far surpassed the small event registration cost. ACE was grateful for the numerous courtesies shown and thanked the hosts. Many were making plans to return to Six Flags Fiesta Texas for Feliz Fiesta, the next ACE event at the park in December.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News
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