originally posted on 8/12/2022 1:17:00 AM
Photo: Joel Brewton-Riling. View full-sized image.
ACE Eastern Great Lakes hosted
ACE Goes Wild at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Saturday, July 16, 2022. The
day started off early and wet with some morning showers during check-in and
through the first part of the day. The participants showed up ready and eager
to start their day. This event is different from most events because
participants choose to purchase and spend their day at the water park or solely
at the zoo. Both options allow for attendees to enjoy the zoo and amusement
park area. The event had 66 attendees from seven different states, the attendee
traveling the farthest being from Minnesota.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
The event was super special for
those in attendance because the club awarded an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark
plaque to Sea Dragon. Sea Dragon is Ohio’s oldest wooden coaster
and is still operating with a traditional hand-braking system and no seat
dividers. This coaster is also considered an ACE Roller Coaster Classic for
these reasons. Although it’s not the most thrilling coaster, standing at 37
feet and reaching a max speed of 25 mph, riding this John Allen coaster is
still a tradition among families when going to the Columbus Zoo and offers good
fun.
Sea Dragon.
Photo: Cassie Titko. View full-sized image.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Shortly after the plaque
presentation, the rain stopped, and attendees were able to enjoy the rest of
the day viewing the animal exhibits and participating in Informal Take Over
Time (ITOT) on the zoo attractions. ITOTs included The Grand Carousel, Dinosaur
Island Boat Ride, North American Train and Mission Macaw. Because of mechanical
issues, Tidal Twist, the Zamperla wild mouse, was not operating
throughout the day, but the zoo’s maintenance team tried to get it up and ready
for the ERT. To wrap up the evening, attendees enjoyed one hour of ERT on Sea
Dragon, Mission Macaw and Flying Clipper.
— Cassie Titko, ACE Eastern Great Lakes Assistant Regional Representative
Tidal Twist was problematic during the day.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
#ACENews