ACE South Central: Fright Bash at Fiesta Texas

ACE South Central: Fright Bash at Fiesta Texas — Plus a Unique Add-on

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originally posted on 12/2/2022 1:36:00 AM

Photo: Xander Lee. View full-sized image.

On Saturday, October 15, more than 150 ACE members and guests from 11 states gathered at Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio) for ACE South Central’s annual Fright Bash event. On check-in, attendees received their event lanyard, which came with an added benefit: it would provide entrance to all Flash Pass entrances at attractions throughout the park and would also provide express access to all haunted houses later in the evening — an incredible added value to the event.

The day started with early ERT on Poltergeist.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.

With early entry into the park, attendees made their way to Poltergeist for the first ride of the day. Six Flags Fiesta Texas again surprised everyone by turning the first ride of the day into more than 30 minutes of ERT. After enjoying morning rides, attendees gathered in Rockville for a special lights-on tour of the park’s RockKill haunt. This provided a unique opportunity to explore the many scenes of this favorite long-time haunted attraction, including some unique photo opportunities that are not possible during the attraction’s operating hours. At the conclusion of the tour, participants were treated to a special behind-the-scenes presentation from Marketing Coordinator Ryan Castilleja and Entertainment Manager Patrick Stewart about what it takes to construct the massive haunt each year.

Attendees take an early, lights-on stroll through RockKill haunt.
Photo: Xander Lee. View full-sized image.

Following the tour, many in attendance took advantage of their unlimited Flash Pass benefits to ride as many rides and coasters as they could. Others made their way to the special reserved seating provided for the park’s newest Halloween show, “Curse of the Zombie Prom.” At the conclusion of the show, those in attendance were invited on-stage for the event’s unique group photo.

“Curse of the Zombie Prom.”
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.

Participants were free to enjoy the park after the show. The express entry benefit proved to be very useful as the park became crowded with locals and tourists also eager to experience Fiesta Texas’ Halloween offerings. Later in the evening, everyone gathered for a catered dinner in the park’s Picnic Grove area. Park President Jeffrey Seibert welcomed everyone to the event and spoke of the many events planned for the 2023 season. A unique trivia contest tested everyone’s knowledge of Fiesta Texas and Fright Fest history, with prizes being awarded to the top three scoring participants: Amy Lynn (third place), Jeremy Meredith (second) and Xander Lee (first). All three winners received special prize packages from the park. After dinner, everyone was presented with an exclusive button commemorating the Fright Bash event.

Trivia winners Amy Lynn, Xander Lee and Jeremy Meredith.
Photo: Jeff Braziel. View full-sized image.

Park President Jeffrey Siebert.
Photos: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.

Dr. Diabolical.
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Unleashed!
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.

The day’s events continued after dinner, when it was time to witness The Unleashing with special reserved seating. Dr. Diabolical herself unleashed hordes of creatures, monsters and other nightmares upon parkgoers. Those who dared explored the park’s many scare zones and used their express entry benefits for the event’s various haunted houses. Many chose to take advantage of exclusive reserved seating provided for the park’s Halloween shows “Vamped Up” and “Dr. Diabolical’s Monster Mash Bash” and the amazing “Frightful Finale” nighttime fireworks spectacular.

“Dr. Diabolical’s Monster Mash Bash.”
Photos: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.

“Frightful Finale.”
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At park closing, attendees gathered in Crackaxle Canyon, where Fiesta Texas had a few final surprises. ERT was originally scheduled for Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger and Road Runner Express, but Iron Rattler was added as a last-minute surprise. As an extraordinary gesture of remembrance for the late Jay Jacobs, Fiesta Texas blocked the center seat on one of the Dr. Diabolical trains with a ribbon in honor of the missed ACE member. The dispatcher went so far as to verbally acknowledge Jacobs’ contributions to the region every time that train was dispatched.

Iron Rattler was added to ERT.
Photo: Xander Lee. View full-sized image.

A center seat was reserved in remembrance for ACE member Jay Jacobs.
Photo: Jeff Braziel. View full-sized image.

After getting their fill of coasters for the evening, it was time to say farewell for now to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The ACE South Central team thanked the entire Six Flags Fiesta Texas team for hosting another incredible event.

Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger.
Photo: Xander Lee. View full-sized image.

ACEers explore Natural Bridge Caverns.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.

The events weren't quite complete after the evening's final farewell — ACE South Central organized an informal gathering Sunday morning at the nearby Natural Bridge Caverns. Longtime ACE friends (and honorary members) Terri Adams and Winter Prosapio have joined the Natural Bridge team as general manager and communications director, respectively. Nearly 50 ACE members gathered to explore the many offerings at Natural Bridge Caverns. Everyone was invited to challenge their maze-solving skills in The AMAZEn’ Ranch Roundup at no cost. Many in attendance took advantage of the ACE-only half-price tour of the original caverns. The remainder of Natural Bridge’s attractions, gift shops and concessions were all made available to ACE at a 20 percent discount. Some members were brave enough to challenge the Twisted Trails Zip Rails and Ropes course, which offered its own brand of thrills, with its combination of walking elements and zip rails 60 feet high. A new Hidden Passages tour of previously unavailable areas of the cave was also available. ACE South Central extended a special thank you to Adams and Prosapio for inviting ACE to explore all that Natural Bridge Caverns has to offer.

— Jeff Braziel, ACE South Central Assistant Regional Representative