originally posted on 7/20/2019
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Fantastic host parks, world-class coasters, photo and video contests, Midway Olympics, ERT galore and great camaraderie are what make up the established framework for a memorable convention. All that was certainly in place for Coaster Con 42. However, it is the unique details that create one-of-a-kind events, and this year’s convention provided many cool factors that made it a joyous week.
The full story of Coaster Con 42 will appear in the fall issue of RollerCoaster! (No. 151), but here are a dozen items members missed if they weren’t in Southern California the third week of June.
The red-carpet treatment
Members know when a park gets what ACE is all about. At Six Flags Magic Mountain, there was no mistake that ACE was “got.” The red carpet was literally rolled out for the opening reception. Attendees ate well all week during the convention — seriously — but Magic Mountain kicked it off in high-class style with white tablecloths in a grassy setting and Viper just over the trees. The opening night meal consisted of shrimp, steak, grilled chicken and adult beverages, among multiple delicious sides and dessert. What a great welcome! Each attendee enjoyed a Coaster Con 42 souvenir button at the tables.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
ACEers were up and dancing at the opening night welcome.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
A sensational behind-the-scenes tour
With its often-uphill terrain, Magic Mountain can admittedly be exhausting. Park personnel made sure to give attendees a workout with an extensive behind-the-scenes look at some cool stuff. Members love construction tours. While, sure, it would have been great if West Coast Racers had been up and running, but being in the thick of the construction zone where people must wear hardhats is always a fun perk. Having antiques and the staging pointed out within one of the park’s haunted houses was interesting, as was a peek inside the pieces-and-parts areas of the maintenance buildings. Remember the Six Flags bus from the Mr. Six commercials? Hop on board for a photo op. Or if they were lucky, members might have caught an ideal Twisted Colossus race at the primo photo spot. There was more that night if attendees wanted to walk through the entire length of the Justice League dark ride.
Conventioneers enjoyed a hard hat tour through the heart of West Coast Racers construction.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Attendees were escorted to the ideal photo spot for Twisted Colossus.
Photo: Joel Brewton. View full-sized image.
Walking through a dark ride is a rare treat.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Jordan May lights up the stage
Newcomer Jordan May stepped into the role of video contest emcee this year. The young Canadian had a stage presence set for Broadway. His energy and enthusiasm were contagious.
Emcee Jordan May (second from right) honored video contest winners Leo Krasnahill, Luke Fillion and Paul Coloumbe.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
A new game show
Although he swore off game shows after the 2017 contestant calamity, game show emcee Tim Baldwin was coerced to return with a new show. Called “20 Questions,” eight contestants came on stage to battle out coaster trivia and some wacky stats to see how close they could get to the real answers. After some trash talk and some good guesses, Mark Davidson emerged victorious.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Contestants and emcee Tim Baldwin gather on stage with prizes.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Mark Davidson at the controls
That victory led to a cool opportunity. Six Flags Magic Mountain offered the winner a chance to “drive” a coaster of his choice. Being the Bolliger & Mabillard fan that he is, Davidson chose Riddler’s Revenge. What an opportunity!
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
The Regatta Duck collection grows
Now in its fourth year, the Rubber Ducky Regatta is developing into a new collection opportunity for participants. With surfboard in hand — er, wing — the latest rubber duck from California is a new “must have.”
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Knott’s historian wows ACE with fantastic presentations
Eric Lynxwiler, a Knott’s Berry Farm historian, gave not one, but two incredibly researched and entertaining presentations on the park’s history, as well as one on the historic dark rides. Both presentations were exceptional.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Landmark plaque for Montezooma’s Revenge
Any time an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark plaque can educate the public about the importance and significance of specific coasters, one of ACE’s goals is met. Montezooma’s Revenge was the latest recipient to be bestowed this honor.
ACEers and cameras surrounded Montezooma’s Revenge for the ceremony.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Jeff Gahagan from Knott’s Berry Farm accepted the ACE Roller Coaster Landmark plaque.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: Harris Lanum. View full-sized image.
ACE declarations
Just as the ACE annual banquet was getting under way, four city and state dignitaries entered the banquet hall to read proclamations on behalf of ACE’s presence that week and for the work the organization puts forth. One places ACE forever into the Library of Congress. How cool is that?
ACE President Robert Ulrich (center) is surrounded by state and city dignitaries acknowledging ACE with proclamations and declarations.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
David Mandt returns
Longtime friend to ACE, David Mandt once again rejoined fellow enthusiasts. Having to follow a video contest winner of singers in drag, Mandt was not the slightest bit fazed, but embraced all things ACE and realized it had been more than a decade since being in the throes of an ACE event. As the banquet keynote speaker, he connected with the audience and spoke about what ACE can bring to the industry.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
A double honor
It has been more than two decades since a single member was acknowledged with two awards at the banquet. Jerry Willard, ACE’s past president, is not only ACE’s newest honorary member, but also the recipient of this year’s Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.’ Manufacturer’s Award. Willard’s tireless dedication and work certainly serve as evidence of the highest level of being the “Spirit of ACE.”
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Jerry Willard (center) receives the PTCI Manufacturer’s Award from Janine Rebbie Matscherz and Tom Rebbie.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Tim Cole’s Cyclone Racer model
Virtually all the attendees at Coaster Con 42 were never able to experience the amazing Long Beach Cyclone Racer. Defunct since 1968, Cyclone Racer was brought back to life by model builder extraordinaire Tim Cole. After two years of putting work into its creation, Cole transported the model to the banquet room so that members could see what an incredible machine it truly was. The attention to detail brought this lost classic to life.
Photo: Cheri Armstrong. View full-sized image.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Add to all that a train robbery here or there, people climbing the lift of Goliath, a western gunfight breaking out midlunch and park representatives sharing what happens behind the scenes in running the parks, and anyone can understand why Coaster Con 42 was a crowd-pleaser. Look for the full story in RC! 151.
— Tim Baldwin
ACE News Editor
A dozen lucky winners were able to climb to the top of Goliath.
Photo: Nathan Brown. View full-sized image.
Attendees signed one of the support columns of West Coast Racers.
Photo: Rus Ozana. View full-sized image.
@#$%&!
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