originally posted on 7/20/2019
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
On the day after an action-packed week at Coaster Con 42, 88 ACE members from 23 states and Canadian provinces ventured east to Castle Park in Riverside, California. June 21 introduced the park to many attendees that day and gave return visitors a new appreciation for a park that has a very rich history.
Passing a life-size elephant statue, everyone attending the post-Con event was ushered into the whimsical Big Top circus-style restaurant for a video presentation on Castle Park's founder, Bud Hurlbut. Castle Park's Cindy Espinoza narrated the video that she produced and then led guests outside on a magical, history-filled tour of the park. Like a true sorceress, Espinoza transported everyone to the early days of the park with her enchanting stories. Hurlbut opened Castle Park in 1976 with a miniature golf course and multilevel arcade, which was the largest arcade on the West Coast, housing more than 400 games. In 1984 he brought attractions into the park, transforming it into the amusement park it is now known to be. Hurlbut worked on attractions for Walt Disney and Walter Knott, so it is not surprising that similar-themed details from his imagination are found all over Castle Park. From a gypsy wagon he used as his office to carousel horse railings to a replica of the Liberty Bell, there is so much to be seen, including two steel coasters that were included in ERT. The 2001 Vekoma junior coaster, Merlin's Revenge, and one of the last-built Carl Miler coasters, Little Dipper, put a smile on every rider's face during the exclusive ride time.
Castle Park's Cindy Espinoza. Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
After a group photo and a buffet lunch under The Big Top, happy ACEers got to putt around the four heavily themed miniature golf courses, take rides on the two miniature train railroads, visit with the live peacock that struts around and drive the antique Model T electric-center rail track that originally operated at Knott's Berry Farm.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
In addition to the antique cars, Hurlbut created the Calico Mine Train and Timber Mountain Log Ride at Knott's. He was also credited as one of the founders of Knott's Haunt, where he could be found wearing a gorilla costume and hiding inside the Calico Mine Ride scaring guests. Castle Dark, Castle Park's Halloween event, is gearing up for the future by looking to its haunted past. The Lady in White, a ghostly apparition whom some believe has been spotted around the park, will be featured in this year's festivities. Also looking to the future, Espinoza wants to preserve the park and open attractions, and the park is lucky to have her. Thanks to Espinoza and ACE Events Director Steve Berto for organizing such a great event and making all ACE members in attendance feel like kings and queens!
— Derek Perry
ACE Southern California assistant regional representative
@#$%&!
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