originally posted on 10/12/2019
Photo: Ken Jones. View full-sized image.
On September 14, ACE Canada held the 2019 version of the very popular Roller Coasters, Eh?? A total of 180 guests made the trek to the great white (well, not during this time of year) north and Canada's Wonderland to tackle, among other attractions, the mighty Yukon Striker. Rides on this record-breaking Bolliger & Mabillard dive coaster that opened in April 2019 were definitely the highlight of the day. Registration included Timbits (doughnut holes) and coffee from Tim Horton’s.
Each year the Canadian rep team works hard to provide an event that will be just as good as those in other years before it. In 2018 the surprise tour was the basement of the one-of-a-kind Sledgehammer. The surprise in 2019: a tour of Striker, which started out with a trip through the ride’s underwater tunnel. One can’t understand how massive this structure is until looking up from the bottom. As the groups finished there, they were cycled through the mechanical/electrical rooms, finishing under the lift hill where the lift chain motors are located. This tour was one of the best and was definitely not to be missed.
Photo: Ken Jones. View full-sized image.
Morning ERT had to be changed a bit, but on the list was the monster Behemoth, Back Lot Stunt Coaster and Mighty Canadian Minebuster.
Once morning ERT finished, many headed over to Striker to get a first ride of the day, or in many cases, a first ride ever. Yukon Striker did not disappoint, and it was soon time for 180 hungry ACEers to head for the full buffet breakfast and to pick up entry forms for Assistant Regional Rep Jordan May’s all new diabolical scavenger hunt, Which Way Up. Teams of three had to identify heavily cropped pictures of things throughout the park and figure out their orientation. This proved to be a very challenging but very fun hunt. During this time guests were given some great goody bags from the park that included a small Canada’s Wonderland mug keychain, Yukon Striker water bottle and Yukon Striker bag. After breakfast and a free morning, everyone once again descended on the Marketplace at 2 p.m. for another meal — a full lunch buffet. This is also where the winners of the scavenger hunt were given their prizes, consisting of various coaster parts from the park; most were event stamped with the ride, event name and year. Big thanks to the park for providing these items for our event.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Once lunch was finished, most people headed across the courtyard to the theater and a Q&A with Rides Manager Peter Switzer and Head Electrician Colin McMichael. Switzer spent the time answering as many questions as possible and was thanked for all the time given to ACE during the event. Everyone was on their own after that.
The nighttime Beavertails snack was the fourth and final food item of the event. (Does any other event provide four different food services throughout the day?) Night ERT had to change a bit as there were some ride issues, but the park did make sure attendees had rides on Wonder Mountain Guardian, Yukon Striker and Leviathan. It was after 10 p.m. before everyone got out of the park. Another incredible Roller Coasters, Eh?? was wrapped up.
On behalf of the entire ACE Canada rep team, thanks to everyone who came out from two provinces and 16 U.S. states to participate. This event could never happen without the amazing support from Canada’s Wonderland itself: Ana Paolo, Peter Switzer, Jason Vanden Bergh, Jim Williamson, Victoria Pichler, Colin McMichael and all the park staff who are there early and stay late to keep the event going.
Plans are already in the works for what could be the biggest year ever in 2020. Look for more, all new events, and, of course, don’t forget about the region’s premier event, Roller Coasters, Eh?? on September 19.
— Ken Jones
ACE Canada Assistant Regional Representative
@#$%&!
#ACENews