originally posted on 12/13/2019
In years past, ACE News has looked back and observed major changes and big news of that particular year. Enthusiasts have their own perspective in comparison to what the general public might remember. Here is a sampling of what occurred in ACE’s world.
ACE News Online
The move to produce ACE News online has proved to be incredibly successful. Voted on and approved by the membership, the transition offered multiple advantages to members, starting with a reduction of dues. Timelier news content, longer features with more pictures, the ability to enlarge images and direct links to video moved the publication forward. For those who preferred a digested version, the classic layout was still produced in its regular bimonthly format as in the past to be enjoyed digitally or downloaded and printed. Change is always scary, but this move was a big change with grand results.
Regina, Tobu Zoo.
Photo: Keith Kastelic. View full-sized image.
Wooden Count Up Two, Down One
Always mindful of the status of wooden coasters, 2019 still came out ahead but not with numbers one could hope for. Two new wooden roller coasters were introduced: Kentucky Flyer (Kentucky Kingdom, Louisville) and Wilkołak (Majaland Kownaty, Poland). Both were the midsized type that reaches wide demographics, and ACE members can’t applaud enough. Congratulations to both parks. Unfortunately, the announcement of the closure of Regina (Tobu Zoo, Japan) was sad to hear. The Intamin woodie roared guests along its rails for 20 seasons but closed for good in August.
In the meantime, we'll keep eyes on Hellcat at Clementon Park (Clementon, New Jersey).
The prototype of Axis tested this fall at the S&S Worldwide headquarters.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Axis
New twists and bigger records are commonly found on upcoming coasters, but the introduction of an entirely new type of coaster genre is rather a big deal. Enthusiasts took immediate notice of S&S Worldwide and the prototype being tested at its Logan, Utah, facility this fall. Now proven, it is a hot item that has generated much buzz in the industry. Test rides have delivered a thrilling, innovative and glass-smooth ride experience. More please!
Photo: May Reinert. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
New Territory: Story Land and Santa’s Village
After four decades of events, the mere fact that ACE still finds parks to bring attention to for the first time with national events is somewhat remarkable. For those who attended the 2019 ACE Summer Conference, many had been to Funtown Splashtown USA (Saco, Maine) during previous national events, but what a treat it was for first-timers to experience Story Land (Glen, New Hampshire) and Santa’s Village (Jefferson, New Hampshire). As new territory goes, these two children’s parks were a delight. Around every corner was some new aspect full of charm and character. Members who visited were quick to say, “We’ll be back!”
Photo: S Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Photo: S Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Two ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Designations
The presentation of any ACE Roller Coaster Landmark plaque is a reason to celebrate. Bringing ACE’s brand front and center, as well as educating the public about rides of historical significance, is a win-win. This year’s recipients were Big Dipper at Camden Park (Huntington, West Virginia) and Montezooma’s Revenge at Knott’s Berry Farm (Buena Park, California). These designations took place during the 2019 ACE Preservation Conference and Coaster Con 42, respectively, where attendees could visually show their support to the parks for the effort of maintaining and preserving these rides.
Photo: Paul Daley. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Support for Camden Park
An occasion to support worthwhile projects using the ACE Preservation Fund is a reason to celebrate. ACE’s attendance at Camden Park (Huntington, West Virginia) brought about an opportunity for ACE to demonstrate its dedication toward and show its support for maintaining and preserving classic wooden coasters. Big Dipper at Camden Park is an ideal choice for our organization to bolster smaller, family-owned traditional parks. The ACE Executive Committee approved a motion to provide Camden Park with $10,000 toward the maintenance of Big Dipper. What could be more pleasing to those members with a large place in their hearts for preservation than such an active use of funds raised?
Six Flags Over Texas was one of several host parks for Coasting for Kids.
Photo: Steve Amos. View full-sized image.
Clint Novak and Elizabeth Ringas were active at the first event this year at Busch Gardens Williamsburg.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas Collection. View full-sized image.
Coasting for Kids
“Revived” doesn’t begin to describe Coasting for Kids in 2019. This fundraising event for Give Kids The World returned in a big way. ACE was a principal player in reaching new records for the event. Coaster riders raised $137,577, with much of the effort being done by ACE members. Give Kids The World Village houses families with critically ill children during cost-free vacations. Certainly, a welcome return.
Photo: Jeffrey Seifert. View full-sized image.
Galaxy’s Edge
What? There’s no coaster in these new lands at Disney parks on both coasts! Face it, these themed areas are immersive on an incredible scale. Looking back, all park fans will remember when Galaxy’s Edge opened. The completion of Rise of the Resistance attractions raises the bar.
Quimera
Not all news is good. A coaster incident (at Feria de Chapultepec, Mexico) involving fatalities is always horrifying. Two riders were killed and two others injured when one of the cars on Quimera derailed in September. This tragedy and its resulting consequences are hard to shake.
Photo: Matthew Kaiser. View full-sized image.
New Park: Nickelodeon Universe
Despite things not being completely finished, the opening of Nickelodeon Universe at the American Dream entertainment complex in Meadowlands, New Jersey, might have been rough around the edges, but it was an opening. The debut of any new park is exciting, and one with some major roller coasters is always welcome. ACEers can hope 2020 will be very kind to the park and that its long-awaited success can finally reach fruition.
Photo: Matthew Kaiser. View full-sized image.
— Tim Baldwin
ACE News Editor
@#$%&!
#ACENews