originally posted on 1/13/2020
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
On Saturday, December 7, ACEers from across Los Angeles, San Diego and Orange Counties made their way to Fiesta Village Family Fun Park to celebrate together at the SoCal ACE Holiday Party. Located about 60 miles east of Los Angeles in Colton, Fiesta Village has been entertaining guests since it opened its doors in 1974. Fiesta Village has won the San Bernardino County’s Readers’ Choice Award (voted on by readers of Redlands Daily Facts and San Bernardino Sun) for "Best Place for Kids to Have Fun" for 11 years in a row, and after attending the party, everyone would agree that it is also a fantastic place for adults to have fun too!
Dragon Roller Coaster
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
The park's Dragon Roller Coaster is the first at Fiesta Village. It opened in 2016 after operating at Sonoma TrainTown Railroad as Dragon Train until 2014. Southern California ACE members are glad that Fiesta Village chose to move this fun Wisdom Rides Double Spiral coaster 471 miles south from Sonoma to put this fantastic amusement park on the radar of coaster fans. The weather almost put a damper on all attendees getting to ride and obtain this credit (except for one member who had been on it prior to this visit). As soon as Dragon opened, ACEers took a spin on the coaster and the park's other classic rides, including a speedy Scrambler and a slippery Tilt-a-Whirl.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
A pizza party followed with very friendly helpers who were attentive and answered all questions with smiles on their faces. Afterward, the rain that was promised arrived and the party hosts alerted everyone that Dragon would operate in light rain, but heavy rain would close the ride because of the booster wheel lift. Faster than Santa zooming through the night sky, ACEers who had not yet ridden the coaster sprang from their seats to experience it. Away to the Dragon they flew like a flash, to get their credit in a wonderful mad dash. It was a holiday miracle that everyone made it on before the ride had to go down for weather.
Dragon Roller Coaster
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
A group photo followed, and then it was time for laser tag, which many may say was a major highlight of the day. There were enough vests for everyone in attendance to play at the same time. Running around the black-lit room with new and old friends provided such laughter that it would remain in everyone's memories well into the new year. Meduza's “Lose Control” song was played during laser tag, which was a perfect theme while attendees blasted each other with lasers; everyone seemed to lose all control with smiles on their faces.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
All too soon, the arcade filled up as ACEers used their game cards and then said goodbyes. One attendee who lived closest to the park mentioned that this was his first ACE event since Coaster Con at Hersheypark in 1982! He is sure not to let that much time pass before he attends another.
The hospitality at Fiesta Village was excellent, and everyone looks forward to returning to this great park to enjoy the miniature golf and waterslides in warmer months. Fiesta Village made sure that all attendees had a holly jolly time, and all ACE members should do themselves a favor and visit this charming amusement park!
— Derek Perry
ACE Southern California Assistant Regional Representative
Randy DuVall, far right, was the winner of the laser tag competition. Also pictured, l.-r., Alan Trotter, John Gerard, John Ballnik and Mike Sites, the later whom had not been to an ACE event since Coaster Con in 1982.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
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