originally posted on 1/25/2020
Photo: Bret Ulozas. View full-sized image.
It warms the heart of even the most jaded ‘Jersey enthusiast to know December brings the return of a favorite ACE get-together. And when it’s this cold, the warming part really counts. If 11 years qualifies as a tradition, then that’s what ACE New Jersey has with “A Christmas Story”book Land, held every December at Storybook Land (Egg Harbor Township) since 2009.
Photo: Bret Ulozas. View full-sized image.
One must conclude the just-above-freezing temperature affected turnout for the 2019 edition: 42 attended, about half what the event has typically drawn. A good number were regulars and reliables who get to every event no matter what; but a handful were, somehow, first-time visitors to the magical forest in the deep South Jersey pines (remember this part; it comes up later). Again this year, all enjoyed the customary pre-opening ERT on Bubbles the Coaster and Tick Tock Clock Drop, because humans love repetition. The park filled with families immediately after opening, clearly with no fear of the chill. The staff was ready and kept things moving and laughing all the way.
The usual afternoon gathering with management was a chance to thank the hosts Jessica Panetta, John and JJ Fricano, Bill Melfi and the entire staff — many thanks as always for the welcomes, the friendship, the support and the real interest in what ACE does. Thanks also for the insight into progress on Storybook Land’s upcoming SBF-Visa coaster. The enlarged version of the popular spinning coaster model will be part of an expansion into a newly developed area and requires approval from the New Jersey Pinelands Commission, as the park sits within the state and national preserve. This may explain the delay in the project, but it seems all will fall into place soon. It was also noted that plans are already in the works for Bubbles’ 20th birthday bash in 2020, with an ACE New Jersey event in August. One bit of news that couldn’t be shared at the event was released a few days later: Storybook Land will be featured in ABC-TV’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight” during the 2020 holiday season.
Photo: Matthew Kaiser. View full-sized image.
Photo: Matthew Kaiser. View full-sized image.
With thanks and hugs and a group photo to seal it — as always, in front of the spiffy midcentury Herschell merry-go-round — attendees were sent on their way with refillable hot chocolate mugs, and it must be said that anyone who hasn’t enjoyed Storybook Land’s Ultimate Hot Chocolate simply has not lived. As the sun moved away, Santa did his magic with the wand and the lights, and one and all scattered into the cold, colorful night to do it all again under a million twinkles, just like always. Some things never change, and that’s just fine.
— Mark Davidson, ACE New Jersey Assistant Regional Representative
Photo: Matthew Kaiser. View full-sized image.
@#$%&!
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