originally posted on 3/16/2020
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
The creative minds behind Six Flags Fiesta Texas realized that Leap Day would not fall on an operating day again for a few decades. It was a simple enough reason to have fun with the park’s annual event. They took the expected traditions of Fiesta Fest and threw in a bunch of cool surprises.
With a representation of 16 states, 152 people were welcomed with spectacular weather. Although technically winter, a beautiful blue sky made for outstanding pictures during several photo opportunities. By afternoon, temperatures were beaming in the glorious 70s.
The opportunity to climb Goliath’s lift hill was a new perk to the event.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Several things were happening during the morning before the park opened to the public. An extensive hot breakfast awaited ACEers in one of the park’s VIP dining areas. But the nifty opportunity on the schedule was being able to walk Goliath’s lift hill. In contrast to typical cliff tours, this perspective offered views from the front of the park. ERT was also taking place on the freshly painted Boomerang. (Yeah, okay; but it was in the area.)
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
The freshly painted Boomerang started rides off.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Following this trio of activities came the first surprise. Marketing Manager Jeff Filicko led attendees to Poltergeist and steered everyone toward a security gate. Opened just for ACE, the infield of the Premier coaster’s spaghetti bowl was fair game for cool pictures. Just one rule: Do not climb on the coaster. This unannounced opportunity was a tremendous hit. Huge! Up-close-and-personal opportunities with coaster track will always go over well with members.
Views from within Poltergeist were a photographer’s dream.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
By this time, the operational day had begun, and attendees were free to explore the park. Locals hit favorites; first-time visitors and those from out of state tried to pack in all the coasters and the newer additions.
Much is happening at Fiesta Texas, including a total makeover of the kids area, the development of a new fireworks show and, of course, Dare Devil Dive, the new Super Air Race from Zamperla. This recognizable flat ride will get the Fiesta treatment by first raising 50 feet in the air. Not only is it the first of its kind, but the park is throwing its own spin on it with a storyline queue and fire effects around the ride. It all embraces a snazzy steampunk vibe that will fit well in the thematic environs of Crackaxle Canyon.
Marketing Manager Jeff Filicko organized a day full of cool surprises.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Park President Jeffrey Siebert explained on the details to the upcoming Dare Devil Dive.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
In the afternoon, attendees met at the construction site so Park President Jeffrey Siebert could spotlight all the details going into the ride, the queue and the area. Following a group photo at this location, just a short walk away was Iron Rattler’s first drop. A quick stroll there made for another fun photo op surprise. Exclusive views of roller coasters earn a quick approval from ACEers.
Being escorted to the bottom of Iron Rattler’s first drop was a nifty perk.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
By late afternoon, a large number of members headed to the Boardwalk area. Attendance was so high for the event, not everyone could fit on the Mardi Gras floats. However, regional members made sure everyone who had never had this opportunity were able to hop on. Once the parade started at 5 p.m., float after float traveled down the streets of Rockville with enthusiasts tossing beads to the public and their ACE friends. It’s an entertaining time and a nice perk for attending the event.
Every float in the parade was staffed with ACEers tossing beads.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.
The Mardi Gras flair continued with Cajun cuisine for a dinner buffet. During dinner, park management officially greeted the attendees as a group, and the regional rep team spoke about upcoming events in the ACE South Central region.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Closing time wasn’t too far away. People darted to their cars to grab jackets for the coolness of the evening. Then it was time for ERT. And what a dandy ERT it was! Every coaster in the park was open for ACE. Anyone on a mad crusade might have been able to rush to get all 10 in during the 90 minutes. Most people centered on their favorites — among which are Wonder Woman Golden Lasso Coaster, Superman Krypton Coaster, Iron Rattler and Canyon Blaster. Some, however, were diverted by the Mardi Gras decadence of powdered sugar beignets and bread pudding with praline sauce. Yum!
Mardi Gras dessert was served during the ERT.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Whether a season passholder or not, attendees found Fiesta Fest to be a fantastic value and a superb time. Before leaving, members thanked the management team members they encountered for a great day. All the departments at Fiesta Texas contributed and produced an outstanding event — one that encouraged ACEers to return soon to enjoy all that is new on the horizon.
— Tim Baldwin
ACE News Editor
Fiesta Texas opened every roller coaster for night ERT.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.
@#$%&!
#ACENews