originally posted on 7/6/2021 1:07:51 AM
A Coaster Con Like No Other
As I was preparing for Coaster Con 43, I will admit to being anxious about a lot of things. How will it feel to be among people, especially ACEers, again? How will I react to seeing smiling faces after 15 months of isolation? How will those ACEers react to me? With these thoughts in mind, I was lucky enough to attend Schlittercon, the ACE South Central event in New Braunfels, Texas, on Memorial Day weekend.
It was there that I learned a few things about myself. First, I missed people. I was surprised by my reaction to getting together again after a long time. While I was never a big “hugger,” I had become one over the months of lockdown. My old PC (pre-COVID) hugs were reserved and polite, and my XC (after-COVID) hugs were plentiful and hopefully welcomed. If someone hugged back, it quickly evolved into a bear hug celebration.
Going into Coaster Con with this knowledge, I let everyone know. Upfront I asked people not only to get ready for a hug, but to go out of their comfort zone and greet strangers. We are a community of people with one common link, the love of coasters, which binds us all together no matter our other differences. Hellos and hugs were handed out without question. I was extremely happy ACE and Coaster Con were back!
Part of my joy was the uplifting music that played in the parks. While walking on the mountain at home, I usually have a set of headphones on, listening to a mix of classic rock while climbing the hills. I really don’t dance, but definitely move when I feel like it. But that is when and where only my dog can see me. My joy being back at Coaster Con often found me doing those same moves in public — but I quickly decided I didn’t care what anyone thought as long as I was having fun!
My only real anxiety for the entire Con was hosting ACE’s annual business meeting (ABM) with a hybrid online component. The hybrid Sunday Executive Committee meeting wasn’t a great experience, but I’ve got to say that the ABM went much better than I expected. I am proud to be the caretaker of such a diverse, open and transparent organization of enthusiasts.
I also enjoyed reuniting with old friends and making new ones during some of the sweetest days at Hersheypark, having a delightful child-like time at Dutch Wonderland, experiencing the thrills and history at Dorney Park, enjoying lunch with our friends at Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters Inc. and reveling in the grand finale at Knoebels Amusement Resort. Everyone was smiling and happy, even when a rainstorm crossed our path or a ride went down unexpectedly. I was giddy until the last moment when everything was over and it was time to drive home to the Smokies from the Poconos.
And it was during my long drive when I considered what I had learned over the past year while stuck at home in the mountains in Tennessee — there is never enough time to love one another enough. While I have always been one to enjoy the moment, it is by reconnecting with others that I really feel alive and happy. No matter each of our differences, there is plenty to love and no time for hate. And I have learned most of all to love myself while loving others.
Coaster Con 43 is now in the history books, but the memories for me will last a lifetime. And I promise you this; if you want a hug, fling open your arms in my presence, and I will deliver.
Have fun! Thanks for being a member and see you in a queue!
— Robert Ulrich, ACE President
rulrich@aceonline.org
#ACENews