originally posted on 9/17/2021 12:56:41 AM
Photo: Chris Tilsey Collection. View full-sized image.
ACE Midwest region hosted Hoosier Hurricon at Indiana Beach (Monticello, Indiana) on Saturday, August 14, 2021. This was the first Midwest regional event in two years owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The park itself experienced a roller coaster of a year in 2020, announcing it was closing forever at the beginning of the year, changing owners, then reopening in the midst of the pandemic. At Hoosier Hurricon, it all felt like things picked up where they had left off. Indiana Beach offered two hours of ERT including the elusive Lost Coaster of Superstition Mountain. With always a long line during park hours, Lost Coaster is quite the twisted, well-themed ride. In fact, LoCoSuMo was running quite well during our visit with all of the animatronics in working order. Cornball Express and Hoosier Hurricane were also running well.
ERT on Cornball Express.
Photos: Bob Redman. View full-sized image.
Steel Hawg. View full-sized image.
Lost Coaster of Superstition Mountain.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Indiana Beach is always gracious with ACE and included a free admission to Dr. Frankenstein’s Castle during the visit. This walk-through haunted house is a real treat for dark house enthusiasts. A favorite part for many ACEers is the zombie band playing toward the end of the attraction.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Hoosier Hurricane.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
During the hottest part of the day, what better place is there to cool off than the Fascination room? Attendees enjoyed a full hour in the air conditioning, playing round after round of Fascination, also free of charge. Nicole Ervin won a few prizes from Indiana Beach, and ACE Midwest was one of the top winners of the afternoon.
Fascination.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Attendees toured the construction site.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Indiana Beach has begun constructing the Schwarzkopf coaster purchased from Mexico. However, because of shipping delays, the park has yet to complete reconstruction of the coaster. Attendees did, however, get to tour the construction site and snap a few pictures of the progress. The group photo was also taken in front of one of the loops.
The event ended with a nighttime ride on the Shafer Queen, a river boat excursion that offers views from around Lake Shafer. At night, seeing all of the rides — including the light package on the Ferris Wheel the park installed several years ago — is a highlight.
Photo: Dan Brewer. View full-sized image.
Indiana Beach once again welcomed and entertained ACE with its eclectic collection of rides, games and attractions. ACE Midwest always has a great time at Indiana Beach and appreciated the hospitality.
— Chris Tilsley, ACE Midwest Regional Representative
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