originally posted on 10/1/2021
Photo: Bret Ulozas. View full-sized image.
Once upon a time, in the faraway land of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, long ago in the year 2000, a magical place called Storybook Land welcomed into its family a roller coaster named Bubbles. Bubbles is a dragon, and he runs on a bright pink track made by E&F Miler. And if the members of ACE New Jersey can brag for just a moment, they’d like to think they helped make Bubbles famous.
ACE began its annual Christmastime gatherings at Storybook Land in 2009 with Bubbles leading off the fun every time. But many ACE folk hadn’t ever seen the park in the warmth of summer, under sunny skies, among gardens of blooming color. Some didn’t even know that Bubbles’ tiny house, next to the first drop, blew real bubbles out of its chimney except when the weather’s too cold — which it’s always been in December.
So, to mark the occasion of Bubbles’ 20th birthday, and to thank ACE for its support and friendship, the Storybook Land family decided to throw a party in the summer of 2020 and invite ACE. However, 2020 being the year it was, the big event was forced into 2021. (There was the thought among a few in ACE to make it a Bubbles cocktail party for his 21st, but no one wants to see our dragon pal slapped with a CWI* citation … not to mention, this is a family park.) The date was set for July 17, invitations were sent and 38 members and guests preregistered for the event — not a bad number for a Saturday at the height of summer.
Photo: Curt Schimmel. View full-sized image.
Just like every Storybook Land outing, ERT on Bubbles the Coaster and the perennial favorite Tick Tock Clock Drop started the day a full hour before park opening. By then, noon, it was certain the ongoing heat wave would continue, with no relief that day. Storybook Land’s rich covering of trees shielded the sun, but nothing could stop the heat, well over 90 degrees, and not a bit of breeze. Even the cicadas had stopped buzzing, it was so hot.
Yet the party went on. At opening time, several attendees headed for Storybook Seaport, a multi-element sprayground, ahead of entering guests seeking to cool off quickly. The subterranean depths of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland were perfect for a few minutes of chill, even at the cost of a maze of cards at the exit. The bright sunny day was also a chance to explore some of the thematic detail, vintage signage and local homages, all generated in-house, that are easily missed under the distraction of holiday crowds and a million twinkling lights. It’s in recent installations like the Zip Zap Racers and in upgrades to the Old Tymers auto ride and other longtime favorites.
Photo: Bret Ulozas. View full-sized image.
The main event of the day was at 2 p.m. — a birthday buffet lunch with Bubbles. The event included an upcharge option to include a special gift bag of Storybook Land treasures: a pin set, patch, tree ornament, keychain and lanyard. Party tables were set with several tiny bottles of Bubbles’ bubbles.
While some were wilting in the heat, Bubbles proved to be the hero of the day, making a big splashy entrance, standing for an “interview,” and sticking around long enough for every attendee who wanted a picture with Bubbles to get one. The song was sung, the candles were blown out on the fantastic green birthday cake encircled with pink roller coaster track, and Bubbles said his thanks and was off to his next adventure, which was hopefully somewhere with air conditioning. Meanwhile, ACE friends enjoyed pizza, barbecued pork, mac and cheese and cold salads among the festive surroundings — and of course, green birthday cake. Still, all were understanding when soon after lunch, most attendees gracefully found the park exit and made an escape from the hot outdoors. Besides, another outing awaited them at the beach. In any case, all lived happily ever after or at least until the next ACE New Jersey event two hours later.
Attendees appreciated the heartwarming relationship with the park management.
Photo: Bret Ulozas. View full-sized image.
ACE New Jersey thanked the friends at Storybook Land for yet another fun day in their wonderful park, for generously thinking of ACE (it was, after all, their idea) and for keeping the plan alive through an extra, crisis-ridden year. Special thanks went to third-generation owner-operator (and new mom!) Jessica Panetta, of the founding Fricano family, for always knowing how to make members feel welcome.
[* coasting while intoxicated]
— Mark Davidson, ACE New Jersey Assistant Regional Representative
@#$%&!
#ACENews