originally posted on 11/5/2021 1:17:39 AM
Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.
Unusual October heat welcomed 131 attendees from nine states, the District of Columbia and Canada for ACE Mid-Atlantic’s annual (except last year) Fall Thrillfest on October 16. ACE Mid-Atlantic is so grateful to Kings Dominion (Doswell, Virginia) for offering the opportunity to return for an event and come together with fellow enthusiasts again.
All were invited to join in a game of bingo during registration, either on Instagram or paper, to meet some of their fellow attendees by searching for those who fit the square. Attendees searched for individuals from a different state than theirs or those who were wearing an ACE T-shirt, claimed “Casablanca” as their favorite movie or had been bitten by a lion. Those completing their 4 by 4 card received a prize at the picnic and those with a traditional bingo line were drawn at random for a prize.
As the last packet was distributed, the gates opened for an hour-long ERT on Twisted Timbers and Flying Eagles. When the halfway point of ERT approached, the ladies in attendance were invited to step forward to fill a train for an all-ladies Twisted Timbers ride. What fun it was to come together and realize how many females were attending — it was a perfect opportunity to meet someone new.
Twisted Timbers.
Photo: Aidan Brown. View full-sized image.
As ERT concluded, most gathered for back-to-back tours of haunted mazes while some scurried to catch a few coaster rides at park opening. Christopher Hutert, Haunt production manager, took attendees through the new-for-2021 Grimmwoods maze, which occupies the former Dinosaur Alive area. The maze uses large-scale building façades to create the atmosphere of a journey through three of Grimm’s Fairytales. Hutert shared with us that the establishment of a new maze is an evolution; the opportunity for expanded scares and enhancements is built into the infrastructure, but some will not be utilized until year two. This year’s Haunt actors worked a five-to-six-hour shift without a duplicate actor to relieve them. This high-demand role is made more exhausting by the one to two hours they spend in makeup prior to their shift.
Christopher Hutert addresses attendees about one of the new haunted houses.
Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.
Following Grimmwoods, attendees were taken inside Condemned, which uses the former Action Theatre to take guests through Darkside Manor. Exceptional details make this maze immersive in the story. Because of COVID precautions, a few changes have been instituted from its original design, including the removal of lighting solely by the flashlights (intentionally dimmed) that guests carried through the maze and an airwall. The installed lighting now provides guests the necessary light to journey through the maze safely and allows more appreciation of the beauty of the design style.
As attendees exited Condemned, the group felt a bit condemned to get wet as the day’s predicted rain and storms had arrived and drops of rain could be felt. This didn’t stop the fun as teens and tweens headed to the ice cream social for them and their families. Kings Dominion rolled out the ice cream and toppings to let these young ACEers connect and socialize. Single riders were invited to meet for the first informal takeover time (ITOT) on Racer 75 to offer them a chance to perhaps meet a friend to share a few rides.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.
Chef Dennis, Kings Dominion’s executive chef, stopped by to say hello to attendees prior to the start of lunch and check that all was in order. Lunch featured pulled pork, which is now smoked on site by the in-house team daily. As the buffet opened, the rain and lightning arrived, forcing a group photo under the shelter. Park President Bridgette Bywater was present to welcome attendees and made some brief remarks, followed by Regional Rep Elizabeth Ringas, who enjoyed the opportunity to introduce many new members to the world of ACE. Door prizes and bingo prizes were awarded, and volunteers were recognized. Thanks to generous donations from Kings Dominion, the fundraising auction was a success, raising $700 for the ACE Preservation Fund, ACE Archives Fund and National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives. Some of the items included a Kings Dominion banner, a Twisted Timbers banner and slides from HyperSonic XLC and Volcano original artwork.
At the conclusion of the picnic, all attendees received two different Kings Dominion color changing cups, and an ITOT was held on the antique car ride.
Before mazes began opening for the evening, it was time to race fellow attendees to declare this year’s Grizzly Racer tournament champion. All were invited to play two rounds of the water gun shooting race in a tournament-style battle. Carl Stieren was the champion this year with honorable mentions to Dan Ryan and Ted Ansley. Attendees under 18 were invited to play a special round, in which Vassilios Ringas came out the kids’ round champion. All were presented with a park souvenir prize.
Photo: Seth Angelilli. View full-sized image.
The event concluded with EHT, the Mid-Atlantic’s haunt version of ERT, in which all enjoyed first access to Grimmwoods to experience it in full show mode.
Huge thanks were offered to Kings Dominion management for their hospitality and a wonderful day for all!
— Elizabeth Ringas, ACE Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative
Photo: Jill Ryan. View full-sized image.
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