originally posted on 12/3/2021 1:28:39 AM
Photo: Chris Tilsley collection. View full-sized image.
The annual event Quoth the Raven; Ride Some More resumed this year after a year off because of COVID-19. On Saturday, October 2, ACE Midwest flew into Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari (Santa Claus, Indiana) to enjoy the park’s Happy Halloween Weekends. The day began with the threat of rain in the air. This, of course, doesn’t deter coaster enthusiasts. A total of 24 ACE members and guests were in attendance. The light rain did scare away the general public, leaving many of the rides walk-ons for those willing to brave a little bad weather.
Photo: Chris Tilsley. View full-sized image.
As in the past, the day started with a walk through the woods and around The Raven and The Legend roller coasters to beat the crowd to Thunderbird for the first rides of the day. Attendees competed on Gobbler Getaway at their leisure, taking a picture of scores at the end of the ride and submitting them throughout the day. Jean Lines was announced as the winner of the contest at dinner and presented with a 75th anniversary coffee mug as a prize.
Several ACEers met up to take on the corn maze as a group. This has become an annual tradition for our fall visit to the park. The corn maze is a family-friendly attraction. Participants can take a map of the maze with them to assist in navigating. There are also flags located at key points in the maze to signal park personnel for those who are lost and need assistance. Luckily, ACEers didn’t have to raise a flag as they were able to reach the end of the maze on their own.
In the afternoon, fourth-generation-Owner Leah Koch hosted a tour of the park’s sign shop. The shop is a remarkably small department given the quantity and quality of signage that it produces. Koch recounted stories of many of the signs on display, as well as discussed the sign shop’s role in becoming compliant with the state’s COVID-19 requirements for operating in a pandemic. The sign department handles not only ride signage and logos, but any and all notices seen throughout the park to keep guests informed. It is a big undertaking. The park also keeps a collection of retired ride signs and logos that attendees got to see again as well as the type of equipment and supplies needed to maintain and produce the park’s signage.
Photo: Chris Tilsley. View full-sized image.
Another event tradition is to gather as a group to watch the annual Halloween stage show. This year’s show was titled “Monster Mash,” an interactive singing show during which the audience gets to decide the best monster of the show. The winning monster then gets to perform a solo as a reward.
In lieu of a catered meal, attendees were provided a $15 Holicash voucher good anywhere in the park. Most attendees used the vouchers at a predetermined group mealtime at Plymouth Rock Cafe toward the end of the day.
And of course, it wouldn’t be Quoth the Raven; Ride Some More without a ride on The Raven. The group gathered at the ride entrance with the park staff and waited for guests to clear out so ACE could have one last ride before heading home.
All in all, it was an enjoyable if not a little wet day at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. Everyone had a good time, and ACE Midwest looks forward to visiting again next fall.
— Chris Tilsley, ACE Midwest Regional Representative
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