originally posted on 1/14/2022
Photo: Derek Perry Collection. View full-sized image.
On December 12, a merry group of over 40 elves descended on Castle Park in Riverside, California, for ACE SoCal's Holiday Party. The day began with a festive ERT session on the Screamin' Demon. This Fabbri spinning mouse had not been operating for six years and just reopened in 2021, so most of the attendees arrived early to take advantage of the exclusive ride time. The holiday party welcomed several ACE members to Castle Park for their first visit, and for some attendees, it was their first time experiencing an ACE event. Partygoers came from all over California, Las Vegas and as far away as Pennsylvania. This was the first time ACE was at Castle Park as a group since 2019 when they hosted a post-Con add-on day after Coaster Con 42, which was held in Southern California.
The recently reopened Screamin’ Demon was a draw.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
The joyous celebrants enjoyed the park's holiday decorations and magical assortment of rides, and attractions. Castle Park has an impressive collection of rides which includes a Vekoma junior coaster, Merlin's Revenge; the Antique Car Ride, a Model T electric-center rail track that originally operated at Knott's Berry Farm; Ghost Blasters, an interactive dark ride that is tucked away inside an arcade that is inside of a castle; and Riverside Express, which treats guests to majestic views of the holiday décor.
Merlin’s Revenge.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
Ghost Blasters. Photo: Harold Davis. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jackie Edwards Collection. View full-sized image.
Castle Park had many holiday lights throughout the park, which were shining all day and featured an enchanted nighttime snowfall. A highlight of the park's winter celebration is the gingerbread house competition. ACE member Don Palmer took first prize in the competition and went home with four tickets to Castle Park and an adorable reindeer stuffed toy.
Don Palmer snagged top prize in the gingerbread house competition.
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
ACEers made merry with a catered pizza lunch under The Big Top, which was followed by an announcement of the scavenger hunt winners and their prize selection. Grand prize for the hunt went to Jessica Gardner and Nicholas Brandt. The charming Castle Park is filled with fascinating history, and those who participated in the scavenger hunt were rewarded not only with fabulous prizes like theme park tickets, roller coaster T-shirts and a World Roller Coaster Appreciation Month pin, but perhaps also with a greater appreciation for the splendor of Castle Park. Thanks were given to Castle Park and its employees for their hospitality. By hosting this event, they made the holiday season even brighter for all who attended.
— Doug Perry, ACE Southern California Assistant Regional Representative
Photo: Derek Perry. View full-sized image.
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