originally posted on 6/17/2022
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
On Memorial Day weekend, Schlitterbahn (New Braunfels, Texas) continued the tradition of hosting Schlittercon. At check-in, nearly 175 attendees were welcomed by ACE volunteers along with Angela Flournoy, digital content strategist for Cedar Fair, and Chad Blakeney, corporate manager, marketing and brand management (who traveled from Kings Dominion specifically to attend), both of whom were instrumental in organizing the event. Each guest was treated to two full days of fun, including two days admission, a gift tote, a T-shirt created specifically for this year’s event, a wristband valid for free drinks all weekend and a meal pass to use at their leisure on Saturday.
Chad Blakeney and Angela Flournoy
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Saturday provided everyone their own time to enjoy the park’s wide variety of slides, tube chutes and unique attractions or a chance to soak up some sun or relax in one of the many pools on property. As the park closed for the day, Schlittercon attendees were invited to gather in the Bamboozle Bay heated pool area in Blastenhoff under the massive Master Blaster tower complex. Schlitterbahn provided complimentary snacks and sodas, along with discounted adult beverages, while everyone took the opportunity to relax in the swim-up bar, catching up with friends and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. It was a great social recap to a first day.
After the park closed on Saturday, attendees were invited to some exclusive time in one of the resort's heated pools for some great social time.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Sunday morning arrived, finding attendees in Surfenburg to enjoy a hearty breakfast. Schlitterbahn General Manager Darren Hill joined Flournoy and welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending the event. After breakfast, many guests participated in the annual ACE South Central Boogie Bahn competition, while others enjoyed exclusive access to the original water coaster, Dragon’s Revenge.
Numerous meals and snack receptions made Schlittercon a great value.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jeff Braziel. View full-sized image.
As a special exclusive for event attendees, Hill invited all to a tour of the park’s Bahn Haus facility following ERT. Those who chose to participate were given a unique look into this newly opened structure, which serves three purposes: a brand new break facility for employees, a catering kitchen for all group events and the smokehouse for all BBQ served across the entire New Braunfels complex. Director of Food and Beverage Chris Peitersen led groups through the facility, highlighting the function each area was responsible for and explaining how Schlitterbahn feeds thousands of visitors each day. Groups were introduced to Executive Chef Ernesto Valenzuela, who proudly showed off the smokers used to create the park’s delicious BBQ, including brisket, which is smoked for 12 hours, and ribs that are cooked for four hours, each over oak wood. Attendees even learned that the very meats seen cooking would be served at the event’s dinner that evening.
Schitterbahn’s Chris Peitersen led tours through one of the park’s newest facilities, which has state-of-the-art catering equipment.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Executive Chef Ernesto Valenzuela shows off the brisket being smoked for the event’s dinner.
Photo: Jeff Braziel. View full-sized image.
Tour members were also treated to a Q&A session with Hill, who addressed many of the changes and improvements that have been made to the property since being acquired by Cedar Fair. He also took time to answer many questions from the crowd and promised that Cedar Fair is committed to investing in the property for years to come.
GM Darren Hill answers questions from attendees before they tour the new Bahn Haus.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Hill arranged a private bus to return everyone to Surfenburg and Blastenhoff. It was then back to more fun in the Texas sun, allowing those attending the event to again enjoy the property at their leisure. As evening approached, event guests gathered at the Warneke Pavilion for a dinner of the aforementioned BBQ. The ACE South Central region also presented medals to the winners of this year’s Boogie Bahn competition: Amelia Simons, Jameson Davenport and Jayden Dewald (first through third, respectively, in the junior division). Best Wipeout was snagged by Luke Schroeder. In the senior division, first through third went to Shawn Diehl, Vzochi Uluh and Randy Fulco, with Best Wipeout won by Raffi Kilejian.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
Members of the regional rep team surround the Boogie Bahn medalists.
Photo: Jeff Braziel. View full-sized image.
After gathering for a group photo, attendees had some free time to enjoy the park, before meeting in Blastenhoff for ERT on the park’s slide tower, including the Wolfpack raft slide, the Black Knight enclosed tube slides and the park’s signature Master Blaster attraction. The evening concluded with a dessert bar, complimentary adult and nonadult beverages and glow items for kids and kids at heart. All too soon, sadly, it was time to bring this year’s event to a close, but everyone left knowing the next Schlittercon is only a year away.
— Jeff Braziel, ACE South Central Assistant Regional Representative
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.
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