originally posted on 7/29/2022
Photo: Bret Ulozas. View full-sized image.
If it’s the second Saturday in June (or somewhere around there on the calendar), it’s time for the annual Seaside Screams at Casino Pier (Seaside Heights), ACE New Jersey’s longest-running annual event, superstorms and pandemics excepted. Begun in 2007, this year’s event was the 15th gathering under that name, and it boasted a healthy attendance of 82 members and guests on June 11. Weather was iffy as it often is at the shore in June — kinda warm, sorta sunny and with a steady wind off the ocean — but ultimately a very pleasant day.
Pirate's Hideaway.
Photo: Bret Ulozas. View full-sized image.
Bret Ulozas is honored by Deb Karu — and Keilan! — of Casino Pier.
Photo: Mark Davidson. View full-sized image.
A fun start to the morning that’s been missed the last few visits was revived: the “what’s-new walkabout” reaching all corners of Casino Pier, led by Pier Manager Deb Karu and her able assistant, three-year-old Keilan Karu, who’s got quite a career in guest relations in his future. Then, the tables were turned on a tradition among ACE events when Deb revealed a special presentation: a framed certificate of appreciation from Casino Pier for Bret Ulozas, ACE New Jersey regional representative since 2011, along with a gift bag full of Casino Pier goodies. In addition to his work in producing and promoting the region’s twice-a-year Casino Pier events, Ulozas has spent a lifetime documenting the history and current events of Casino Pier and all amusements along the legendary Seaside Boardwalk, through his photography, movies and storytelling in addition to his work in ACE. Every amusement place should be so lucky to have such a champion.
Hot Tamales and Xolo Loca entangled in a dance.
Photos: Mark Davidson. View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
Following the most efficiently assembled and executed group photo in the history of ACE (just like last year) was an hour of ERT on all four Casino Pier coasters — Hydrus, Pirate's Hideaway, Hot Tamales and Xola Loco — and another favorite, the Centrifuge. Many amusement operators have kicked up the thrills of a standard Eli Bridge Scrambler by enclosing the ride and adding sound, lighting and effects, but perhaps none have succeeded in reaching the structural and technological finesse of Casino Pier’s Centrifuge, an extensive project that made its debut on the pier in 2019. As an added thanks to Ulozas, he was given the honor to DJ and conduct the light show for the initial ride of the day. Of course, this turned Centrifuge into the most popular ride of the morning over all the coasters (even as this reporter, expecting a classic Black Sabbath track, was surprised and charmed to hear Talking Heads). Outside, attendees enjoyed the first chance to completely enjoy the almost-new-for-2021 Xolo Loca, since the two tumbling lead cars weren’t certified for riders until the very end of the 2021 season. Now, with Xolo’s course surrounding the Hot Tamales junior coaster, it’s a visual coaster overload and creates a new center of the universe for all ages of thrill-seeking pier guests, rivaling the steel green arcs of Hydrus that have spectacularly anchored the new section of Casino Pier since 2017.
Bret Ulozas runs Centrifuge sound and lights.
Photos: Deb Karu. View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
Every ACE visit to Casino Pier includes a long list of extras, giving attendees more to do than they can possibly fit into the day. Still, they gave it a spirited effort, enjoying a race on the Go-Karts, a round trip on the Skyride, a game of golf at Smuggler’s Quay, a spin on the Skyscraper and unlimited rides on the pier all day and evening — all included with the $25 event wristband. Speaking of raising spirits, both Waves Bar in the casino and Froggy’s on the pier offered a generous 25 percent discount on frozen adult refreshments. Yet again, all were reminded that membership has its benefits.
Freebies or not, however, the atmosphere and opportunity for people watching and soaking up the ocean air make any day in Seaside scream with fresh energy and rejuvenation. The ongoing rebirth of the Boardwalk’s south end shows off new experiences (and tastes!) with every visit. Casino Pier’s massive arcade has undergone a sparkling renovation since the removal of the 1910 Illions Carousel, which held residence there since the 1930s; now the property of the Borough of Seaside Heights, the antique machine is in pieces undergoing refurbishment in Ohio. The new Carousel pavilion at the Boardwalk’s north end now stands in wait for the beloved ride to return once the job is complete. There’s no better way to kick off summer with this annual gathering, truly ACE New Jersey’s signature event, and there are always a million reasons to return … and they will, for Seaside Hangover at Casino Pier on August 28.
Photos: Mark Davidson. View full-sized image.
Hydrus. View full-sized image.
Thanks went out to the entire pier team and to Deb Karu, along with congratulations for her recent attainment of 25 years with Casino Pier; and to Ulozas for his perennial efforts to bring ACE friends together at this magical sweet spot on the world-famous Jersey Shore.
— Mark Davidson, ACE New Jersey Assistant Regional Representative
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