originally posted on 4/15/2023
Photo: Jennifer McGrath. View full-sized image.
The Carousel Museum in Bristol, Connecticut, was the host this year for The Great Nor’Easter, marking only the second or third time in this event’s history that the event did not take place on the grounds of an amusement park.
Opening the event on March 11 was Assistant Regional Rep Mike Thompson, with a last-man-standing coaster trivia game. The winner received a special limited edition gold ACE New England pin.
The chosen name for ACE New England’s adopted carousel horse was ACE. Photo: Rus Ozana. View full-sized image.
The first presentation came from the venue host, The Carousel Museum. Executive Director Morgan Urgo shared information about the museum and its future goals for a $15 million expansion that will include a full-sized carousel. After the presentation, Regional Rep Rus Ozana presented the museum with a check to adopt a carousel horse. Those adopting a horse can choose a name, and the unanimous choice among the attendees was “ACE.”
Lynsey Winters, marketing director for Lake Compounce (Bristol, Connecticut), talked about the park's new floating stage that will host the summer concert series. She also announced that one of the trains from the iconic Boulder Dash will be repainted yellow, an original train color when Boulder Dash opened in 2000. Also of note, the park's classic Wildcat roller coaster will remain closed in 2023, as it is being refurbished ahead of its 100th birthday.
Deno “DJ” Vourderis of Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park (Coney Island, New York) “pulled back the curtain” on the process of purchasing and installing its newest coaster, Phoenix, a Vekoma suspended family coaster model. It was quite fascinating to hear what it took to install this coaster and the variation in plans as to what it could have been. DJ also provided everyone in attendance with a gift card to use at the park on a future visit.
NebulaZ. Photo: Cheri Armstrong. View full-sized image.
To close out the first half of presentations, an email from Brand Manager Chris Nicoli of Canobie Lake Park (Salem, New Hampshire) was shared. The park confirmed the purchase of the Zamperla NebulaZ, which was displayed on 2022's IAAPA Expo show floor. It was dismantled after the show and shipped to the park, where it is awaiting assembly. They will take over food service operations at the park starting this season. It was announced that High Flying Canines will be performing on the Midway Stage three times a day this summer. Other ride notes included the removal of the Tall Timber Splash water ride.
After a delicious lunch of pizza and salad, Ozana provided an overview of all things going on within ACE. This included a look back at the many events, changes and additions to the organization in 2022 and a look ahead to 2023.
George Frantzis of Quassy Amusement Park (Middlebury, Connecticut) shared that the park had a great season in 2022, thanks in part to the addition of the Rocket Rapids Water Coaster. In 2023 Quassy will introduce a Musik Express, which was originally going to be named Super Himalaya.
Periodically throughout the day, door prizes were awarded, including donated admission tickets to Canobie Lake Park and Lake Compounce. There were so many prizes available that the door prize tickets were read through twice, and once everyone received two, attendees were encouraged to take anything that remained.
Photo contest winners (left to right) Rus Ozana (second), Brian McCormack (first) and David Tassi (third) pose with Photo Contest Coordinator Emery Picotte. Photo: Rus Ozana collection. View full-sized image.
Topping off the event was Jennifer McGrath, public relations manager of Six Flags New England (Agawam, Massachusetts). The park recently announced the Dino Off Road Adventure attraction, which is set to feature nine highly realistic dinosaur animatronics, but the park isn't stopping there; it is working on a multitude of enhancement projects this off season. Among these projects are a refreshed Rockville area, including the new Yamas! Greek Cuisine (the former Rockville Drive-In) and the Pink Elephant Wine and Kid Slushies stand (an upgraded Slush Factory). Other new dining options will include a new dino-themed stand (the former Go Fresh Cafe) and a park-run food truck that will change theming throughout the season. The Take Six eatery is being converted into a brand-new VIP Lounge.
The park is improving its entry experience with new trolleys from the parking lot and a completely refreshed and improved entrance area. The area that formerly held the now-removed Goliath is now known as Crackaxle Commons and will be used for various activities throughout the season. Over in Hurricane Harbor (waterpark), Bonzai Pipelines will be closed in 2023 with part of its midway being used for the lush new Cabana Cove. The park will host a new Scream Break event in April, with more seasonal events to be announced. On top of all the exciting news, McGrath gave everyone two exit passes plus the opportunity to win more in a dinosaur-inspired trivia game.
Attendees heard from park representatives (left to right) Jennifer McGrath, George Frantzis and Deno "DJ" Vourderis. Photo: Rus Ozana. View full-sized image.
To close out the day, attendees were offered a tour of the museum and its many beautiful pieces. It was a fun day learning about everything going on within the industry and in the local area. Attendees were grateful to ACE New England, The Carousel Museum and all the parks and their presenters for such an entertaining and informative event.
— Drtad (D.J.) Hazarvartian
#ACENews