originally posted on 4/21/2023
Photo: Gary Slade Collection. View full-sized image.
Photo: Courtesy NEAAPA. View full-sized image.
It’s exciting when one of ACE’s members is recognized by the amusement industry.
Gary Slade, an honorary ACE member since 2000, was inducted into the New England Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ (NEAAPA) Hall of Fame on March 7 at the 110th Anniversary Education Conference and Annual Meeting.
Slade, an early member of ACE, served as a regional representative for Texas when the regional rep system was being instituted in the 1980s. His work at establishing the Roller Coaster Museum and Archives in Plainview, Texas, cannot be overstated. His work on acquiring coaster equipment and engaging the industry has been instrumental in advancing ACE’s longtime goal of creating a roller coaster museum.
Shock Wave ride crew at Six Flags Over Texas, 1979.
Photo: Gary Slade Collection. View full-sized image.
While his 45 years in the amusement industry started as a ride operator at Six Flags Over Texas, he eventually used his photography skills to work with manufacturers and suppliers to document and market the opening of new attractions. In 1997, Slade’s role shifted from the enthusiast side to the industry side when he began publishing Amusement Today. Taking the advice of three departed Texas friends: Bruce Neal of Six Flags Over Texas, Sherrie Brammall of Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Paul Roads of Wonderland Park — each of whom encouraged him to use his newspaper background and launch a new trade newspaper for the amusement industry — Amusement Today was born in April of that year.
In 1998, he created the Golden Ticket Awards, which even to this day 25 years later are still among the most highly regarded and sought-after awards by the industry. Many enthusiasts enjoy sharing their expertise to help determine these awards each year.
After a quarter century of publication, Amusement Today has devoted coverage to various aspects of the industry, from theme parks to waterparks to family entertainment centers and fairs, plus much more. Slade is particularly proud of the section in each issue devoted to safety, making the industry stronger through communication about this important issue.
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Gary Slade at the NEAPPA meeting (left), and Richard Munch, the keynote speaker and one of ACE’s founders (right).
Photos: Courtesy NEAAPA. View full-sized image.
The NEAAPA Hall of Fame was established in 1998 to honor individuals who collectively have created, grown and pushed forth innovative family entertainment throughout the northeastern United States and around the globe.
“Through Amusement Today, Gary has been creating industry-wide awareness of stories about attractions large and small throughout our region and around the globe,” said Ed Hodgdon, NEAAPA’s secretary. “We are proud of Gary’s accomplishments and honored to induct him into our Hall of Fame.”
Gary Slade and Ron Gustafson with their NEAAPA Hall of Fame plaques.
Photo: Courtesy NEAAPA. View full-sized image.
Slade was joined by Ron Gustafson, formerly of the marketing department of Quassy Amusement and Waterpark (and well known by New England ACEers). The two gentlemen formed this year’s NEAAPA Hall of Fame class. To date, 45 members have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Slade is the first to be honored who is not an operator or supplier.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News
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