ACE South Central: The Chill Before the Thrill

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originally posted on 5/19/2023

Prairie Screamer.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

The park-sponsored event, Lone Star Coasterthon, put on by Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington), typically was a late summer/early fall event. With the debut of Aquaman: Power Wave, the park moved the event to spring for 2023.

Photo: S. Madonna Horcher. View full-sized image.

In 2022, that Mack Rides water coaster had yet to debut when the event was scheduled in August. But a new perk was introduced. Traders Village’s newly named amusement park, Prairie Playland, offered a Friday night pre-event called The Chill Before the Thrill. Traders Village (Grand Prairie) is less than 10 miles from Six Flags. The intention of the event was a casual social time before people enjoyed the bigger guns at Six Flags. It was created by Prairie Playland Manager (and ACE member) Steve Thomas. Last year, attendees could see the “almost ready” Prairie Screamer during The Chill Before the Thrill, but it had not yet opened to the public.

ACEers enjoyed ERT on many of the park’s rides.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

This spring, the long-awaited coasters at both parks were ready for ACE. On April 21, Prairie Playland welcomed 91 coaster fans.

Thomas greeted attendees early in the evening and jumped immediately into giving out some door prizes. They ranged from stuffed animals to old signage and even bottles of wine. One biggie right out of the blocks was the first water dummy to test out Prairie Screamer, which amusingly wore a Prairie Screamer T-shirt. ACEer Alex Rigsby won that item, and in a logical move, donated it to the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives.

Alex Rigsby donated his door prize to the NRCMA.
Photos: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Jeffrey Seifert was a recipient of one of the bottles of wine.
View full-sized image.

Soon, everyone headed to the various rides on offer, but Prairie Screamer was the main draw.

Prairie Playland offered a fantastic deal to attendees that included not only the rides, but also a made-to-order meal of Mexican cuisine that offered just the right spice — literally. It was delicious.

Aptly named, The Chill Before the Thrill was a nice opportunity for people to simply enjoy each other’s company, whether it be over a Mexican Coke or horchata, talking with park management or dropping more than 100 feet on the FleaFall. It was three hours of casual fun.

Prairie Screamer was running wonderfully, and everyone was able to get as many rides as they desired.