originally posted on 4/29/2024
Photo: Ian Briscoe. View full-sized image.
Enjoying a final ride on the original Fire In The Hole on its second-to-last train on December 30, 2023, was emotionally difficult for many coaster enthusiasts, and what made it particularly challenging was knowing that all of those wonderful experiences over the years would become nothing more than memories. Across the park, a new Fire In The Hole was coming to life, but many wondered if the new version would have the appeal of a homemade coaster and its cheesy magic.
Photo: Paul Drabek. View full-sized image.
Those concerned that the charm of the original Fire In The Hole would be lost have no reason to worry.
Photo: Paul Drabek. View full-sized image.
Pulling out of the new station, riders will notice a few changes, most noticeably some additional fire station theming as the track makes a left turn. They would be wise to make sure to look at the wall to the right, as there is a list of “Able Bodied Volunteers,” which has the names of those who attended Coaster Christmas 2023. As the train continues down the track, riders can see the town of Marmaros off in the distance, ablaze as the Baldknobbers had set it on fire. With a call to action from the fire chief, riders head into town to fight not only the blaze but also those vigilantes.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Clever signage is one of many improvements that make the ride’s story easier to follow.
Photo: Paul Drabek. View full-sized image.
Speaking of the Baldknobbers, there are three of them. “Patches” is the one who stole Red Flanders’ legendary pants. The second one is “Bugs,” who exhibits the reasoning behind his name. Finally there is Willy, who, according to the “wanted” poster, has warrants out for his arrest for the theft of gunpowder and explosives. All three play a role in Fire In The Hole’s storyline.
Fire In The Hole is located on the other side of the park in the newly incorporated Fire District (formerly known as Fireman’s Landing).
Photo: Paul Drabek. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
By the time riders make it past the house of Red and Sadie Flanders, they will likely be grinning because Fire In The Hole is back and better than ever. The scenes that were incorporated in the recent version of the ride serve to make the story clearer, including the following details (note: spoilers ahead!)
- Upon approaching the town, there is a gunfight between the townsfolk and the Baldknobbers.
- Looking ahead after Red Flanders’ pants are stolen, one will see a Baldknobber running off with the pants.
- Right before the burning bridge, one of the Baldknobbers can be heard discussing his new pair of pants; he can also be seen in stylish plaid trousers from Flanders Dry Goods, where “Our britches leave you in stitches.”
- When arriving on the scene with a Baldknobber, it is now Bugs who is dumping a barrel of bugs onto the train, and a glance around reveals they are all around.
- Following the burning bridge scene, two of the three Baldknobbers are arrested while the third is throwing the switch on the track, which sends the train on a course for a collision with the oncoming train.
- The train is no longer a flashing light but the front end of a locomotive with steam shooting out of it.
- The fire marshall is using the Baldknobbers’ explosives to dynamite the town’s water tower to put out the fire.
- There are several posters around the ride for “Flanders Dry Goods.”
- Additional jokes and nods to the ride’s theming can be found in the various storefronts.
Silver Dollar City’s Saloon Showgirls were among those on hand to celebrate the opening of Fire In The Hole.
Photo: Ian Briscoe. View full-sized image.
Silver Dollar City invited a few hundred VIPs and media on site to open the ride, and the Silver Dollar City Saloon Showgirls were on hand to cheer on folks experiencing its newest addition. The universal response was that the new Fire In The Hole is a success, and about the only thing missing is the musty smell of the original (and that’s a good thing).
Fans of the original Fire In The Hole will be pleased to discover the new version builds upon its most beloved features.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.
ACEers who want to experience the new Fire In The Hole with other organization members can join the Heart of America region for “Calling All Heroes” on Saturday April 27 or for Coaster Christmas 2024 on November 10 (registration information can be found at http://www.aceheartofamerica.org).
— Paul Drabek, ACE Heart of America Regional Representative
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