originally posted on 9/16/2024
All Photos: Courtesy Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard. View full-sized image.
Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard (Gretna, Nebraska) announced on August 30 that this season will mark the opening of its new Zamperla family coaster, Tim's Runaway Grain Wagons.
Tim's Runaway Grain Wagons is the park's first-ever coaster and is named after the founder of Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard, Tim Vala. The Vala family remarked that the ups and downs of the coaster are symbolic of the struggles Tim and Jan Vala faced in getting the family business off the ground.
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The coaster makes unique use of an old corn crib barn, which acts as part of the station. Some agriculture-themed equipment is also along the ride course to provide fun scenery, with the theming work being done by Canadian-based Imagination Corporation.
Michael Coleman, North American sales manager for Zamperla, commented on LinkedIn that, while opening any new coaster is exciting, Tim's Runaway Grain Wagons was an extra special one to work on.
September 13 will also be a special day at the patch, when children will be given a free book, Let's Go to the Pumpkin Patch, in honor of Jan Vala. Jan passed away in 2021 and was an advocate for children's literacy.
2024 marks the 40th year of operation for the Valas, who now operate a 400-acre facility that includes a train ride, multiple flat rides, walkthrough attractions and the new Tim's Runaway Grain Wagons. The park is open every day until November 3; more information on tickets and hours can be found at www.valaspumpkinpatch.com.
— Josh Hughes
#ACENews