Blogs

originally posted on 11/11/2024

Photo: CJ Redden-Liotta. View full-sized image.

ACE Mid-Atlantic members got into the patriotic spirit at the region's signature Celebrate America event at Six Flags America (Bowie, Maryland). Held October 14, this event provided plenty of ERT around the park's SteamTown area as well as lunch, prizes, auctions, a Q&A with park representatives and even a makeup demonstration! Sixty-one enthusiasts from 12 states flocked to the park to take part in the event's festivities and fun.

An up-close look at the former Mind Eraser — now rethemed, boasting a new control panel and new trains and called Professor Screamore’s SkyWinder — was the first of the event’s special perks.
Photo: Chris Viola. View full-sized image.

Photo: Sam Marks. View full-sized image.

Photo: Ted Ansley. View full-sized image.

Morning registration kicked off at 10:15 a.m. as excited guests started making their way to the park entrance. ACE Mid-Atlantic (and national) merchandise was available to those who wanted to purchase some ACE "swag" (in the form of bammies, lanyards, pins and stickers). At 11 a.m., attendees were escorted to the new-for-2024 SteamTown area of the park, where they were able to get behind-the-scenes access to Professor Screamore's SkyWinder (the Vekoma suspended looping coaster formerly known as Mind Eraser). For the 2024 season, the coaster was enhanced with a new paint scheme, new trains (that provide a better ride experience) and a new sound system. Attendees were able to get an up-close view of the new trains in the station as well as the opportunity to explore and take pictures of the track from the field area directly beneath the coaster. Many were excited to be able to take pictures so close to the coaster's track. Special thanks is extended to the enthusiastic supervisor who guided ACEers on the tour.

After loading up on ACE merchandise, attendees enjoyed ERT on Professor Screamore’s SkyWinder.

Following this, morning ERT took place throughout the entire SteamTown area of the park and included Professor Screamore’s SkyWinder as well as SteamWhirler (a Zamperla NebulaZ) and the newly themed ElectroDerby (indoor bumper cars). Once guests got their fill during ERT, it was time to get their fill on lunch at the Fillament's SteamPub, which did not disappoint.

Signage was among the items on which attendees could bid, raising money for the ACE Archives, NRCMA and ACE Preservation Fund.
Photo: Evangelos Ringas. View full-sized image.

Lunch consisted of a multitude of options, including a nachos bar, beef brisket, chicken tenders, fruit salad, soft drinks and ice cream novelties. Guests were pleasantly surprised at the variety and quality of the food offerings. During lunch, attendees could bid on several different auction items, including an upstop pin and guide wheel from Superman: Ride of Steel; a safety cable attachment, seat pin, seat cover and shock absorber from Mind Eraser; and an upstop wheel from Joker's Jinx. Other items available from the auction included signs from The Great Race (now Minute Men Motors), Rodeo (the bull ride formerly in the Coyote Creek area of the park) and two vintage game signs. ACE Mid-Atlantic raised more than $250 from this auction, the proceeds from which will go directly toward benefiting the ACE Archives, National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives and ACE Preservation Fund.

ACE Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative Evangelos Ringas spoke to attendees before ACEer Michael Britt was transformed into something sinister looking during the Monster Makeup Experience.

As attendees wrapped up with lunch, several notable park representatives, including General Manager Ramar Vaughan and Marketing and Public Relations Manager Joseph Pudlick, took the stage for a Q&A session, during which questions about the future of the park were addressed. Afterward, door prize winners were announced; prizes included goodies such as actual wood from the park's Wild One. In addition, one lucky attendee, Michael Britt, had the unique opportunity to take part in a Monster Makeup Experience, during which a professional from the Six Flags makeup staff turned the winner’s face into a truly remarkable sight!

For the 2024 season, Quantum River Canyon was enhanced with animatronic dinosaurs.
Photo: Sam Marks. View full-sized image.

Photo: Ted Ansley. View full-sized image.

At 2:30 p.m. guests spontaneously posed for the group photo, having made their way behind the scenes of the park's Quantum Canyon Rapids attraction, which was newly reimagined for 2024 with the addition of the SteamTown area of the park. One of the ride's major enhancements came in the form of several larger-than-life dinosaur animatronics. Once guests were able to get their fill of the dinosaurs, the group's picture was taken with Roar and Superman: Ride of Steel looming in the background. Attendees were then escorted to the ride's control station, where a park representative showcased more of the ride's enhancements, which included new theming elements/props as well as a new sound system surrounding the attraction.

An exclusive, lights-on look at the Total Damnation scare house was another perk provided to attendees.

After this, guests walked over to one of the park's Fright Fest scare houses, Total Damnation. Small groups were able to get a lights-on, exclusive look at this spooky house, which is just one of many that Six Flags America offers for its annual Fright Fest event. Once through the maze of tight corridors and spooky theming with the lights on, many attendees were excited to revisit the house later in the evening!

Throughout the day, ACEers rode favorite Six Flags America roller coasters such as Roar, Superman: Ride of Steel and Joker’s Jinx.

Photo: Chris Viola. View full-sized image.

As it was a beautiful autumn Sunday, attendees could enjoy the park and all of its offerings. VIP show seating was offered at several entertainment venues throughout the rest of the evening, including Aaron Radatz at the Grand Theatre, “Circus Street” at the Celebration Stage and “Dead Man's Party” at the Exposition Center. Radatz was kind enough to give a shout out to ACE during his performance, and several ACE members caught up with him later and joined in an exclusive group photo.

Some attendees joined Aaron Radatz following his performance at the Grand Theater.
Photo: Elizabeth Ringas Collection. View full-sized image.

ACE Mid-Atlantic is grateful to those who attended this year's Celebrate America event. It was a beautiful day full of exclusive opportunities and wouldn't have been possible without the cooperation and support from all of the ACE volunteers and everyone involved at Six Flags America, including Events & Execution Supervisor Quinn O’Leary, who worked with Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative Evangelos Ringas well before and throughout the event to ensure the day’s success.

— Chris Viola

#ACENews