ACE South Central: Winterfest 2025

Recommend

originally posted on 2/10/2025

Landry’s on Kemah Boardwalk played host to Winterfest.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

One of the longest running regional “off-season” events, ACE South Central’s Winterfest (a name adopted before Cedar Fair named its holiday events the same thing) has been bringing fun and information to enthusiasts in the South for more than three decades. Its roots run even longer than that.

Over time, the industry has embraced the gathering. Somehow, it seems as if the event manages to bring in a new park or presenter every single year. First-time presenter in 2025 was Holiday World.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Prior to things getting underway, attendees could check out the new merchandise at the ACE store.
Photo: Grayson Knutson. View full-sized image.

On January 25, the gray weather was indicative of winter, but not necessarily the temperatures. It was cool, but mere days prior, the South was blanketed in an extremely rare snow. Yep, Houston, Galveston, New Orleans — all of them managed to get several inches of the winter precipitation. Thankfully, by that Saturday, all of it was gone, and milder but cool temperatures welcomed the 130 attendees.

The destination was Kemah, Texas — Kemah Boardwalk to be more precise. The host facility was Landry’s, and ACE filled the upper floor. The private space had round tables for attendees, which were quickly filled. It would be appropriate to term the room as “snug.”

Assistant Reps Chip Sieczko and Jeff Braziel welcomed everyone in a packed room.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Assistant regional reps Jeff Braziel and Chip Sieczko kicked things off, along with a 2024 recap of the region’s events (which were plentiful). Recaps of 2024 would be a common thread among presenters for the whole day.

First up was an ideal person to get things energized. Jeffrey Siebert, park president of Six Flags Fiesta Texas, also reported on the two Schlitterbahn parks (Cedar Fair and Six Flags have merged, after all). But it was the San Antonio park that really engaged attendees. Fiesta Texas is seeing many enhancements this year — new paint, major remodels of two signature restaurants, a new chef, a bigger-than-ever Mardi Gras event and more. The park’s new DC Universe was just weeks from opening. The park’s “Monorail” video was hysterical and a memorable moment to Siebert’s presentation.

Jeffrey Siebert, Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
Photos: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Stephanie Yzaguirre and Alexandria Esquivel, SeaWorld San Antonio.
View full-sized image.

SeaWorld San Antonio was up next. New to present were two energetic ladies, Communications Specialist Alexandria Esquivel and Advertising Manager Stephanie Yzaguirre. Following their recap, they presented the new Rescue Jr. section that will bring a new junior coaster to Texas this year: Beach Rescue Racer. The park has a season-long string of events as well. They certainly garnered the biggest wow when it came to giveaways too — a season pass!

Dalton Fischer of Silver Dollar City (Branson, Missouri) showed the crowd the ins and outs of the park’s new hotel debuting in 2026, which will truly transform Silver Dollar City into a resort. The upscale hotel high in the Ozark Mountains will offer stunning views of Table Rock Lake and the park. One thing for 2025 that will please all guests is the creation of a complete loop from Grand Exposition to the Fire District, eliminating two dead ends in the park.

Dalton Fischer, Silver Dollar City.
Photo: Grayson Knutson. View full-sized image.

Morgan’s Wonderland, the theme park that has captured the hearts of the region, continues to expand its complex with new ultra-accessible facilities in San Antonio that serve families and visitors: Morgan’s Ultra-Accommodating Hotel (2026), Morgan’s Inclusion Institute, Morgan’s Sports Fitness Center and Morgan’s Wonder Care. Of interest to ACEers were President Richard Pretlow’s comments that the park continues to investigate adding major thrill rides. Because they have to accommodate all guests, further development must take place — but it’s happening. It piqued the interest of everybody. Before Pretlow concluded his speech, he announced that ACE members could gain free admission to the park by showing their ACE card. Nice!!

Richard Pretlow, Morgan’s Wonderland.
Photo: David Lipnicky. View full-sized image.

Before breaking for the meal, the regional rep team presented ACE South Central’s local award, The Golden Track Award, to Kris Rowberry for all his volunteer work with both the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA) and the crew of “The Legacy of Schwarzkopf” documentary.

ACEer Kris Rowberry was the recipient of the regional Golden Track Award.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Landry’s provided a great lunch on the second floor for attendees.
Photo: Grayson Knutson. View full-sized image.

A delicious lunch provided by Landry’s took place on the second floor, which offered a little more room (but it was booked for a private event later that evening). It was an opportune time to stretch one’s legs and visit with fellow attendees.

Once back in the event room, ACE President Elizabeth Ringas and ACE Membership Director Joseph Ciza gave national updates for the organization and what’s in store for 2025. Also, of excitement for the locals, Regional Representative Jason Knutson was honored (and surprised) as ACE’s newest honorary member.

Regional Rep Jason Knutson was acknowledged as an honorary member by ACE President Elizabeth Ringas and Membership Director Joseph Ciza.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Industry personnel took the floor again. Holiday World’s Eric Snow had the line of the day: “Where my benches at?” (The park is receiving a solid supply of new benches.) Always good news is the TLC the park bestows upon its three woodies. Engineered precut track from The Gravity Group will be enhancing all three woodies, The Voyage, The Legend and Raven. All told, about 1,000 linear feet will receive work.

Eric Snow, Holiday World.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Josh Sauer, Dollywood.
Photo: Grayson Knutson. View full-sized image.

Dollywood’s Josh Sauer showed a wonderful video of Jolene, an 88-year-old woman embracing life and enjoying the coasters. It was a great segment and certainly one that resonated with ACEers. Expansions at the park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, last year didn’t include rides but were related to the Dolly Parton allure for all her fans. There was also a tease about something happening behind Big Bear Mountain, not that Sauer could elaborate.

Hawaiian Falls are neighborhood waterparks operated by Pro Parks. Industry veteran Ron McKenzie spoke about what’s happening with them, as well as encouraging attendees to join in the third park in the chain for Aloha Con, this time in Mansfield, Texas. Pro Parks also manages Sun Splash in Fort Myers, Florida. It was the marketing video of that park’s new wave pool that gave everyone a big laugh. McKenzie pointed out the animation company Pro Parks worked with didn’t really understand how wave pools worked, so the animation was hysterically extreme.

Ron McKenzie, Pro Parks.
Photos: Grayson Knutson. View full-sized image.

Monty Galland, Big Rivers.
View full-sized image.

Big Rivers Waterpark & Adventures (New Caney, Texas) emphasized that the facility was “more than a waterpark.” While the waterslide towers are the most marketable things, there is a ride section (with a coaster), seasonal festivals and even an opportunity to pet and hold alligators. CEO/Owner Monty Galland presented info with engaging humor.

Host facility Kemah Boardwalk spoke about all the refurbishments on numerous rides. Unfortunately, Boardwalk Bullet was undergoing its annual rehab, so it was not operating. Other thrill rides had been shipped off for refurbishment, so it wasn’t an ideal weekend to ride a lot, but it is good to know that all the rides in the harsh, waterfront conditions are being maintained well. The woodie is also receiving engineered precut track from The Gravity Group. KCL lighting is going on some of the rides, and two restaurants are being demolished for new attractions. General Manager Jacob Bigger was champing at the bit to tell attendees what was coming in 2026, but he wasn’t given a green light to do so. We’ll stay tuned.

Nick Galash, Axiom Commercial Corp. (rehab contractor for Boardwalk Bullet); Jacob Bigger, Kemah Boardwalk.
Photos: Grayson Knutson. View full-sized image.

Kris Rowberry, NRCMA.
View full-sized image.

Rowberry returned to give a great presentation on the NRCMA. He spoke on new acquisitions. Those interested in exploring the collection can enjoy West Texas Roundup this July.

The final presenter was Jeff Filicko, regional manager, brand marketing, for Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, representing Hurricane Harbor and Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington. The waterpark is receiving its biggest investment ever, while the theme park is getting numerous upgrades, including a new front gate and a repaint of Titan. It is the tease of the record-setting dive coaster for 2026 that will keep enthusiasts’ eyes peeled.

Jeff Filicko, Six Flags Over Texas.
Photo: Tim Baldwin. View full-sized image.

Auction items — particularly ones from AstroWorld — helped raise funds for ACE’s initiatives.
Photo: Grayson Knutson. View full-sized image.

The door prize table allowed everyone to snag a couple of souvenirs. Combined with the abundance of giveaways — generous giveaways — attendees left with a delightful load of prizes, making participation in the event a tremendous value.

An auction followed, and $1,772 was raised for the various ACE funds. ACEer Alan Nichols had spent time cleaning, polishing and mounting AstroWorld wheels and parts. They made for big sellers.

Right at The Boardwalk, attendees boarded the FantaSea for an hour-long cruise.
Photo: Krista Keyes. View full-sized image.

The cruise offered great opportunities for ACEers to mingle.
Photo: Cyle Perez. View full-sized image.

Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.

Finishing up the festivities, ACE was treated to an hour-long cruise on the FantaSea. It was a great time to socialize and snack on munchies from the nacho bar. What a great finale to a wonderful day.

For those who wanted even more fun, Kemah Boardwalk provided attendees with weekend wristbands that not only allowed them to enjoy the rides that were open, but also could be used the entire weekend at sister facilities The Downtown Aquarium in Houston and Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.

Photo: Elizabeth Ringas. View full-sized image.

Thanks were given to all the presenters, volunteers and the host facility for all the efforts involved. Winterfest in 2026 will be held at Six Flags Over Texas.

— Tim Baldwin, ACE News