ACE Eastern Pennsylvania: Clowning Around at Dorney Park 2025

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originally posted on 8/18/2025

Photo: Adam Ahmed. View full-sized image.

Coaster enthusiasts helped celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hydra The Revenge at the fourth annual Clowning Around at Dorney Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The event, which was held on Saturday, May 31, was the second of three on the same weekend by ACE Eastern Pennsylvania. It's a Thrill at Bushkill at Bushkill Park (Easton, Pennsylvania) took place on Friday night, and Slide With ACE splashed down on Sunday morning at Dorney's Wildwater Kingdom (Allentown, Pennsylvania).

Hydra The Revenge and Woodstock Express were the focus of morning ERT.
Photo: Adam Ahmed. View full-sized image.

Photo: Eggie Young. View full-sized image.

Photo: Adam Ahmed. View full-sized image.

Clowning Around started with an hour of ERT on the Bolliger & Mabillard floorless coaster Hydra, the kiddie coaster Woodstock Express and the troika-type flat ride Kaleidoscope.

A behind-the-scenes tour of Hydra The Revenge afforded fantastic photo opportunities.

Photo: Joedy Stahl. View full-sized image.

Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.

All 131 attendees also had a chance to take a behind-the-scenes photo tour of Hydra while the coaster was running. A truly unique opportunity!

The Whack-a-Mole challenge produced two winners — Cameron Goddard (1.) and Chris Strejlau (r.).
Photo: Eggie Young. View full-sized image.

Photos: Adam Ahmed. View full-sized image.

View full-sized image.

Next came the Whack-a-Mole contest at one of Dorney's games areas. Cameron Goddard was the winner in the kids division, and Chris Strejlau took the top spot among adults.

ACE volunteers never stop working (or clowning around), even at meal time.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.

Photo: Adam Ahmed. View full-sized image.

The group lunch featured a hot dog bar with toppings, roasted chicken, baked beans, mac and cheese, chips and soft drinks. Dorney Park's clown mascot, Alfundo, greeted attendees as they arrived and posed for photos. ACE Eastern Pennsylvania Regional Representative Mike Matscherz welcomed attendees to the event and introduced Gina Althouse as a new assistant regional rep.

A raffle of Dorney dining passes and Fast Lane bracelets raised $105 for the ACE Preservation Fund.

Hydra was the backdrop for a spectacular after-lunch group photo. And then the rains came, soaking many who happened to be on rides at the time of the downpour.

The rain failed to dampen enthusiasm for time spent on Dorney Park favorites, including Demon Drop.
Photo: Adam Ahmed. View full-sized image.

Photo: Adam Ahmed. View full-sized image.

Photo: Eggie Young. View full-sized image.

Informal takeover times were scheduled for Iron Menace, Demon Drop and the C.C. Cannonball train.

Dorney Park’s collection of roller coasters was enjoyed throughout the day, such as Thunderhawk, Talon and Wild Mouse.
Photo: Eggie Young. View full-sized image.