originally posted on 1/8/2024
Photo: Brian Pickral. View full-sized image.
On chilly Saturday, December 2, 61 attendees from five states and Washington, D.C.,
gathered at Kings Dominion (Doswell, Virginia) for the much-anticipated ACE
Mid-Atlantic event, Coastin' Through the Snow. The day was packed with ERT, a
delightful holiday feast, fun contests and games, a lively water gun racing
competition and much more.
The event began with ERT on the park’s popular Twisted Timbers.
Photo: Brian Pickral. View full-sized image.
Photo: Brian Pickral. View full-sized image.
The day kicked off at 2:45 p.m. with ERT on one of Kings Dominion's premier roller
coasters, Twisted Timbers. Despite a brief delay, the coaster provided
plenty of thrills with its intense inversions and airtime. Enthusiasts were
eager to get their adrenaline pumping, and a few even managed to ride it six
times during the session. It was the perfect way to start the event, with the
coaster's twisting track adding a touch of excitement to the brisk air.
Following ERT, attendees found warmth at a holiday feast where three winners were crowned in an ugly sweater contest.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
Following ERT, attendees headed to Prancer's for a delightful holiday feast and to display
their creativity in the tacky sweater contest. From dazzling lights to
outrageous designs, the sweaters were a remarkable sight. Congratulations to
Kim Steffen for winning the contest, with David Rager and Evangelos Ringas selected
as runners-up.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
The "Get to Know Your Fellow ACEers" bingo game was a unique and
entertaining way to break the ice. Attendees had to match the correct ride with
the person who named it as their favorite. It created a festive atmosphere in
which to connect with fellow enthusiasts and discover their favorite noncoaster
attractions. Gabe Julio emerged as the winner.
A water gun racing game provided attendees an opportunity to engage in some light-hearted competition.
Photo: Brian Pickral. View full-sized image.
Photo: Linda Weisenstein. View full-sized image.
As the sun began to set, attendees ventured to the midway for an exciting water gun
racing competition known as "Tacky Light Racers." It was a game of
skill and strategy as participants aimed to outmaneuver their opponents and
claim victory. Laughter filled the air as competitors raced to the finish line.
Jeff Snider came out on top as the winner for this competition.
“Tinker’s Toy Factory” provided a delightful way for attendees to celebrate the holiday season.
Photo: Brian Pickral. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jill M. Ryan. View full-sized image.
In the evening, the thrills continued with informal takeover time on Dominator,
where 20 attendees gathered for an exhilarating night ride on the floorless Bolliger
& Mabillard coaster and experienced its breathtaking inversions and
high-speed twists. Soon after, the evening wrapped up with VIP seating at the
enchanting “Tinker's Toy Factory.” The performance was nothing short of magical,
capturing the spirit of the holiday season. Attendees were treated to a
spectacular display of lights, music and holiday cheer.
A private social at the Country Kitchen with Gingerbread Boy and Girl led to wonderful — and sometimes unexpected — results.
Photo: Brian Pickral. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jill M. Ryan. View full-sized image.
To close out the day, attendees enjoyed a private social with cookies and hot
cocoa at the Country Kitchen. They were greeted by Gingerbread Boy and Girl,
adding a whimsical touch to the evening, and mingled, shared stories and even met
Park Operations Director Brian Rath who stopped by to chat.
After dark, Kings Dominion’s midways came to life with holiday cheer.
Photos: Evangelos Ringas. View full-sized image.
Photo: Jill M. Ryan. View full-sized image.
Gratitude was extended to host Kyle Kruthoffer, who ensured everything ran smoothly in
the absence of the organization’s regular liaison, Amy Hairfield. Filled with
the spirit of the holiday season, attendees were already anticipating a
wonderful upcoming 2024 season.
— Corey Wooten
#ACENews