More Than Hope for Indiana Beach the First to Do So Was the Alameda County Fair

IAAPA releases guidance for amusement industry reopenings — pages 38-39 INSIDE:

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TM & ©2020 Amusement Today, Inc. PAGES 23-24 June 2020 | Vol. 24 • Issue 3 Digital Edition Carnivals, concessionaires and fairs continue to find creative revenue streams AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected] UNITED STATES — The carnivals and concessionaires that rolled out portable food operations at their winter quarters, empty parking lots and other open spaces have been joined by others — even a trio of fairgrounds on the West Coast. While some of these culinary operations are open one day a week, others are around all weekend and some are going the distance seven days a week. All are getting positive encourage- ment and praise from those supporting their creative operations and traditional carnival food offerings. Indiana Beach has been a part of the Lake Shaffer community for more than nine decades. In the California, The Merced County Fair, Merced; AT/TIM BALDWIN Alameda County Fair, Pleasanton; and the Big Fresno Fair have joined the ranks of those offering space on their fairgrounds to house food trailers. This enables food concession- New owner steps in with four-year plan aires to fill the public's appetite for fun, crave-worthy fair food while generating some revenue for providers. More than hope for Indiana Beach The first to do so was the Alameda County Fair. Jerome Hoban, CEO, came up with the idea to help position the fair as AT: Tim Baldwin preserve a piece of Americana. years and invested a bunch top-of-mind for their community residents. The staff, working [email protected] “I have the opportunity of money into the infrastruc- with their on-site concessionaire, Comcast Spectacor, devel- to step in and make a differ- ture issues when they first got oped a set menu that customers can order online all week for MONTICELLO, Ind. — In ence,” he said. “The family-run the park,” Staples said. “They pickup on Friday. The first week, serving a BBQ ribs dinner, a year of continuing unset- amusement parks are slowly really wanted to see the park they projected 200 dinners, but 350 were actually processed. tling news, bright spots are becoming extinct creatures. saved. It was viable with the The second week, offering a beef brisket platter, the goal of certainly welcome. The late The small parks and medium- right structure.” 600 was easily broken. The contactless setup includes a food April announcement that sized ones such as [Indiana Staples examined the facil- 4See CARNIVALS, page 3 a buyer had stepped in to Beach] are becoming lost. This ity, its condition and the attrac- restore and reopen Indiana one hits a little closer to home, tions and found it could finan- Beach was just the touch of having been there as a child cially work for him and his optimism needed. The park and taking my own four chil- team. He also mentioned that has operated since 1926 and dren there over the years.” he worked with White County the February announcement Having watched a local officials and acknowledged that it would be closing per- children’s park, Kiddieland, them for stepping up and manently was a blow to the in Melrose Park, Illinois, close working with him on the proj- surrounding community and in 2009, he knew such places ect, aiding in completing some park fans everywhere. can’t be replicated. Staples, infrastructure issues Apex was New owner Gene Staples who attended the auction, was not able to complete. has found himself in the spot- sad to see it go. Had he the The emergence of the light, immediately thrust into clairvoyance to know at the coronavirus outbreak put any celebrity status. With a back- time that he would be later official announcements on ground in real estate develop- purchasing Indiana Beach, he hold. During that time, social ment and hospitality, the busi- admits he would have pur- media posts sparked interest nessman had the right tools to chased some attractions. from the public. Staples was purchase the closed park from To witness a second park pleased by the response. California-based Apex Parks closing was not going to hap- “We got a ton of feedback Group and address its needs. pen on his watch. from the Indiana Beach Nation Promoting itself as providing drive-thru carnival food fun, Self-described as an amuse- “I had the means and abil- support group,” Staples noted. Skelly’s Amusements has four food trailers operating at its ment park junkie, Staples saw ity to reach out to Apex. They “We read their comments and winter quarters in Williamstown, N.J. COURTESY SKELLY'S AMUSEMENTS it more than just a business did some amazing things with venture; he found it a cause to the park over the past few 4See BEACH, page 7

AMUSEMENT VIEWS PARKS & FAIRS WATER PARKS BUSINESS SAFETY CLASSIFIEDS Page 4 Pages 8-25 Pages 26-30 Pages 31-37 Pages 38-45 Page 46 Get the most up-to-date industry news from AmusementToday.com! 2 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020 June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3

At left, Molnar’s Concessions, based in Austintown, Ohio, is a family-run business, known for their legendary cinnamon rolls. At right, positioning themselves at the intersection of two busy roads in Ruskin, Fla., is Big Easy Concessions, owned by George and Alieta Mitchell for 51 years. They sell a little bit of everything as evidenced in the picture. COURTESY MOLNAR’S CONCESSIONS, BIG EASY CONCESSIONS CARNIVALS all started with Country Fair safely practiced. home to three different drive- of work and are able to house Continued from page 1 Cinnamon Rolls, which was a It helps to have a food thru stands. Villa Pizze Fritte, a them,” said Cathy Deggeller. great success. Then we worked concessionaire live in a fair’s staple at the fair since 1960, usu- Borrowing from the Chick- pick-up place, along with a sepa- to expand it to include oth- neighborhood. That’s how Fair ally operates out of their orange Fil-A drive-thru experience, the rate beer and wine location. Local ers. Our community loves their Food Fridays came about for and yellow A-framed building. process worked. Those who wineries have been brought into fair food — so this provides Teresa Burrola, CEO of the Joining them more recently has stopped by “seemed to have the mix, along with frozen mar- them a great opportunity to get Merced County Fair. “Will you been Big Kahuna food stand enjoyed it. They had a lot of garitas and growler refills. The their fair food fix while sup- do it on Fridays only?” she and the Ashley Lynn Winery, fun,” said Deggeller. fair even provides “selfie-spots” porting local businesses. It’s a asked her neighbors, Rawlings all open from noon - 8 p.m. Elsewhere in the Sunshine so purchasers can immortalize win-win!” said King. Concessions, who live a block Friday, Saturday and Sunday. State, Big Easy Concessions, this unique experience, while Each Friday through away. They agreed, bringing in “It started as a Pizze Fritte operated by George and Alieta practicing social distancing. Sunday, the fair has anywhere their Log Cabin Kettle Corn, revolution; now it’s time for Mitchell for 51 years, made “Fair-centric” is how Angel from one to three participating with corn dogs, for a lower per- evolution,” Grazi Zazzara Jr., a use of a spot at the intersection Moore, vice president of busi- vendors in the drive-thru only centage, “pandemic pricing,” as member of the family that owns of two busy roads in Ruskin, ness development described operation, set up in the area the fair calls it. “It was huge,” the Villa Pizze Fritte stand, said Florida. “We’re trying to make the concept. “It’s been great. It normally used for the carnival said Burrola as 1,800 corn dogs in a news release. A Pizza Fritte ends meet, although it’s not made us realize how much we midway. Queuing that snakes were sold opening weekend. “It (for those not in the know) like being out,” said Aleita. “As miss them (fairgoers) and how through the grounds — and has kinda took off. I can’t wait until includes two-foot long, sugar owners we have to continue on, much they miss us. This has taken up to three hours — does this weekend!” coated pieces of fried dough. any way we can.” been great for our team, an extra include a separate gate exit. The fair is keeping with “The community responded,” A selection of food and lem- push, a breath of fresh air, an Recently Lawson’s Concessions’ offering only food specific to the Zazzara said. “People are inter- onade are the offerings avail- adrenaline rush.” colossal corn dogs, Dippin’ fair, like County Fair Cinnamon ested and excited for this type of able. “The people have been Next on the food menu Dots, and Pepe’s Mariscos Rolls, which were part of the outing, and even more so now very, very nice and appreciative are corn dogs as customers are fresh Mexican food were pres- second weekend’s offerings, as with so many summer festivals — [which is] very unusual,” asking for this staple-of-the- ent. Over the recent Memorial well as funnel cakes, French canceled or in question.” said Mitchell. fair food item. The fair is also Day weekend, Big Bubba’s bread pizza and of course, cot- Masked servers walk up to Perhaps the carnival may exploring more drive-in options BBQ was added to the food mix. ton candy. The fairgrounds are cars and take orders as drivers not be coming to every town as the year continues. Originally designed as only a easily accessible, allowing cars and passengers are not allowed this year; however, suburban “As fairs were canceling, we month-long event, the fair plans to travel through. As they say to leave their vehicles. Philadelphia carnival operator, saw a need for our vendors. It to continue to provide Fair Food on their Facebook page, “Just While the Martin County Skelly’s Amusements, is pro- is important that we keep them Feature! as long as there is sup- because there isn’t a fair this Fairgrounds, Stuart, Florida, is viding drive-thru carnival food whole, as part of our fair family,” port and vendor participation. year doesn’t mean you still can’t not a big venue, it has been fun at their winter quarters in explained Lauri King, deputy King, when asked about get your Fair Food fix!” home to three stands from local- Williamstown, New Jersey. The director, Big Fresno Fair. “This is community response said, “It The Great New York State ly based Deggeller Attractions, company began operations in how they make their living.” has been amazing. We are giv- Fair, Syracuse, recently jumped a floss, dough and grab. Their mid-April with three trailers To try to ease the pain and ing people a little bit of sunshine into the food vendor ring with motivation for the operation and basic food options, expand- help concessionaires survive at the end of the tunnel. It is its New York State Fair Food was to keep employees working selections each succeeding during these hard times, Fair flowing smoothly.” Masks are Fest. This past month the ven- ing. “We took a shot. We’ve been weekend. Since then, they have Food Feature! was created. “It worn and social distancing is ue’s orange parking lot has been able to give everybody a little bit added a fourth unit. “We’ve had a very successful three weeks. This is a complete surprise — absolutely incredible! People are traveling to attend this event. It is a very, very nice surprise,” said Mike Skelly, co-owner. “We have items that most restaurants don’t have. Not too many businesses sell funnel cakes,” said Skelly in a Courier Post article. The layout is a loop around their operations with a 300-foot food area. Waits have been up to 1.5 hours, with 20 or more vehicles queuing on US 322-Glassboro At night, Kenny’s Funland is ablaze in lights. The operation is in LaFeria, Texas, about six miles north of the Mexican border. COURTESY KENNY'S FUNLAND 4See CARNIVALS, page 6 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020 AMUSEMENT VIEWS

AT NOTEBOOK: John W.C. Robinson, [email protected] FLINT’S VIEW: Bubba Flint Our destination is ahead Sad news has hit the industry the past couple months with countless fairs and festivals cancelled because of the COVID pandemic. Several amusement parks and water parks have announced they won’t be opening in 2020 and are looking toward 2021. The amusement industry has been on the Robinson edge of its seat, preparing protocols to be ready for reopening and, at the same time, wondering all along exactly when it will be able to reopen. I remember the first time I drove to Cedar Point. The sun was setting as we got deeper into northern Ohio along our four-hour drive, and I kept thinking to myself, “I should be able to see the coasters by now.” I was almost hungry to see the lights of a coaster hill illuminating the night sky and know that I was just minutes away from parking and walking through the front gates. In so many ways, that’s exactly where we are right now as an industry and a society. Since mid-March, when the majority of the major U.S. parks shuttered their front gates, we’ve been maintaining course under stay-at-home orders and waiting to INDUSTRY VOICE: Sam Zietz, CEO, Grubbrr know when we’d be close to the laughter, thrills and memories of an operating park again. In our journey, we’re close enough Safer navigation of parks in pandemic times that we know — at any minute — we’re going to see the As we learn to live with COVID-19, a cash-recycling self-service kiosk that elimi- coasters operating just ahead in the distance. amusement parks must consider how they nates extraneous human-to-human contact Some states have already lifted their stay-at-home orders, will recapture the loyalty and trust of cus- by replacing the cashier station. Kiosks can be and many others are gradually allowing businesses to begin tomers, whose fears of the disease likely spaced well apart and disperse the centraliz- serving customers again. Granted, they’re all doing this with will last long after physical distancing mea- ing pull of a single cashier counter. In addition sures are lifted. to reducing wait times and lines, they can be the reminders that social distancing protocols are still in order. Parks can take advantage of their spread throughout the park and offer menus But still, people are coming out of their homes and into the large amount of land and make careful, Zietz for multiple food locations — helping to sunshine, visiting restaurants, city parks, aquariums and more. safety-minded decisions about the distri- reduce overcrowding at any one outlet. Overseas, Shanghai Disneyland has opened its gates once bution of human activity in that space. Operators Another solution is the QR (quick response) again. Europa-Park and Efteling both announced opening should target areas where customers and employ- code menu, which allows guests to scan a code dates for May. And, in the U.S., we’re starting to hear opening ees are forced to come into close contact, and then with a smartphone, download a menu and order dates for Holiday World, Mt. Olympus Theme Park, Kentucky determine ways to mitigate the risk that contact food contact-free, without the exchange of cash or Kingdom, even the now-saved Indiana Beach. With Tennessee poses. The obvious: everyone should be required need to touch a kiosk screen. Grubbrr’s app-based lifting restrictions on capacity, effective May 22, it’s allowing to wear protective masks at all times unless imprac- QR code system works with contactless mobile pay- large attractions to reopen and Dollywood has already tical on certain rides, and recommended physical ment options like FreedomPay, Apple Pay, Google promised an announcement is forthcoming. distances should be maintained in queues, ride Pay, Samsung Pay, and credit or debit. vehicles and auditoriums. Park operators also may consider adding food These are baby steps. However, they’re still steps While it may be impossible to do away with lockers throughout their properties, enabling guests inching us closer to a 2020 park season and starting to attraction queues even through the increased use to place an order from any location, pay through a reopen our beloved industry. It’s been a long winding road of reservation systems, lines for food and beverage smartphone or at a kiosk, and then be directed to get this far, and not an easy journey, but the good news — and the usual human interaction during service where to pick up their food. is that we’re almost there. We’re almost to that illuminated and payment processes — can be greatly reduced These and other available technologies can coaster hill operating in the distance and welcoming thrill- and streamlined through self-service. As a payment play a vital role in meeting the challenges of the seekers and families alike. technology company, Grubbrr (grubbrr.com) offers pandemic. Opinions expressed on this page are those of the columinst(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

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Amusement Today is an independent, privately- Founder & Publisher Editorial Editor & Production Manager owned trade newspaper published 14 times Gary Slade • (817) 460-7220 Tim Baldwin • (972) 697-9745 John Robinson • (513) 256-1441 per year by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Box [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Print issues are $50 per year and are mailed Presort Standard Postage (permit No. 2069) Pre-Paid Fort Worth, Accounting & Classified Dean Lamanna • (817) 460-7220 Monthly Contributors Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper, Sammy Piccola • (817) 460-7220 [email protected] David Fake, Bubba Flint, and its related websites, are Copyrighted and [email protected] Lottie Minick, Richard Munch, Trademarked 2020 by Amusement Today Inc., Jeffrey Seifert • (817) 460-7220 Janice Witherow all rights reserved. Assistant Office Manager, Circulation [email protected] Association Memberships Address: P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas Savannah Breen • (817) 460-7220 B. Derek Shaw • (717) 843-3050 ACE, AIMS International, ASTM, IAAPA, IISF, 76005-5427, USA [email protected] [email protected] IRT/iROC, NAARSO, NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, Deliveries: 2004 E. Randol Mill Road #502, PAPA, PACE, SLA, TTIA, WWA Arlington, Texas 76011, USA Advertising Pam Sherborne • (615) 308-3310 Phone: (817) 460-7220 Sue Nichols • (615) 477-5432 Industry Affiliated Charities Fax: (817) 265-NEWS (6397) [email protected] [email protected] Give Kids the World Village, Morgan's Wonderland, Websites: www.AmusementToday.com, National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives www.GoldenTicketAwards.com June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5

Observations from a social distance THE INDUSTRY SEEN Throughout this global pandemic, members of the but also to the individuals and entities who are Trim 4 him amusement industry share with Amusement Today working long hours to explore ideas and develop what’s in their hearts. guidelines, technologies and best practices that have been shared around the world in an effort to ease SOMERVILLE, “Two situations have been highly present in the challenges of reopening. We are in this together.” our working dynamic in the last many weeks: home —Sara Seay, Director of Sales and Marketing N.J. — During the office and full cooperation. Since the beginning of Premier Rides current stay-at- the lockdown, most of the Vekoma team members home restrictions, have been working remotely, a new situation for “Despite the entire world going through some barbershops and many. As a result, we have experienced a number of unprecedented times these last few months, it is salons throughout funny moments during video calls, including amus- great to see so many come together to help find the U.S. have been ing background noises, unexpected appearances solutions on our path forward as an industry. These kept closed as non- of family members and obviously the traditional times will likely force many of us to reinvent how essential businesses. ‘tech challenges.’ In the end, sharing laughs and we do business, and I believe it’s likely that through Len Soled, owner and fun moments with colleagues and friends help us this innovation we will discover new ways that will president of Rides to alleviate the unfortunate situation we are all fac- be positive for everyone in the long term. From a 4 U, resorted to ing worldwide and the anxiety it causes. Besides, personal standpoint, spending this much time at desperate measures although physically far from each other, it seems to home has at least forced me to eat better and be more to finally get a long me that our team members have been closer than creative in getting fitness without having to go to a overdue haircut in the ever, collaborating more than ever and excelling at gym! I look forward to getting back out and riding midst of the COVID- the art of creativity and problem solving.” some roller coasters as soon as possible!” 19 pandemic. In order —Ricardo Etges, —Cory Patrick, Sales Executive to maintain social Global Business Development Manager Leisure Labs distancing restrictions, Vekoma a glove-wearing friend “International Ride Training, LLC, has been “I think this crisis is going to cause our parks offering weekly Zoom ‘Coffee Chats’ every Friday cut Soled's hair from to be innovative and to approach things in fun, new since the first of April to give foresight to our indus- within a portable ways. I think it is going to be fun to cover those try based on our research during this unprecedented privacy tent. Soled innovations.” time. We are not only trying to assist our clients, kept a mask and —David Mandt, but we have opened it to anyone in the amusement smock on throughout EVP Chief Engagement Officer industry to get in touch with what our industry the trim. IAAPA needs to do to survive when reopening with the COURTESY RIDE 4 U COVID-19 virus still looming. We have offered “I had the fortunate pleasure to speak on topics such as Distance Training, Ride Operating Amusement Pro and an IAAPA live video chat. I Procedures, Ride Location Sanitization, How to think this COVID-19 has created a lot of reflection for Encourage Guest Distancing, and Employee Issues. me and many others. It has certainly been an ‘emo- We have had a multitude of attendees. Not only park tional roller coaster’ for me in our industry. I feel management, but suppliers and manufacturers have that in many ways, though, this crisis has allowed joined us, as well. Reflections our family and friends to focus on the real things With that said professionally, on a personal that matter — each other. I have had amazing virtual note, do you remember when you are on the road ON FUN happy hours with friends across the globe, via Zoom and get home and say, ‘When I get some time off, I’ll AT: Lottie Minick or HouseParty. I've been able to truly spend time get to that’? It seems as if this is only a statement, as with my two sons Ethan and Oliver (7 and 4). My many things still linger at my house in Nashville. Or A tiger tamer’s true stripes wife and I get to have deep, real conversations we maybe my list is just very long.” The popularity of the Netflix docuseries Tiger King normally don't have time for. Perhaps this crisis has —Patty Beazley, owner and managing member reminded me of a tiger tamer my husband, Bob Minick, hired set the platform for all of us to have these special International Ride Training, LLC for Lion Country Safari outside Atlanta, which operated 1970- moments. I've realized life is crazy, life is short and 84. Julius was his name. He was from Budapest and put on a life is precious. From friends working at hospitals great animal performance. However, Julius thought he was a holding a dying child's hand while the parents are “I have been struck by the kindness of strang- comedian and would spend much of the show telling jokes. He not allowed into the room due to the current restric- ers. This pandemic has made the familiar suddenly was also in a volatile marriage. tions, I can't even compare to the real hardships life unfamiliar, but in spite of, or maybe because of, this With the tamer’s wife walking out on him at least twice a has given some. For those of us who are healthy, ‘new normal,’ it feels like we have locked arms to month, leaving him without an assistant for his disappearing- we are so fortunate. We truly need to look at this battle this thing together. I think we’re seeing greater girl tiger act, Bob volunteered me. On these occasions, I often breakdown moment and create breakthroughs. We appreciation for our unsung heroes…the people who found myself stuck onstage with a too-friendly tiger while Julius personally and professionally have been given a get up every day and go to work because patients took his time finishing another joke. chance to make changes that impact who we are need to be cared for, children and families need to When one of Julius’s tigers had twin white cubs, not only and those around us. I find it refreshing that I can eat and graduating seniors need to be celebrated. did his wife skip town, but the mama tiger abandoned her call almost any of my industry friends and they will The drive-by parades and Zoom fundraisers and all maternal duties. Julius needed someone to care for the rare either pick up the phone or call back right away. In of the various ways humanity is being displayed has babies 24/7. many ways this industry is my extended family. I'm made my heart glad. When COVID-19 is a distant Once again, Bob volunteered me. I panicked initially. so grateful for those who support me personally memory — and let’s hope one day it will be just Fortunately, my own mother was visiting and fashioned a fabric and professionally. Don't ever forget to hug those that — I hope we don’t forget that we really are our carrier that enabled me to keep the furry newborns close. Mom you love, call someone and tell them you love them brother’s keeper.” wound up sewing together several carriers because the cubs and compliment those around you who make a real —Sandra Daniels, VP Communications vomited and pooped endlessly — leaving me stinky and gross. difference in your life.” Six Flags Entertainment Corp. Before long, I learned that Julius was shirking his surrogate —Phil Wilson, Executive Vice President tiger dad duties in order to practice his jokes for Bob in my Extreme Engineering “Having come through this, it has forced people husband’s office. So I stormed in with the cubs, gently foisted to relook at technology or look at new ways of doing one each on Julius and Bob, and wished the “new moms” good “I continue to eat my weight in cookies just things and new ways to operate. That reinvigorates luck. I returned home for a long, hot, blissful bath. about every day. I’ve vowed to do no more baking you to think about new things. If something like this until I lose the dreaded ’COVID 15.‘” happens again, instead of freezing and thinking, Lottie Minick is a 46-year attractions industry veteran and —Martin Palicki, Publisher ‘What do we do?’ we remember those key learnings co-owner of Dallas-based Minick Associates, a design firm InPark Magazine and move forward again. We’re better prepared.” founded by her late husband, Bob. Her monthly column fea- —Susan Storey, Director of Communications tures behind-the-scenes anecdotes of her own and from those “Thank you to the global attractions commu- IAAPA who have worked in the business. Got a fun industry story? nity for coming together… thanks not only to the Email [email protected]. committees in our global and regional associations, —Compiled by Tim Baldwin 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020

A retail gift shop, working out of Kenny’s Funland’s balloon joint, recently opened (above left). Items include all types of plush, including fortnight llamas, along with water guns, sunglasses, plastic swords — anything that can be won at a carnival. Behind the boxes of Oreos is Amber Miller with Skelly’s Amusements (above middle). Waits have been up to 1.5 hours for their carnival food treats. Kenny’s Snack Shack (above right) operates out of Kenny Fox’s hometown of Beardstown, Illinois. He alerts customers to the special of the day on Facebook 24 hours in advance. COURTESY KENNY'S FUNLAND, SKELLY'S AMUSEMENTS, KENNY'S SNACK SHACK CARNIVALS the Mexican border, the town of Kenny’s Funland offers a special 35 years, first with Archway staff them. “Everyone is want- Continued from page 3 LeFeria is home to several carni- of the day, every day. Amusements, then Connor’s ing to get out.” McGee uses a val operators including Kenny’s Phase two of the operation Amusements and now, for the track phone for the number they Road. Of course social distancing Funland. With two roll offs and includes a retail gift shop, work- time being, on his own with listed on their Facebook post. protocols are in place. a Hitchhiker corn dog stand, the ing out of their balloon joint. Kenny’s Snack Shack in his The concessionaire has runners “It shows you that people Maples have been at it since the Items include all types of plush hometown, Beardstown, Illinois. who deliver orders to waiting want to get out. People want to third weekend of March. including fortnight llamas, plas- “I’m not trying to make a lot of vehicles. “It is more chaotic for do something. They want to take “We made a few bucks, then tic swords — items people would money, just make a living,” said us,” said McGee; however, the their kids out. We have such a we had to shelter-in-place as the normally win at a carnival. Fox. He offers his famous sau- results have been worthwhile. unique food item that they are county got stringent,” said John “We’ve received a lot sages in addition to other carni- “I thought I was at the Canfield going to end up enjoying it,” said Maple, owner. They reopened at of community support from val staples seven days a week, Fair. We had one heck of a Skelly in a Fox 29 TV interview. their winter quarters with funnel LaFeria natives,” said Maple. from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fox offers weekend. Good response.” At the very bottom tip of cakes and other standard carni- Kenny Fox has cooked for fish every Friday and Saturday McGee points out that there southern Texas, six miles from val grab food a few weeks later. carnival people for more than and set the prices of all food a are a lot of franchises in their third less expensive than if he community; however, many were at a carnival or fair. residents tend not to go there. The operator has daily spe- Instead, they have been coming cials that are announced the day out to support the local opera- before on Facebook, to give sup- tion. She also is appreciative porters an idea of what to expect. of her devoted employees. “My “It’s been a pretty good deal with help is so loyal to me. They are a lot of repeaters. It’s working anxious to get out, work and out real good,” said Fox. travel. They are ready to help The power of social media me at any given time. This is one and a proven track record have of those years that is going to be led to phenomenal results for a struggle. This may be our only Molnar’s Concessions. Based in source of revenue this year. We Austintown, Ohio, the family- have got to pay our bills.” run business, known for their The earliest reported legendary cinnamon rolls and creative revenue operation annual Christmas mail order started March 15 in east- business, successfully rolls on ern Pennsylvania. Houghton during these times. Operating on Enterprises, Cochranville, a Tuesday through Saturday 10 is still going strong. They a.m. to 9 p.m. schedule, the oper- are now up to four locations ation takes place at their winter including four food stands at quarters with a full array of car- Church of the Sacred Heart, nival food, drinks and treats. Oxford, Pennsylvania. Penn Having 5,000 followers Valley Shows, Middleburg, on Facebook hasn’t hurt. “We Pennsylvania, has tied in a only advertised on Facebook, vintage car cruise during their with a boosted post, saying we weekend operating hours. Now are open,” said Faith McGee, they are setting up food trailers daughter of owner, Jim Molnar. at cancelled events where they They only had two food trail- were booked in May to help ers operating, to minimize the recoup some of the financial number of employees needed to loss incurred.

Long lines of vehicles queue at the Merced County Fairgrounds for various food items that concessionaires are offering at “pandemic pricing.” COURTESY MERCED COUNTY FAIR June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7

Day or night, the boardwalk is a colorful stroll. Hoosier Hurricane (top right) will have its first third retracked for the new season. Frankenstein’s Castle (middle right) and Den of Lost Thieves (bottom right) are two signature attractions that make Indiana Beach special. AT/GARY SLADE, TIM BALDWIN INDIANA the longtime financial health estate development, Staples is Continued from page 1 of the park.” cognizant of the needs of each Staples remains hope- building. Noting some neglect gained a huge understanding ful that the park can still have in some areas, he hopes to of how much this park was some sort of season in 2020 quickly address those issues. loved.” even with the evolving situ- Repairing a roof now may Prior to the pandemic ation of the COVID-19 crisis stem off having to replace a outbreak, his team evaluated but is also prepared for the building later on. He under- the property in February fol- possibility that they might not stands that previous owners lowing Apex’s announcement debut the park again until 2021. tended to invest in more visu- that the park would be closed. “We’re not going to be Six al impact that was marketable Through the due-diligence Flags; we’re not going to be to guests, but the “necessary process, he was pleased with Cedar Point. That’s not what evil” of physical infrastructure the current conditions, but also the park is. Our goal is to be is a top priority. knew quick action was needed. one of the premier vintage “Most people might over- Apex filed for Chapter 11 amusement parks in America. look [some things], but I think bankruptcy on April 8. With the right investments what people will notice is Inc. at the property — is being “The fact that Indiana “Once we went out and and the attention to detail, we’re taking what’s there and retracked, with a completion Beach is going to be 95 years evaluated the park, we knew we could take what is there making it as nice as possible. date expected by July. old shortly, it’s irreplaceable. it was something we had to and create a four-year infra- We’re going to make sure we “Lost Coaster of There is not another park that do,” he said. “We worked structure plan and put the spend the money wisely to Superstition Mountain is in is like Indiana Beach with the with creditors of Apex and spit-and-polish back onto it, repair the infrastructure to excellent operating condi- stacking of the roller coast- put together some amazing if you will,” he shared with ensure the long-term physical tion,” he said. “Apex had ers overhead and the amount terms to assure it would be Amusement Today. health of the park,” he said. realized the real issues with of fun and excitement shoe- structured in a way to ensure With his expertise in real “That’s Phase I.” its operational problems and horned in on the peninsula Staples reports Phase II is fixed that a year ago. I’ve been of Lake Shaffer. The way you looking at what can be added told it has been running well walk on the boardwalk, the to the park to improve the ever since.” lights, the vintage signs mixed park but still keep its charm. More than 40 attractions are with the newer neon signs … Only a few items from the at the park. Along with the five there’s a certain romance and park had been sold off. The coasters, the park also boasts a Americana to that park that park’s carousel was sold, and flume and several flat rides. can never be duplicated. You Staples is disappointed in that “All the other attractions could try, but there’s no way loss. The other three attrac- are in good working condi- to duplicate the feeling that tions were a simple flat ride, tion,” said Staples. “Some you feel when you stroll on bumper boats and a kiddie need some minor TLC, but that boardwalk, whether it is ride, which he feels can be eas- our intention is to [preserve] the middle of a summer day or ily replaced. those vintage rides that make better yet in the evening when He reports the coasters are it Indiana Beach.” it is lit up beyond belief,” he in good shape. Indiana Beach Two fan favorites are the said. “It’s really one of a kind.” has already been in contact Frankenstein’s Castle walk- A hopeful reopening date with S&S Worldwide for parts through and Den of Lost of July 1 is a target, but man- to bring Steel Hawg, the El Thieves dark ride. Among his agement is aware of restrictions Loco coaster, to fully function personal favorites is a Larson surrounding global events. within its maximum capacity. International Flying Scooters “We’re shooting for that Approximately the first third called Air Crow. Like several date until told otherwise,” Gene Staples, right, looks over Steel Hawg is receiving new of Hoosier Hurricane — the attractions at the park, the ride Staples said. “We anticipate the infrastructure of Indiana parts from S&S to increase its first of three wooden coast- is positioned on piers out over all rides being 100 percent Beach. COURTESY DON HURD capacity. AT/TIM BALDWIN ers built by Custom Coasters Lake Shaffer. operational.” 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020 PARKS, FAIRS & ATTRACTIONS  Seabreeze's Jack Rabbit turns 100 — page 12 / Rides 4 U celebrates 25 years — page 23 Parks and attractions get creative during COVID-19 lockdowns AT: Pam Sherborne [email protected]

UNITED STATES — Offi- cials at amusement and theme parks across the U.S. have put their creativity skills to task since lockdowns and restrictions due to COVID-19 have kept their gates closed. However, through technology, park teams have found ways to keep those sheltering at home, especially the children, engaged and excited about future park visits. They have created puz- zles, coloring books, educational Holiday World and Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus, Indiana, created a digital grand opening (above left) for park fans since the lessons and cooking classes ei- restrictions have delayed actual park openings. Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio, has been offering virtual rides on all of the park's roller ther on their websites or Face- coasters including a ride on the Magnum (above middle). Quassy Amusement Park and Water Park in Middlebury, Connecticut, book, YouTube and Instagram. officials found numerous creative ways to reach out and stay in touch including this coloring book (above right) with outlines from Some have even found a way actual park photos. COURTESY HOLIDAY WORLD, CEDAR POINT, QUASSY AMUSEMENT PARK to, digitally, open their doors on ciation hour for all healthcare skillet and confetti corn salad, tion, animal experts have been week have been ranging from time for the 2020 season like Hol- workers and essential workers. among others. Silver Dollar City bringing the zoo to life several making an alligator out of an egg iday World and Splashin' Safari The digital opening day also offered a number of chil- times a week on Facebook Live. crate for Everglades Exploration in Santa Claus, Indiana. event wrapped up with a fire- dren's stay-at-home activities. And if it is animals some- and building a nest while learn- Officials there have tradi- works show and a sweepstakes Cedar Point, Sandusky, one is after, officials at Jungle ing about birds during Spread tionally looked forward to pro- drawing for free park tickets. Ohio, is taking park fans on vir- Island, Miami, Florida, also has Your Wings, Primate Practices. ducing grand season openers for Quassy Amusement Park tual rides until they are able to reached out to provide online Jungle Island's veterinarian, their guests. Realizing, however, and Water Park in Middlebury, get on the real things. educational and entertainment Jason Chatfield, the vice presi- the May 2 opener wasn't going to Connecticut, has found numer- Cedar Point, which marks opportunities. dent of Zoological Operations, happen, park management de- ous creative ways to reach out its 150th anniversary season this For the stay-at-home kids, has been livestreaming via Face- cided the show must go. A digital and stay in touch with their year, has been offering virtual Jungle Island has been offering book LIVE, showing off some of park opening was created. valued customers, friends and rides on all of the park's roller new virtual online learning op- the facility's residents such as a From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., on business associates by creating coasters including a few special portunities designed for chil- baby capuchin monkey and an May 2, a variety of videos were a variety of web-based stay-at- night ride videos. A handful of dren ages five years to 12. Each endangered black-and-white released on the park's website. home projects for children. bonus ride videos on attractions weekday, animal photos were ruffed lemur. Each hour, the videos changed The park staff created a col- like maXair, Power Tower, the being posted with information The South Carolina Aquar- and included park entertain- oring book with outlines from train and a few waterslides have about each. The posts were be- ium, Charleston, S.C., has been ment, cooking tutorials for mak- actual park photos. The color- been included. ing followed up by the lesson of offering virtual visits by featuring Holiday World food at home ing book could be accessed and Hersheypark, Hershey, the day on the park’s Facebook ing programming opportuni- and interactivities and work- downloaded from the park's Pennsylvania, also has been or Instagram pages. sheets for children of all ages website. A crossword puzzle was giving away virtual rides. Her- Themes and projects each 4See COVID, page 10 that could be done at home. created, using the names of park sheypark coaster fans have been “Opening day is a special rides and attractions as answers. able to take a front seat ride on Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania, has been giving virtual day that we count down toward Quassy's in-house magician all of the 15 coasters, and that rides on all 15 of its coasters. COURTESY HERSHEYPARK every year," said Leah Koch, created a Quassy magic book. includes children of all ages be- fourth generation park owner. The staff used the park's map cause for the virtual rides there "We can’t wait until we can for a game of finding Splash the are no height restrictions. Park open our gates to guests again, dolphin mascot that was hidden staff also have created a down- but until then we’re going to cel- among other map details. loadable coloring book filled ebrate and help our guests bring Officials at Silver Dollar with some of Hershey charac- opening day home.” City, Branson, Missouri, have ters. A download is available for Participating online guests released some of the park's cov- fans to be able to design their were able to take part in a special eted food recipes. own King Size Shake. A scav- chat with Park President Matt Recipes on Silver Dollar enger hunt was created to test Eckert, Koch, and Lauren Crosby, City's website showed fans park guests knowledge of the another fourth-generation owner. how to make the park's popular animals at ZooAmerica North There was also an appre- calico potatoes dish, succotash America Wildlife Park. In addi- June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020 COVID Continued from page 8 Six Flags Great Adventure ties each week, which, so far, have included introductions to opens special Safari unique animals and habitats. Viewers are discovering how the drive-through experience aquarium staff cares for the animals. The facility has dedicated one day a week for Turtle Talk in the Sea Turtle Care Center. DelGrosso's Amusement Park in Tipton, Pennsylvania, has not had to use technology to reach out to park fans. Offi- DelGrosso's Amusement Park in Tipton, Pennsylvania, gave local cials there received an unusual farmers use of its parking lot last month to give away 4,800 opportunity on May 9 to use gallons of milk. The park also has continued with its to-go the park's parking lot to give lunches and dinners. COURTESY DELGROSSO'S AMUSEMENT PARK out 4,800 gallons of milk. The milk was provided by the Blair While DelGrosso's is still Alabama Adventure and County Farm Bureau in partner- not open for the season like so Splash Adventure in Bessemer, ship with the American Dairy many of the country's amuse- Alabama, has been constantly Association Northeast to host a ment parks, management has looking for ways to continue to milk giveaway. One thousand of continued to offer the park's interact with the local community those gallons were given away Tuesdays and Thursdays dinners while, at the same time, promote to food pantries and the remain- to go. The menu is posted online and practice social distancing. JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Great Adventure announced ing were handed out to anyone and guests need to pre-order ei- To that end, the park partici- that it will open its Safari adventure as a drive-through coming by to pick up a gallon. ther online or by phone. They are pated in the Birmingham Mom experience. This announcement follows New Jersey The milk is produced by able to pay online or at one of the Collective’s Easter Egg Hunt Governor Phil Murphy’s executive order permitting drive- dairy farms seven days a week kiosks pay stations at the park. project over Easter weekend. The through events implementing social distancing guidelines. in Blair County. Organizers said Park officials have designed egg hunt allowed families to hunt The Safari operated as a self-drive-through experience there is an oversupply of milk, designated directions and lanes to for eggs all around town without from 1974 through 2012. Since 2013, the park has because of school and restau- pick up the to-go food to limit per- having to leave their cars. offered guided truck tours of the Safari. Returning to a rant closures and an increased son-to-person contact. The food is Park management has kept standalone, drive-through format enables guests to enjoy need by the communities. given to customers in their cars. all full-time staff on the payroll. the Safari’s 1,200 exotic animals from the privacy and safety of their own vehicles. To prevent overcrowding, the Safari experience requires advance registration. COURTESY SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE

DelGrosso's Amusement Park cancels 2020 season

TIPTON, Pa. — The Board of Directors of the DelGrosso Family of Companies annunced on May 15 that it had decided to cancel DelGrosso's Amusement Park's 2020 season. The board stated that many factors played a role in the decision. First and foremost, the saftey of its employess and the park's guests was the top priority. In addition, the uncertainty memorable and safe guest expe- of when large attractions such rience very difficult to achieve. as DelGrosso's Amusement park The park's 2020 season would be legally permitted to passes and food vouchers will open was a factor. The board also be honored for the 2021 season. stated that the social distancing In addition, all 2020 season pass protocals, reduced capacity and holders will receive a bonus supply chain interuptions would food credit of $25. combine towards making a fun, •delgrossos.com June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020 Seabreeze’s Jack Rabbit wooden coaster turns 100 this season AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected]

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Few parks can boast of a history spanning an entire century, but to have a roller coaster survive that long is exceptionally rare. Seabreeze is one of 13 remaining examples of trolley parks. Built at the end of trolley lines to encourage business on the weekends when people weren’t traveling to work, trolley parks dotted the landscape of 19th century United States. With the invention of the automobile — as well as the impact of The Great Depression, hundreds of trolley parks dwindled to the handful that remain. Seabreeze has the distinction of not only being one of the remaining examples, but one filled with charm, character and soul. Seabreeze’s Jack Rabbit celebrates a 100-year milestone this season. The coaster is pictured George W. Long, Jr. oper- above left in its opening year of 1920. It was the first coaster to feature underfriction wheels ated the park for the Rochester which allowed for higher speeds, more thrilling designs and increased safety. Transit Company until pur- COURTESY SEABREEZE; AT/TIM BALDWIN chasing Seabreeze in 1946. Today the park is owned and of honor in amusement park ravine making for a larger-than- milestone, it is no surprise that operated by his grandchildren, history as the oldest continu- expected first drop. Track length Seabreeze would want to cel- the Norris family. ously operating roller coaster of the overall ride is 2,130 feet, ebrate the occasion. Jack Rabbit at Seabreeze in the United States. It was also which was of respectable size “We’ve been brainstorm- remains the park’s signature the first roller coaster to feature for its time. ing ideas to celebrate the Jack attraction, despite its age. Its underfriction wheels, which “Fortunately [most of Rabbit’s 100th,” said Scott first drop into a ravine and tun- ushered in a whole new world it] is an out-and-back design Diamond, marketing manager, neled finale are what most rid- of taller and steeper hills, faster with fairly straight track which as spring was starting and prior ers admire and appreciate. as it has been forever. It’s really speeds and negative-G forces. makes it fairly easy to work on,” to the COVID-19 outbreak. “As Seabreeze opened in 1879. in great shape.” Built by Harry Baker and said Norris. “We have a team of now, we have created poster Two wooden coasters were Norris remembers riding designed by John Miller, the that works on it two to three artwork and pushed the coaster predecessors to Jack Rabbit’s the wooden coaster as a kid, coaster has seen very few chang- months each year. They do such facts out to social media. That arrival in 1920. Neither of those, but more vivid memories are es over its 10 decades. Early on, a great job. It’s in tremendous artwork will likely translate over however, lasted even 20 years. those of his college days when a fire in 1923 destroyed part shape. There’s not much on it to merchandise in the gift shop. The 100-year milestone makes he worked the ride and was of the ride, along with the Old older than 20 years.” While we haven’t officially set this installation nothing short of involved with the maintenance Mill, Dreamland dance hall and In an interesting bit of irony, a celebration event in stone, we extraordinary. on the older trains and replac- Hilarity Hall. The coaster and Old Jack Rabbit at Seabreeze shares plan to do something commem- “Jack Rabbit has been our ing wood on the track. Mill were rebuilt and restored. a common trait with another orative at the coaster site. We’ve anchor ride for a hundred years A few years ago, manage- In the 1980s, the trains were Jack Rabbit. As noted in the been collecting guest photos, now,” said Rob Norris, presi- ment replaced the drive system replaced with a new one built by MAY issue of Amusement Today, videos and experiences through dent, Seabreeze. “It’s been the for the lift motor. This year, the Morgan Manufacturing, which Kennywood’s Jack Rabbit also social media and will share them longest-running ride at the park old drive wheel that operated the still operates today. Norris feels shares a 100th anniversary this as buildup to opening day.” and is such a centerpiece and lift has been placed in the muse- that train has offered a smooth- season. They are among the Since then, as the park focal point to the park. Wooden um surrounding the carousel. er operation. Overall, however, oldest existing coasters in the works toward a revised time- coasters are like living beings “No one ever got to see it the layout is one that has been nation, if not the world. frame to begin the modified — you just keep rebuilding before because it was always in enjoyed by multiple generations. Because of their age, as season, a new idea is in the them and refreshing them. Jack the drive house,” Norris said. Standing 75 feet tall, Jack well as their iconic contribution works. In recent weeks, the Rabbit is running today as good Jack Rabbit holds a place Rabbit’s first drop plunges into a to each park and the history park has developed a sticker to of each city, both rides were acknowledge a child’s first ride designated as Roller Coaster on Jack Rabbit. Landmarks by American “The ‘FINALLY 48’ stick- Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE). er is a big rite of passage at “In a time of all the new Seabreeze! When a kid grows high-tech rides being built, Jack to 48 inches tall, they are offi- Rabbit gives us a glimpse into cially big enough to ride the the past,” said ACE Preservation Jack Rabbit,” said Diamond. Director David Dragun. “It’s an “We created the Rabbit Riders amazing thing for Seabreeze to Club to honor new induct- keep Jack Rabbit around and ees and celebrate the special wonderfully maintained so moment. After a first ride, the future generations can enjoy it guest would receive a sticker, as much as past generations. and we also will have a photo Jack Rabbit takes advantage of some ravines within the terrain (above left). At right, pictured is It’s really remarkable to have spot/frame they stand in to Rob Norris (fifth generation, his daughter (sixth generation) and his new grandchild (seventh a coaster around for 100 years, have their picture taken for generation. Seabreeze has been in the Norris family since 1946 when it was purchased by and to have one this historically social media.” his ancestor George Long, who had been a carousel concessionaire at the park. The drive significant stand the test of time That photo op is being con- wheel from the coaster is now placed in the park’s museum. is incredibly noteworthy.” structed now as Seabreeze gears COURTESY SEABREEZE; AT/TIM BALDWIN With such a significant up for the 2020 debut. June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13 14 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020 Creativity, innovation bring in guests during restrictive measures Drive Thru Zoo creates a revenue stream for San Antonio Zoo AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected] SAN ANTONIO — As Texas began its reopening process in early May, the San Antonio Zoo, with its large outdoor spaces, was confi- had proven successful in San dent it would be permitted to Antonio during Christmas open following the shutdown events in the past. Management owing to the COVID-19 crisis. went out and examined the To its dismay, the zoo was not available roadways and paths included in Phase 1. The stum- within the park. With substan- bling block? Handrails. tial testing with various types Quick thinking and a good of vehicles, the facility pro- helping of creativity offered up duced a viable route through a Plan B. The park initiated the zoo. Morrow knew the a social media commercial on route could have challenges. April 29. Drive-Thru Zoo was a The zoo is more than 100 years concept that allowed visitors to old and is dotted with historic experience the zoo but remain buildings and structures. Part Visitors to San Antonio Zoo enjoyed the animal exhibits from the safety and comfort of their in their cars. The idea was to do of the charm of the property is cars. COURTESY SAN ANTONIO ZOO it for that upcoming May week- to meander off the main thor- end, Friday through Sunday. oughfare onto some smaller size limit of the vehicle is clearly them like when the guests are said. “The response has been “It sold out in less than 90 pathways. However, when stated on the website. regularly here. They like that overwhelming with peo- minutes,” said Tim Morrow, large attractions such as zoos Visitors can approach the engagement, and they love get- ple saying, ‘We came just to president, and theme parks are designed, zoo entrance from two directing a reaction from people.” support the zoo and all the San Antonio fire lanes are incorporated, and tions. The San Antonio Police Along the route are four employees are thankful we’re Zoo. “The Morrow feels visitors in the Department has assisted in snack stands where cars can here.’ Sometimes you take for initial reac- Drive-Thru Zoo event are see- directing the traffic into the main pull over and receive the pre- granted what you have locally. tion was ing the majority of the exhibits. parking lot which serves as a ordered snacks or grab some- Now that people have not had way more The length of the entire drive “snake queue.” Like a parade thing on the fly. All financial anything for six weeks, they overwhelm- is approximately 3,400 feet. route, there is constant flow. transactions are cash free, are really appreciating the zoo. ing than we Morrow Morrow estimates the length of From there, cars are ushered reducing any tangible han- When you operate a big theme thought it would be. We knew the experience is about an hour. into six lanes where attendants dling of money. Snacks include park or attraction, you never people wanted to get out of “The perspective is really check for tickets and see if fami- nachos, popcorn, cotton candy, want to take guests for granted, their house, and a car was a unique from a car,” Morrow lies wish to pre-order snacks. pickles and drinks and come in but when you don’t have any safe way to do it, but we had no told Amusement Today. “We’ve During the experience, an prepackaged containers. Two guests for six or seven weeks, idea what the response would added an audio tour to it. It’s audio tour helps guests engage restrooms are available. Guests it makes a big impact on your be. We quickly regrouped and really educational. We’re learn- with the animals and environ- are told ahead of time that to life. The mutual gratitude is decided to run this through the ing a lot about operating the ment. Throughout the jour- leave the vehicles they must really nice between everybody. 17th. That takes us up to the zoo in a regular way from oper- ney, prerecorded tracks offer wear masks and only one fam- Even with long waits people Phase II of things opening.” ating it as a drive-through zoo.” information about the animals ily is permitted in at a time. have been patient and thankful Morrow credits his mar- The zoo limits the amount of and are peppered with “corny For additional revenue, and very gracious.” keting team for the concept. tickets sold online for each day jokes,” as Morrow calls them. there are two small merchan- While animal care has been “We have a really fun, out- to 600 automobile admissions. They can play the audio right dise stands where visitors can ongoing during the shutdown, of-the-box group here. In fact, Exceptions to that are annual off the website and often people purchase plush, adopt an ani- the zoo unfortunately had to we don’t even feel the box even members and passholders who play it through the car speakers. mal, Mother’s Day and Fiesta furlough about 60 percent of exists,” he said. “We have all present their credentials at the “The gibbons and small baskets and things of this the staff. This innovative con- kinds of crazy ideas all the zoo and can receive a discount- primates have really missed nature that are quick to buy. cept of Drive-Thru Zoo has time. I think you see that in our ed rate of $32. The regular price the guests and have noticed “At our final stop we have allowed the facility to bring social media and PR wise.” is $60 per car, regardless of how they are back,” he said. “They our mascot out there, kind back more of their employees, Drive-through attractions many people may be inside. The get to show off and play with of as a thank you,” Morrow and they continue to add more. Morrow noted the experience has offered the zoo itself some learning opportunities in how to engage guests. He has also found that guests who have been mobility challenged or don’t tolerate hot temperatures well have been able to enjoy the zoo, which has been a nice asset. When the state’s guidelines for Phase II are determined in late May, depending upon restrictions such as 25 or 50 percent capacity, Morrow said the zoo will look at raw numbers and move forward with what offers the biggest impact in regard to both guests and financially. Drive-Thru Zoo could potentially extend for more weeks. The primates love showing off for guests (above left), whether up close or when in their cars. While driving through the zoo, “We’re having fun doing visitors can hear audio tours through the car speakers or devices. COURTESY SAN ANTONIO ZOO what we’re doing.” June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020

Master of the band organ Prior reservations are preferable so guests are able to choose a date preference. If the AT: Ron Gustafson reservations are not full for any given day, Special to Amusement Today walk-ons are being excepted. Each group of EL PASO, Texas — At age guests are being guided by a designated ride 63, Larry Kern is living his attendant who is to ensure social distancing. childhood dream. Prepaid online via credit card use will be A retired fire chief for the the accepted method of payment. Department of Defense at Fort In addition, guests are being provided Bliss, Kern no longer is chasing with a menu to check off their choice of food fires on the sprawling base that items. It will be prepared and served to them covers more than 1 million acres. outside to avoid lines. Instead he is traveling up to six AT: Pam Sherborne • months out of the year with his [email protected] Attractions of Merlin Entertainments, in- trusted canine buddy, Pee Jay, cluding Legoland Resorts and Legoland Dis- and a classic band organ. covery Centers across the globe, have shared His love of carousel music Larry Kern tends to one of his While the opening date of Hersheypark, messages of hope and gratitude to all of the and band organs dates back to prize band organs. COURTESY Hershey, Pennsylvania, for the 2020 season is essential workers on the frontline during this his childhood days in Ohio. QUASSY AMUSEMENT PARK still unclear, construction on the park’s planned difficult time. “When I was a kid we went expansion was once again underway during At Legoland California, Carlsbad, Master to the Jackson Ohio Apple would own one of those things.’” the first of May. Construction of the $150 mil- Model Builder Tim Sams used 640 Lego bricks Festival every year,” he recalled. Kern’s love for band organ lion Chocolatetown expansion had been put created the words "thank you" in front of the “The carnival at the festival music was something he wanted on hold in early April due to the outbreak of park. The white mosaic with black script and a was the Gooding Amusement to share with others, so he started the novel coronavirus. yellow ribbon spans more than three feet long Company out of Columbus, taking a working machine to Hersheypark officials said all enhanced and is nearly two feet tall. Ohio, and Floyd Gooding local shopping centers, grand health and safety processes and necessary op- A variety of content, along with the thank demanded a live band organ on openings and parties in Illinois erational protocols set by the state governor, you Lego mosaic, can be found on a dedicat- every carousel he owned.” and then the El Paso area. He was the CDC and the construction industry are be- ed YouTube and Facebook page for “Making “One year my sister occasionally accompanied by his ing carefully followed to ensure the safety of Magic With Merlin.” (Christy) and I were at the two sons at some of those venues. team members and the contractors on site. • festival and Mom and Dad told In 1991, he purchased The expansion encompasses several new Officials at theMetro Richmond Zoo, us to meet them at the carousel his pride and joy, a custom attractions, such as a restaurant and food ven- Chesterfield County, Virginia, have begun to at 10 o’clock to go home. Christy built Stinson 2000M from the dors, shops, relocated Hersheypark Carrousel temporarily offer drive-through tours of the and I were there, but Mom and Stinson Band Organ Co. of and fountains. The park will also finalize their zoo on May 7. Dad were late,” he said of that Bellefontaine, Ohio. 15th roller coaster, Candymonium. The new tour lasts approximately one evening decades ago. “This is the largest American Prior to the shutdown of non-essential hour and allows for easy social distancing dur- When their parents arrived band organ playing paper rolls businesses in Pennsylvania, the original opening the coronavirus pandemic. a few minutes later, the siblings in existence,” he said of the road- ing date for Hersheypark’s summer season was Guests can enjoy a narrated, educational stood quietly in awe as they worthy machine he has mounted May 1. Hersheypark’s Springtime in the Park tour while in the comfort and safety of their listened to the wonderful music in a 30-foot trailer. He has five and the opening of the adjoining ZooAmerica own vehicles. coming from the carousel. other Stinson band organs in his were both canceled in March, and ticket hold- During the new experience, guests will see “Mom and Dad said, ‘Let’s personal collection, but the 2000M ers for Springtime in the Park have been ad- and learn about giraffe, cheetah, kangaroos, go,’ but we said, ‘Wait a minute, is largest at 16 feet long, eight feet vised that their tickets will instead be honored monkeys, chimpanzees, orangutans, penguins we want to hear the rest of this high and six feet deep. To replace during Hersheypark’s summer season. and many more animals. tune on the carousel,’” Kern the huge band organ today would • Capacity is limited and guests must sched- added. cost around $200,000. Officials atSam's Fun City, Pensacola, ule visits ahead of time. His love affair with “The “It is a complete instrument Florida, were busy in early May finishing up • Happiest Music On Earth” had in comparison to a marching new protocols and changes set to take place Plans for the new Lost Island Theme Park begun, and each year during his band. Everything that is in a when the park opened for the 2020 season. in Waterloo, Iowa, are moving forward. Owned youth, he returned to the festival marching band is inside this The opening was set for May 22. by the Bertch family, grading and construction to hear the band organ play. instrument. It has drums, Some of these changes begin right at the are underway on the $100 million, 90-acre “It got in my blood,” Kern cymbals, flutes and trumpets,” gate of admission. For one thing, the park has park. It is expected to open in 2020 with thrill added, “And both my sister and Kern noted. “Everything in a been changed to a gated park with wristbands rides and other family entertainment offerings. I love band organs to this day.” marching band is replicated in signifying guests have paid. Capacity has been The Bertch family also owns Lost Island Christy is a school teacher in this machine in the form of a cut to 25 percent of its limit. There is one en- Waterpark across from the site of the planned Wellston, Ohio. pipe or actual instrument itself.” trance and one exit to the park attractions and theme park. The water park hasn't opened yet The music became such an With 100 music rolls in the all other doors will be monitored by staff. Tick- for the 2020 season due to the coronavirus obsession with him that he took a trailer plus more than 3,000 tunes et sales and wrist bands are being done from pandemic, but hopes are that it will eventually job at the annual festival helping stored on a computer interface, the outside ticketing booth. be okay to bring guests back. to dismantle the carousel. That Kern actually takes requests for In addition, guests are being screened • job led to another — tearing songs during his annual six- before entering. This includes a health ques- Officials of the Santa Cruz Beach Board- tickets on the ride’s platform month tour with the organ. tionnaire, body temperature not greater than walk, Santa Cruz, California, announced last while it was in operation. He tows the trailer from town 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit and an O2 (pulse ox- month that the "Free Friday Night Bands on “As a teenager, I used to get to town, playing fairs, festivals, imeter) saturation of not less than 95 percent. the Beach" event will be canceled this year in the car and chase that carousel amusement parks and a half- Guests are to be registered and records due to COVID-19. to about four different locations. dozen band organ rallies each kept in case of any necessary follow-up. Waiv- The company posted on its website: In my last year of high school, summer. The rallies draw other ers excluding Sam's Fun Park from any liability "We're sad to announce that due to COV- Gooding offered me a fulltime job organ owners and enthusiasts regarding safety or COVID-19 are to be signed ID-19 the 2020 Free Friday Night Bands on the so I went home and told Mom I from throughout the country by guests. Beach concert series has been canceled." was going to quit school,” he said. and are generally staged by the Other changes park officials have made Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk offers a vari- An argument ensued; Kern lost Carousel Organ Association of include additional hand-washing stations and ety of special events throughout the year. All and finished high school in Ohio. America (COAA), of which Kern a different pedestrian walking pattern created dates are subject to change. It was also just after his is vice president. to help limit face to face contact. The boardwalk has been closed since the discharge from the Air Force At larger fairs — where Appropriate nose and mouth coverings county issued its shelter-in-place order and will that Kern purchased his first he has to tend to the organ up must be utilized if guests are unable to social remain closed until that order is lifted. band organ. to 12 to 14 hours a day — he distance themselves. The boardwalk has been operating since “That one was a junker, but I stays in the trailer that houses At this time, the park will not reopen the 1907. Two of its rides are National Historic got it playing, traded it for another his treasured machine as he high physical contact attractions such as the Landmarks, the 1924 Giant Dipper wooden and got it going,” he reminisced. incorporated living quarters in play zone, laser tag, and inflatables. roller coaster and the Looff Carousel. “Mom said, ‘I always knew you the front. June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17 Natural Bridge Caverns Bob's Space Racers debuts reopens, adds industry Hands-free Sanitizer Station HOLLY HILL, Fla. — With the veteran Terri Adams world forever changing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bob's SAN ANTONIO, Texas Space Racers felt the need to do — Natural Bridge Caverns its part to promote safety and reopened its cavern tours May hygene within the attractions 8 after closing its doors due to industry. Realizing that the safety the COVID-19 pandemic on of every individual is of utmost March 16. importance, Bob's Space Racers Under Texas Governor developed and manufactured Greg Abbott’s plan to reopen the Hands-free Sanitizer Station. Texas, the Caverns joined Made in the U.S., the only surface many businesses, including a guest touches on the Hands-free State Historic Sites and Sanitizer Station is the foot pedal. National Natural Landmarks, With the high-volume operations across the state in welcoming of the amusement industry in guests back in a safe and Terri Adams mind, the stations are built to strategic manner. hold a refillable gallon container “There is no higher been developed. that can dispense more than 600 priority than the safety of our In addition, Natural pumps of sanitizing solution when guests and staff. Since the Bridge Caverns announced full. The fully-customizable station onset of COVID-19, Natural the addition of Terri Adams as includes a large removable tray Bridge Caverns has followed general manager. Adams brings to prevent sanitizer the guidance of federal, state, extensive experience in growing solution from getting and local authorities and multifaceted family businesses on the floor and allows continues to monitor this ever- into multimillion-dollar brands. for easy clean-up. evolving situation,” said Brad The Wuest family, which has COURTESY BOB'S SPACE RACERS Wuest, president and CEO of owned and operated Natural Natural Bridge Caverns. “We Bridge Caverns for 56 years, are excited to resume daily recruited her to assist them operations and welcome our with future growth. guests back, and we are taking “Terri’s long career in the every precaution needed to hospitality industry makes ensure guests and staff remain her the perfect choice to lead safe during their visit.” us forward,” said Wuest. “We Some of the precautions were fortunate that she was included: available at a critical time in •Cavern tour capacities our growth strategy. Terri’s are limited to allow guests experience working with a effective physical distancing family-owned attraction and between each family group. her experience with building •A dedicated cleaning a Texas brand, combined with and sanitation crew has her business acumen, capable been established to clean leadership and industry and disinfect all high touch insight will help with our surfaces throughout the park. immediate challenges and our •Handwashing stations plan for long term growth.” have been added around the “Natural Bridge Caverns park, and importantly, at has been a family and fan the entrance and exit of the favorite for the past 20 years,” caverns, so guests can wash said Adams. “To have the their hands immediately privilege of working with before and after their tour. this amazing family-owned •Complimentary hand business is a great honor, and sanitizer is made available I look forward to helping the throughout the park and team move into the next 60 inside the cavern as well. years of discovery.” •Guests are encouraged to During Adams’ 41 years wear face coverings while they in hospitality, she helped to visit and to use handwashing grow Schlitterbahn Resorts stations and hand sanitizer. and Waterparks from a small •All team members local waterpark to a five- are provided job-specific city iconic Texas brand that appropriate personal protective was sold in 2019. She is the equipment (facemasks, gloves, recipient of the prestigious safety glasses), have their Milton Guess Hospitality temperatures checked before Award from the San Antonio reporting to work and are Tourism Alliance, a recipient always required to wear proper of the Tall in Texas Award and PPE as their position requires. was inducted into the World •New merchandise and Waterpark Association Hall food handling guidelines have of Fame. 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020 GameChanger-XS introduced University of Illinois offers rooftop by Lagotronics Projects miniature golf to its football players

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Adventure Golf world-class player amenities to impact recruiting Services (AGS) installed a rooftop miniature and support a successful football program at the golf course atop the new Smith Football Center university, the nine-hole miniature golf course at the University of Illinois late in 2019 and was custom designed by AGS. recently spoke with the general trades contractor “We are seeing more interest and demand and athletic department about the concept and for miniature golf to be offered as an amenity execution of the project. from colleges and universities, not only from “I think it was Josh Whitman, our director athletic departments, but also for upscale student of athletics, who had the idea for including housing,” says Scott Lundmark, president of AGS. a miniature golf course on the rooftop,” said “Our products are a perfect fit for fun activities Tim Knox, assistant athletic director, football to take a break from sports or studies, and can be operations at the University of Illinois. “We were designed to fit any space, theme and budget.” trying to maximize our space. AGS has more than 35 years’ experience “On most buildings this would be just wasted designing and installing permanent, custom space. We felt there was potential to use that space modular or portable miniature golf courses in to expand the footprint of the building without places ranging from municipal parks, family expanding the building.” entertainment centers and commercial building “They were trying to be different from other rooftops to cruise ship decks and shopping centers. universities,” added Adam Hebert, project At the Smith Center, AGS supervised the THE NETHERLANDS — After the success of the regular- manager of the Petry Kuhne construction company installation of the 1,800-square-foot miniature size GameChanger dark ride, Lagotronics Projects is now who was awarded the contract for the project. course using patented interlocking panels and introducing the GameChanger-XS. It is an even more According to Hebert, adding a custom anchoring the course to the roof pavers. • compact version of the GameChanger and specially designed nine-hole miniature golf course to the adventureandfun.com designed for FECs, museums and shopping malls. A rooftop of the new 112,000-square-foot Smith Football Center was a change-order to the original media-based, interactive dark ride, the GameChange- project, made possible by donations. XS offers interactive fun to visitors of all ages within a The entire rooftop was conceived as a player’s 400-square-foot space. The media content can easily be lounge for relaxation. It consists of the miniature golf adapted to the audience (children/teens/adults) or be course, a partially covered steel trellis with furniture changed periodically to attract recurring visitors. In total, underneath, along with heaters. There is also a three- the GameChanger-XS comprises four sections. Every sided enclosed building that has airplane-like doors section facilitates two players, resulting in a capacity of that open to the kitchen, sporting a 60-inch grill. 225 visitors per hour. After every scene, the platform “It’s actually a pretty cool structure up there,” moves to the subsequent scene and finally to the load and said Hebert. unload section. COURTESY LAGOTRONICS PROJECTS While the $79.2 million complex was COURTESY ADVENTURE GOLF SERVICES originally designed by Architect HTNB with June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19

v FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTRAL MARKET PLACE AT: John W.C. Robinson [email protected] The Saugus, Massachusettes, Board of anyone and everyone who would like to Selectmen held and continued a public join. Continuing its mission of promoting hearing in April on a family entertainment STEAM learning during this time of social center proposed for the first floor of the distancing, the virtual Cardboard Challenge former Sears at Square One Mall that allowed kids, families, teachers and more would include bowling, bumper cars, laser to discover new ways to connect through tag, go-karts, an arcade, sports simulators, creative play and engage in fun, educational ropes course, virtual reality games and a full- activities using common household items, service restaurant and bar. like cardboard. Did you know that participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among children ages 1-4 by up to 88%? Help us put an end Apex Entertainment has submit- “With the majority of people staying to drowning by spreading the word Swimming Lessons Save Lives™. ted applications to operate a commer- in their homes and schools transitioned to JOIN TEAM WLSLTM FOR THE 11TH ANNUAL cial recreational facility in the more than distance learning, the need for hands-on, WORLD’S LARGEST SWIMMING LESSON™ 100,000-square-foot building. accessible educational opportunities is more THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020 The first Apex Entertainment facil- important than ever,” said Dr. Leah Hanes, ity opened in Marlborough in 2017, fol- CEO of Two Bit Circus Foundation. “Parents WLSL.ORG © 2020 World’s Largest Swimming Lesson lowed by locations in Syracuse and Albany. and children now have the opportunity to Kevin Eriksen, general counsel for Apex take control of their education, so we hope Entertainment, said the company strives this event offers them a fun way to do that to set the standard for excellence when while schools are shut down. Our goals it comes to family entertainment centers. for the virtual Cardboard Challenge are to Eriksen stressed that Apex Entertainment encourage connection and the pursuit of creates an environment that is family-friendly learning through creative play, and to instill and welcoming to guests of all ages. a sense of community that is crucial for Matthew McDonnell, the vice presi- the many children who no longer have the dent of development for Seritage Growth creative opportunities that are provided to Properties, said there is a lease agreement them in the classroom.” for Apex Entertainment to operate the • entire first floor of Sears. As the landlord Ultimate Air trampoline park in San for the properties, McDonnell said Seritage Angelo, Texas, is ready to have children can explore opportunities to lease out the jumping again, but getting official permission second floor at Sears and adjacent Sears to allow that to happen might take a while. Auto building. "We are hopeful to be open [by some- • time in May] if not sooner," said Ultimate Air Sky Zone Fishers (Fishers, Indiana) trampoline Park Manager Michelle Kearby. has closed permanently, according to an "We are prepared just in case the governor announcement on the trampoline park's re-visits his order [sooner]." website, and a new family entertainment On Friday, May 1, 2020, restaurants, and center is planning to move in. other retail outlets across Texas opened their The trampoline park had been in opera- doors to the public after being shuttered tion in Fishers for about eight years. The due to the coronavirus. Approval to resume announcement of the closure first appeared business came from Gov. Greg Abbott, on the website in late April. who announced the Texas economy would The announcement stated: "We’d like reopen in gradual phases. to thank the community of Fishers for flying Bars, gyms, cosmetology salons and high with us over the last eight years. We’ve amusement venues — such as bowling loved being a part of this community and alleys, skate parks and trampoline parks, like hope the memories you’ve made with us last Ultimate Air in San Angelo — are part of a lifetime!" what Gov. Abbott called "phase two" in the Adrenaline Family Adventure Park, a schedule to reopen Texas. new family entertainment center, is renovat- • ing a space next door to the trampoline park Stars and Strikes reopened its for a May opening. The owners will add the Georgia locations on Friday, May 8, with newly available Sky Zone Fishers space to new operating procedures to meet gov- their project. ernment guidelines. Adrenaline Family Adventure Park is Some of the changes include closing set to feature 50,000 square feet of all-new every other bowling lane and limiting the ropes course and climbing attractions, a new remaining lanes to 50% capacity, limiting the soft play area, a ninja warrior course, tram- number of guests in the arcade and for laser polines and more. tag, reduced seating in the restaurant and • bar areas and enhanced cleaning and sanita- Two Bit Circus Foundation, a non- tion measures. profit educational organization, held the “Since we learned of the opening of first virtual Cardboard Challenge, an online businesses in Georgia, we have been work- version of the original event started by ing diligently on new operating procedures Imagination.org, designed to encour- to ensure proper social distancing and sani- age the worldwide STEAM community to tation to help protect the health of our team come together in these uncertain times members and our guests,” owners Chris to embrace creativity and inspire the next Albano and Jack Canouse said in a press generation of inventors. release. “Each department has a detailed The May 7 event was hosted on the process manual that has been used to train Keep our amusement park industry strong! Foundation’s Twitch channel and welcomed team members.” Buy products and services from these suppliers. 20 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020

More people, places and products as seen in Gibtown during Florida week

The front entrance marquee stood as a beacon of fun to A portion of the outdoor portion of the 52nd annual International Independent Showmen’s attendees and an attention getter for motorists driving by. Foundation (IISF) annual Super Trade Show & Extravaganza is seen here.

The Keystone state was well represented with from l: Adam Swika, Adam Swika Shows; newlyweds Chase Gina Guglielmi with Intermark Ride Group and Kaitlin Benner and Christina Benner, owner, Penn Ron Burback, principal of Funtastic Traveling and Luca Gosetto, co-owner of Gosetto, S.r.l., Valley Shows. Chase and Kaitlyn got married Feb. Shows, visits with Amusement Today Publisher in Guglielmi’s booth. She reps for Gosetto, 1 and spent the early part of their honeymoon in Gary Slade in the event room inside the IISA Fabbri Group, Martin & Vleminvkx and Ride Gibtown before going on a cruise. building. Engineers Switzerland.

Len Soled, principal, Rides 4 U, holds a picture of Earl Heller and himself back in the 1980s.

Known to many as the “Ice Tea Lady,” Tammy Long points to a photo of her joint, Tiki Tea, Inc., as seen on the midway of a previous Florida State Fair. That image was used on the Amusement Today pull-up Al Frieden with Battech Enterprises, LLC enjoyed banner. Long will be president of the IISF in 2022. a successful run at the four-day trade show. ALL PHOTOS AT/B. DEREK SHAW June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21 OABA annual golf outing a success GIBSONTON, Fla. — The TopGolf fundraiser and raffle on Feb. 6 during Florida Week is always a well-attended event. While more than 60 golf bays were in use throughout the evening, elsewhere in the building, a very successful Chinese auction was in progress. Debbie Powers, 2020 OABA chair and coordinator of the auctions, provided a recap: “Our 4th Annual TopGolf fundraiser was a fabulous success this year. The best part was that it appeared everyone was having a great time. That always spells success to us. Our Chinese Auction was added last year as a supplement to the Silent Auction so that everyone could get involved. This year there were over 30 items donated by a variety of generous ladies starting with Cathy Deggeller, Debbie Pugh, Candy Anderson and so many more. The items ranged from a “Hairy” Chewbacca Apron, motor head books, jewelry, Legos, tee shirts and food. As the anxious participants were scoping out the various options to win something, carefully placing their tickets in the appropriate bags, Debbie Powers and other ladies were busy selling more tickets to give everyone an opportunity to win something. At the 55th OABA annual meeting on “Towards the end of the night Andy Deggeller took the Feb. 7, there was representation from microphone and read off ticket numbers admiring the gifts with IAFE with Marla Calico as well as from his uncanny humor keeping the crowd laughing. the Eastern States Exposition with Gene “The silent auction had at least 40 items donated by a variety of Cassidy (inset). Above, some of the folks starting with Rick and Marianne Reithoffer, our lobbyists, Gregg attendees visited at the OABA annual and John, Allied, Bill Johnson, Rob Vivona, the Deggellers, the banquet. From left: McGowan Allied's Mary Chris Smith, Anne Shugart, Powers, the Pughs, Larry Yaffe, and so many more. The items rangedFrederiksen 1/7x3 b/w 3/14/02 11:22 AM Page 1 from sports paraphernalia to sunglasses to expensive wine and much Maggie Luehrs, Lisa Cummings more. It was a great success and we are grateful for all the support!” and Lorelei Schoendienst. COURTESY SUE GALLOP/OABA —B. Derek Shaw

“The #1 Leading Slide Manufacturer in America” FREDERIKSEN “World’s Largest 5 Lane, One Trailer Slide - 108 Ft.” INDUSTRIES, INC. 5212 St. Paul St. • Financing and Leasing Available • Trades Considered Tampa, Florida 33619 • Order Slide Bags or “New Rain” Bags (813) 628-4545 • 6 New Slides In Stock FAX (813) 621-3679 • Have 20 Used Rides www.funslide.com • 90 Ft. Fiberglass Slide • 65 Ft. Fiberglass Slide 22 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020 MIDWAY MIDWAYSCENE MARKET PLACE AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected]

Many county, state and independent (becoming the York State Fair this season.) fairs and rodeos across North America have Cashman increased event sales revenue and been cancelling (and in some cases post- instituted the York Fair scholarship founda- poning) their upcoming event. As of press tion. Cashman is a graduate of IAFE Institute time, International Association of Fairs of Fair Management. and Expos (IAFE) has tracked a total of 110 “We are very excited to have Cody fairs have been shuttered in 2020. At least Cashman as our new general manager. He three fairs have been rescheduled for later is well-known throughout the fair industry, this year. Many spring fairs in the Lone Star has a vast amount of fair experience, and we State have moved to the fall. When in doubt look forward to him growing the Red River contact the venue's office or check out any Valley Fair,” said RRVF Board President Vern online social media announcements they Hofman in a statement. “He has the energy may have posted listing operational status. and excitement to bring to the Red River Beware: There have been a few fairs that Valley Fair to the next level.” have been subject to fake posts saying they His father, Andy Cashman is the gen- are cancelling this year (Minnesota State eral manager of the Maryland State Fair, Fair and Bloomsburg [Pennsylvania] Fair and Timonium. The younger Cashman, in addi- sadly, probably more). Always consult official tion to overseeing the fair, also oversees fair social media channels or contact their the Big Iron Farm Show and other events main office. throughout the year. As of press time, the • six day fair, with the theme “Sun’s out, funs The Maryland State Fair & Agricultural out,” takes place July 7-12, with Crabtree Society, Inc. has provided the Fairgrounds Amusements handling the midway. Exhibition Hall to the American Red Cross, • Greater Chesapeake & Potomac Region The New York State Fair is cutting Baltimore Team, for three appointment-only its general admission ticket price in half, emergency blood drives this month. from $10 to $5, while eliminating the sale “The challenge for the local American Red of advanced, paper tickets through a retail Cross Blood Drive Team was to find a facil- sales program. The fair now offers $3 online ity large enough to comply with Coronavirus tickets that will be available even after the COVID-19 pandemic safe-distancing regula- fair opens, through to Labor Day. According tions,” said Maryland State Fair & Agricultural to fair records, this is the same price a fair Society General Manager Andy Cashman. ticket cost at the gate in 1980. This year “It is our pleasure for the 38,400-square-foot there will only be one Dollar Day for general Exhibition Hall to be utilized for such a critical admission and no free days for Canadians need and noble purpose.” or sports fans, however the fair is adding a • fourth free admission Senior Day for folks 60 Last month, Joel Cowley, CEO and pres- and older. ident of the Houston Livestock Show and In the past, more fairgoers waited Rodeo, left the organization after 15 years of for promotional deals instead of buying service, seven as CEO. the $6 advance sale tickets through gro- “While I will remain a lifelong supporter cers like Wegmans and Price Chopper. of the Rodeo and its mission of promoting The new online model allows the fair to agriculture and supporting education, I will access data before it starts the second be pursuing an opportunity that has a direct Wednesday in August. impact on the agricultural industry,” said • Cowley. “In doing so, I hope to provide the The South Dakota State Fair is continu- Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with an ing to plan the 135th fair, but the COVID-19 even better story to tell about advancements pandemic could alter this year’s fair. in the critically important field of agriculture.” The fair is planned as the “Perfect Vision Chief Mission Officer Chris Boleman, for Fun” since 2020 is the year and 20/20 is Ph.D., was promoted to the role of president perfect vision. While it may have a different and CEO, effective May 25. look, the state is hopeful for this year’s fair. “I appreciate the confidence that the “As South Dakotans continue to deal Rodeo Executive Committee has in me to with the unprecedented impacts of COVID- lead such an impactful organization that is 19, the South Dakota State Fair is monitoring aligned with my personal passions,” said the COVID-19 situation on a daily basis,” said Boleman. “I am very grateful to Joel Cowley, JaCee Aaseth, South Dakota Department of who not only has been a tremendous leader Agriculture strategic communications officer. of our organization but is also a trusted “For now, we keep our sights set on the friend and mentor. I look forward to the chal- ‘Perfect Vision of Fun.’” lenge of following his legacy.” Governor Kristi Noem has mentioned in Dr. Boleman leads a full-time staff of 130 press briefings that county fairs and the state and a volunteer force of more than 35,000. fair should continue to plan for 2020. • “Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden has Cody Cashman has been named the new been working on State Fair planning. We do general manager of the Red River Valley hope to hold the South Dakota State Fair Fair, West Fargo, North Dakota effective and plan to do so,” Governor Kristi Noem May 1. He comes from serving as director said. “We’re thinking out of the box on ways Keep our amusement park industry strong! of business development since 2014 at the to continue on with the fair and still keep Buy products and services from these suppliers. York, Pennsylvania Fair/York Expo Center people safe and public health a priority.” June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23 25 years of attractions old and new for New Jersey's Rides 4 U AT: Pam Sherborne [email protected]

SOMERVILLE, N.J. — As Rides 4 U slides into its 25th anniversary year, owner Len Soled feels he is ever closer to the goal set when the company began in May of 1995. The goal for the founders — which included Soled, his wife, Alexis Soled, and industry veteran Nancy Buckley — was to be as diversified as possible to support every aspect of the amusement industry. To that end, it is hard to At left, some of the Rides 4 U team pose for photo during IAAPA Expo 1999. From left are Dori Horvath, Len Soled, a guest, find an area where Rides 4U John Coburn and Nancy Buckley. At right, a recent group shot of the Rides 4 U team shows, standing (l to r): Earl Heller, can't meet its own expectations. Joe Migueles, Len Soled, Rich Madden and John Coburn. Seated are (l to r): Stephanie Magnani, Dori Horvath and Annie The company brokers new ride Bauer. COURTESY RIDES 4 U sales for SBF/Visa, KMG, S & S Worldwide and has relation- "There isn't a (Kelley) Blue His first job with Zam- to start his own business. It The company's first new ships for new rides with other Book for amusement rides," he perla was to go to the Inter- was a hard decision because ride sale was a SBF/Visa jeep manufacturers such as Moser said. "I feel confident enough national Independent Show- he liked where he was. He convoy to Nicholson's Pier. and Majestic. The company also now to do that. Not many peo- men's Foundation expo in talked it over with his wife The second was a SBF/Visa sells used rides. It sells parts and ple in this industry can." Gibsonton, Florida. Known and with Buckley wanting to antique car ride to Morey's LED lighting packages. It liqui- Yet all this didn't come just as Gibtown, he was to go partner with them, he knew he Piers, Wildwood, New Jersey. dates products for carnivals and to Rides 4 U overnight. There in with the technical team and was making the right choice. Some of Soled's favorite parks, large and small. It can have been bumps along the set up five park model rides. Rides 4 U opened up shop in memories throughout the 25 provide turnkey on projects. way, but Soled said there "Boy do I remember that New Jersey where they both years include working with Even with the unprecedent- hasn't been a single time when very well," he said. "We had lived and had been working. Moser on the drop tower and ed circumstances presented by he thought his business wasn't to go in two and a half weeks "I remember us going to a creative deal he and Buck- the novel coronavirus this year, going to make it. before the show started. The our first New Jersey Attrac- ley put together for Playland Soled said he is still busy. He There have been changes, show back then lasted over a tions Association (NJAA) Park in Rye, New York. Pub- has a trailer-mounted SBF/Visa of course. The most significant week. Then, it took us a week annual dinner and dance as licly owned by Westchester mini break dance being deliv- was the retirement in 2012 of to take everything down." Rides 4 U," he said. "I was County, the two created a deal ered to North American Mid- Nancy Buckley. He found himself up on standing there, and here where they would lease rides way Entertainment this month. Soled met Buckley at the rides helping the technical comes Bob and Patty Bennett to the park. They created a "We had a new KMG Freak Zamperla where he began team put the rides up. He defi- (Casino Pier, Seaside Heights. separate business entity, Rides Out already delivered to R.C. his affiliation with the amuse- nitely realized he had a learn- New Jersey). He said that he Plus, and ended up with that Cole (Cole Shows Amuse- ment business. ing curve ahead of him. had three rides he wanted to deal for eight or nine years ment Company)," Soled said. "I knew nothing about this "I would be up on the ride liquidate. 'You sell them and before Westchester County "We have a few new projects." business when I started with with tools, my sleeves rolled up tell me what they are worth.' " bought them out. And Soled said the com- Zamperla," Soled said. and someone would holler up Soled was thrilled. That In the aftermath of Hur- pany has continued to ship out And that is what he told to me and say, 'Hey, Len, aren't same evening Roy Gillian, ricane Sandy, which in 2012 an abundance of parts to ride Alberto Zamperla during his you glad you got that MBA?' Gillian's Wonderland Pier, struck the eastern seaboard, owners of all sorts. Because of interview. "I remember getting on Ocean City, Maryland, came Rides 4 U was able to be there the pandemic and lockdowns, "He asked me why I that plane to fly home -com over and did the same thing. for many of their first custom- ride owners and operators wanted to be in this industry," pleting exhausted," he said. "I "They told us that they ers. The company helped at- have found themselves with Soled said. thought, 'What in the world wanted us to stay and be part tractions' owners salvage what more maintenance time. He told him: "Because I am I doing in this business?' I of the future of the business. they could, sell off what they "I've had people tell me am a salesman and I can sell told myself I would never be They wanted us to succeed." didn't want and buy new rides. that their rides have never anything." back." In addition, Rides 4 U be- At the beginning of 2013, looked so good," Soled said. Soled also had a Master of He has now attended 35 gan to broker new rides with Rides 4 U was approached by With Soled's now 35 years Business Administration, which Gibtown shows. manufacturers. Majestic was the National Football League in the industry, he also is able seemed to work to his advan- After 10 years at Zamper- first on board and then S&S, to value rides. tage. He was offered a job. la, he felt it was now or never Moser, SBF/Visa and KMG. 4See RIDES 4 U, page 24

It is not always work at Rides 4 U as can be seen in the far left photo with Annie Bauer, left, and Stephani Magnani, dressed in costumes. But when they do work, they work hard, such as the time when the company set up and operated a 70-foot-tall slide in the middle of Times Square in New York City, second photo from left. Rides 4 U also keeps a massive parts department in the company’s plant in Somerville, N.J., as seen in the photo third from left. Even though Len Soled, far right, suffers from motion sickness, he does get to experience the thrill of the ride from time to time. COURTESY RIDES 4 U 24 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020 What Rides 4 U employees have to say....

"I began working for Len and with the Rides 4 U team in 2011. I feel so lucky and blessed to have come across this opportunity. We’ve all heard the saying and it’s true, 'when you love going to work, it never really feels like work.' Len's work ethic and drive to provide every customer with the highest level of service is second to none. The Rides 4 U team shares the same passion and dedication as our fearless leader." —Stephanie Magnani

"I started with Rides 4 U in January 2012 and have never been happier. I responded to the blind ad on Monster.com. I was brought on board to replace Len's partner Nancy Buck- ley, who retired shortly after I joined. I had no experience At IAAPA Expo 2019, the Rides 4 U booth was a highlight of the exhibit floor. Featuring three in the amusement industry at all. I have worked for several flat rides encapsulated in the footprint of the new Big Air Coaster, the company midway was other companies that preached customer service but Len at dubbed "Lennywood" by the Rides 4 U staff. AT/JOHN W.C. ROBINSON Rides 4 U practices it. The phone rings off the hook for him and he takes every call. He bends over backwards to keep RIDES 4 U our customers happy and will take calls on weekends and Continued from page 23 get parts expedited to customers to keep them running. It is easy for me to see why Len has built Rides 4 U into such a (NFL), which wanted the com- great company to both buy from and work for." pany's help in purchasing a —Rich Madden slide for Superbowl XLVIII to be held in New York City. "In the year of 2004, and while I was getting used to the But that wasn't all the NFL benefits of my retirement, I had the opportunity, through a com- wanted from Rides 4 U. The mon friend, to get acquainted with Mr. Len Soled. Len told me NFL wanted the company to that he was interested in getting involved with the export mar- set up and operate the ride on ket and, taking into consideration of my previous experience the street in the middle of Times on the field, plus the advantage of my knowledge of other lan- Square. Soled brokered the deal Rides 4 U was tasked by the National Football League to set guages, he thought that I'd be the right candidate for his proj- between NFL and SBF/Visa for up and operate a SBF/Visa, 70-foot-tall slide in the middle ect. Consequently, he offered me a position with his company. the 70-foot-tall slide. Then, he of Times Square as part of Super Bowl XLVIII festivities. After 16 years of an interesting and rewarding period of accepted the challenge of oper- Here are, from left, Len Soled, his wife, Alexis, daughters, my life, I'm still associated with Rides 4 U to which I convey ating the massive undertaking. Samantha and Lauren and son, David. COURTESY RIDES 4 U my gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to try to "It was very exciting, but exercise my learnings." also very challenging," he Soled feels one of the a lot of time to spend visiting —Joe Migueles said. "We operated it for four most important parts of any any U.S. landmarks. During days and we had thousands company is customer service. one trip, Peter said, 'You have "I have worked with Rides 4 U for 22 years this August. and thousands of people on it. He likes to shake hands. So, to do me this one favor. I want The best part about working for Rides 4 U is that we are We were given 12 hours to set over the years, he has traveled to see Niagara Falls.' like a family. Our small group of employees is conducive to it up and then eight hours to many miles. One annual trip "Well, I felt sorry for the always chipping in and helping each other no matter what tear it down." he started taking in August of guy," he said. "So, we went to needs to be done. The perk to that is we truly care about Once the NFL was done every year is now known as the falls and had some lunch." each other as well." with the slide, it still wasn't Lenny's Magical Mystery Tour. Another close associate of —Dori Horvath done with Soled. They got It started out when KMG's Soled's, Paul Muller, OA Fi- Rides 4 U to broker the re- Peter Theunisz wanted to nance, said he wanted to come "All of us in the amusement business, whether acting sale. Soled sealed a deal with travel with Soled to some U.S. along as well. For years now, as a supplier or in the position as the operator of an amuse- Andretti Indoor Karting and attractions. Soled, Theunisz and Muller ment facility, are in the business of selling fun. We are in the Games. As fate would have "He would spend two to take Lenny's Magical Mys- business of making people happy. Being fortunate enough it, Soled ended up brokering three weeks with me on the tery Tour. Muller’s son, Wade to have been able to spend more than 40 years growing up a sale for a third time on this road," Soled said. "We would Muller, also has joined. in this industry, Rides 4 U has provided a unique opportunity slide between Andretti's and visit one attraction and then Soled said there is no way to both make new industry friends as well as to maintain the Florida State Fair, Tampa. be off to another. There wasn't to have a successful business long time relationships. The excitement and satisfaction of by yourself. His long-time being even a small part of the success of these parks, carni- and loyal employees and as- vals and family entertainment centers is an experience I will sociates have made Rides 4 always treasure. I mean, after all, isn’t working with friends U what it is today. They are what it’s all about anyway?" Rich Madden, Earl Heller, —Earl Heller Stephanie Magnani, Annie Bauer, Dori Horvath, Joe "I have worked for Rides 4 U for 14 years. It all start- Migueles and Mark Blum- ed with an ad in the paper for a part-time parts person. It hagen. Outside technicians has turned into a full-time very rewarding job. We call our- and associates are Scotty selves the Rides 4 U Gang. Everyone here is really great. The Henderson and Cody Saldi- amusement industry is like one big happy family. They are var, John Yonkers, Jimmy very caring people. Not a day goes by that someone doesn’t Gibbs, Jeff Kagan and Jim want to know what’s going on in my world. I had no idea that Caskey. John W.C. Robin- this industry even existed. I like my job and the people who Rich Madden, left, and Earl Heller enjoy some time off son assists with the compa- I come in contact with very much." together. Both work at the Rides 4 U offices (above right) in ny's marketing efforts. —Annie Bauer in Somerville, N.J. COURTESY RIDES 4 U •rides4u.com June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020

WATER PARKS & RECREATION  News Splash — page 28 / Breaking news available at amusementtoday.com White Water Branson waves in four decades of family fun AT: Jeffrey Seifert a clean, wholesome venue for Water in Oklahoma City opened [email protected] families to enjoy together. in 1981, followed in 1982 by Jackie Smith, who served White Water parks in Grand BRANSON, Mo. — as the park general manager in Prairie, Texas, and Garland, What began in 1959 with the the 1980s until just a few years Texas, and then a fourth White Baldknobber Jamboree has ago, told Amusement Today that Water in Atlanta in 1983. grown to more than 100 shows, Jack Herschend, Rick Todd and The park has always had 57,000 theater seats and enter- Bill Smith were instrumental in an emphasis on safety but back tainment covering just about getting the park off the ground. then, Smith told AT there was no every music genre. Often con- The Herschends, along with Jeff Ellis & Associates, and the sidered the live entertainment Todd and Smith, travelled to World Waterpark Association capital of the world, Branson’s Disney’s River Country to ana- was still in its infancy. They fol- attractions are many and varied. lyze what was there, see what lowed the guidance and training Included in the mix and familiar worked, and then decide what provided by the American Red to most readers is Silver Dollar they could afford to create in Cross. Fortunately, high school City, an 1880s-themed park Branson, not having Disney’s kids wanted to work at the park, which has grown to become one budget. The Herschends as it was a fun and cool place to of the finest theme parks in the acquired property five miles Since Day One, the 500,000-gallon wave pool (above left) be over the summer, so recruit- nation, if not the world. east of Silver Dollar City on has served as a key element of the park. AT/GARY SLADE ment and retention was not a Along with the museums, the main Branson strip, State problem — until the end of the restaurants shops, and camp- Highway 76, and constructed tower — which made it visible to needed repainting and new operating season. During the last sites, Branson is also home to one a new park. Fortunately, Silver everyone driving along route 76. attractions were added, Smith two weeks of operation as schools of the world’s first modern-day Dollar City had its own fiber- As water parks were a rela- and Woody lightened up the would start back up, the park water parks. White Water opened glass fabricating shop, carpen- tively new concept, particularly colors and the theme developed started looking for those will- its gates 40 years ago at a time ters, engineers and dozens of for Missouri, the marketing peo- into a tropical adventure in ing and able to work short-term. when the purpose-built venues craftsmen whom they utilized ple had to make it clear what paradise. Flowers, shrubs, and Even the Herschend family mem- that we now perceive as water to build the water park. type of activities were available. trees were added to supplement bers, who had their lifeguard cer- parks were still in their infancy. When White Water opened As the Branson market was still a the theme. tification, would come to the park Jack and Pete Herschend in 1980, it featured a modest driving destination drawing from Smith conveyed that after to pitch in. As the park continued of Silver Dollar City Inc. saw number of attractions, but it had nearby cities, White Water found the first couple of seasons, things to expand, a bus would oper- how people were congregating what was essential in setting it much success with television evolved in a hurry. The park was ate daily allowing high schoolers around fountains and water apart from the swimming lakes commercials in nearby markets. so popular that they couldn’t from nearby Springfield to com- attractions and noted how and parks that were starting to White Water Director of handle crowds. More body mute to the park. water was an important ele- add waterslides. White Water Operations Mike Woody told slides were added to help with Because of the emphasis on ment to their guests at Silver had a wave pool — then a rela- Amusement Today that televi- throughput. As double-rider safety, White Water was very Dollar City. They decided that tively rare feature — and a small sion was the primary medium rafts became available, more tube appealing to families. Mom a water park would be ideal in current river which they called because they needed to visual- chutes such as the Screamboat could relax in a lounge chair and Branson. At the time, the city Restful River. The park featured ize to families what this park Ride and Bermuda Triangle were let the children run off and play had no community centers and two innertube chutes and two was all about. They used lots of added to accommodate the new- knowing they would be in a no public swimming pools. The body flumes. It also had a kids’ footage of families enjoying the style tube. Then in 1989 a family safe environment. The park also only pools in town belonged to pool with early versions of water waterslides and the wave pool, raft ride was added to further attracted a large group business hotels, and although Table Rock play elements such as squirt guns while also conveying the safety increase capacity. from nearby churches, as well as Lake was popular with water and water cannons. Ironically, aspect of enjoying these attrac- Managing the daily parade youth and sports groups. sports, there was no swimming the property the Herschends tions by making sure scenes of coolers became a challenge In 1984 the park introduced beach. Those who swam in the acquired was perhaps the only included lifeguards. The park as personal food was allowed a new concept called Night lake had to dive off a boat or piece of relatively flat land along proved to be extremely popu- to be brought into the park. Water. For a reduced admission, private dock. The Herschend the strip. That may have been to lar soon after its opening day. However, glass containers and guests could come in after 5 brothers, big on family enter- the park’s advantage, however, It would attract the attention alcohol were strictly prohibited p.m. and enjoy dancing lights tainment, saw a water park as as the White Lightning body of families heading to Silver so the coolers had to be inspect- and a different kind of atmo- another opportunity to provide slides required a five-story slide Dollar City. According to Smith, ed at the gate. The lines to get in sphere until 10 p.m. The park there wasn’t much beyond would sometimes get very long, even tried offering movie enter- White Water, but Silver Dollar then once in the park, coolers tainment — long before dive- City was drawing good crowds and other picnic items started in movies became popular at even back in the 1980s. At first taking up too much deck and water parks across the country. the park was populated with table space. Eventually the deci- In the late 1980s to early day trippers coming from near- sion was made to provide a 1990s, the Herschend family by towns like Springfield, Tulsa separate picnic area and encour- decided to concentrate on its and Harrison. Later, as the num- age patrons to leave their cool- core parks, Silver Dollar City ber of attractions in Branson ers and picnic items in the car and White Water in Branson, grew, people would come for until it they were needed. At the and what became Dollywood in two- and three-day stays. same time, a move was made to Tennessee. It was decided to sell Initially, the water park was place more emphasis on food off the White Water properties in created with a wilderness out- and beverage offerings within Texas, Oklahoma and Georgia. post feeling. The colors were the park. The Oklahoma and Georgia muted, mostly brown, but the Because of the climate, the parks are currently owned by idea was to create a space remi- operating season was short. Six Flags and continue to oper- niscent of a lakeside outpost. But, once it was discovered that ate to this day. George Millay of Smith joked that she liked to a 100-day season could be prof- Wet’n’Wild snagged the Texas White Water Branson opened one of the first ProSlide refer to it as the mud-hole era. itable, Silver Dollar City Inc. Mammoth river family raft rides (above right). AT/GARY SLADE Eventually as buildings decided to branch out. White 4See WHITE WATER, page 28 June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27 28 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020 NEWSSPLASH AT: Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected]

The troubled Splash Kingdom Water- Under the terms of the lease, the city will park in Redlands, California, suffered anoth- receive 4.5% of the park’s annual gross rev- er setback in May when a fire ripped through enue as a lease payment, or a minimum of the main building causing an estimated $550,000 for that year. $750,000 in damage. The 17-acre park origi- Wild Rivers will pay for the construction nally opened as Pharaoh's Lost Kingdom and of the water park, while the city will pay for operated as a small amusement park for a and maintain a parking lot with over 1,200 decade. It had gone through multiple own- spaces for Wild Rivers use during the sum- ership changes, with the last owners, Dan mer. The lot will be managed by the city the Martinez and Ryan Sauter, removing most remainder of the year. Aloha River offered an updated version of the requisite lazy of the dry attractions and the Egyptian them- The Wild Rivers park is one of the first ma- river by adding a tropical theme and surprise elements. ing and operating it primarily as a water park jor lease agreements negotiated in the Great COURTESY WHITE WATER and an indoor trampoline park. Park, and, according to city staff, similar future people on the attraction. The • lease agreements will help pay for the annual WHITE WATER Municipal swimming pools in Vienna, Aus- maintenance of the park’s amenities. Continued from page 26 new water play structure added 20,000 square feet of activities to tria, are expected to reopen May 29 with lim- • parks and operated the park the park and offered additional ited guest capacity. Tourism minister Elisabeth The city council of Levin, New Zealand, has in Garland for nearly a decade. capacity of approximately 800 Köstinger revealed that hotels, zoos, swim- approved $370,000 (US$225,000) in funding to However, the park in Grand people per hour. ming pools and other leisure attractions will repair the Levin Aquatic Centre's hydroslide. Prairie was deemed too close As the decades marched on, also be allowed to to reopen May 29. Citizens Council is now seeking local businesses to carry to his Wet’n’Wild property in White Water continued to keep are expected to keep one meter (three feet) out the work once lockdown lifts. Arlington, so he acquired it only the park fresh and relevant with away from those they do not live with. How It is hoped the waterslide, which has to close it down. The oft-repeat- the addition of new attractions. that will be facilitated in a pool environment been out of action for the past year, will be ed tale is that to ensure there In 2001 Aloha River replaced has not yet been made clear. open by December. The slide itself is in good was no competition, Millay had the original lazy river which Austria has been spared the worst of the shape, but its handrails, floor plates and concrete poured into the recir- had seen several name changes pandemic compared to some of its Euro- stairs need to be replaced culation pipes to make certain and upgrades. The replacement pean neighbors, with 15,200 recorded cases At an online meeting in April, councillors it could never again operate as was a tropical-themed, 800-foot and 569 deaths. were presented with three options on the fu- a water park. river offering a faster current • ture of the nearly 20-year-old slide: removing With additional capital and the addition of unexpected The Waitaki Aquatic Centre in Oama- the slide, repairing the existing stairwell or and all of the attention turned twists and turns with fountains, toward White Water Branson, misters, bubblers and geysers. ru, New Zealand, is taking advantage of its replacing it. the park was gearing up for Kapau Plummet, a pair of drop forced closure by moving up plans for an Repair work is estimated to cost a district its biggest expansion since its capsule slides were introduced extensive maintenance project. The project household an additional $0.77 each year. 1980 opening. In 1992, the park in 2014, and a new play area was originally scheduled to take place during • added Tropical Twister, one of for smaller children, Coconut the June and July winter season, but since As a result of the global pandemic, Chica- the first Mammoth River family Grove, was added in 2017. the park is closed during the pandemic, the go-based Great Wolf Lodge Resorts has can- raft slides from ProSlide. The Coconut Grove adds small maintenance team decided to start right celled its plans to build a lodge in El Paso, Tex- slide was constructed in-house slides, bubblers, fountains and away. The aquatic center is given a mainte- as. Great Wolf Lodge El Paso was to include by Silver Dollars City’s main- gentler water blasters designed nance overhaul about every five years. a 350-room lodge, convention facilities and tenance team, with ProSlide for the little tykes. • the signature indoor water park. In addition to providing the fiberglass chan- Forty years ago, Jack and The city of Irvine, California, has ap- the expansive water park, the lodge was to in- nel. The park also completed Pete Herschend saw an oppor- proved the terms of a lease with the own- clude the typical Great Wolf attractions such as its two-year transformation tunity to bring a new type of ers of Wild Rivers Water Park, paving the the Howlers Peak Ropes Course, MagiQuest, into a Tropical Adventures in family entertainment to the way for construction of the park. The original Build-a-Bear workshop, Iron Horse fitness cen- Paradise theme. The park fea- Branson area. It was not with- Wild Rivers was forced to close in 2011 when ter, Elements Spa Salon, as well as feature char- tured new landscaping with out risk as water parks were The Irvine Co., LLC, owners of the land, re- acter appearances and bedtime storytelling. palms, banana trees, elephant in their infancy, and the few fused to renew the park's lease in favor of The city had agreed to provide up to $4 ears and flowering hibiscus successful ones such as River a new apartment complex. Since that time, million a year for the first 10 years of opera- shrubs. Forty carved Tikis dot- Country, Schlitterbahn and owner Mike Riedel has been working with tion. The agreement also promised property ted the 20 acres of the park, Wet-n-Wild were in Texas and and the food outlets carried Florida — areas of the country city leaders to relocate the park. Several tax rebates, city hotel tax rebates and city through the tropical theme known for heat and humidity. sites had been proposed. sales tax rebates for at least 15 years. with Caribbean-style conces- But their creativity and tenacity The park will be built on a 20-acre site The city had been negotiating with Great sions. The park also started paid off. The original Wet'n'Wild within the Orange County Great Park, an Wolf Resorts for five years and had hoped to marketing a combination ticket parks have been sold or closed, innovative public space of more than 1,300 open the lodge sometime in 2021. that included Silver Dollar City Schlitterbahn has been sold and acres. When complete, the park will feature a Great Wolf Resorts informed the city on and the Grand Palace Theater River Country is closed. White number of services, including athletic fields, April 10 that it would be unable to move for- — also owned by Silver Dollar Water Branson is one of the few walking trails, playgrounds and even a carou- ward with the plan due to financial challenges City Inc. The attractions offered from that era that has stood sel. The Great Park, large portions of which stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. a discount for families wanting the test of time and remained are already open, is being developed on part "As a result, [Great Wolf Resorts[ will be to see all three. in its original location under of land that once housed the decommis- terminating our chapter 380 and 381 eco- The turn of the new millen- its original ownership — now sioned Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. nomic development incentive agreements, nium brought another record- known as Herschend Family An earlier location within the park that so that would include both the city and coun- breaking expansion in the form Entertainment. had been selected in 2017 was still under con- ty," said Jessica Herrera, the city's director of a million-dollar water play In speaking with Amusement trol of the U.S. Navy which has been cleaning of economic and international development. structure. Rain Tree Island is Today, Woody reminisced, “Jack up the site by removing potentially hazardous "This COVID-19 health crisis has brought an interactive family attrac- and Pete were stewards of the material for more than 20 years. In 2019, after a significant economic shift that has impact- tion with water sluices, aqua- industry. Looking for the next being informed the Navy was unsure when it ed the entire hospitality industry and has shooters, water blasters, splash big idea, they saw the water park could turn over that section of land, the city forced them to make several difficult busi- geysers and elevated walkways as an opportunity to bring qual- all topped with a tipping buck- ity, safe fun to families. It was a council looked for a new location. ness decisions such as this one." et that intermittently douses great time to be in the industry.” June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020 June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31

BUSINESS & NEWSMAKERS  Attractions discuss reopening plans — page 33 / Cedar Point atlas and chronology — page 37 Esports attracts new fans, scores big in stay-at-home economy

AT: Dean Lamanna video game industry took off. [email protected] Public burnout on the activity was becoming evident by INTERNATIONAL — As 1977. But the next year, Space exotic or on the fringe as it may Invaders, a shooter-style arcade sound to fans of traditional arcade video game from the Japanese amusements, esports — competi- technology company Taito, tive, organized video gaming, reenergized gamers, created often played before spectators hordes of new fans and ushered — has been around in one form in the golden age of the video or another for almost as long game. The machines quickly as commercial video games. And multiplied beyond arcades into it has continued to evolve with While esports arena events like the Free Fire World Series 2019 finals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, malls, restaurants, convenience technology over the last several have been halted by the pandemic, competitive gaming is booming online — where popular titles stores and other locations. decades. such as Riot Games’ Valorant (right) are drawing new enthusiasts. COURTESY GARENA, RIOT GAMES Atari licensed the home Whether played online at version of Space Invaders, which home, in neighborhood venues viewership is male — though in major stadiums that usually the top sim racers for charity — quadrupled sales of the com- or in high-tech indoor arenas the female audience share, showcase traditional sports sub- became the first broadcast esports pany’s Atari 2600 video game with giant, flashy video screens, added Van Petten, has been on stantially raised the industry’s racing event to reach more than console, introduced in 1977. esports is serious business. With the upswing since 2016. spectator profile. Its exposure 600 million homes worldwide, In 1980, the company orga- heavily followed leagues and In March, when COVID-19 also has broadened from live per its producer. nized what has since become a global audience rising to 495 lockdown orders went into effect streaming via platforms such “We created the All-Star generally regarded as the first million this year, the esports in many areas, the Los Angeles as YouTube, Facebook Gaming Series because, as a company, major mainstream electronic market will surpass US $1 bil- Times reported that up to eight and market leader (and Amazon we’re huge fans of both motor- sports, or esports, tournament lion in 2020 and is expected million participants were logging subsidiary) Twitch — where sport and esports, and we’re in — the National Space Invaders to triple that within two years. in daily to play the universally tournaments have enjoyed sup- a time where there is a massive Championship. Some 10,000 Professional esports athletes can popular League of Legends, intro- port from major sponsors like void for sports entertainment,” players competed in regional win huge cash prizes compet- duced by Los Angeles-based Riot BMW, The Coca-Cola Co., Intel said Darren Cox, president and eliminations around the U.S., ing in virtual, digitally created Games in 2009. Super League and State Farm — to more regu- CEO of Torque Esports, which and at the New York finals, 100 realms. Gaming, an amateur esports lar appearances on television. in early May was completing a gamers fervently worked the An opportunity for the great- platform headquartered in neigh- NASCAR’s rollout of the three-company merger to form a joysticks of Atari 2600 consoles er growth and mainstream cover- boring Santa Monica, saw new virtual Dixie Vodka 150 race new multimedia esports produc- attached to banks of TV sets. age of esports has emerged amid user registrations jump by 20% at South Florida’s Homestead- tion entity, Engine Media (with The path to modern esports the tragedy of the coronavirus out- in March; previously, growth was Miami Speedway, for example, Cox serving as co-chief CEO). from there was mostly charted break. Megan Van Petten, manag- 6-7% monthly. Of the approxi- aired on Fox in mid-March. It “Our agreement with ESPN, by new products and technology. ing director of the Chicago-based mately nine million hours of featured pro racers competing along with our entire interna- Hit early-1980s arcade games Esports Trade Assn. (ESTA), told gameplay the company logged in through simulators from remote tional broadcast package, is tak- such as Pac-Man and Donkey Amusement Today that between the first quarter of this year, five locations in what became a ing virtual racing to an unprec- Kong led to world-record com- the temporary sidelining of tra- million were in March. highly rated TV presentation. edented global audience.” petitions, including the Video ditional pro sports and stranding During the third week of A live esports racing pro- Game Masters Tournament, and of students and workers at home, that month, the esports online gram called The Race All-Star Born of blips and blasts even competitive TV shows in there is higher demand for new platform UMG Gaming, a sub- Series — Fully Charged by Rokit Esports certainly has come the U.S. and U.K. The arrival avenues of entertainment and sidiary of Toronto-based Torque Phones, fast-tracked by Torque a long way from its earliest roots of the Nintendo Entertainment social interaction. Esports Corp., reported sharp Esports to fill the content hole — which stretch to the early com- System (NES), Super NES and “The pandemic has over- spikes in website visits (52%), left by pandemic-caused cancel- mercial years of the video game. Sega Genesis game system in turned the world as we know daily logged-in users (38%), lations of major racing events, The first such coin-op the latter 1980s and early 1990s it,” Van Petten said. “However, and video views on its Twitter debuted on ESPN2 and in the machine, Computer Space, utiliz- inspired championships and with traditional sports getting account (a whopping 3,600%). ESPN app on April 11 as part of a ing a black-and-white TV screen sparked rapid gaming advances. postponed or canceled for this Crossover between the new partnership between Torque as a display, appeared in arcades As the 1990s progressed, season, esports may actually traditional sports and esports Esports and the Disney-owned in 1971, and the first home video personal computer (PC)-based increase its growth exponential- worlds in recent years has also sports channels. Through ESPN, system, the Magnavox Odyssey, gaming grew, and the blossom- ly — particularly as people look boosted the latter’s expansion, the European TV sports network showed up in living rooms a ing of the internet enabled gam- for a sense of community with with NASCAR and the owners Eurosport and several dozen year later. The arrival of Atari, ers to connect and compete glob- stay-at-home orders in place.” of several NBA and NHL teams, other channels internationally, Inc.’s Pong, a basic but highly ally. The first esports leagues Per ESTA’s research, 39% of including Mark Cuban, among the program — with participants addictive ping-pong-style game, formed during this period, with the industry’s audience falls in those investing in the business including Formula 1, IndyCar in arcade and home versions matchups featuring games such the advertiser-coveted 25-34 age and its player organizations. Series and Indy 500 racing stars in 1972 and 1975, respectively, range and 70% percent of the Pre-pandemic, esports events vying for prize money against brought competitors — and the 4See ESPORTS, page 32 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020 ESPORTS Torque Esports was undertaking Allinsports Continued from page 31 an expansion of the racecar driver training facility VRROUNDUP as Counter-Strike, Quake and in Coral Gables, Florida, into a Warcraft. A Quake competition 12,000-square-foot venue with AT: Dean Lamanna called Red Annihilation in 1997 30 globally networked rac- [email protected] saw 2,000-plus entrants compete ing simulators. In early March, via the internet, and 16 final- the 3,800-square-meter Ininal Among the many attractions industry technology is said to offer real-time contrast ists played in front of spectators Esports Arena — with broadcast gatherings scuttled by the COVID-19 pan- and scene enhancement designed to make at the Electronic Entertainment studios, an audience capacity of demic, the 2020 edition of the global video navigation, obstacle avoidance and personal Expo in Atlanta, a widely cov- 1,600 and a high-tech stage capa- game industry conference E3 — a key product interactions easier. The lens reportedly packs ered event that was key in set- ble of holding 100 players at once rollout event for HTC, Oculus, Sony and other 70,000 pixels into less than half a millimeter via ting the stage for latter-day — debuted in Istanbul, Turkey. VR developers — is a major loss for exhibi- a green monochrome microLED display at the esports. The Electronic Sports On the community level, tors and fans. It had been scheduled for June eye’s fovea, where visual acuity is highest. League (ESL) was founded in entertainment center-style 9-11 in Los Angeles. A statement posted on • Germany in 2000; it remains the esports venues have been crop- the website of the Entertainment Software Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay longest-running player organi- ping up. Ignite Gaming Lounge, Assn., which produces the show, indicated that Resort and Casino in Las Vegas is now home zation and continues to host with locations in Chicago and the organization was “exploring options… to to the Ocean Explorer Virtual Reality Theater, events globally. Skokie, Illinois, offers food and coordinate an online experience to showcase an immersive attraction that takes guests on an The expansion of broadband drink along with the latest gam- industry announcements and news” sometime underwater voyage via two live-action films and internet and the introduction of ing technology within a comfort- in June. Check for updates at e3expo.com. interactive exhibits. The theatrical component, higher-powered PCs, along with able social environment. Waves In a similar move, the annual Game featuring a 36-seat motion platform, showcases the popularity of shooter-style Gaming in Toronto, known for Developers Conference, having already been two presentations: Swimming with Humpbacks, and fighting-themed games, in hosting major competitions, pro- postponed to early August at the Moscone following the journey and behaviors of moth- the new century further powered vides 14,000 square feet of gam- Center in San Francisco and redubbed GDC er humpback whales and their calves as they esports’ growth around the world ing space with more than 100 PC Summer, has scrapped the idea of another migrate during mating season; and Shark Dive, — especially in the internet cafes and console game stations. onsite gathering altogether in favor an all-dig- traveling to Tiger Beach, a mythic underwater of South Korea. There, with the “These kinds of venues have ital event under the revised name. Details for strip in the Bahamas where tiger sharks and ham- industry promoted and regulated allowed the industry to expe- the remotely delivered educational, creative merhead sharks amass. Shark Reef Aquarium with a dedicated association estab- rience the enrichment of net- problem-solving and networking opportunity and Immotion Group, which has studios in lished by the country’s Ministry works, as many people who’ve — long known for showcasing VR innovations California and the U.K., partnered on the project. of Culture, Sports and Tourism, gamed together for years are — were still being worked out in early May. • contests created around Blizzard finally able to safely meet in per- • Montreal-based VR Xtreme has installed Entertainment’s StarCraft were son,” said ESTA’s Van Petten. “It The rise of home video-conferencing plat- a venue at Arizona Boardwalk in the OdySea held in stadiums and aired adds a whole new dimension to forms such as Zoom in this era of social distanc- aquarium and entertainment complex in on TV. Gaming swept much the entertainment value.” ing has led some companies to explore and Scottsdale, Arizona. Appealing to gamers, of the rest of Asia (except for Moreover, commercial real expand the potential of virtual meetings. HTC, sports enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies alike, Japan, which had concerns over estate owners are turning to for one, is launching a social VR platform of its the attraction features 10 games utilizing VR esports-associated wagering). esports to gentrify older retail own: Vive Events. The service aims to create a technology by Immotion. The experiences A succession of watershed malls and attract a completely dif- virtual exposition space for up to 5,000 simulta- encompass competitive driving skills, marks- competitions over the last two ferent demographic. “There has neous participants. The company promises that manship and an extreme roller coaster ride decades accelerated a shift in been a retail reckoning, as many the platform will be affordable and allow users launching from the top of a skyscraper. VR participation from amateur stores are losing out to Amazon to join with or without VR headsets. Xtreme also will be available to host birthday players to professional gam- and the other ecommerce behe- • parties and corporate team-building events. ers. Landmark events includ- moths,” said Aaron Meckler, To help gamers defeat the coronavirus lock- • ed the World Cyber Games, CFO of Toronto-based Amuka down blues, Arvi VR, Inc., a Ukraine-based glob- Fort Collins, Colorado-headquartered established in 2000; Fun Esports, which recently acquired al developer of multiplayer VR escape rooms and VRsenal, a manufacturer of unattended VR Technologies’ 2006 Worldwide Waves Gaming. “Esports thrives games with equipment in more than 150 loca- arcade games, has announced two new dis- Web Games, with a $1 million on an in-person experience, and tions and encompassing more than 25 languages, tribution partners for the U.S. amusement grand prize; and ESL’s 2006 if done properly it can reverse the is making games available to users of the Steam, market: Shaffer Distributing of Columbus, Intel Extreme Masters, with a tide of many retail spaces.” Oculus and Viveport online platforms. The com- Ohio, and American Vending Sales, Inc. of prize pool of more than $1 mil- Esports, which demands pany’s direct-delivered games are available in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. VRsenal makes a lion. Nintendo returned to the athletics-level mental acuity of single-player mode for home users, which allows self-contained, plug-in arcade game cabinet tournament spotlight with its its best players, also has been location-based VR venues to remain the exclusive and fully-automated system for VR suited to Wii Games: Summer 2010 event, making significant inroads providers of Arvi’s multiplayer game versions. the tighter space and budgets of family enter- attracting about 9,000 partici- into educational institutions. • tainment centers, trampoline parks, karting pants to 24 contests around the The National Association of Earlier this year, Triotech of Montreal fired centers, high-traffic malls and movie theaters. U.S. — including eight matches Collegiate Esports reports that up the production line for Storm, its new coin- The company’s hardware is paired with Beat held at Six Flags theme parks. more than 170 colleges have op VR interactive simulator, which the com- Saber, a globally popular VR game. The arrival of Twitch’s live- varsity esports programs, with pany successfully introduced last November “Unattended virtually reality speaks to many streaming platform in 2011 and scholarships totaling about at IAAPA Expo 2109 in Orlando. For the first operators, as they do not have to staff the attrac- more-recent advances in mul- $16 million. And according time in its 20-plus-year history, the company tion,” said Scott Shaffer, Shaffer’s president. tiplayer mobile gaming gave to ESTA, 100-plus U.S. high had to install an extra factory production shift “VRsenal’s Beat Saber eliminates the staffing esports ever-greater visibility schools have launched dedicat- to meet demand, and the first units began ship- requirement, and the earnings are fantastic.” — bringing games like League of ed esports programs alongside ping in February. Storm is a competitive gaming • Legends, Activision’s Call of Duty their traditional sports teams. experience that features two motion seats and This past winter, Dreamscape, in partner- and Valve Corp.’s Defense of the Socioeconomic and gender combines special effects, including wind, with a ship with AMC Theatres, launched a VR venue Ancients 2 (commonly known as inclusivity — women presently system that reads user hand gestures as input. at the Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio Dota 2), and their associated tour- account for 46% of all gam- • — its third in the U.S. The first experiences naments, millions of spectators. ers, says ESTA — are part of At of the end of April, Saratoga, California- offered by the location’s three stand-alone esports’ attraction. based Mojo Vision had raised a total of more adventure pods are among the company’s Home game advantage Meanwhile, the public than $159 million to fund the development of most dynamic, including Alien Zoo, an epic News on the esports arena needs to keep itself amused — a new smart contact lens with a built-in micro- quest through an ancient temple; Curse of the front had been arriving fast and and for now, mostly at home. display. Called Mojo Lens, the product was Lost Pearl: A Magic Projector Adventure; and furiously in the months prior to “We’re currently watching a announced in January at Consumer Electronics The Blu: Deep Rescue, an underwater spec- the pandemic. drastic historical change in how a Show 2020 in Las Vegas. While commercializa- tacle co-produced with Wevr studios. Based in At the start of this year, large part of the population enter- tion of the lens is several years off, the company Los Angeles, Dreamscape is backed by some work was underway in tains themselves,” Van Petten initially plans to make the product available to of Hollywood’s top studios and talent, includ- Philadelphia on Comcast said. “We know the esports those with visual impairment — with its possible ing 21st Century Fox, WarnerMedia, Viacom Spectacor’s 60,000-square-foot, industry will keep growing.” gaming applications to be explored later. The and filmmaker Steven Spielberg. $50 million Fusion Arena, and •esportsta.org June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33 New protocols adopted by parks as some return to business

AT: Dean Lamanna parks and welcoming back our [email protected] guests as soon as it’s safe and permitted to do so.” SHANGHAI — All eyes Beyond receiving and/ were on Shanghai Disneyland or already outlining in-house May 11 as the theme park, one health and safety guidelines of the first major amusement similar to those noted above, facilities in China to close in and with recommendations in late January as a result of the hand from the International country’s COVID-19 outbreak, Association of Amusement became one of the first to reopen. Parks and Attractions (see A limited number of res- story, page 38), SeaWorld’s ervation-holding guests wear- Orlando theme parks and the ing protective masks and sub- competing Central Florida mitting to temperature checks theme parks owned by Disney strolled through the gates to and NBCUniversal were still enjoy attractions with little uncertain as to their reopening or no wait times. Shops and status in mid-May while await- restaurants operated under ing firmer state guidelines. State reduced capacity (the latter at government, in turn, has asked 50%) and physical distancing the parks to submit their own was enforced by staff as well as reopening plans and target signs, arrows and tape. Hand- After months of closure, several major theme parks in China dates with approval from the sanitizing stations were in place and Europe, including Shanghai Disneyland, Europa-Park in mayor or another relevant offi- at the exits of shows and rides, Rust, Germany, and Efteling in Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands, cial from their locality. which also were running at sub- were set to resume operation in May with reduced capacity Retail locations and restau- stantially reduced capacity. and new health and safety rules in place. COURTESY rants were cleared to reopen in The park’s normal daily SHANGHAI DISNEY RESORT, EUROPA-PARK, EFTELING Florida the first week of May. capacity of 80,000 was cut to Universal CityWalk at Universal below 30 percent, at least initially. Orlando Resort reopened May The phased reopening of rides. Shows and theaters were mid-May, will implement vir- In Southern California, the 14 with new parking, managed Shanghai Disneyland and its to stay closed during the initial tual queuing, cashless transac- San Diego Tourism Authority visitor flow, instructional sig- surrounding resort was widely reopening phase, and the resort’s tions and mobile ordering. They (SDTA) issued a health and safe- nage and protective mask rules seen as a trial run for the even- Rulantica water park remained will also reduce attendance. Six ty plan for SeaWorld San Diego, in place, plus reduced operat- tual reopening of other parks shuttered until further notice. Flags season passholders and Legoland California Resort, ing hours. Mobile ordering was impacted by the now-global Scheduled for a phased patrons surveyed by the com- the San Diego Zoo and other being encouraged where possible. coronavirus pandemic, includ- reopening beginning May pany indicated that restricting attractions in the metro region. Disney Springs, the food, retail ing The Walt Disney Co.’s still- 20, Efteling in Kaatsheuvel, the parks to 25% capacity would Apart from measures akin to and entertainment hub in Walt shuttered properties in the U.S. Netherlands, is following the make them feel safer and more those outlined above, the plan, Disney World Resort, was set to and Europe. advice of regional authorities comfortable. Although the com- which was crafted with the third begin a phased reopening May “Everyone in our industry and will operate the park at pany had not settled on a park stage of California Gov. Gavin 20 under a number of limitations. is currently looking to China as one-third capacity at first. As at capacity reduction percentage, it Newsom’s gradual four-stage Sandusky, Ohio- its theme parks and entertain- Europa-Park, guests will need is moving ahead with an online state reopening plan in mind, headquartered Cedar Fair ment venues reopen,” said to purchase tickets in advance advance reservation system — includes mandatory COVID-19 Entertainment Co., has been Michael Blau, international online. New hygiene measures the use of which will be manda- safety training for all employees, working closely with local and board president of the Themed at the park will include clean- tory for parking and admittance. wellness checks for employees, state health authorities to deter- Entertainment Assn. and prin- ing all points of contact, such as “In the current environ- having visitors open their own mine the operating future of its cipal / vice president of business door handles, more frequently. ment, we certainly want to take bags during security checks, parks in North America, but development at Adirondack In Sevenum, Netherlands, extra precautions to create a implementing one-way traffic it did not anticipate reopening Studios, an experience design Toverland theme park was set safe experience for everyone,” on narrow pathways and modi- any of them in the near term. firm based in Argyle, New York. for reopening May 19. As of said Mike Spanos, president fying photo opportunities with In addition to seeking input “There will be valuable lessons mid-May, staff was busy train- and CEO of Six Flags, add- costume characters to maintain from guests in order to gauge to learn over the next months ing in a new program the park ing that the company’s atten- six feet of physical distance. expectation, the company was as our resilient, creative indus- calls “A Safe Day Out Together,” dance management protocols SDTA’s protocols also call looking at health and safety try strives for recovery and the covering three guarantees to are being set in accordance for staggered seating on each enhancements that include an making of ever better and safer park guests: to provide thor- with recommendations by the ride, frequent cleaning and dis- admission reservation system, guest experiences.” ough information (e.g., through Centers for Disease Control infection of ride vehicles and expanded use of cashless trans- Other theme parks began instructions and extra signage), and Prevention. “By having queue railings, and instructing actions, the potential introduc- revealing COVID-19-era opera- deploy intensive hygiene mea- guests preregister before they riders to wait in family groups tion of virtual queuing and the tional protocols by early May, sures and ensure that one-and- visit, we can plan ahead with when in queues. broader use of mobile ordering. and several announced plans to a-half meters of space is main- proper staffing and sanitization “We have a dedicated team “Given the seasonal nature resume business before the end tained between visiting house- measures, including ensuring focused on finalizing plans of our operations, with Knott’s of the month. hold groups. The park also is that guests and team members to reopen our parks, includ- Berry Farm [in Buena Park, Europa-Park in Rust, implementing a reservation sys- maintain safe social distancing ing enhanced health and safety California] as our only park Germany, began a phased tem for purchasing tickets. throughout the day.” protocols that will meet and / with year-round operations, it reopening of its hotel restaurants Similar moves were under During the online reserva- or exceed government guide- is important that we are able to May 18, with its theme park and discussion by theme park com- tion process, the viewing of a lines and provide the safe and restart the parks with a reason- hotel room availability set to panies stateside. short video outlining park health clean environment our guests able number of operating days reopen May 29. The park, which In addition to requiring and safety rules, and the reg- and ambassadors expect,” said remaining in the year,” said will deploy enhanced sanita- protective masks, tempera- istrant’s sign-off on the under- Marc Swanson, interim CEO Richard Zimmerman, Cedar tion, is making a limited num- ture checks, physical distanc- standing of those rules, will be of Orlando-based SeaWorld Fair’s president and CEO. “When ber of reserved tickets for each ing in all areas, and increased required. Season passholders Entertainment, Inc. “While we we do reopen, we will have all day available online, and guests and ongoing sanitation, Grand and those on park membership don’t have any park opening aspects of our operations fully will need to wear protective Prairie, Texas-based Six Flags plans will get first priority. dates to announce… we are in prepared to meet or exceed the masks (provided by the park, if Entertainment Corp. said its Some parks were weighing regular contact with local, state health and safety expectations of necessary) in all covered areas parks, which still had an inde- guidelines set by organizations and federal authorities, and we our guests and the requirements and waiting areas, as well as on terminate reopening date as of in which they are members. look forward to opening our of local authorities.” 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020 MARKET WATCH BUSINESS WATCH

COMPANY SYMBOL MARKET PRICE HIGH LOW COVID-19 impacts Cedar Fair’s first quarter 05/14/20 52-Week 52-Week SANDUSKY, Ohio — For its first quarter, ended March 29, The Blackstone Group BX NYSE 50.60 64.97 33.00 Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. (NYSE: FUN) reported net revenues totaling $54 million compared with $67 million for the same quarter in 2019. The drop resulted from a 239,000-visit attendance Cedar Fair, L.P. FUN NYSE 24.52 64.86 13.00 decrease and a $3 million decline in out-of-park revenues — all Comcast Corp./NBCUniversal related to the COVID-19-necessitated shutdown of the company’s CMCSA NASDAQ 35.76 47.74 31.70 Media parks beginning March 14. Prior to the disruption, attendance was up 149,000 visits, or 19%, and revenues were up more than $8 mil- The Walt Disney Company DIS NYSE 105.91 153.41 79.07 lion. Early cost-savings measures implemented after park operations were suspended helped offset a portion of the decrease. Dubai Parks & Resorts DXBE:UH DFM 0.14 0.24 0.09 Operating losses for the first quarter totaled $184 million, compared with operating losses of $85 million in the first quarter of last year. The company has secured incremental liquidity through EPR Properties EPR NYSE 24.85 80.75 12.55 a successful $1 billion notes offering and a $100 million expansion of its revolving credit facility. Fuji Kyoko Co., Ltd. 9010 TYO 2980.00 4830.00 2080.00

Haichang Holdings Ltd. HK:2255 SEHK 0.62 1.60 0.49 Sinking numbers mark start of Disney’s 2020 BURBANK, Calif. — The first three months of 2020 have been Leofoo Development Co. TW:2705 TSEC 12.45 17.00 9.08 predictably tough ones for the theme park segment of The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS). Pandemic-spurred closures of Disney MGM Resorts International MGM NYSE 13.52 34.63 5.90 parks worldwide led to a 10% decline in the segment’s revenue, to $5.543 billion, and a 58% drop in operating income, to $639 million. In mid-April, the company entered into a $5 billion unse- Royal Carribean Cruises, Ltd. RCL NYSE 35.15 135.31 19.25 cured credit agreement in order to bolster its liquidity during the crisis, with Citibank N.A. serving as designated agent. Executive Sansei Technologies, Inc. JP:6357 TYO 580.00 1265.00 490.00 Chairman Bob Iger reportedly has given up his entire salary, while CEO Bob Chapek was said to have accepted a 50% cut and other SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. SEAS NYSE 12.82 36.96 6.75 executives are seeing a 20-30% temporary pay loss. The company suspended pay for more than 100,000 theme park and hotel Six Flags Entertainment Co. SIX NYSE 18.61 59.52 8.75 employees — nearly half its workforce — in April, saving it as much as $500 million a month. Meanwhile, analysts at J.P. Morgan esti- Tivoli A/S DK:TIV CSE 682.00 788.00 550.00 mate that the shutdown could lead to $5 billion in lost revenue for the company’s Disney Parks, Experiences and Products division in fiscal year 2020. Village Roadshow AU:VRL ASX 1.85 4.10 0.77

STOCK PRICES ABOVE ARE GENERALLY QUOTED IN THE FOREIGN CURRENCY IN WHICH THE COMPANY IS LOCATED First quarter finds SeaWorld aswim in red ink Worldwide Markets: ASX, Australian Securities Exchange; CSE, Copenhagen Stock Exchange; LSE, London Stock Exchange; NYSE, ORLANDO — First-quarter results reported by SeaWorld New York Stock Exchange; NASDAQ, National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations; SEHK, Hong Kong Stock Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS) revealed a decrease of 1 mil- Exchange; SZSE, Shenzhen Stock Exchange; TSEC, Taiwan Stock Excange, Corp.; TYO/TSE, Tokyo Stock Exchange lion guests, to 2.3 million, from the first quarter of 2019, and a $67 —SOURCES: Bloomberg.com; Wall Street Journal million decrease in total revenue, to $153.6 million, from the same The fleet of Walt Disney World transport buses sit idle waiting for the resort to reopen. quarter last year. Net loss increased by $19.5 million, to $56.5 mil- AT/DAVID FAKE lion, from the first quarter of 2019. The declines were the result of the shutdown of SeaWorld’s parks in mid-March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The timing of the park closures fell during historically high-volume spring break weeks for most of the SeaWorld properties, adversely impacting the visitation mix for the quarter. Total revenue for the quarter decreased by $67.0 million, or 30.4%, when compared to the prior-year quarter. On March 1, the company amended its credit agreement to increase its revolving credit commitments from $210 million to $332.5 million, and on April 30, it closed on a $227.5 million private offering of 8.75% first-priority senior secured notes.

DIESEL PRICES Six Flags suffers revenue, attendance drops Region As of Change from GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — Six Flags Entertainment Corp. (U.S) 05/11/20 1 year ago (NYSE: SIX) reported first-quarter revenue of $103 million, with East Coast $2.498 -$0.766 attendance at 1.6 million guests. The decrease in revenue of $26 Midwest $2.240 -$0.806 million, or 20 percent, compared to the first quarter of 2019 was Gulf Coast $2.178 -$0.727 primarily driven by a decrease in attendance of 584,000 guests, or 27 percent, because of the company’s mid-March suspen- Mountain $2.346 -$0.835 sion of park operations. Prior to the suspension, attendance had West Coast $2.557 -$0.798 increased relative to the same period last year by 255,000 guests, California $3.182 -$0.954 or 19 percent. The revenue decrease was also attributable to a $10 million reduction in sponsorship, international agreements CURRENCY and accommodations revenue. The company’s net loss during On 05/14/20 $1 USD = the first quarter of 2020 was $85 million, an increase of $15 mil- 0.9256 EURO lion compared to the prior-year period. In April, the company announced that its indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary, Six Flags 0.8189 GBP (British Pound) Theme Parks, Inc., closed a private offering of $725 million 107.02 JPY (Japanese Yen) aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes. The net pro- 0.9731 CHF (Swiss Franc) ceeds from this offering will be used to repay indebtedness and 1.5530 AUD (Australian Dollar) the remaining amount for general corporate matters and working 1.4085 CAD (Canadian Dollar) capital purposes. June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35 ON THE MOVE OBITUARY London-based Scruffy Dog Group Global Creative grow through sales development, organizational planning and Arne Wilhelmsen, Services, a design-and-build company, has appointed Christian digital marketing strategies. In his new role, he delivers innova- Angenvoort as global business development tion to the marketplace through e-commerce co-founder, Royal director for themed production. Angenvoort refinement, product and service offerings, and brings considerable experience in the themed customer-facing technology. Caribbean Cruises entertainment industry, having spent a number Tabatha Bender, longtime content guru for PALMA, Spain — Arne of years with TAA Group as vice president of Redemption Plus, was promoted to marketing Wilhelmsen, a founder of marketing and business development and, more manager. She is overseeing the marketing team Miami-based Royal Caribbean recently, with Themebuilders Philippines, Inc., and the implementation of marketing strategy. Cruises, Ltd., passed away April in business development for international proj- Angenvoort Bender was instrumental in seeing the compa- Bender 11. He was 90. ects. Since launching his career at Warner Bros. ny’s proprietary service packages honored with Wilhelmsen was a constant Movie World in Germany, he has been involved in several high- an IAAPA Brass Ring Award in 2019. influence on the company from profile projects — including Bistrot Chez Rémy at Disneyland Holly Shoaf was promoted to an account its founding Paris, which was honored by the Themed Entertainment Assn. manager role. Previously, she had worked in in 1969, serv- with a Thea Award for Best Themed Restaurant. customer service for four years. Shoaf is adept ing more than at solving customer issues and has a strong three decades American Pinball of Streamwood, Illinois, has hired Dave understanding of customer needs, and she is on its board Brennan as technical services manager. With bringing her managerial expertise to a number of directors. Shoaf more than seven years of troubleshooting, of accounts. Together fixing and restoring pinball machines of all Sadie Barker now serves as human resourc- with Royal Wilhelmsen eras, Brennan’s expertise will ensure that all es director for Redemption Plus. She joined Caribbean’s customer and distributor needs will be met the company in 2017 and has been active in first CEO, Edwin Stephan, who through hands-on technical support and guid- employee engagement, workforce develop- died last fall at 87 (Amusement ance. Among his immediate initiatives is to ment and human resource efforts as a human Today, March 2020), Wilhelmsen generate an ongoing series of instructional Brennan resources business partner. In addition to han- saw possibilities for the nascent videos covering topics such as new game setup, how to update dling various day-to-day operational needs, her cruise industry others did not. code, maintenance tips and more. new role calls for her to lead all strategic efforts Barker “At a time when the rest of the world thought cruising was as well as the culture team. a niche use for old transatlantic Accesso, a Berkshire, U.K.-based provider of technology solu- The company’s CFO of nearly 20 years, Steve Jordan, liners, Arne was already seeing tions for the leisure, entertainment and cultural markets, has pro- retired at the end of 2019. glimmers of the growth that moted Fern MacDonald to CFO. Most recently was possible,” said Richard senior vice president of finance for the com- Seoul-headquartered cinema technology company CJ Fain, Royal Caribbean’s chair- pany, MacDonald, who is both FCA and CPA 4Dplex has tapped Don Savant as the new CEO of CJ man and CEO. “He had a vision qualified, previously spent eight years in various 4Dplex Americas, its U.S. branch based in of the modern cruise industry financial leadership roles at ZeroChaos (now Los Angeles. Savant is responsible for grow- when the ‘industry’ might have Workforce Logiq), culminating with the posi- ing the company’s multisensory and premium been a dozen used ships, total.” tion of executive vice president of finance. She motion picture formats, 4DX and ScreenX, in Wilhelmsen and Stephan’s was also a senior manager with Ernst & Young, MacDonald the region while continuing to collaborate with key insight: building new ships working with public and private clients from the movie studios to deliver the best films in both designed for cruising in warm company’s Dublin and Moscow offices. MacDonald has joined formats to consumers. He previously served 19 weather. The industry did not Accesso’s board of directors in conjunction with her promotion. years at Imax Corp., where he led as president Savant grow from the traditional tran- of global sales in 2016-18. During that time, sit hub of New York; it emerged Jessi O’Daniel, vice president of guest experience for Savant also saw Imax to unprecedented network growth with from Miami, helping its home Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, has been appointed by the development of 730 theatres while expanding the com- region flourish as the public the International Association of Amusement pany’s presence in North America, Europe and India, with con- discovered a new way to take Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) to serve on tinuing growth in China and Asia. Prior to Imax, he was senior a vacation. the organization’s North American Regional vice president of sales and marketing at Iwerks Entertainment A believer in economies Advisory Committee. “As the youngest mem- in Burbank, California, where he launched the company’s first of scale, Wilhelmsen once ber of the committee, Jessi brings the voice 4D theaters. recalled, “My initial challenge of the ‘new guard’ into the mix at this long- was to convince my partners established and respected international asso- Len Turtora retired from Six Flags Entertainment Corp. and management in Miami to ciation,” said Ed Hart, park president and O'Daniel on April 24 after 45 years of service. According to a letter circu- build bigger and more effi- CEO, who also pointed out that O’Daniel is in her second year lated by Six Flags CEO Mike Spanos, Turtora cient ships in order to grow of service with IAAPA’s Young Professionals Committee. enjoyed an “incredible history” with the com- the company.” True to his pany — serving in several high-profile roles, vision, Royal Caribbean now After enjoying a record year in 2019, Lenexa, Kansas-based including director of finance at Six Flags Great sails 61 ships calling on all Redemption Plus, a supplier of redemption, crane machine Adventure (SFGA) in Jackson, New Jersey, and seven continents. and merchandiser prizes that also provides redemption man- president of La Ronde in Montreal, where in Born in 1929, in Oslo, agement training and technology solutions, 2001 he led the park’s transformation into a Six Norway, Wilhelmsen earned his MBA at Harvard Business has moved to a shared leadership model and Flags property. Turtora returned to SFGA and Turtora implemented four additional role transitions. moved into the role of director of operations. In School and worked as a charter- The moves are designed to enable the 24-year- that capacity, said Spanos, “he took on the responsibility of leading assistant for Norway’s EB old company to continue evolving its focus on ing the Operations Division for the entire company.” He will con- Lund & Co. and later as a prizes and services. tinue to work with SFGA President John Winkler as a consultant. shipbroker in New York. After Christina Long and Michael Tipton joining the family business, Wilhelmsen & Co. AS, a lead- have assumed the day-to-day operations at The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), Long ing Norwegian shipping con- Redemption Plus in co-leadership roles. based in Barcelona, has appointed Dr. Martín cern, in 1954, he became the Long, previously the company’s chief cul- Zordan as CEO. Zordan, a veterinarian, has company’s president in 1961. ture and people officer, is now chief operations a diverse professional background in science In 2003, when Wilhelmsen development officer. A six-year employee, she and conservation culminating in his role as was ready to step back, he brings years of operations experience as well executive director of the Las Condes, Chile- was succeeded on Royal as a passion for developing employees in the headquartered Latin American Association Caribbean’s board by his son, areas of leadership, systems and processes. of Zoological Parks and Aquariums. That Alex, who has carried the fam- Tipton, now chief operations growth offi- Tipton position was followed by his role as WAZA’s Zordan ily’s involvement in charting cer after serving as vice president of sales director of conservation. For the past year, Zordan has acted as the company’s course into its and marketing since 2017, has spent years helping businesses interim CEO of WAZA. sixth decade. 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020 Debbie Powers Co-owner Powers Great American Midways INFLUENCE Lumberton, N.C. A view from the top… Powers Great American Midways is owned and operated by Corky and Debbie Powers. The carnival was founded in 1980 by Corky Powers, Roch- ester, New York. Growing the show one ride at a time, it now carries about 55 rides, 40 games and 20 food stands. The show primarily plays spots along the eastern seaboard coast including the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh, which ranked 19th among the top 50 U.S. fairs in 2019. Accomplishments and affiliations… •Received Holmes McBride Award for Dedicated Service to Humanity, 2012 •Member, Showmen's League of America, president, 2017 •Member, New York State Showpeople’s Association, first secretary, served for 15 years •Member, Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA), current chair •Member, North Carolina Association of Agricultural Fairs, served on board as associate (director) •Member, Pennsylvania State Showmen's Association, International Independent Showman's Association and National Independent Concessionaire's Association Powers' faith lights her way LUMBERTON, N.C. — Debbie library collecting data. Heinrich Powers had more than a “I hated it,” Powers said. brush of exposure with the outdoor She found out in less than two amusement business growing up in years her heart was not in the medical Orchard Park, New York, a tight-knit field. She knew exactly where it was community just outside of Buffalo. and where it had always been, the out- As a young teen, she spent summers door amusement industry. out on the road with extended family “I’m glad I pursued a different members on her mother’s side working path, because there are no ‘what if’s’ in in their concessions business. my world now,” she said. “I really think “From the day school was out for it was a gift from God knowing your the summer until the day school start- calling in life young.” ed back, I worked on the road with By the time she was 20 years old, them,” she said. Powers had built her own chocolate Those extended family members nut sundae concession with the help of were her grandparents and her cous- her father who actually hated the busi- in. And although Powers traveled the ness. She worked the first few seasons started his own show and Powers con- has hinged off our failures. But you just route with them, her parents did not. herself while finishing school. tinued to travel with that new show. have to dive right in to the best of your Her mother, Betty Heinrich, was a “I remember the first season I had Powers gave birth to two sons ability. You will do some belly flops and dental hygienist. Her father, Reuben my own stand,” Powers said. “It rained Charles “Dean” III in 1982 and Philip in it will hurt. But if you are not willing to Heinrich, was a Buffalo fireman doing 13 out of the 17 weekends of operation.” 1984. She and her husband continued take that chance, you shouldn't be in construction work on the side. That was a lesson learned. And she to travel for several years until her hus- this business." Powers loved the business, but was totally undeterred. It only seemed band had a massive heart attack stem- Powers is proud of their success. she looked at it as part time employ- to make her stronger. ming from injuries during the Vietnam "I have never felt it was a disadvan- ment. She excelled in school and her She also learned quickly that War and passed away. tage of being a woman in this indus- studies, being an overachiever from a during that time in the early 1970s, But Powers kept doing what she try," she said. "I love being a woman. I young age. Her high grades and extra- booking a concession as a young sin- loved. She didn't want to quit. She think it actually has benefited me." curricular school activities earned her a gle woman was not very easy. There wanted to make it work. The industry She also feels taking the reins as scholarship that took care of most of seemed to be this unspoken rule of had been good to her and her family. chair of the OABA during this difficult her college expenses. It was always her which she became keenly aware. She had even bought her own home. year was all in God's plan for her. She is thought she would go on to college Upon retiring from the medical So she decided to stay on the show the fourth woman to chair the OABA in and have a career that would take her field at the ripe age of almost 22 years, Corky Powers had started. As she grew the 55 years the organization has exist- elsewhere. she hit the road with two chocolate nut stronger, so did her friendship with ed. She is very optimistic that the carni- She went on to college where sundaes stands and a game trailer with him. The two ended up falling in love vals will be out on the road this season. she studied medical technology. Af- two games in it. Her sister, brother and and marrying in 1992. "I think God put me here during ter graduation, she was approached soon-to-be husband joined her. That "We worked so well together and this time so I could be of help," she by Roswell Park Cancer Institute for was in 1977. She married her first hus- we both loved the industry," she said. said. "I think those that I talk with need employment. That hospital was and band, Charles Corl II, that year as well. "God had found two dedicated vessels a shoulder or an ear. I have a positive still is on the forefront of cancer treat- In 1979 Powers purchased a Fried in us." attitude. I say, during difficult times, it ments and cures. While employed Dough/French Fry trailer, a big invest- Together they grew Powers Great is time to build up your courage mus- there, her position consisted of work- ment for her at that time. She joined American Midways. cles and your faith muscles." ing in their research facility for cancer her long time friend Corky Powers who "We built a world-class show to- There is certainly no doubt Powers cures. She spent many hours in a lab was traveling with a show that was gether from the ground up," she said. has no fear to flex her own. alone and, oftentimes, in a medical struggling to stay afloat. In 1980, he "It wasn't easy. I feel our success really —Pam Sherborne June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37 New book on Cedar Point illustrates park's 150 years of history

REVIEW: Tim Baldwin years devoted to research, [email protected] Miller has examined more An interview with the author than 100,000 newspaper and Amusement Today sat down with author Ken Miller to The amusement industry magazine articles and has talk about the major undertaking in creating the atlas and has seen a fair share of books spent hundreds of hours in chronology. and publications dedicated museum archives. The atlas AT: What is your relationship with the park? to many amusement parks and chronology are a true tes- Ken Miller: I’m actually a school teacher. In the year and their unique histories. To tament to dedication, and the 2000, I started working at Cedar Point seasonally. I first reach a milestone of 150 years results clearly show. started in merchandise and went to the is a rare feat, but Cedar Point The book is published by front gate in admissions. They asked me traces its roots back to 1870, 1870 Publishing Group and is if I wanted to cover a shift at the Town making it one of the oldest available through its website. Hall Museum. It was 99 degrees heat, amusement parks in the coun- The price tag is $100, but the and steam was coming off the pavement try. A new book has been pub- sheer bulk of the publication after a rain. “Let me get this straight. You lished that captures a century confirms it is worth every dime. want me to sit in the air conditioning and and a half of details, stories Shipping is included in the pur- answer some trivia and tell people where Miller and images on a colossal scale. chase price (tax is additional). the closest funnel cakes are?” What was wrong with that It undeniably depicts what has for the first time. With more The audience for this book picture? I have been there ever since. I think it is the best been dubbed The Amazement than 1,200 images, the book is vast. Whether a seasonal job in the park. Park and America’s Roller captures Cedar Point in visual employee who worked the What was the process of organizing all this material? Coast like nothing before. abundance. Photographs, art- park in his or her youth, an This was a seven-year project. We started in 2013. I was Rolling Through The Years work, brochures, advertise- avid Cedar Point fan or a fel- working the museum, and there was some reference mate- wasn’t just thrown together in ments and souvenirs vividly low colleague in the amuse- rial there. There was a park timeline that was decent, but honor of the park’s anniver- portray the park and its attrac- ment industry, there is much to people would ask questions, and I would have to look in sary. Author Ken Miller has tions with color and character. love by anyone who acquires four or five different sources to give them the information. been accumulating an incred- Some photographs have not this major accomplishment. The game plan originally was to create a resource just for ible amount of research for been seen for decades. It is with sad cruelty that the museum itself. We were going to do three-ring binders seven years [see sidebar] and The second section serves the coronavirus pandemic has and have the information at our fingertips. We would have the compilation is a master- as a history of the park. Both a the park postponing its full all that information in one spot. piece described as a Cedar chronological timeline and an 150th celebration until 2021. John Hildebrandt, the general manager at the time, Point atlas and chronology. atlas that includes 75 maps, the “Our team determined that a was in the museum while I was working on this and saw the There are two main parts reader is taken on Cedar Point’s celebration of this magnitude project. He basically said, “You need to publish this.” He of the book. Its first half orga- journey year by year. What must be done right,” said Park doesn’t even recall the conversation, but he was the one nizes an immense volume of was added that year? What President Jason McClure in a that actually got me started on publishing it. material into groupings: his- was removed? Rolling Through May statement. With that in We started keeping folders on my laptop. One for torical markers, former and the Years: A Cedar Point Atlas & mind, this book helps carry the every ride, one for every restaurant… Everything got kind current rides, ferryboats and Chronology answers each ques- anticipation for the big event. of organized from the get go. steamships, roller coasters, tion. Miller explains part of the Not every park can boast How did the two halves come about? carousels, the Cedar Point reason the book is so large — a 150 years, but every park has The book was designed in two sections mostly because & Lake Erie Railroad, major gigantic 12 by 18 inches — is so a unique history worthy of of the maps. People would come in asking about their first buildings, hotels and more. the maps can be appreciated. being told. Most amusement visit or the first year their father had come. I wanted to The orchestration of each topic The book isn’t just large parks can wish that a book make sure we had a lot of maps in this. not only makes it easy to find in dimensions either. It is just like Rolling Through The Years Was the book produced by the park? information, but also a plea- shy of 400 pages, and with was created for their parks. The book is not funded by Cedar Point. We decided sure for the reader to be drawn its hardcovers weighs in at Which begs the question, early on — and Cedar Point was fine with this — that we into the fine details he or she almost 11 pounds. “Why aren’t they?” This one would set up 1870 Publishing Group as a new company to may remember or is learning During the last seven shows how it can be done. handle this. I had these ideas in my mind, and I really didn’t want anyone to mess with that. I did a little marketing research on volume and distribution, and we decided the best way to fund this was to take pre-orders on the book itself. We had a really good response and printed 1,000 limited editions. The problem is these books are so heavy, production can only do a couple hundred a week. Did you have full cooperation from the park? When I started, John gave me his blessing, but as he was about to retire, he encouraged me to talk to the new general manager. After he had been there a while, I sat down with [Jason McClure] and Tony Clark in marketing and received their blessing. They were comfortable with the format and gave me carte blanche to talk to the various departments. The main challenge was the graphics and design department was having personnel changes. Rob Decker was retiring. It became a matter of “Who is available?” But a couple people became very helpful. It was an open door. Several fans opened up their collections too. Any surprises along the way? Quite a few. Every time I opened up a [newspaper] page, it was like, “I really didn’t know this!” There was an article about a fire in the Palace of Mystery and the Lady with No Head escaped through the back door. I didn’t even Pages within the atlas contain year-by-year stats, artwork and organized information on numerous know about a Palace of Mystery. topics, along with more than 1,200 images. COURTESY 1870 PUBLISHING GROUP 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020

SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS  Zamperla reinvents customer care — page 40 / Six Flags Over Texas's new garbage system — page 44 IAAPA communicates guidance for amusement industry to reopen AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected] IAAPA Headquarters in Orlando. AT/JOHN W.C. ROBINSON

ORLANDO — Quick to both listen to and inform its members, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) was immediately thrust into a role of supporting its members in a new role: surviving the COVID-19 crisis. “We’ve been talking about COVID as an association since January,” said David Mandt, EVP Chief Engagement Officer, IAAPA. “Initially it was impacting members in the Asia Pacific region as well as the Asia Expo. In March, things picked up steam globally. We reopen? And when? And how are we sure we’re ready for citizens to move around their community. While not realized it would impact all of our members around that?’ That’s when we heard our members had a need of intended to be a definitive industry best practice, the the world in different ways on different timetables. We how we could help them. IAAPA is all about connecting suggestions and guiding philosophies serve as a start- asked ourselves, ‘How can we help? How can we be a people. We started to think about this as a ‘Vulcan mind ing point, reminding each property to work in partner- resource?’ It is uncharted territory.” meld.’ We put the best minds in our industry together. It ship with local, state and national governments. On May 1, IAAPA released what it considers to be is a very complex matter; it affects many different areas IAAPA emphasizes to all involved that attractions a “first edition” of ongoing recommendations. As the of operation in many different ways. What are the fac- are different from other mass gatherings such as sports COVID-19 events continue to evolve daily, as does medi- tors that come into play? We know that there is no cookie arenas, movie theaters and concerts. cal knowledge on the pandemic, IAAPA knows updates cutter, one-size-fits-all solution. Every operator has to be 1. Capacity can be reduced/managed to allow for to these communications may become necessary. IAAPA aware of their cultural differences. What works in one part appropriate social distancing. members can find Reopening Guidance: Considerations for the of the world might not work in another. So, we looked at 2. Seating positions in rides and attractions are con- Attractions Industry at the website iaapa.org. the things that are unique to the amusement industry.” trolled by employees. “We’ve talked to and listened to members every IAAPA’s Reopening Guidance: Considerations for the 3. Exposure time is limited. Guests generally move day,” Mandt told Amusement Today. “We set up discussion Attractions Industry outlines principles and approaches throughout their experience, much like in an inter-city groups first starting in Asia. How was it impacting you? to consider for reopening once local government offi- district or zone. The guests are not sitting in a single What are your modifications? What can you share? Once cials in each area remove “stay-at-home” orders, allow the industry shut down, the question became ‘How do we non-essential businesses to reopen and say it is safe for 4See GUIDANCE, page 39 Managing physical distancing, surface contact in ‘new normal’ AT: Dean Lamanna meanwhile, have been brainstorming restaurants, hotels, ride vehicles and [email protected] at warp speed. Sam Zietz, CEO of other facilities throughout the park and Boca Raton, Fla.-based payment tech- across the resort is a major focus,” said INTERNATIONAL — Restarting the nology company Grubbrr (see Industry Dr. Pamela Hymel, chief medical offi- attractions industry amid a lingering Voice, page 4), told Amusement Today cer for Disney Parks, Experiences and pandemic requires revised operational that the pandemic calls for creative Products, regarding the May 11 phased guidelines as well as the support, and approaches to crowd control and has reopening of Shanghai Disneyland — patience, of a public getting reacquaint- accelerated automation trends. noting the company’s implementation of ed with fun. The industry is watching “This is not just about reopen- measures based on guidance from gov- closely as theme park companies begin ing, but reinventing the attractions ernment agencies and health authori- airing initial reopening plans and des- industry,” Zietz said. “We believe that ties, including the Centers for Disease tinations in Asia and Europe, including it’s our task as a supplier to provide Control and Prevention. “We’re also Shanghai Disneyland and Europa-Park technology and automation to facilities exploring ways to use technology to in Germany, resume operation. that now must pivot to new consumer aid us in these efforts, like with our “We can at last see hope…,” said behaviors. Guests will expect distanc- Play Disney Parks App and through Amanda Thompson, OBE, managing ing from other guests. They will also virtual queues at Disneyland and Walt director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach prefer to interact with employees in an Disney World.” The Crowd Solo mobile app by and board chair of the International omni-channel manner, utilizing tech- IAAPA also has recognized that Holovis helps facility operators Association of Amusement Parks nology — mobile, kiosks, food lockers charting a return course to success manage physical distancing and and Attractions (IAAPA), in a letter to [for contact-free meal pickup] — as involves devising fresh strategies and guest flow — alleviating unsafe IAAPA’s membership in early May. “Parks opposed to interacting face-to-face.” exploiting the latest technologies to help crowding through guest tracking, are slowly and thoughtfully reopening. Operators are innovating, as well. attraction reservations and queue Suppliers and service providers, “Managing guest density in queues, 4See DISTANCE, page 39 management. COURTESY HOLOVIS June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 GUIDANCE the use of masks/face coverings place to share information with equipping employees, communi- Continued from page 38 for guests and staff. their employees and guests in cation and more. IAAPA hired an •Provide means to wash/ an accurate and timely manner. epidemiologist to make sure its location, elbow-to-elbow, for an sanitize hands frequently. principles are based in science. extended period. •Manage density of people Communication with guests: “The front of the document 4. A large percentage of within the facility to keep people •Changes to existing park shares some big principles to attraction attendance is made up or family units that have been policies that enhance protection think about, and when you get of family members and others isolating together six feet (two of guests and employees. into the various sections it talks who live in the same home and meters) apart. Physical distancing •Operational changes that about how to implement those thus do not need to be physi- guidelines may vary by region impact the guests’ use of the principles in an operating envi- cally distanced from each other. and can be reduced by wear- facility. ronment,” said Mandt. “The pub- These considerations regard ing of masks/ face coverings — •Actions guests can take to lic needs our industry today more operational adjustments for facili- ensure your plan is aligned with decrease their potential expo- than ever before. Being isolated ties to consider before reopen- local official guidance. sure to COVID-19. has not been part of our human ing prior to the development of •Reduce touch areas where •Development of pre-visit nature. People are anxious to a treatment or widely accessible possible and sanitize high touch Center for Disease Control. Look and on-park message deliv- reconnect. The amusement indus- vaccine for COVID-19. They will surfaces frequently. at what all is available. In some ery systems such as web- try provides a way to do that.” be adjusted and simplified as time •Protect employees with areas, there is more specialized sites, advertising, signage and “Our industry is about con- goes on, conditions improve, and various approaches, including information that goes into more employee direction to ensure nection,” said Susan Storey, new best practices are identified. barriers, protective coverings detail than what IAAPA provides guests what is expected of them Director of Communications, These considerations are designed and distancing. on certain topics. For example, while at the facility. IAAPA. “It’s a personal con- to be a proposed outline, subject •Communicate with employ- we have a food and beverage For the full extent of infor- nection when we’re in the park, to discussion and adjustment as ees and guests effectively on how section. A small facility will vary mation available, WWA members whether if we are working or needed with input from the local to prevent the spread of germs. from a multilevel resort. In that and industry professionals can go bringing our families. All that government agencies and health •Have a plan in the event a case, there are other resources to the site: www.waterparks.org came to a stop. Everyone keeps authorities where the attraction guest or employee falls ill on site. like the National Restaurant and look for the Resources tab. saying ‘unprecedented’ — and it operates. If government guidance The aspects of the guidelines Association. But we have tried to Various regional organiza- is — but it is also scary. This is is more stringent, management have applications for members address areas that are unique to tions have been communicating also the time when I think the should follow government guid- large and small, and all facilities, the attractions industry.” and hosting online workshops industry is at its best. We all make ance. IAAPA encourages mem- regardless of the type, should IAAPA’s document pro- with their area members. As parks jokes about all the zoom calls and bers to share prepared documents find some data and key thinking vides links to other resources. reopen, sharing knowledge with emails and texts, but they’re not with government officials to assist that should help each one. Kansas-based World each other will become the life- jokes; it’s the fact we are reach- them in developing their guide- “The document is not the Waterpark Association has also blood to surviving the crisis. ing out to each other. Competitor lines for unique attractions. only resource a member should reached out to its members. The unprecedented chal- companies are helping each other. use. It is one resource,” said Among its top recommenda- lenge to the industry is one for There is nothing we want more Topline considerations Mandt. “They should look tions is communication, which it the history books. IAAPA has than to be open again. Looking for reopening: at resources provided by their feels is key in any crisis. In order taken the lead to offer first steps ahead, we are going to reopen, •Allow healthy people to health authorities, the World to reopen, operators are strongly in reopening, including clean- and we are going to make those enjoy the facility and encourage Health Organization, and the encouraged to have systems in ing and sanitation, training and memories again.” DISTANCE queue-management system to download the mobile app ing cashless payment methods. and fingerprints. They wipe Continued from page 38 with the added tool of real-time on their phones for free and down easily with any recom- proximity alerts — providing use it to book attractions for Beyond the surface mended cleaning solution. safeguard guest and employee operators with instant insight themselves and their family The high transmissibility of Grubber takes the mitiga- health. In a new report titled into guest movements that can throughout their visit. By con- COVID-19 has spotlighted not tion of surface risk further with COVID-19 Reopening Guidance: help prevent unsafe crowding. necting every guest, the data only the need for increased per- an app-based contactless order- Considerations for the Global Powered by the Holovis presents a “state of the park” sonal hygiene and barriers such ing solution. Customers place Attractions Industry, the organi- DeepSmarts data analytics report through crowd position. as protective masks and plexi- their order from the safety of zation places effective manage- engine, Crowd Solo allows oper- Operators can act to divert and glass shields, but for thorough their own device by scanning a ment of physical distancing and ators to monitor how effectively improve guest flow with situ- sanitization and reducing direct QR (quick response) code menu capacity, and reduced and safer their facility is handling guest ational awareness maintained contact with surfaces and items or ordering online through a contact with surfaces, among its flow, especially around attrac- across the networked system. that are frequently handled, website. They then pay elec- recommendations. tion loading areas. Heatmap In addition, through the such as cash. tronically via debit, credit or data is viewed in real-time to app’s tracking capability, guests Goldfinger Monitors of another mobile payment meth- Spacing out help manage capacity. will be made aware of their Johns Island, South Carolina, od, and the food can be picked Moving beyond the more “Venues will have to adapt group’s social distance metrics with products distributed world- up at a locker, counter or other obvious solutions tied virtual and learn to operate differently in in relation to all other visitors. wide by Betson Imperial Parts contact-free location. queuing, capacity reduction, order to give guests peace of mind The system provides both audi- & Service (betsonparts.com), The company’s Sam Zietz spacing and traffic markers, and confidence to revisit,” said ble and vibration warnings if offers infrared touch screens told AT that he has seen an expo- and reservation systems, U.K.- Peter Cliff, creative director for guests are too close. to the attractions industry that nential increase in demand for based experiential design com- Holovis, adding that initial indus- No new physical hardware remove the need for direct skin Grubbrr’s mobile, tableside and pany Holovis (holovis.com) try feedback has been positive. or changes to site infrastructure contact. Applicable to amuse- contactless ordering solutions, has developed a mobile app “Crowd Solo will help operators are required to enable Crowd ments, retail locations, kiosks, as well as its self-service kiosks, designed to help venues man- move quickly to reach optimal, Solo, as it leverages a combi- ATMs, vending machines and point-of-sale systems and food age physical distancing. Called safe venue capacities. [It is] able nation of advanced positional more, the technology can be lockers, from both existing and Crowd Solo, the app features to provide guests and operator tracking techniques already used with gloves, a stylus or a new clients. And he was forth- an attraction reservation and teams with a highly adaptive tool inherent in personal devices pen to enable safer use of a video right in assessing the changes to enable safe visiting, predict and connected to standard park or touch screen monitor. the industry is facing. manage guest movements, avoid operating systems. “There is a lot of uncertainty “Consumers will view stand- unsafe queuing.” Holovis expected to make right now for equipment manu- ing near a cashier as a cardinal In facilities utilizing the the app generally available facturers that typically require sin — and this pandemic will system, guests will be directed around the start of June and the use of skin-to-screen con- accelerate the obsolescence of was planning to offer it free to tact,” said Daniel Hartmann, cashiers, in particular,” Zietz Grubbrr’s app-based single-ticket admission destina- president and CEO of Goldfinger. said. “Businesses of every type contactless ordering tions, such as theme parks, zoos, “Goldfinger monitors can give are having dialogue around how solution, utilizing museums and cultural centers, both manufacturers and end they need to pivot their busi- customers’ own devices, that expressed interest. Add-on users a reason to feel safe.” ness models to conform to new makes safe, convenient features for Crowd Solo include Aside from the benefit of consumer behaviors. These new use of QR code menus and gamification, thermal imaging doing away with direct skin behaviors will continue to exist mobile payment methods. reports, ride popularity statis- contact, Goldfinger’s monitors even after the passing of this pan- COURTESY GRUBBRR tics and integration with exist- are protected against scratches demic.” 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has not stopped Zamperla's customer service AT: Pam Sherborne [email protected] VINCENZA, Italy — De- spite COVID-19 limitations and travel restrictions, Italian ride manufacturer Zamperla has found a way to reinvent its customer care service utilizing a new remote assistance service. In April, the Zamperla Care Team began using an extended collaboration software, which allows direct sharing of audio, video, remote augmented reality interactions and The Zamperla Care Team began using an extended collaboration software in April that allows direct sharing of audio, document sharing and gives video, remote augmented reality interactions and document sharing and gives instructions to assemble Zamperla’s rides. instructions to assemble Zam- The software was first created to support those on the road, but with the travel restrictions and social protocols due to the perla’s rides. The Augmented, COVID-19 pandemic, Zamperla found that it suits the company's needs. COURTESY ZAMPERLA Mixed and Virtual Reality solution was created to support tancing have led us to rethink plete the task. It keeps track of Sommerland Park, Denmark, the short term for attractions’ the technician by improving the system as a guide device completed tasks with the pos- providing remote assistance assembly in Russia, Canada/ his capabilities with content for the customer, for the assem- sibility of overlay texts, graph- not only for the assembly of the USA and the Philippines. sharing and real-time manipu- bly of Zamperla’s attractions." ics and multimedia to the real- attraction, but also for the test- In other news for Zamper- lation by various users. The AR/MR/VR technol- ity observed by the user, but ing of the machine. We have la, production fully reopened “The idea of starting a re- ogy can be used by different also mixes digital objects to the reinvented ourselves, chang- on May 4. The company is fol- mote assistance service with types of devices currently on real world and interaction with ing the original goal of the lowing all the security direc- AR system, mixed and virtual the market, each of which has multimedia content. service and adapting it to our tions given by the Italian gov- was born initially in October different features, interaction Dal Pozzolo said Zamper- needs in order to start a busi- ernment and anticontagion 2019, as a project to support type and user experience. Us- la has carried out two testing ness that will allow us to cre- measures recommended by Zamperla’s technicians on the ing AR, MR and VR in this area experiences. ate a real-time service system the Higher Institute of Health, road," said Roberto Dal Poz- not only helps raise safety stan- "The first one with a combined with the sale." in accordance with preven- zolo, Zamperla customer ser- dards, but also improves the WindstarZ, installed in the Company representa- tive containment procedures vice director. "The COVID-19 efficiency and quality of tasks Mandarin Plaza mall in Kyiv, tives are satisfied with these to avoid the spread of the Co- emergency, travel restrictions performed, the margin of error, Ukraine," he said. "The second first tests, with the forecast of vid-19 virus in the workplace. and the obligation of social dis- and the time it takes to com- with a Jump Around, Djurs three more assists expected in •zamperla.com :

June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41 Post COVID-19 white paper released by SAFETY MARKET PLACE the Thinkwell Group LOS ANGELES — In a white paper published in late-April, the Thinkwell Group addressed seven areas for location-based entertainment owners and oper- EASY-TO-USE ators to consider when reopen- SOFTWARE FOR: ing their park, museum, attraction or entertainment venue in a SAFETY, post COVID-19 world. MAINTENANCE Some solutions are & OPERATIONS already being developed with Thinkwell’s global clients, high- lighting the viability and adapt- ability of these solutions. MOBARO.COM Park capacity will be a huge concern in a post-coronavirus world. Crowds on a scale typically seen in the mega parks on both coasts and internationally will need to be adjusted to allow for social distancing. Proudly working with the following While many theme parks and American-made companies: some larger museums have had •Premier Rides success at shifting guests to tick- •Sally Dark Rides eting in advance via an app or •Fibrart website, many smaller institu- •PTC, Inc. tions have online ticketing rates •Park Insights at under 10% of all tickets sold. •Swannee River Near-continuous and visu- Railroad Co. ally obvious cleaning of queue •Equipment railings will be necessary Solutions/ITAL Resina regardless of what methodolo- •Great Events of gy is used for attraction queues. Colorado With pulsed queues, guests Facebook.com/IRMRides would be given a specific time to return, whether that’s via an app, staggered entry paper ticket or text message. Social distancing will need to happen in rides as well. Ride vehicles may need to be loaded with empty vehicles between guests, while coaster trains will need to consider empty rows and seats between riders and all vehicles will need extra time to have seats and touchable surfaces sanitized before boarding. In a post-COVID-19 world, a heavy reliance on touch-based interactive screens is a thing of the past. There aren’t enough staffers to constantly be wiping down touchscreens between uses, so these interactives will need to be removed, covered, or modified. Will people want a device, like a virtual reality goggle headgear or 3D glasses at all so close to their eyes, noses and mouths after the world goes back to some form of normal? Even with obvious cleaning, that puts the technology and the multi-use headgear and gog- gles uncomfortably close to the guests’ faces. What will happen with VR in public spaces? As some parks consider canceling parades, shows and fire- works spectaculars due to the density of guests for such presentations, there's hope for ways Keep our amusement park industry strong! to allow these things to continue. Buy products and services from these suppliers. •thinkwellgroup.com 42 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020 Embed aims to relieve strain of COVID, offers free Mobile Wallet SINGAPORE — Embed, a leader of the Embed has been working closely with its part- cashless business management systems and solu- ners and customers, gathering insight on how the tions for the amusement, entertainment and lei- situation might evolve, profiling the actions and sure industries, announced the Embed COVID-19 strategies to help cope and plan for reopening Relief Act as a demonstration of Embed’s com- day, and what it means and how it impacts the mitment to its customers and industry’s recovery. FEC businesses. For the first time in Embed’s “At Embed, we want to do our part to sup- company’s history, they recorded and made these port our customers as they prepare for their conversations and working sessions available to reopening day. We thought long and hard about the industry via the EmbedLIVE series because how we can do this, and we decided to give away Embed knew these authentic and transparent our latest award-winning innovation, the Mobile conversations would benefit everyone in the Wallet, free for one year to everyone. No app industry, reminding operators, manufacturers, required,” said Renee Welsh, CEO of Embed, and distributors that we’re navigating this tough during a webcast announcement to the industry time together. The contactless Mobile Wallet system from Embed on April 24. “A new type of customer will emerge from allows attraction customers to pay for attractions On Mobile Wallet, a guest's virtual game card this pandemic. After a long-lock- and reload gamecards all with their own personal sits in the mobile wallet on their smart phone, down period, the surge of con- smart phone, dramatically reducing the number allowing facilities to offer customers a contactless sumers will emerge and only go of surfaces and employees guests must come into payment and FEC experience. to businesses they perceive as contact with. COURTESY EMBED “We were able to get our foot in the door safe,” said Welsh. “They will be with the Googles and Apples at what times. It ultimately future-proofs these more conscious of hygiene, price of the world by saying to them: businesses.” and social distancing than ever ’You have loyalty cards in your “Plus, we are in the process of adding capac- before. It is unmistakable that Welsh mobile wallets and you have all ity management to our Mobile Portal, which will people don’t want to touch cash, coins, papers, of finance, but you don't have also be included,” added Welsh. “We are giving or anything that transmits viruses. This acts as a the entertainment or attractions this to all our new and existing customers for free. forcing function for our industry to became tech- industry and its game card,‘” Knowing how important it is to our customers savvy overnight. Embed has the contactless solu- explained Sara Paz, chief mar- Paz to have contactless payments to safeguard their tion (in the mobile wallet and mobile portal) that keting officer for Embed. “By putting the game overall customer experience, we felt this would the industry needs to recover, so it feels right and card into [a smart phone's] mobile wallet, that be the most powerful demonstration of our com- good that we give it away for free.” skips over the largest barrier of entry for the mitment to our customers and our industry’s New and existing customers can register for consumer which is having to download an app. recovery. This is Embed’s COVID-19 Relief Act. the free mobile wallet and mobile portal by sim- At the same time, it gives operators real-time Make no mistake about it, we are going the social ply going to Embed’s website, embedcard.com. information on who is spending what, where and distance with [our customers].” —John W.C . Robinson Universal Orlando Resort employs 3D printers amid shutdown AT: David Fake Special to Amusement Today ORLANDO, Fla. — Combining technology and thinking out of the box is nothing new to Universal Parks and Resorts. The creative team has exhibited their inspired prowess for creating magic most recently at the Universal Orlando Resort’s Islands of Adventure park with their highly lauded Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure in 2019. Fan blogs are in overdrive with Strips of plastic (left) are being used to create headbands for PPE. Extrusion 3D printers heat the material and lay it on the buzz about Universal Studios print surface one layer at a time. COURTESY UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT Japan’s Super Nintendo World, which was scheduled to open It all started with one team be done. It was then that she bands. Then the work began. Working in socially-dis- this year, and was nearing member recognizing a commu- text messaged her boss with an “The thing with printers is, it all tanced shifts, the Universal completion prior to the COVID- nity need and creatively offer- idea. She asked what her boss sounds really exciting, but it’s Orlando team members, with 19 shutdowns. Then there is ing a solution. thought of the idea to 3D print probably marginally more excit- Harned at the helm, have Epic Universe park, which was In late March, weeks after bands for face shields for dona- ing than watching paint dry,” printed and donated over 3,200 announced last year as the fourth the shutdown of Universal tion to healthcare workers in the she said. “They’re very slow.” face shield bands to healthcare gate for the Orlando resort, Orlando Resort to the public Central Florida community. “This is where it goes way workers in Central Florida as of which even with few details and Universal team members “I was seeing a couple beyond me,” Harned said. “I mid-May. officially released, is already being told to stay home with pay things around the makerspace just started the ball rolling. So, while this example of expected to forever change not and benefits, Jessica Harned, of people helping out, and I Before any of this, I had already being creative may not add to only Orlando’s, but the world’s supervisor of Advanced Resort just thought ‘I could do that,’” formed this unofficial 3D print- Universal’s bottom line, it cer- expectations of the theme park Technology for Universal, was Harned explained. “‘I’m home ing co-op with colleagues who tainly does deserve the attention experience. And while, even already aware of the shortage of and I have a printer and I can I knew were 3D printing on of the industry for its contribu- post-COVID-19, these products personal protective equipment maybe grab two more from the property. We have people from tion to those heroes on the front will surely continue to garner (PPE), such as surgical masks office and try to print some of Parks Technology, Creative, lines fighting this pandemic. industry applause and financial and face shields in the U.S. At these masks.’” Entertainment Tech, the Creative Proudly, this example is added success for Universal, there is that time, it was only the begin- Universal Orlando uses 3D Prop and Modeling Shop and to the list of the industry’s unity another creative product of the ning of “the curve” everyone printers in a variety of ways Merchandise. We’ve got people in times of crisis and a shining Universal team that is equally was hoping to flatten by social from prototyping models to from all over our parks who are example of what it means to be deserving of praise and atten- distancing and closing the parks. making small components like motivated together around this universally caring, universally tion right now, mid-COVID-19. She knew something needed to Volcano Bay’s Tapu Tapu wrist- common goal.” human, universally one. June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 43

Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International, Ltd. P.O. Box 92366 • Nashville, Tenn. 37209 Phone: (714) 425-5747 • Fax: (714) 276-9666 Mary Jane Brewer • [email protected] www.aimsintl.org Holly Coston, (714) 697-6654, [email protected] Time to start planning for the 2021 AIMS International Safety Seminar Despite the challenging times together a comprehensive seminar A big thanks to the demonstrated their skills and knowl- that are affecting us all, our staff is that meets the needs and expecta- people behind the scenes edge as AIMS Certification hold- optimistic about the future and plans tions of our industry. As the amusement industry ers and AIMS International Safety are underway for the 2021 AIMS enters into what is shaping up to be Seminar students. The AIMS International Safety Seminar, which Call for instructors and presenta- a tumultuous and uncertain summer Certification Program is internation- will be held in Galveston, Texas, tions for the Safety Seminar season, it’s important to recognize ally recognized for accreditation of January 10-15, 2021. As plans for the In an effort to streamline and the thousands of individuals who knowledge and experience in Ride Safety Seminar unfold, AIMS staff simplify the process of selecting work in maintenance, operations, Inspection, Maintenance Technician, will be considering ways to keep courses for the upcoming seminar, ride inspection and other areas of Operations Technician and Aquatics those who may not be able to travel the AIMS team has employed a new safety at parks and attractions. They Operations. A complete list of all connected, and will look to new online tool for the sole purpose of work around the clock to plan and AIMS Certified individuals can be technology tools to help reach those soliciting, collecting and reviewing prepare for the safety and enjoyment found on our website at aimsintl.org. in the industry who are in need of presentation proposals. The Call for of guests and other employees. A education and certification, but may Presentations for the 2021 AIMS normally tough job becomes even AIMS International's mission: be unable attend in person. One International Safety Seminar portal more difficult with the challenges of improve amusement industry safety of these tools, which is currently is open now through July 17, and can keeping guests safely distanced and through leadership in education available at aimsintl.org/education, be accessed visiting aimsintl.org/get- rides and facilities sanitized to pre- The annual AIMS International is AIMS connectED, the new on- involved/be-an-instructor. Even prevent the spread of COVID-19. Their Safety Seminar is recognized by line learning platform where amuse- senters who already know that they innovation and attention to detail major parks and attractions as the ment industry professionals can gain will be unable to travel to the Safety will make all the difference in the worldwide leader for safety train- the education and CEUs they need Seminar in January are encouraged safe and enjoyable experience that ing and education. The next AIMS to keep their certifications current. to submit proposals because we are guests will have in their parks. We all International Safety Seminar will While we hope everyone will be considering ways to include presenta- owe them a great debt of gratitude be held January 10-15, 2021 in able to connect, learn and network tions from remote locations, as well. and appreciation! Galveston, Texas. For more informa- in person, rest-assured, we will put Many of these individuals have tion, visit aimsintl.org.

Space for this AIMS page is provided courtesy of Amusement Today as a corporate partner of AIMS Intl. Content is provided by AT & AIMS. 44 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020 Park sees drastic reduction in waste with innovative approach Six Flags Over Texas produces a win-win with new trash system AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected]

ARLINGTON, Texas — When it comes to innovative ideas, dealing with trash isn’t the first subject to come to mind. However, Six Flags Over Texas is finding major success with a new system. Operations Manager Matt Hughey became aware of a dramatic approach using bacteria being offered by Advetec, an England-based company. Given the green light to investigate, Hughey traveled to the U.K. to see the system firsthand. “When it was first explained to me, it almost sounded sci-fi, but with future Workers load trash bags into the system via a conveyor belt. conversations, it made more This drawing (inset) shows the layout of the XO system. sense,” said Hughey. “Bacteria COURTESY ADVETEC; AT/TIM BALDWIN is on everything. It’s on our bodies, our walls, it’s on every- as it can be, it needs to get in chambers,” Hughey said. thing. There are all kinds of and around as much trash as “What separates the two is a bacteria, and different types possible. So, the trash goes half wall at the bottom and break down biological things through an industrial grade then bars at the top. As the better than others. Basically, shredder to begin the process. first chamber fills, turning arms the bacteria work at different By breaking up that trash, inside of the chamber churn temperatures.” you’ve already reduced what material both directions to help Advetec is a special- would be going to a landfill with dehydration and for the ist in the on-site reduction anyway. It’s more compact.” bacteria to start eating through of solid and liquid organic Based upon the trash going it. It almost has an herbal smell, waste. In 2017, the company into the machine past that point, like a fruitcake.” launched an evolution of its heating elements “wake up the Six Flags has seen the com- bio-thermic digester technol- critters,” as Hughey jokingly bination of the grinding away ogy. The Advetec XO system is calls it, and also dehydrates of the matter and bacteria eat- plenty of stimulants. Six Flags For trash to be placed into the designed to rapidly reduce the the material. About every six ing it up results in a 90 percent is not required to order any- machine, a foot pedal is used organic content within waste hours, the machine introduc- breakdown on average. thing in advance. for bags to be transferred up at the source, cutting off-site es a new culture of bacteria, “If you put ten trash bags When the process is com- a conveyor belt, which creates transportation and processing not only to replace those that in, one trash bag [of waste] plete, the sheer reduction of an additional safety measure costs and helping companies eventually die off, but a larger comes out,” Hughey said, sim- waste is the major win. But it keeping all hands and body achieve zero waste to landfill. culture works more efficiently plifying the process. “It’s pretty doesn’t necessarily stop there. parts away from the machine in breaking down the waste darn consistent. There’s noth- Certain companies will be ana- when things are in motion. So how does it work? material. If any cleaning prod- ing special about the bacteria. lyzing the resulting material There are also E-stop wires all “When you throw a trash ucts were included in the They’ve found certain types from the park. If it proves suit- around the conveyor for any bag away, it may be pretty trash that might kill good and work better on paper products, able, then Six Flags can sell the issues that arise when inserting full, but there is probably a lot bad bacteria, the introduction certain bacteria work better with material to the companies to bags into the shredder. A timer of air in there,” Hughey told of new cultures keeps the pro- plastic and foods and so on and be burned to produce energy. will also turn off the shredder Amusement Today. “In order cess working. so forth. The mixture of variety If this turns out to be the case, once it detects no movement for bacteria to be as useful “The machine has two of bacteria in there work best in then it is a double win. on the belt after a programmed certain temperatures. The secret “Even if it isn’t suitable, period of time. is not the bacteria itself, but a it is still way better to go to “The XO unit has a mon- special solution that I call ‘Red the landfill like that,” Hughey itoring system built into it,” Bull’ for bacteria. It causes the said. “It’s way better, period.” said Hughey. “I can see what bacteria to breathe faster, and in On an on-site visit, AT is going on with the unit, and so doing causes them to want to witnessed the process first- [Advetec] is monitoring 24/7 eat more.” hand and found the process as well. They might determine The machine does the dramatically impressive. Of if it needs to be turned off bulk of the work and regis- note are the safety procedures before I do. They can turn it off ters more trash coming in and that make the home run a via Wi-Fi. They can also make reacts accordingly. When the grand slam. adjustments to speed up the trash leaves the system, it is Only trained people can process if they are seeing more somewhat sterilized from the operate the machine. Several trash than expected. There is a process. Any residual bacteria E-stops around the operation lot of options they can do.” that remain pose no risk as it are in place, in case a worker When not being “fed,” is natural bacteria that exists hears something problematic, such as during the current in the environment at all times. such as an unexpected large COVID-19 crisis, Hughey Part of the service agree- amount of metal cans. Those reports the bacteria go into Operations Manager Matt Hughey sifts through the end ment finds Advetec coming items can be removed. For the hibernation. When the park material, the equivalent of approximately 70 garbage bins. out every 90 days to supply system to work, it requires an is not in daily operation, it AT/TIM BALDWIN new cultures of bacteria and RFD tag by a trained operator. doesn’t pose any issues. June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 45 Date options announced for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. vention Alliance, National — In response to the COV- Recreation and Park Asso- ID-19 pandemic, organizers ciation, Consumer Product for the 2020 World’s Largest Safety Commission's Pool Swimming Lesson (WLSL) Safely, Safe Kids World- have announced two new wide, Stop Drowning Now, date options for this year’s Starfish Aquatics Insti- event. Host locations are en- tute, Swim Australia, USA couraged to participate on Amusement Today, Aquatics Swimming Foundation, Thursday, July 16 or they can International, Instituto de United States Swim School host an event any day in June, Natacao Infantil, Lifeguards Association, Water Safety July or August. The new date Without Borders, National Products and many other options offer more time and Aquatic Safety Company, organizations. COURTESY flexibility for facilities to take National Drowning Pre- •wlsl.org WORLD WATERPARK ASSOCIATION advantage of the WLSL program in their local communities and continue to send the vital Swimming Lessons Save Lives message. “Safety is always the first priority for our aquatics community, and the WLSL program has been an important education and promotion tool for thousands of pools, water parks and learn-to-swim providers,” said Rick Root, president, World Waterpark Association. “Whether they join us on July 16th or another date in June, July or August, we want to work with as many locations as possible to ensure children and adults are exposed to water safety and learn to swim messages this season.” The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson serves as a platform for the aquatics industry to use one voice to send a message about the crucial importance of teach- ing kids to swim and the role of adult supervision to prevent drowning. Per the World Health Or- ganization, drowning is the third leading cause of unin- tentional injury-related death, accounting for 7% of all injury-related deaths worldwide. In the U.S., drowning remains the leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1 to 4, and the second leading cause for children under 14. However, there is reason to hope. Since the WLSL launched in 2010, the Swim- ming Lessons Save Lives message has been shared with more than two billion people in the U.S. alone. Facilities of all kinds are encouraged to join TEAM WLSL in their mission to prevent childhood drowning through education and building awareness. WLSL is being presented by the World Waterpark Association with support from American Red Cross, 46 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020 BREAKING NEWS Premier Service provides CLASSIFIEDS technology, reopening solutions AUCTION FOR SALE

BALTIMORE — The Premier Service division of Premier Rides is working to provide 24-hour-a-day support for •Wisdom Orient Express...... $89,000 areas such as ride rehab video link support, real-time service bulletins and online training conferences. During •S & S Frog hopper...... $29,000 the pandemic, Premier Rides has been able to remain open for business and fully operational. Even though the •Modern Prod. Mini-Pirate Ship....$20,000 logistics of delivering service has become more challenging, •ARM Happy Viking...... $39,000 the Premier team remains dedicated and has been both providing global support and expediting shipments of •Eli Bridge Kiddie Swing...... $19,000 rehab product worldwide. Whether it be support related to maintenance inspections or providing guidance to socially •SBF Balloon Tower...... $149,000 distance riders on an attraction, the Premier Service staff is working to ensure clients get in business as quickly and as FOR SALE •Visa Floor Pickup MiniScooter (6 cars)...$49,000 safely as possible. COURTESY PREMIER RIDES •Zamperla Baja Buggy w/ boats.....$79,000 International Ride Training FOR •Larson Ring of Fire (T/M)...... $149,000 SALE •Sellner Electric 7 Tilt-A-Whirl (T/M)..$129,000 unveils COVID-19 support Loco, Tender, 3 x Coaches •Visa Compact Spinning Coaster..$199,000 NASHVILLE — In response to the unprecedented challenges facing the amusement industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, $200,000 •ARM Quasar...... $99,000 International Ride Training LLC (IRT) has announced a bevy of new OR NEAREST OFFER services to support of the industry as it moves toward pre- opening. •Chance 36’ Carousel (T/M)...... $175,000 “IRT recognizes that many industry colleagues, and the wider (never used)... community, are re-writing the traditional book on how to operate an •Moser 25mt Tower $349,000 amusement park or FEC safely for both employees and guests. IRT is devoted to assisting the development of these practices and supporting their implementation,” said Cindee Huddy, co-owner of IRT. Call Len or Earl IRT’s new services include its International Ride Operator (908) 526-8009 Certification (“iROC”) Online Training, a 2.5-hour training course Severn Lamb, Pennsylvania, USA FAX: (908) 526-4535 in ride operations safe operation fundamentals featuring streaming [email protected] video, testing, an operator manual and automated electronic record- +1-717-342-2784 www.severn-lamb.com www.Rides4U.com keeping for each participating facility. Unveiled to iROC facilities and

IRT clients at the beginning of April, and available free of charge until 43168_SLT_AmusementToday_ClassifiedAdvert V2.indd 1 07/10/2019 17:20 July 15, 2020, to any park or family entertainment center that would like to use it, more than 200 trainees have already taken the course. “The pandemic has created a necessity to approach training in a new, distanced way and has given us the opportunity to accelerate some of IRT’s plans for service expansion into the virtual arena. The feedback on the iROC Online Training so far has been phenomenal, and we look forward to providing the training to the industry as we move towards reopening our operations,” stated Erik H. Beard, IRT co-owner and general counsel. “As the nature of our day-to-day lives shifts, IRT is virtual-ready and here to help navigate this new working environment. There are so many opportunities to push forward, to continue to improve and invent, and to emerge from this situation stronger than when we went in,” said Huddy. Other services that IRT is offering to support the industry’s post-pandemic operations include its weekly Coffee Chat video calls. Since late March, IRT has hosted these weekly calls focused on topics such as distanced ride operating procedures, sanitizing practices, encouraging guest compliance with new social distancing measures, and changes in employment policies and procedures post-pandemic. “We are not doctors and you wouldn’t want us to sew masks for you, but if we can help the industry — whether they are an IRT client or not — get back on its feet, we’ve hopefully made a contribution that’s meaningful,” said Patty Beazley, IRT co-owner. •ridetraining.com June 2020 AMUSEMENT TODAY 47 48 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2020