December 2011 1 DECEMBER 2011 VOL. 15, • ISSUE 9

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US POSTAGE US PRSRT STD PRSRT www.amusementtoday.com 2 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011 NEWSTALK OPINIONS CARTOON LETTERS AT CONTACTS EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] CARTOON: Bubba Flint Save the stories! This publisher made a comment to Larry Cochran during the Six Flags Over Texas 50th anniversary gathering in August about how we were losing too many industry greats (Cleveland Smith was our reference point) and losing them all too fast. Slade Little did we realize that we were seeing only the beginning of what would be a rash of obituaries to run in future editions of AT. Cochran’s response was short but true: “Our industry is old, and we are going to lose a whole lot more in the coming years.” One of the problems our industry has is that we, as a whole, have not done enough to record the stories that these older park legends have to tell. I know I’m as guilty as anyone for not recording conservations with the late William L. Cobb, Luther Clark, Cleveland Smith and Ron Toomer who were all in my local area. Now, their stories, knowledge and ability to verify our industry history are gone forever. visited briefly at the Golden Ticket Awards with AT EDITORIAL: Scott Rutherford, [email protected] Rick Root, World Waterpark Association, and he too agreed it was time to record the waterpark’s history Season’s end before more legends from that industry are gone. Well, it’s that time of year North America’s best amusement and theme This is not something , the Amusement Today again – Season’s End. The parks as well as numerous and carnivals National Museum or enthusiasts clubs can long, endless days of sum- in 2011. From Florida to New Hampshire, the do alone. It is something the entire industry must become mer have passed. The sear- Carolinas to California, we enjoyed an amazing active in, beginning with our three largest trade associa- ing heat and humidity of July array of thrills and adventures. tions: IAAPA, WWA and OABA. and August gave way to cool But all good things must come to an end. As businesses plan their 2012 budgets, we encourage Autumn nights where many The annual IAAPA Expo is behind us and it’s all (suppliers to parks) to include the purchase of a video Rutherford parks were outfitted for their now time to turn our attention inward, toward camera for recording history. Then take the camera and annual Halloween events, pursuits of a more personal nature. gets your firm’s legends to sit down and talk. The easiest offering a chance for guests to take that cer- As I write this, a cold intermittent North emonial Last Ride of the year. wind is moaning through the pines outside way to start the recording session is with the basic tips And with December now upon us, those my window while big downy flakes of the first from Journalism 101, known as the five W’s and 1 H: Who, venues that remained open on select week- snow have begun to fall from a dark, starless What, When, Where, Why and How. After that, you will ends for Christmas celebrations are about to sky. This is the unmistakable signal that a wel- be switching tapes and batteries wondering where the wrap it up as well. Soon, these festive galas come respite is at hand. last 3 hours went. will be over and it will finally be time for the Now is the time to gather with family and Let’s make 2012 the year we saved the stories! seasonal parks to turn out the lights. In the friends, and to give thanks for all we gained —Gary Slade same vein, most traveling shows have either and experienced over the past year. And final- placed their equipment in storage or packed it ly, it’s a time to rest and to dream of glory days Gary Slade is the founder and publisher of Amusement all up and headed south or west to their winter past and those of the coming season when we quarters. will be called upon to do it all over again. Today. His love for amusement parks began at age six In many ways, this is the time of year I like Happy Holidays to all. May the New Year when he first visited Pontchartrain Beach Amusement most of all. Don’t misunderstand; I live for the bring each of us what we most desire. Park and Six Flags Over Texas. His long newspaper career action-packed summer months. A close friend Peace. helped lead to the launch of AT in 1997. and I had the good fortune to visit some of

AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF Gary Slade, Founder Tim Baldwin Sammy Piccola Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Editorial Accounting / Circulation (817) 460-7220 [email protected] (817) 460-7220 [email protected] [email protected] Deliveries Member of: Pam Sherborne 2012 E. Randol Mill Rd, Suite 203 IAAPA, AIMS International, PAPA, Arlington, Texas 76011 NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, WWA, TTIA, Stacey Childress Editorial Sue Nichols NAARSO and IISF Web & Graphic Design [email protected] Advertising (817) 889-4441 (615) 662-0252 Subscription rates are: 1 year (14 issues) $50 in the USA; $70 elsewhere; 2 years (28 issues) $90/$130; [email protected] Scott Rutherford [email protected] 3 years (42 issues) $130/$190. Send check or money order (U.S. funds only, drawn on a U.S. bank) to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005-5427. Your cancelled check is your receipt. Editorial Please allow up to six weeks for your subscription request to be processed and the first issue mailed. John Robinson / W.H.R. Inc. [email protected] Bubba Flint Daily E-mail Newsletter Cartoonist Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Presort Standard Postage (Permit No. 2069) pre-paid at Fort Worth, [email protected] Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected] Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper and its related Web sites are copyrighted and trademarked Editorial / Special Projects by Amusement Today 2011, with all rights reserved. [email protected] POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas Contributors: Andrew Mellor, Richard Munch, Janice Witherow, WHR Inc. 76005-5427. December 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3 THIS MONTH IN HISTORY •1901: Walter Elias Disney Presented by MINUTE was born on December 5 in Chicago, Illinois. While taking night courses at the Chicago 2 DRILL Art Institute he drew cartoons COMPILED: Janice Witherow for his high school newspaper. Adam Kingsley, Universal Orlando In 1919 he moved to Kansas City where he landed a job www.RollerCoasterMuseum.org Adam Kingsley has making commercials using spent his 15-year career working for cutout animations, and decided to become an animator. Un- Universal Orlando, able to sell his animations in Kansas City, Walt moved to Holly- getting hooked on wood to be closer to the movie industry. He founded the Walt the amusement indus- Disney Company in October of 1923 and eventually developed try bug as a seasonal a new character, Mickey Mouse, whose popularity skyrocketed ride/show attendant in the 1930s, and landed him an Academy Award in 1932. As at the Florida resort early as the 1940s Walt wanted to build a children’s theme park in 1996. He helped where his employees could spend time with their families. His open The High in the plans became more and more elaborate eventually culminating Sky Seuss Trolley Train with the opening of in 1955. Today the Walt Disney Ride as well as The Company is the largest media conglomerate in the world with Universal’s Adam Kingsley is seen on stage with Golden Simpsons Ride before an estimated annual revenue over $38 billion. being promoted to Ticket in hand during the 2011 Golden Ticket Awards at his current position of Holiday World. AT/DAN FEICHT director of operations •1912: Luna Park in Melbourne, Australia, opened to the pub- for both Universal Stu- The first thing I notice when lic on December 13. The park has been in almost continuous dios Florida and Islands of Adventure. meeting someone is … operation, closing briefly during World War I. Among the park’s The self-professed workaholic enjoys Their body language. historic rides are a 1913 PTC and a scenic railway that spending time with his wife, family opened with the park. The rare scenic railway is one of the old- and friends, traveling and checking What’s your take on the NBA and its est operating coasters in the world, and one of six or so scenic out the latest movies. Adam’s efficient upcoming season? railways that still require an on-board brakeman to operate the manner, friendly spirit and genuine Let’s just play ball! train. interest in the industry serve him well in his role at Universal Orlando. I love the sound of … •1963: On December 17 the United States Patent Office grant- An old wooden coaster cranking up ed patent #3,114,332 to Karl Bacon and Edgar Morgan for a the chain lift hill. Title bobsled amusement ride. Originally filed on May 16, 1960, the Director, Attractions In one word, my kitchen is … patent describes a number of objects of invention, the most Operations (Universal Functional. significant of which is the design of a vehicle axle system that Studios and Islands of utilizes urethane running wheels, inside guide wheels, and cy- Adventure). The coolest place I have traveled lindrical upstops attached to a tubular steel track. The resulting lately is … ride, Disney’s Matterhorn Bobsled was the first coaster to use Number of years in the Visiting our Universal parks in Asia. a tubular steel track. industry Kingsley 15. Favorite appetizer •1993: On December 28 the United States Patent Office Quesadillas. Best thing about the industry granted patent #5,272,984 to Walter Bolliger and Claude Our entire mission is to make sure Mabillard of Switzerland for an amusement ride of the roller If I could guest star on any TV show, coaster type that featured at least one seat rigidly suspended people have fun! it would be … Saturday Night Live. on a bogie moving along at least one rail. This patent was for Favorite amusement ride the new B&M ride known as the inverted coaster. The very first Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit. The last time I laughed out loud — Batman The Ride — opened at Six Flags Great America in was … May of 1992. This revolutionary coaster is B&M’s most success- If I wasn’t working in the Watching one of my favorite TV ful design with 29 coasters of this type currently in operation. amusement industry, I would be … shows. Running my own restaurant … I love •1997: After approval by the legislature, the Texas Department to cook! My favorite time of day is … of Transportation, on December 5, renamed State Highway 360 Early morning; looking forward to a the Angus G. Wynne Jr. Freeway. The state highway, one of Biggest challenge facing our industry new adventure! Keeping our guests constantly the primary North/South routes through the city of Arlington, was named in honor of the founder of the Great Southwest entertained, especially while waiting Growing up, my favorite cartoon in lines. character was … Corporation and Six Flags Over Texas. He-Man. —Complied by Jeffrey L. Seifert/AT and Richard Munch/NRCMA The thing I like most about amusement/water park season is … If I didn’t live in Florida, I would live Checking out all of the new here … TM attractions. New York. P.O. Box 5427 Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 5-time Award Winner For lunch yesterday, I had … We are well into football season. (817) 460-7220 Grilled chicken wrap. What team do you root for the Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397) most? It’s December! My favorite holiday Go (Florida) Gators! Find us on Facebook movie is … facebook.com/amusementtoday A Christmas Carol. If I could have drinks with one famous person, it would be … Follow us on Twitter I always need help with … Gordon Ramsay. twitter.com/amusementtoday Fixing things around my house. Pick one: Burger King or McDonalds The last song I downloaded was … Burger King. Get the free mobile app for your phone Subscribe to our YouTube channel The entire new Coldplay album. http://gettag.mobi youtube.com/amusementtoday 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011

HOLIDAY

COOKING GUIDE Meme’s Buttermilk Pie This recipe has been in the family for over 100 years. People don’t make them much anymore, but get real excited when someone does. The recipe makes two deep dish pies. The secret is to mix 15th Annual Edition the ingredients with an electric mixer on medium, in the order listed. For an even sweeter pie, invite a friend over to make them with you!

Preheat oven to 350.

Mix the following in the order listed: End of Season Potato Soup 6 eggs well beaten 1 tsp. vanilla Melissa White 1 ½ cups diced onion 1 cup melted butter Director of Sales ¼ cup butter 1 cup buttermilk Schlitterbahn 4 cups potatoes, diced 3 3/4 cups sugar Galveston (1/2 inch cubes or so) 1/2 cup flour 1 carrot (optional) 1/2 tsp salt 2 cups chicken broth 1 teaspoon salt Pour into two deep dish pie shells. Bake 1 hr. at 350 degrees. Meme’s Tip: Place foil around ½ teaspoon pepper the crust on edges before you bake, it will not burn or overcook edges, but leave them a 1 teaspoon dried dill golden color. weed 2 cups Half & Half Instant potato flakes Loaf of crusty bread (French, sourdough, etc) Dave Roemer General Manager Tim’s Snickerdoodles Tim’s Kris Kringles Melt the butter and brown Six Flags Oven: 400 degrees 1 cup light corn syrup the onion (unlike myself, St. Louis Mix: 1 cup sugar most folks in my family are 1 cup soft shortening 1 cup peanut butter not fans of onion pieces so 1 1/2 cups sugar 6 cups Rice Krispies® I use a food processor to obliterate the onion). 2 eggs 1 package (6 oz., 1 cup) semi-sweet chocolate morsels Add potatoes, carrot (optional), broth, salt, Stir in: 1 cup butterscotch chips pepper, dill weed. Cook on low until potatoes 2 tsp cream of tartar are fork tender. Add the Half & Half and stir 1 tsp baking soda 1. Place corn syrup and sugar until heated thoroughly. Now the magic, to 1/4 tsp salt into 3-quart saucepan. Cook Tim Morrow thicken the soup, add a ¼ cup of instant potato Tim’s touches: a couple Tim Baldwin over medium heat, stirring SeaWorld flakes and stir. If you like thicker soup, add of grinds of ground Editorial frequently, until sugar dis- San Antonio some more (you knew I was going to say that). pepper and a splash of solves and mixture begins to Director of vanilla Amusement boil. Remove from heat. Stir in Now, ladle out a couple of bowls, sit down with Today Operations / buttered bread (I am a fan of the sourdough), peanut butter. Mix well. Add Sift in: KELLOGG’S RICE KRISPIES Special Events and watch the snow blow. I love to use this 2 3/4 cups flour cereal. Stir until well coated. Press mixture into 13 x soup as a base, sometimes adding ham, bacon, 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Set aside. peas, whatever your taste buds desire. Roll dough into ping pong size balls. (They spread and flatten while baking.) Roll into cin- 2. Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips together in namon/sugar mixture - about 3/4 sugar. 1-quart saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Bake for appx. 12 minutes. (First half usually Spread evenly over cereal mixture. Let stand until a minute longer than second half.) Tap with firm. Cut into 2 x 1-inch bars when cool. spatula when removed from oven to flatten completely. Cool on newspaper Note: Before measuring the corn syrup, coat your measuring cup with cooking spray--the syrup will Makes around 30 cookies. pour easily out of the cup December 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5

HOLIDAY COOKING GUIDE

Cuban Spiced Holiday Crown Roast of Pork French Cookies 1ea Crown Roast of Pork (10-14#) This recipe accompanied my maternal grandfather and great grandparents 1 to 2 Cups Chef Walter J’s Cuban Spice Rub® from France when they immigrated 1 to 2 Cups Water to the United States in the 1890’s and has been a Holiday tradition in my Method family every year since.

1) Pre heat oven to 350°F. 1 pound softened butter (not margarine) 2) Rub Crown Roast with Cuban Spice. Crumble about 3 feet of 4 cups granulated sugar aluminum foil into a football shape and put into center of roast to 1 dozen large eggs help cook evenly and to keep shape while cooking. Or, take a 4 teaspoons of vanilla extract clean soup can with label removed and put in center of roast to hold 4 ½ cups of flour (not self-rising) Neal McCord shape. Director of Facilities Whip butter and sugar until smooth Give Kids The World 3) Place roast on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Cover bone tips and creamy. Beat in the eggs, sev- eral at a time, along with the vanilla. with foil to keep them from burning. Pour water into pan. Wally Jurusz Executive Chef, Gradually beat in the flour, one cup at a time, until the mixture is of a thick and creamy texture. Drop one tablespoon into each 4” square of Morey’s Piers, 4) Bake for 2 ¼ - 3 hours (13-15 minutes per pound) or until a meat a preheated, non-stick waffle griddle and bake for approximately 80-90 o thermometer reads 150 F when inserted into the thickest part of a Wildwood, N.J. seconds (or until the red light goes out.) Cookies should be a light chop. Check temperature after 2 hours. Remove foil from bones for golden brown. Cool on a rack. approximately the last 30 minutes of roasting to brown. Yield: About 70-80 3” diameter “waffle” cookies. Great with ice cream 5) Let rest outside of oven for 15 minutes and then carve for eating. or jam on top, or dipped in coffee.

6) The Crown Roast should feed about 14-20 adults depending on (For an adult variety, you may also try adding a cup or so of Kahlua, their appetites and what side dishes you serve. Southern Comfort, or other libation for flavoring.) 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011

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Tilt-A-Whirl TM December 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 INTERNATIONAL PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS SUPPLIERS Festive fun on tap this holiday season at European parks STORY: Andrew Mellor visiting his reindeer and see- New Year period. [email protected] ing elves in a busy workshop where youngsters can help Europa-Park, Germany As an increasing number them prepare for the big day! From November 26 to Jan- of parks continue to extend Children can make a variety uary 8 (with the exception of their seasons into the winter of Christmas goodies to take December 24 and 25) Europa- months, opening in the run home as a memento of their Park will once again be trans- up to Christmas, and in many visit too. formed into a spectacular win- cases into the New Year, has A range of attractions will ter wonderland with a host become a popular option for also be open within the park, of winter attractions, festive venues around the world, not including the pirate-themed decorations and a varied show least in Europe. 2011 is no ex- Sharkbait Reef by Sea Life, program on offer. ception, and as a taste of what the spinning Marauders May- The park is a spectacu- is available to park-goers, AT hem tea cup style ride, Old lar sight with around 2,500 takes a look at just a few of MacDonald’s tractor ride and decorated fir trees, 2.5 million those venues that are offering the Berry Bish Bash foam ball lights and 1,440 Christmas some festive fun this Christ- shooting attraction, to name tree balls, while for those who mas. but a few. want to extend the experience, The Splash Landings Ho- the park’s four 4-star themed Alton Towers Resort, U.K. tel, one of two hotels along hotels will add perfectly to a The U.K. park’s Christmas with the Alton Towers Hotel, visit. For the more adventur- break experience is being of- also offers guests additional ous guests, the Camp Resort Germany’s Europa-Park is completely transformed for the fered once again for 2011 with fun in its indoor, Caribbean will also be available, where Christmas period with festive decor and attractions. a number of new additions. A themed waterpark, while on selected dates guests can COURTESY EUROPA-PARK Winter Wonderland area has a range of Christmas break stay in heated log cabins. been created in which guests packages, including San- As well as a variety of Copenhagen open Christmas scapes featuring pixies, an- can meet Santa in his secret ta’s Sleepovers and Santa’s rides to enjoy, such as the in Tivoli for the 18th year, now gelic choirs and extravagant hideaway grotto in the farm lunches, are on offer on dates Euro-Mir coaster and the chil- with a new Russian theme and Fabergé eggs. New, suitably area of the park, as well as throughout the Christmas and dren’s Sleigh Ride Snowflake, a 2,000 square meter (22,000 decorated stalls, lights, Christ- additional activities will in- square foot) city. mas baubles and spruce trees clude Snow Tubes, Children’s Among the attractions of will add to the festive ambi- Skibobs and a large ice rink, the Russian city is Tivoli’s ver- ence, while for 2011 the tra- while a children’s ski school sion of St. Basil’s Cathedral, as ditional Santa Claus will be will also be on offer. A Christ- in Red Square in the Kremlin replaced by his Russian coun- mas market, Après Ski Bar and and featuring a 21 meter high terpart, Father Frost. the Bellevue in tower with onion domes and the Portuguese area will pro- a carillon. The new Russian Drayton Manor vide yet more entertainment, theme will contribute to a re- Theme Park, U.K. while the new Enchanted For- newal of Christmas at Tivoli Following another suc- est will also ‘wear its winter and help ensure an increase cessful season during which dress’ and invite visitors on in the number of visitors dur- the park’s Thomas Land area a journey through the world ing November and December. again proved to be a huge of the Brothers Grimm’s fairy Christmas at Tivoli attracted draw, Drayton Manor will be tales. almost 800,000 visitors last staging its Drayton’s Magical Numerous hands-on ac- year. Christmas in Thomas Land tivities will also be available The Russian city has been once more in 2011, featuring for younger guests, as will two years in the making and spectacular decorations, fes- brand new winter shows, a represents an investment of tive music and guaranteed light show over the Europa- DKK 10 million (US $1.9 mil- snow at least three time a day. Park lake and a parade of lion). Inside St. Basil’s Ca- With over 19 rides and Alton Towers Resort in the U.K. has various attractions on lights. thedral, visitors can board a attractions, including the offer in the lead up to Christmas as well as providing the miniature version of the Trans new Blue Mountain Engines, chance to stay on site at one of its two hotels. Tivoli Copenhagen Siberian railway which takes Thomas Land will also play COURTESY ALTON TOWERS November 11th saw Tivoli them through Russian land- 4See FESTIVE, page 8 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011 FESTIVE Continued from page 7 host to the Fat Controller and friends in the park’s Christ- mas Live shows which will be held daily, while along with all Thomas Land has to offer, other attractions will also be available. Among these will be Drayton’s new ride for 2011, the Ben 10 Ultimate Mission roller coaster, in addition to the 4D Cinema, carousel, Jolly Buccaneer and the Big Wheel. Reindeer will also be found Tivoli Copenhagen has introduced a brand new Russian Thomas Land at Drayton Manor is a popular draw for visitors among the other animals in themed area for Christmas 2011. in the lead up to Christmas. the Drayton Manor zoo and COURTESY TIVOLI COPENHAGEN COURTESY DRAYTON MANOR the Thomas Land shop, the largest Thomas and Friends retail outlet anywhere, will be open each day of the Magical Christmas opening period.

Liseberg, Sweden Liseberg began its Christ- mas opening 12 years ago and each year around half a mil- lion people visit the park dur- ing November and December, when five million lights illu- minate the trees and buildings to create a special atmosphere. This year’s Christmas market at Liseberg will fea- Almost five million visitors have experienced Liseberg’s special Christmas atmosphere since the park began opening for the ture around 80 cabins and festive period 12 years ago. shops providing everything COURTESY LISEBERG from ginger snaps and marzi- pan to hats and hand-blown bits, while the rink will also and a 125 meter (410 foot) high café and a Lapland area offer- the Gasten Ghost Hotel in glass. An ice rink will host be open to the public between Christmas tree will stand atop ing more northern food spe- winter guise and, of course, the award winning show Vin- shows. the Liseberg Tower. An old- cialities and a reindeer sleigh Santa, will be among the other tervirvlar, a figure skating A design and crafts mar- style grocery shop offering ride will also feature. attractions. show with the Liseberg rab- ket will be another attraction Swedish specialities, a nearby Ice sculptures, an ice bar, DP Associates adds expertise to new play center attraction UNITED KINGDOM — DP Associ- the venue. ates (DPA), the United Kingdom-based “The unique services we can offer, leisure and attractions industry consul- as designers and operators, enabled us tancy, has revealed details of its contri- to help Flambards visualize what they bution to the new One2Eleven indoor wanted and needed and how it would play center at The Flambards Experi- work. We helped them to create a sep- ence in Cornwall, U.K., which opened arate brand with the new play center this summer. too, which can be operated both as part DPA was approached by the park’s of the main park or as a stand-alone at- owners for help with plans for the chil- traction, 12 months of the year.” dren’s play center, including design The new building features a range and operational advice, and the com- of flexible internal spaces and incorpo- pany concept planned the building for rates a host of children’s play activities, the new attraction and how it would F&B facilities, seating areas for parents, fit into the existing park. Additionally, a party room and carefully thought out DPA provided detailed designs for the function spaces, till systems and people interior and the various play activity el- flows. ements. “DP Associates’ assistance was “We used our theme park under- invaluable,” said Flambards Manag- standing, our 360 Play operator’s un- ing Director James Hale. “We simply derstanding and our design experience wouldn’t have got the same product to advise on the project,” commented we have without them. Duncan’s plan- Shown here is a general view of the interior of the One2Eleven play DPA Managing Director Duncan Phil- ning and design mind and the addition- center at The Flambards Experience theme park. DP Associates as- lips, which in addition to adding a to- al assistance from his colleagues at DPA sisted the park in the overall experience. tally new element to Flambards itself, all paid big dividends and I can’t speak COURTESY THE FLAMBARDS EXPERIENCE was also designed as a second gate at highly enough of them.” December 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 PARKS & ATTRACTIONS RIDES ENTERTAINMENT REVENUE SUPPLIERS

Black Diamond — Knoebels’ re-imagining of Wildwood’s famous PTC-designed Golden Nugget /roller coaster hybrid — was previewed at a soft opening during the Pennsylvania park’s popular Phoenix Phall Phunfest in October. Housed within an expansive three-story building, guests aboard the ride’s multiple two-car trains encounter numerous high-end special effects as well as classic funhouse stunts tailored to reflect the ride’s coal mining theme. COURTESY KNOEBELS Knoebels rebounds from flood, opens Black Diamond dark ride STORY: Scott Rutherford came in to help us,” Dick added. transferred to Pennsylvania, they was no easy feat, but the Knoebels staff [email protected] Guests visiting Knoebels’ dur- were lovingly restored and reassem- is well accustomed to such Herculean ing its annual Phoenix Phall Phunfest bled inside an expansive new tri-level endeavors. After all, this is the same ELYSBURG, Pa. — Despite hav- event on Oct. 8 were completely sur- building located in a corner of the team that brought the 1947-built ing suffered catastrophic damage prised to be given the chance to check park between the History Museum Playland Rocket wooden coaster from in the second-worst flooding in its out the Black Diamond with Dick and Bald Eagle habitat. San Antonio, Texas and transformed it 85-year history on Sept. 7-8, Knoebels Knoebel serving as ticket taker at the into the top-rated Phoenix as well as Amusement Resort amazed the indus- ride’s entrance. And if the lengthy Second Life recreated their own version of Elitch try and its guests by cleaning up and queue that lined the midway well Unlike the Golden Nugget where Gardens’ magnificent Twister coaster. reopening in record time. In addition, into the evening was an indication, several sections were exposed to the the park pushed ahead and even got Knoebels’ gamble on resurrecting outside, the new Black Diamond’s Conversations with its new-for-2011 attraction, The Black another lost ride will pay off hand- course is — except for the loading plat- Dick and Jim Diamond, up and running in soft- somely in the years to come. form — completely enclosed, which At the close of the season, opening mode. greatly helps to reinforce the darkness Amusement Today sat down with Dick Dick Knoebel explains the feroc- History central to the ride’s new coal mining Knoebel and Jim Martini to chat about ity of the storm that nearly ended the The Black Diamond originally theme. The two-coach ore car trains the relocation of the Golden Nugget park’s 2011 season prematurely. “With opened in July 1960 as the Golden are virtually identical to those that ran and its transformation into the Black tropical storm Lee that hit us this fall, Nugget on Hunt’s Pier in Wildwood, on the Golden Nugget. Each car seats Diamond. When asked who’s getting the water was just three inches shy of N.J. Designed by John Allen of the four riders for a total of eight per train. credit for bringing the ride back to the level the remains of Agnes inun- Philadelphia Toboggan Company The Black Diamond works its life, the answer is ... complicated. Like dated us with in 1972. With this storm, (technically, PTC’s only steel-track magic with the aforementioned dark- many of the unique rides and attrac- we had a lot more damage because roller coaster), the Golden Nugget was ness, theatrical lighting and various tions at Knoebels, Black Diamond was we had a lot more assets to be dam- a three-story dark ride/coaster hybrid. other high-end special effects as well an in-house project with plenty of aged. On Sept. 7, the water started to With scenes and props created by leg- as classic funhouse stunts. Highlights input from the park’s carpenters, elec- recede but overnight it came back up endary dark ride specialist Bill Tracy, of the experience include approxi- tricians and artists along with a lot of with a hell of a velocity. That’s what the Golden Nugget featured an Old mately 20 sets with both static and ani- carefully selected outside contractors. nailed us. Things we placed high up to West theme with an open-air “desert” mated effects; a satisfyingly long four- Dick: “It turned out to be a much escape the water weren’t high enough setting on the top level. minute ride; two “drops,” a “fire tun- larger and more costly undertaking anymore. Virtually every ride was Closing in 1998, the ride sat dor- nel” rotating barrel, water curtain and than I anticipated. The additions we affected by the flood to some degree... mant and unused until 2009 when plenty of other surprises that won’t be added from the ride’s days on the except, ironically, the Black Diamond. it was sold by the Morey family to revealed here so as to preserve the ele- Jersey shore were for the benefit of “The credit for getting us back in Knoebels. Once the salvageable com- ment of surprise for riders. rider safety and making the operation business in record time goes to the ponents — steel track, several of the Moving and recreating this more efficient. We interviewed three staff, the contractors and people who two-car trains, various props — were beloved New Jersey shore attraction 4See KNOEBELS, page 10 Creating Memories & Profitability

• abc rides switzerland • Cogan Kiddie Rides • Moser Rides • Used Rides & Games • Wattman Trains Nashville Zoo Train www.intermarkridegroup.com Voodoo Interactive Raft, abc rides Hoopla, Moser Rides Wattman Mini Express TEL 615.370.9625 FAX 615.370.8852 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011 KNOEBELS AMUSEMENT Continued from page 9 MARKET PLACE companies when we were looking for someone to do the interior set designs. We decid- ed on Jim Melonic and his J.M.M. Studios of Woodbine, N.J. because he was able to design and build the sets we wanted. He is something of a successor to [famed fun- Black Diamond opened for sneak preview rides during house/dark ride designer] Bill Knoebels popular Phoenix Phall Phunfest. The building’s Tracy who was responsible for exterior still has signage to be added. the Golden Nugget’s original COURTESY KNOEBELS sets and gags. On the Black Diamond, he, his son Adam spare, if needed. We feel five and their crew exceeded our to six employees are adequate Certifying a Legend expectations in bringing to life to operate it. “ Bringing a mid-20th what we had envisioned.” Jim: “Another improve- century ride up to today’s Jim: “Though the ‘feel’ of ment over the original lay- code so that it can operate the ride is very similar to what out is the addition of a slid- in Pennsylvania had its chal- it was in Wildwood, there are ing transfer track that allows lenges, but Knoebels good Structural Technologies Inc plenty of technical upgrades trains to be quickly moved reputation with state officials for its new life here at on or off the main line to a made the process relatively New Construction Knoebels. Chief among these hidden storage area. Located glitch-free. Renovations is an updated logic control after trains are dispatched on Dick: “We had to get the Daily Maintenance system, which was overseen the course, just before they original blueprints for the ride Relocations by Ed Ayan. This includes a engage the first lift hill, this building OK’d by a certified Track Replacement series of proximity switches section where the trains are architect. He went over them Demolition and brakes before the exist- kept — cleverly concealed and only had to make a few Inspections ing [kicker] tires that serve behind a sliding ‘barn door’ small changes. These included Emergency Work to create a blocking system panel — is referred to by the adding a second set of fire crew as the ‘mule stable.’” escapes and a complete sprin- 380 Bad Man Hill Rd. • Paxinos, Pa 17860 and maintain proper spacing Dick: “This switch and kler system that was tricky at (570) 590-3255 or (570) 590-9880 between the trains, which is storage area was something first but we worked it out. The [email protected] something the ride did not have at Wildwood. Another John Fetterman came up with. Tuesday before we opened, major update we added is in Unlike at Wildwood where Jim and I attended the sched- the station. In Wildwood, the they had to shut the ride uled quarterly meeting of loading area was one long down, uncouple the cars and the Pennsylvania Ride Safety manual braking section that remove them one at time, we Advisory Board. We had to allowed the trains to bump can add or remove a train present our ride to them for together. Here, we use tires quickly without interrupting certification. Officials from the along with a holding brake the operation. It’s slick and it Pennsylvania Bureau of Ride and proximity switches to works really well.” & Measurement Standards, slowly move trains through In keeping with the ride’s who had already examined five positions and keep them overall theme, which is based the Black Diamond, had to close but safely separated on Pennsylvania’s rich coal give their stamp of approval in the boarding area. We’ve energy industry, Knoebels’ that it adhered to ASTM stan- never believed in total auto- electrical department devised dards. It passed without ques- mation. While much of the a rather ingenious power con- tion.” interior sections of the attrac- servation system. Jim explains: Jim: “We had to also build tion are handled by the com- “Along Black Diamond’s lay- catwalks wherever the trains puter system, we left the sta- out, there are a series of motor- have the ability to stop so rid- tion under control of the ride driven tires that either ers can safely disembark. At operators.” up or slow the trains at certain first, we were concerned these points. We interconnected the might detract from the them- Aerial Tramway Design & Manufacture Dick: “Peter Rondeau, the owner of Hauntbots of DC busses on all the motors ing, but they actually fit in SkyTrans Mfg.,L.L.C. Gettysburg, Pa. was terrific that power these tires and cre- quite well. Though you can’t in not only coming up with ated a common DC bus. When see them in the dark, they will 106 Burnham Intervale Road the right product to animate a passing train is slowed by help tremendously if we have Contoocook, N.H. 03229 one of these tires, energy is to evacuate the ride as well Phone: (603) 746-4446 Fax: (603) 746-4447 several of our sets but he pro- vided some of his software produced. Instead of wasting as when we’re giving behind- that energy off to heat, our the-scenes tours.” •Specializing in sales & refurbishment of used aerial tramways that has helped us maintain system collects and redistrib- Dick: “We also installed a •Replacement parts for aerial tramways and amusement rides the traditional feel of the ride. The two-car trains are the utes the current, allowing the $50,000 video system that uses •New ride control systems and modifications same as they were except for other motors in the group to 28 cameras equipped with •Rebuilt used chairlifts - one year guarantee the addition of a seat belt for use this excess power.” night vision placed through- Continuing the energy out the building. If we have (603) 746-4446 both riders, which was cus- Parts and Service Jerry Pendleton or Dan Pendleton tom-designed for Knoebels by efficiency aspect of the ride an E-stop, we can see where Beam’s Seatbelts. The Golden is the park’s generous use every vehicle is and we can Nugget used five two-car of LED lighting throughout communicate with the riders, trains; we’re planning to use Black Diamond as well as flo- advising them that all is well, Keep our industry strong! seven two-car trains with the rescent lights that can serve as to ‘stay seated,’ etc.” Buy products and services from these suppliers. possibility of adding anoth- both work lights and evacua- er train, which we built as a tion illumination. December 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 Silver Dollar City, Worlds of Fun add new and restore

STORY: Tim Baldwin carousel dates back to the [email protected] park’s founders — Hugo and Mary Herschend. Originally Not everyone is a thrill- designed by park woodcarver seeker. Peter Engler in 1983, the car- Two of Missouri’s theme ousel features 26 handcarved parks — Silver Dollar City in pieces. While the majority of Branson, and Worlds of Fun in animals are horses, the ride Kansas City — have concen- also contains bears and mules, trated on the younger visitors as well as two old-time bug- for the 2011 season. gies. Master Woodcarver Pam Grisham led a restoration team Silver Dollar City to bring the carousel back bet- Silver Dollar City has al- ter than ever, and a new loca- ways had a very broad audi- tion within Half Dollar Holler Above left, Half Dollar Holler provides multiple experiences for the youngest guests at ence. What was previously sees it placed in a very unique Silver Dollar City. Above right, after an absence of three seasons, Silver Dollar City’s hand- just a sitting area on an unde- building very unlike the typi- carved carousel is now delighting children once again. AT/TIM BALDWIN veloped piece of property now cal pavilions that house carou- houses Half Dollar Holler, a new area gives parents a peace Raccoon, Beatrice Bear and not been utilized for a pe- sels. The match of theming to new $1 million children’s area. of mind that their children can Sammy Squirrel have hid- riod of three years. “We took the new area is very precise. “Moms had told us for several discover all the various as- den shapes in each of their the last year to refurbish the years they wanted more things pects to the space, but would homes, and families that hap- handcarved animals. It was Worlds of Fun for their smallest children to be unable to slip away through pen to read the signage below substantial work,” Thomas Farther north in Missouri, do,” says Brad Thomas, gen- another exit. “It’s been a home can send their young ones on proudly states. “The crafts- Worlds of Fun in Kansas City eral manager for Silver Dollar run for moms with kids that a quest to see if they can find man had to go in and do a lot shares a similar philosophy. City. Thomas admitted they size,” says Thomas. them all. The highly wooden of rework of the wood.” In Planet Snoopy has trans- had much to do for children The most visible compo- theming not only fits into the addition to taking each horse formed the previous Camp nine and older, but research nent of Half Dollar Holler is forested area, but also in the down to the original wood- Snoopy area of the park in a showed there was a need for Treetop Trail, a treehouse-type old century feel of Silver Dol- work, careful painting of each major way. Seven new rides more attractions for smaller structure that features net lar City. animal also took a consider- provided by now children. The new addition climbs and rooms to explore. The new section also has able amount of time during offer families brand new ex- takes up space close to an acre Hidden within the houses are seen the re-emergence of a the restoration — all done in- periences where parents can in size. Thomas feels having a hidden bunnies, squirrels and carousel previously operated house. enjoy all new rides alongside single entrance and exit to the such. Romona Rabbit, Robbie at Silver Dollar City, but had The background to the 4See MISSOURI, page 12 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011 Grand Carousel celebrates 85th anniversary season Kings Island ride U.S. Route 66 was created was among the many rides at Coney Island, some of the has given more than running from Chicago to Los that were brought to Kings Is- horses were swept down the Angeles. And in Cincinnati, land for its opening in 1972. river. A reward was offered 50 million rides Ohio, a classic amusement The Grand Carousel fea- for them, or pieces of them, park ride made its debut on tures 28 jumping horses, and parts were returned from KINGS ISLAND, Ohio the banks of the Ohio River. 20 stationary horses, and is as far away as Memphis, Tenn. — The year was 1926. Cal- Eighty-five years, 14 pres- painted with more than 20,000 The ride is also notable for vin Coolidge was president idents and four generations sheets of 23-karat gold and its appearance in an episode of of the United States. Pontiac later, the Grand Carousel at 1,000 sheets of sterling silver. The Partridge Family, filmed cars were made. Henry Ford Kings Island remains a popu- The horses on the outer ring at Kings Island in 1972. announced the 40-hour week. lar attraction for guests of all are stationary. The middle The Grand Carousel ages. ring features the “jumping has given more than 50 mil- The Kings Island Grand Car- The Grand Carousel was horses” while the inner ring is lion rides since 1926, includ- ousel has given more than 50 originally purchased by Cin- made up of both. ing nearly 23 million rides at million rides in its 85 years of cinnati’s Coney Island in 1926 During the Ohio River Kings Island. Its record year operation. for $201,000 from the Philadel- flood of 1937, when the Grand was 1973, when 865,690 rides COURTESY KINGS ISLAND phia Toboggan Company and Carousel was in operation were given.

Above left, Snoopy’s Rocket Express from Zamperla takes families above all the fun attrac- tions below. Above right, Worlds of Fun’s new carousel is proudly restored following its relocation from Geauga Lake. AT/TIM BALDWIN MISSOURI Zamperla that includes a Bal- to create the Illions Supreme FASTFACTS loon Race, Rockin’ Tug, Speed- carousel, the most famous Continued from page 11 List of U.S. with ring dispensers way, Happy Swing, Convoy, and reproduced carousel in Monorail and — all the world. Known for their all Source: National Carousel Association website their children. Planet Snoopy themed to the Peanuts char- wood horses with high swept now provides more than 20 Balboa Park Mitchell Park acters. In almost all cases, par- manes adorned with jewels, San Diego, Calif. Greenport, N.Y. rides, shows and attractions ents are welcome to ride with only five original Supreme Balboa Park Carousel Northrop-Grumman Carousel themed to the beloved charac- their children. models were ever built by Il- Herschell-Spillman, 1910 Herschell-Spillman, 1920 ters created by Charles Shultz. “With Planet Snoopy, we lions. This particular model Parents riding with chil- finally have a featured area has been restored and relocat- Santa Cruz Knoebels Amusement Resort dren was definitely one of the with a wide variety of attrac- ed from Geauga Lake (Aurora, Beach Boardwalk Elysburg, Pa. focal points in ride selection tions,” says Stanley. “The old Ohio) into an all-new pavilion Santa Cruz, Calif. Grand Carousel for Planet Snoopy, according area didn’t have as much of near the park’s entrance. It Looff Carousel Kremers Carousel Works, 1913 to Brandon Stanley, public re- an assortment of ride experi- is one of only two Illions Su- Charles I.D. Looff, 1911 lations manager for Worlds of Weona Park ences, and the new area has a preme carousels operating in Fun Spot Pen Argyl, Pa. Fun. “Everything that is new wide variety. There is a lot of the world. Angola, Ind. Dentzel, c.1900 in the area was designed for depth up there, rides travel- Located next to the Grand (standing but not operating) parents to be able to enjoy ling below, above, and around Carousel is a new Festhaus Allan Herschell, 1929 Carousel Park with their children. It adds you. It’s fun to see and the catering pavilion. Previously, Riverside, R.I. a new level of interaction to guest response has been tre- a large canvas tent served the Riverside Park Crescent Park Carousel our kids offerings that wasn’t mendous!” park, partially taking up the Logansport, Ind. Looff, 1895 prevalent before,” says Stan- Worlds of Fun has seen space now occupied by the Dentzel, c.1902 ley. an increased traffic flow in Grand Carousel. This new per- Watch Hill Park Cedar has imple- Martha’s Vineyard Watch Hill, R.I. the area. The park reports that manent, larger facility offers Oak Bluffs, Mass. Watch Hill Flying Horses mented the Planet Snoopy previously even on a busy day group outings more comfort, Flying Horses Dare, c.1884 areas into several of its parks, that the children’s area wasn’t more space and a flexibility of Dare, 1876 but individual differences ex- particularly busy, but with the serving more than one group Riverfront Park ist in each one. At the Kansas new transformation, Planet at a time, all in a more attrac- Gillian’s Wonderland Pier Spokane, Wash. City facility previous attrac- Snoopy is bringing in much tive venue. Ocean City, N.J. Looff, 1909 tions have complemented the more people and new life into Business savvy leaders in Carousel, PTC #75, 1926 new rides, such as the Peanuts the section. this business are well aware Museum Row Playhouse that allows chil- On the other side of the that a successful park needs Coney Island Nunley’s Carousel dren — and even adults — to Brooklyn, N.Y. Garden City, N.Y. park, Worlds of Fun has also to cater to more than just the (reopening in 2013) Murphy/Stein & Goldstein, take aim and fire foam balls introduced the Grande Car- teens, and Silver Dollar City B & B Carousel, Mangels 1912-1995, reopened 2009 throughout the playroom. ousel. In 1926, M.C. Illions and Worlds of Fun seem to be Added to the previous fun is meticulously carved 64 jump- meeting the needs of all their an all new assortment from ing horses and two chariots guests this summer. December 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13 14 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011 CHRISTMAS SPOTLIGHT — 2011 Park holiday celebrations spread good cheer throughout the U.S. STORY: Pam Sherborne [email protected] From real snow sledding to holiday-themed live entertain- ment to huge Christmas trees that move and glitter with thou- sands of lights, U.S. amusement and theme parks find ways to make the holiday celebrations jollier for park visitors. The following are details of some of these celebrations.

SEE RELATED } STORY...PAGE 7 Left, Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane, which opened Nov. 18, is a holiday village with abundance of holi- Hersheypark, Hershey, Pa. day lights, rides, entertainment, and Santa and his nine live reindeer. Right, Stone Mountain, Atlanta, is decked There may not be any out in more than two million twinkling lights during the annual Stone Mountain Christmas, which runs Nov. 12-Jan. 1. brand new attractions during COURTESY HERSHEYPARK, STONE MOUNTAIN Hersheypark’s holiday festivi- reindeer. ment with a singing and danc- year-round,” Burrows said. their cars as they drive through ties this year, but park manage- Although Hersheypark ing show in a heated theater, as “During the cooler months, two miles of wooden trails. ment is planning to host visitors doesn’t release attendance fig- well as games, shops and food. visitors to the zoo see increased lured by their favorites. The cel- ures, Kathy Burrows, said “our N.O.E.L. is a light show fea- activity among its animal resi- Stone Mountain Park, ebrations opened Nov. 18, with attendance is very weather turing more than 125,000 danc- dents.” Atlanta, Ga. Hersheypark Christmas Can- driven.” ing lights and synchronized to There is also a drive- This year marks the 14th dylane, a holiday village featur- “One of our most popu- Christmas music. through section of the park year for a Stone Mountain ing more than 30 rides includ- lar attractions is our nine live “Included in the one-price called Hershey Sweet Lights, a Christmas. Jeanine Jones, pub- ing the family-favorite Twilight reindeer in Santa’s Stables,” she ticket to Herseypark Christ- Holiday Drive-Thru Spectacu- lic relations manager, said the Express. said. mas Candylane is admission to lar. Visitors are able to enjoy festivities during the holidays Santa is on hand there, of The holiday celebration ZooAmerica North American nearly 600 illuminated, animat- draws, on an average, about course, and so are his nine live also includes live entertain- Wildlife Park, which is open ed displays from the comfort of 4See HOLIDAY, page 15 Frederiksen 1/7x3 b/w 3/14/02 11:22 AM Page 1

December 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15

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Top, Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn., has added a new show to the 2011 Smoky Mountain Christmas. Called Dol- lywood’s Christmas on Ice, it is performed by the Ice The- ater of New York. Above, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas features Carol of the Trees, a synchronization of lights, fireworks and holiday music performed nightly. COURTESY DOLLYWOOD

HOLIDAY Continued from page 14

125,000 visitors over the two- month period, Nov. 12-Jan. 1. “New this year is ‘TOYRIF- IC!’ children’s holiday show, as our motley crew of misfit toys band together to save Christ- mas,” Jones said. Returning favorite shows include Holly Jolly Cabaret, Simply Christmas, A Cross- roads Christmas Carol, and The Gift Train Show. The entire park is decked out with more than two million lights. Guests can stroll through Wonderland Walkway, a magi- cal tunnel of lights and melo- dies. The Wonderland Walk- way leads families to visit Stone Mountain Park’s very own Snow Angel at the Snow Palace at Memorial Hall. Other Christmas fam- ily activities include the nightly Christmas parade, Polar Ex- 4See HOLIDAY, page 16 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011 CHRISTMAS SPOTLIGHT — 2011 HOLIDAY along with a cast of brightly lit Nutcracker soldier and dolls floats and colorful characters. the size of people; Continued from page 15 Dollywood’s Christmas •Reindeer Village, where on Ice, featuring Ice Theater of Blitzen and Vixen are located; press 4D Experience, storytell- New York and a cast of six vo- and, ing with Mrs. Claus and visits calists singing Christmas favor- •Winter Wonderland, with Santa. ites, is a brand new show for where snow is falling but fire Attractions other than the 2011. pits are provided to warm shows that are open during this “This is our first ice rink,” hands. time include miniature golf, the said Ashley Adams, Dolly’s “Our Blitzen’s Wonderland Great Barn and Summit Sky- publicity coordinator, “and Mountain snow hill is probably ride. The Great Barn features folks are really going to be im- the most popular attraction super slides, trampoline floors, pressed with the spins and spi- during Holiday in the Park,” climbing structures and over 65 rals, choreographed to some Chan said. “Guests can sled interactive games. very beautiful music.” down a hill full of snow, play in The Skyride is a high- Smoky Mountain Christ- the snow play area and they can speed cable car that transports mas was created at Dollywood enjoy hot cocoa, egg nog and guests more than 825 feet above 20 years ago. holiday treats nearby.” the ground. It provides a great “The (Christmas) festival is Holiday Shows featuring view of the park, the Confer- the most weather dependent of orca Shouka, Atlantic bottle- derate Memorial Carving, the all that we do, but it is also very nose dolphins, and sea lions are Atlanta skyline and the Appa- much a family tradition for available. lachian Mountains. our core market families,” said Rides are open and holiday There are plenty of holiday Pete Owens, Dollywood’s pub- foods and beverages are served gifts and food locations. lic relations manager. “After throughout the park. Guests end their nights more than 20 years, attendance with the magic of the Snow An- remains very strong. We con- Silver Dollar City, gel as she flies high in the sky tinue to invest in the product Branson, Mo. creating snow and fireworks. with new shows and new light- Silver Dollar City’s Old ing displays annually which Time Christmas transforms the Dollywood, changes the festival enough to 1880s-style park into an eve- Pigeon Forge, Tenn. keep a new feel while ensuring ning wonderland featuring Dollywood’s Smoky the traditions remain.” Top, Silver Dollar City, Branson, Mo., celebrates the holidays Christmas on Main Street light Mountain Christmas began Other shows include with An Old Time Christmas” celebration during which the and sound show, 1,000 decorat- Nov. 5 and runs through Dec. Christmas in the Smokies, Dol- park is draped in over four million lights. Above, the park’s ed Christmas trees, a Holiday 30. It features four million lywood’s music Christmas steam train alight with thousands of holiday lights is a very Light Parade, the Broadway- lights that drape the park an- tradition featuring a 12-mem- popular attraction at the Branson, Mo., theme park dur- style production A Dickens’ nually. Shows, rides, food and ber cast and seven-piece band ing “An Old Time Christmas,” which began Nov. 5 and runs Christmas Carol, and festive gifts are abundant. performing hometown holiday through Dec. 30 holiday foods and over four One of the more favorite at- favorites; Appalachian Christ- COURTESY SILVER DOLLAR CITY million lights — and rides too. tractions is Santa’s Workshop, mas, featuring acoustic music; In temperatures down to 42 where larger-than-life-sized Carol of the Trees, a synchro- lights. The 2011 festival began degrees, guests can soar into the toys and an 18-foot-tall Christ- nization of lights and holiday Nov. 25 and runs through Jan. 1. night while viewing the park’s mas tree give guests a thrill as music performed nightly; and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, New this year are three lights from above. they discover a giant wagon, Christmas with the Kingdom Vallejo, Calif. new shows: Toy Box Christmas, The five-story special ef- sailboat, dollhouse and more Heirs, providing southern gos- Holiday in the Park has with favorite holiday classics fects Christmas tree is the amid the hustle and bustle as pel music. been operating each holiday performed live on stage; Jingle park’s centerpiece. A tower- Santa and his helpers ready for There is a nightly Parade season since 2007, making 2011 Bell Rock, a singing and danc- ing visual icon, it comes to life their big night. Santa is also of Lights featuring Christmas the fifth year, said park spokes- ing extravaganza featuring at dusk each evening when the star of the Parade of Lights, floats and, of course, more person Nancy Chan. the best in holiday tunes; and the Christmas on Main Street Home for the Holidays, a din- shows begins. ner show experience in Holiday During the shows, the mas- Hall. sive tree blazes in synchroniza- “We’re also going to bring tion to the musical movements in new holiday characters, elves of Christmas songs — up to Crystal, Candy and Cookie,” 100 light changes per sec- Chan said. ond — while lights on build- The park is decorated in ings, in hanging canopies over millions of holiday lights and Main Street and on Christmas festive décor. trees around the Square flash Themed areas include: along with it, accompanied by •Main Street Festival of surround-sound, immersing Lights and the 65-foot tall guests in the experience. While Christmas tree; technologically incredible, the •Santa’s Workshop, where tree is “green” too, operating visitors can meet Santa and with energy-saving LED lights. Mrs. Claus; Silver Dollar City’s ac- •Blitzen’s Wonderland claimed production, A Dickens’ Mountain, where visitors sled Christmas Carol, has become a down a snowy hill; very popular show at the park. Left, Blitzen’s Wonderland Mountain snow hill is one of the most popular attractions during •Candy Cane Lane, where It is an original musical adap- Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. Visitors are able to sled down a snowy one can walk through a canopy tation of the famous classic by hill as well as play in the snow play area. Right, Holiday-themed shows which include sea of larger than life candy confec- Charles Dickens, brought to life lions, orcas and dolphins are just part of the lure to Holiday in the Park at the Vallejo, Calif. tions; with elaborate sets and visual park. •Toy Land, where visitors effects, flying spirits, pyrotech- COURTESY SIX FLAGS DISCOVERY KINGDOM are able to meet an enormous 4See HOLIDAY, page 17 December 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17 CHRISTMAS SPOTLIGHT — 2011

HOLIDAY blown glass ornaments, angels Seaport Marketplace. Sea- World’s Christmas Celebration Continued from page 16 and snowmen to pottery and candles. takes place Nov. 19 to Jan. 1. Guests sing Christmas car- All holiday festivities are nic special effects and a cast of ols as they ride the Silver Dollar included with park admission, 14, accompanied by a live band. Steam Train and for nighttime including: Since its debut more than thrills, most of the rides and •SnowWorld: A winter two decades ago, USA Today, the park’s five roller coasters wonderland of snowmen, CNN Travel, The Travel Channel are open after dark with great snowballs and family fun at and Good Morning America have views of the lights from above. SeaWorld’s Arctic Plaza. This profiled Silver Dollar City’s An Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast area will feature more than Old Time Christmas. offers raft rides through holi- 6,500 square feet of fresh snow All of this has helped lure day lights – with water blasters each day and impromptu visits the crowd annually. turned off for Christmas. with SeaWorld’s arctic foxes, Also each evening the col- For kids, there’s a lunch adding to the wintery atmo- orful Holiday Light Parade, with Santa, available weekends sphere. The ice spectacular “It’s Christmas, Snoopy!” has become a with musical floats covered throughout the festival. •Skytower Tree Light- in lights, winds through the holiday tradition at Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, Calif. ing was held on Nov. 17 when streets of the city as accom- , The show is performed in the 2,100-seat Charles M. Schulz SeaWorld continued an annual panying costumed characters Williamsburg Virginia Theatre and is hosted by the famous skating beagle and his tradition with the lighting of interact with guests along the Christmas Town: A Busch Peanuts friends. the park’s 320-foot Christmas COURTESY KNOTT’S BERRY FARM parade route. Gardens Celebration annually Tree of Lights. Families from According to Martha Hoy transforms the Williamsburg being held in the Abbey Stone of talented skaters, dazzling Rady Children’s Hospital-San Bohner, senior publicist, many park into a Christmas wonder- Theatre, features an ensemble sets and colorful costumes. Diego flipped the switch to of the attractions have become land, combined with an immer- of the park’s finest musicians “A Peanuts’ Holiday Pa- light the tree, and then became family favorites over the years. sive holiday experience. and singers. rade” offers seven themed floats the very first to experience “We started our An Old The festival, which be- Some other offerings in- featuring the Peanuts Gang SnowWorld. During the holi- Time Christmas festival in gan Nov. 25 and runs through clude: and accompanied by students day season, the tree is outfit- 1988,” Bohner said. “We have Dec. 31, is featuring shopping •Bustling European town from Orange County Song ted with several miles of wire approximately 350,000 people and dining opportunities, live squares (England, France, Ire- and Dance Company. Guests containing 24 strands of light visit during the festival.” shows and a spectacular light- land, Scotland and Germany) are able to join Charlie Brown, bulbs with 81 bulbs per strand. Bohner said there has been animated Christmas tree. There complete with carolers set amid Lucy, Linus, Sally, Schroeder The Christmas Tree of Lights, some new theming and décor are five million lights and 1,500 traditional greenery, classic red and Snoopy as they make can- which can be seen for miles out- this year, with new blue icicle cut Christmas trees decorating bows, holiday lights and can- dy, trim trees and build toys. side the park, will be lit every LED lights wrapping around the park. There are three miles dles glowing in every shop and Knott’s 1880s Ghost Town night through Christmas Day. 40-foot trees with the flashing of garland and more than 700 restaurant window; has been transformed into SeaWorld’s landmark 320-foot coordinated to make it look like wreaths and artificial trees. •Holiday treats and hearty Knott’s Christmas Crafts Vil- Skytower has been a San Diego snow falling. There are 800 lit snowflakes soups, smoked meats, fresh lage with more than 100 arti- icon since 1969. Additional shows include a and stars, 20,000 ornaments, baked holiday cookies and pep- sans selling their wares. •Breakfast With Shamu musical presentation of the Liv- and 900 window candles and permint hot chocolate; There are live performanc- and Santa offers diners a chance ing Nativity and the interactive luminaries. •An opportunity to dine es of Charles Dickens’ A Christ- to enjoy a scrumptious break- show Frosty that invites kids to New features this year with Santa and Mrs. Claus and mas Carol as well as O’Henry’s fast buffet at poolside tables help bring the legendary snow- include Polar Pathway and a have pictures taken with them; A Gift of the Magi. just a few feet away from Sea- man to life. show titled Gloria! Polar Path- •An ice-themed world Elf Mountain Christmas is World’s family of killer whales. Also showcased are 100 way has turned the park area with dazzling lights, falling back with the Timber Mountain Santa makes an appearance demonstrating craftsmen that Escape from Pompeii into wa- snow and an up-close encoun- Log Ride giving guests a peak during the event, posing for fes- create holiday items from terfalls of light. The new show, ter with live penguins at the into the world of Santa’s Elves. tive holiday photos. The buffet Royal Palace Theatre; and Other rides at the park in- includes scrambled eggs, bacon, •Santa’s workshop at the clude the GhostRider wooden French toast, machaca, fruit, North Pole where visitors are coaster; the 30-story Supreme juice, coffee and more. Cost is able to meet St. Nick. Scream; the inverted coaster Sil- $26 for ages 10 and older; $16 ver Bullet; and Knott’s newest for ages 3–9 (plus tax, gratuity Knott’s Berry Farm, addition, WindSeeker that takes and park admission). Buena Park, Calif. guests on a flight 300 feet over •Tree of Lights with a Knott’s Berry Farm, kicked the park. Twist: SeaWorld will continue off its holiday celebration, Holiday treats abound in- a favorite holiday tradition A Charlie Brown Christmas, cluding fresh-baked pies, cakes, with the nightly lighting of Thanksgiving Day for 2011. It cookies, muffins and ginger- the park’s 320-foot Skytower. will run through Dec. 30. The bread men. And, of course, For the fourth year in a row, celebration includes seasonal guests also have the opportuni- SeaWorld and KYXY 96.5 are entertainment and decorations ty to meet with Santa in Santa’s teaming up to produce this including a 65-foot Christmas Toy Barn. special musical and visual at- tree and a Christmas parade traction for the holiday season and hundreds of thousands of SeaWorld San Diego with the SeaWorld Christmas twinkling lights while listening San Diego, Calif. Tree of Lights. Each night at 6 to a holiday festive soundtrack. With special holiday- p.m. starting Nov. 25, the Sky- Now a holiday tradition themed animal shows, real tower lights will dance, flash, in , Knott’s snow, reindeer, festive décor swirl and glow to holiday mu- Left, Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebration, held an- Merry Farm’s ice spectacular is and more, SeaWorld San Diego sic broadcast to all of San Diego nually at the park in Williamsburg, features a 50-foot tall, back. “It’s Christmas, Snoopy!” is the place to be this Christmas on the local FM radio station. light-animated Christmas tree. There are also an additional is presented in the 2,100-seat season. Mrs. Claus will join The SeaWorld Christmas Tree 1,500 cut Christmas trees. Right, the park provides an im- Charles M. Schulz Theatre and the festivities this year, greet- of Lights will be presented each mersive holiday experience for park visitors. The festivities is hosted by the famous skating ing children at Santa’s Cottage, night through Christmas Day. started Nov. 25 and run through Dec. 31. Beagle and his Peanuts friends. located at a magical Christmas COURTESY BUSCH GARDENS Guests find that the show is full wonderland on the lawn near 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011 Bay Beach’s Zippin Pippin’s first year exceeds projections A tale of preservation and persistence

Editor’s note: Howard Gillooly is preservation direc- tor for the American Coaster Enthusiasts and was very active in the ride’s rebirth by provid- ing historical information on the coaster, as well as other informa- tion to Bay Beach as needed. STORY: Howard Gillooly Special to Amusement Today

GREEN BAY, Wis. — With an abundance of fanfare, the new Zippin Pippin made its much-antic- ipated debut at Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay, Wis. on May 21, 2011. This event was the end result Inspired by the ride of the of a project that required the same name that once ruled The new Zippin Pippin uti- dogged determination of a the midway at Tennessee’s lizes two five-car PTC trains, community and its leadership Libertyland, the new Zippin chain, lift motor and other over several years to bring Pippin at Wisconsin’s Bay ride systems that were used to fruition. For this ride to be Beach is a true recreation of on the Thunder Eagle, which built during difficult econom- a classic John Miller out & operated for three abbre- ic times makes it even more back design. COURTESY viated seasons in Pigeon significant. HOWARD GILLOOLY Forge, Tenn. This story begins back in 2009 when Green Bay Mayor iature train along with sev- of negotiations, the coaster incorporated into the new original ride’s elements are Jim Schmidt envisioned some- eral rare kiddie rides. What it and rights to its legacy were coaster slated for Bay Beach. there, including the signature thing big for his city’s small was lacking was its signature purchased from Memphis for The Zippin P i p p i n ’ s 180-degree turn over the sta- amusement park. Bay Beach is attraction: in this case, a clas- $35,000. groundbreaking took place tion, the numerous camel back home to a collection of classic sic wooden roller coaster. The There were, however, Aug. 25, 2010, and from that hills, and the airtime that one fairground attractions includ- park’s original wooden coast- several practical issues that point throughout the cold would expect not only from ing a from the early er, the John Miller-designed still had to be addressed. It winter months that followed, a John Miller coaster but also part of the 20th century, a min- Greyhound, only operated was obvious that a ‘board- the coaster slowly but steadily from a project that the Gravity from 1929 until 1936. Mayor by-board’ relocation was not took shape. Group had its hands on. In Schmidt, along with Parks going to happen. Time and As construction contin- fact, the only notable struc- FASTFACTS Director Bill Landvatter made neglect had taken its toll ued, the project became a tural change from the original it clear that they wanted to on the Pippin at the closed focus of Mayor Schmidt’s re- ride is the removal of the trim Ride/Park bring a John Miller coaster Libertyland site; little usable election campaign. His oppo- brake on the far turnaround, Zippin Pippin/ back to Bay Beach. material remained in the nent claimed the new coaster which makes the return run to Bay Beach So began their search for old ride. Furthermore, the would not be self-support- the station offer a much more Amusement Park, the right ride. At that time, Pippin’s rolling stock would ing and that cost overruns rollicking finish. Perhaps this Bay Beach, Wis. there were several Miller coast- also have to be replaced. meant the citizens of Green added velocity at the end of ers idle and available in the In another unexpect- Bay would ultimately end up the ride could also be attribut- Type U.S. Coincidentally, Memphis ed stroke of synchronicity, paying for it. However, wide- ed to the slightly longer trains, Wooden roller coaster Mayor A.C. Wharton was the team found a former spread support for the project which consist of two five-car/ searching for a purpose for the Tennessee coaster available helped Schmidt with his re- three-bench PTC coaches. Height/Length/Speed Libertyland site and the origi- and in remarkably good shape election bid and the Zippin On opening day, riders of 70 feet/2,865 feet/40 mph nal Zippin Pippin, which had – the Martin & Vleminckx- Pippin project continued all ages were eager to go back been silent since the park’s built Thunder Eagle, which uninterrupted. and pay the one dollar ticket Trains/Capacity closing in 2005. had operated for only three As the projected open- price — the most expensive Two, five-car PTC trains/ Eventually, Mayor years in Pigeon Forge after ing day approached, wet ride at Bay Beach — for the 30 passengers per train Schmidt, Bill Landvatter, and which it was eventually dis- weather inundated the area, experience to re-ride this mar- The Gravity Group (the firm mantled and placed in storage causing unexpected delays. velous machine. Designer retained to provide engi- in Canada for a project that Fortunately, though, this two- As for the critics, the proof The Gravity Group, neering services for the proj- would never materialize. week respite offered the ben- is in the receipts. By mid- based on ect) ventured to Memphis Martin & Vleminckx Rides efit of additional testing and summer, the new coaster had John Miller design in February 2010 to inspect was awarded the contract to tweaking. already surpassed its project- the Pippin to see how and if rebuild the Zippin Pippin as Finally, under a clear ed 200,000 riders and revenue Construction it would fit the site back at the company was also in pos- blue spring sky on opening at Bay Beach was up over 40 Martin & Vleminckx Bay Beach. As it turned out, session of the Thunder Eagle. morning, the ceremonial rib- percent from last year. This the ride made famous as an The ride’s two five-car PTC bon was cut and the new only goes to show that you Opened Elvis Presely favorite was just trains, chain, lift motor, brak- Zippin Pippin’s first riders can’t keep a good ride down May 21, 2011 what the Wisconsin park was ing and safety systems from experienced the rebirth of and, as the saying goes…”If searching for. After a round Thunder Eagle would all be a classic. Virtually all of the you build it, they will come.” December 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19 WATERPARKS & RESORTS INDOOR FACILITIES AQUATIC CENTERS RECREATION SUPPLIERS 2011 WWA show attendance up, growth seen in public sector STORY: Pam Sherborne purchased in a dueling mode. [email protected] Brad Goodbody, market- ing manager, ProSlide Tech- NEW ORLEANS, La. — nology Inc., Ottawa, Ont., said Members of the waterpark in- new ProSlide products draw- dustry and those selling prod- ing a lot of interest from at- ucts to that industry met Oct. tendees at the WWA event and 3-7 in New Orleans for the elsewhere include the Krak- 31st annual World Waterpark enRacer that was installed at Association Trade Show and Rapids Water Park, West Palm Symposium. EmeraldFX Mazur spe- Beach, Fla., this past season. And, by all respects, ev- cializes in being a full-service The KrakenRacer is the lat- erything seemed to go very fiberglass shop, dealing in est of the ProSlide’s well for both segments. both new products and mak- award winning ProRacer. “We definitely are see- ing repairs. One of the compa- The company’s Hydro ing registration up over last ny’s newer products is a lazy The 31st annual World Waterpark Association Trade Show & Magnetic Coasters continue year,” said Rick Root, WWA river feature. It looks more like Symposium, held Oct. 3-7 in New Orleans, drew more than to be popular and now there president. “We have seen an an upsidedown canoe that rid- 1,400 attendees from 20 foreign countries and 42 states. is the Hydro Magnetic Hor- increase in attendance every ers go under. It includes spray That figure is up from the 2010 show. net. This version has a smaller year since 2007.” features. COURTESY WWA footprint and will be marketed Root said the association “We are getting into be- primarily to smaller water- has spent a lot of time not coming more of a turn key Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, Other new slides include parks. only before but also during company,” Hughes said, the United Arab Emirates, the the Python, The Family Rattler Splashtacular Waterslides the symposium focusing on “where we can come in and do United Kingdom, Uruguay, and The Rattler, and the Ana- and Waterpark Attractions, new products as well as new everything.” as well as 42 states within the conda, which sports a 30-foot- Paola, Kan., was on hand projects. EmeraldFX Mazur stays U.S. diameter MegaTube. showcasing the 360Rush wa- When asked what they busy with waterparks, splash WhiteWater West Indus- The Abyss is another terslide, which received the were seeing on their end, grounds and campgrounds. tries, Vancouver, B.C., was new WhiteWater West prod- 2011 Industry Innovation many exhibitors said they Overall, the WWA Show showing its newest products, uct. This attraction includes a Award for Suppliers by the were seeing real interest from welcomed more than 1,400 which includes the MegaTube flume that spirals down into WWA. The 360Rush features buyers for new products. owners, operators, develop- series, which uses a 20-foot- a tube. The company has both a 45-foot-wide SplashBowl “The buyers seem to be ers, suppliers and designers. diameter flume. Julie Zakus, the Curl Abyss and the Open where two riders chase each here and those are the people Attendees represented active marketing manager, said al- Abyss. other. The ride starts at the we need to speak with,” said leisure markets in Australia, though WhiteWater showcas- Zakus said the company’s top of a 58-foot tower, where Rick Hughes, president, Em- the Bahamas, Bahrain, Brazil, es the MegaTube series with AquaLoops continue to be two riders enter 32-inch open eraldFX Mazur, Norwalk, Canada, Costa Rica, Germany, the new Family Python ride, very popular. This attraction is bodyslides through a launch Ohio. “We have made some Guatemala, India, Indonesia, the MegaTube can be added to one of the world’s only near- module featuring a trapdoor. really good contacts.” Japan, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, various different raft rides. vertical waterslides and can be 4See WWA, page 22 WWA names Board Award recipients and 2011 Hall of Fame inductees NEW ORLEANS, La. — During its 31st Annual paign, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Valley Beach Water Park; Water Safety Products, Symposium & Trade show held recently in New Bethesda, Md. Inc. for ValuStair; WhiteWater West Industries Ltd. Orleans, La., the World Waterpark Association an- •Al Turner Memorial Commitment to Ex- for the World’s First Acrylic Master Blaster on a nounced its 2011 WWA Board Award recipients. cellence Award: Sam Haynes, Blue Bayou Water Cruise Ship.” the awards recognize member contributions in a Park, Baton Rouge, La.; Danny & Janis Keim, Cape •Special Recognition: Mike Fijas, Safety Com- variety of areas significant to the industry’s success Coral, Fla. mittee Chair, Raging Waves; Chris Landgrave, Ed- such as: dedication to guest and employee safety; •Industry Innovation Award: Kathie Luecker, ucation Committee Chair, Deep River Waterpark; excellence in leadership; innovation and creativity Lincoln Equipment, Inc., Concord, Calif.; Randy Jessica Steinberg, Public Sector Committee Chair, in designing new themes and attractions; and the Neuman, Neuman Pools, Beaver Dam, Wis.; Robin Magic Waters Waterpark, Tiffany Woodward, Mar- development of standards that raise the bar for Patrick, Water World, Dothan, Ala.; Splash King- keting & Communications Committee Chair, Jack- the industry overall. dom Family Waterpark, Canton, Texas. son Street Holdings LLC/Wave Renovations LLC. The 2011 WWA Board of Directors Awards •Industry Leadership Award: Beach Park Wa- recognized the exceptional accomplishments of terpark and Empex Watertoys for Acqua Circo at 2011 WWA Hall of Fame 27 recipients in 2011 including: Beach Park Waterpark; Centaman for Real-Time The WWA inducted four individuals into the •Executive Board Award: Roger Currie, Aqua In-Park Count Video Technology; Disney Cruise WWA Hall of Fame, which honors the water leisure Leisure International, Gomshall, Surrey, United Lines and for AquaDuck industry’s most important pioneers and innova- Kingdom; Judith Leblein Josephs, Judith Leblein on the Disney Dream; Evergreen Wings & Waves tors. This year’s honorees were: Josephs Enterprises LLC, Wayne, N.J.; Alan Ma- Waterpark – Evergreen Aviation & Space Muse- •Lee Hovis, Tolomato Community Develop- hony, Mahony dmc, Banglamuang, Chonburi, Thai- um for Integration of An Education and Aviation ment District; land. Theme in a Waterpark; Rapids Water Park and •Gary Jackson, Stone Mountain; •Kelly Ogle Memorial Safety Award: Lulu ProSlide Technology for Rapids Racer at Rapids •Gary Maurek, Hyland Hills Water World; and Cisneros, Lulu Cisneros Educación Acuática, Mon- Water Park; Spring Valley Beach Water Park and •Nick Scott Sr., Scott Enterprises. terrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; Pool Safely Cam- SplashTacular Entertainment for 360Rush at Spring

Have waterpark news of interest? E-mail it to [email protected]. 20 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011

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Tel: +1 604 273 1068 • www.whitewaterwest.com The Waterpark Company 22 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011 WWA Continued from page 19 WWA announces 2011 Wave Review winners Key [winners listed in order, based on annual attendance]: Print Media They fly down near-vertical • a) Up to 100,000 •a) Denton Water Works Park, Denton, Texas slides at up to 40 mph, gently • b) 100,000 to 250,000 •b) Shipwreck Island Waterpark, Jacksonville Beach, Fla. stopping in a shallow pool of • c) 250,000 & up •c) Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark, Tannersville, Pa. water at the bottom. Radio Commercial “We are having a lot of Billboard •a) Wahooo! Waterpark Bahrain, Manama, Bahrain interest in this product,” said •a) Denton Water Works Park, Denton, Texas •b) Sun Splash Family Waterpark, Cape Coral, Fla. BJ Johnson, director of mar- •b) White Water, Branson, Mo. •c) Wild Adventures, Valdosta, Ga. keting. “We are also introduc- •c) Hyland Hills Water World, Federal Heights, Colo. TV Commercial ing the Double Bowls Eye, Brochure •a) Denton Water Works Park, Denton, Texas which is the sister ride to the •a) Wahooo! Waterpark Bahrain, Manama, Bahrain •b) Magic Waters Waterpark, Rockford, Ill. 360Rush.” •b) White Water, Branson, Mo. •c) Beach Park, Porto das Dunas, Aquiraz, Brazil This ride is similar to •c) Great Wolf Lodge-Poconos, Scotrun, Pa. Social Media 360Rush, but riders actually Direct Mail •c) Splash Kingdom Waterpark, Canton, Texas enter opposite sides of the •a) Splash Kingdom Waterpark, Shreveport, La. •b) Wave Die Worgler Wasserwelt, Worgl, Tyrol, Austria bowl. The rafts can hold two •b) Greenville County Recreation District, Taylors, S.C. •c) Noah’s Ark Waterpark, Wisconsin Dells, Wis. riders each. •c) Wild Adventures, Valdosta, Ga. Website and Pool Email Campaign •a) Wahooo! Waterpark Bahrain, Manama, Bahrain Systems, based in Turkey, had •a) Splash Universe Water Park Resort, Shipshewana, Ind. •b) Gulf Islands Waterpark, Gulfport, Miss. representatives on hand to •b) Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Can- •c) Kalahari Resorts, Wisconsin Dells, Wis. answer questions about the ada company’s new King Cobra •c) Beach Park, Aquiraz, Ceara, Brazil SWIM! Awards — 2011 honorees slide. This racing slide can In-Park Promotion be used with both single and Employee Retention & Rewards Programs honorees: •a) Wahooo! Waterpark Bahrain, Manama, Bahrain •Atlantis The Palm, Dubai-Aquaventure, Dubai, U.A.E. double tubes. It has a theoreti- •b) Shipwreck Island Waterpark, Jacksonville Beach, Fla. cal capacity of 400 per hour, •Breakwater Beach, Seaside Heights, N.J. •c) Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark, Tannersville, Pa. •Magic Waters Waterpark, Rockford, Ill. based on four riders going at Poster the same time. The company •The Wave Waterpark, Vista, Calif. •a) DryTown Water Park, Palmdale, Calif. Employee Training Programs honorees: was also showing some of •b)Magic Waters Waterpark / Rockford, Ill. their other 2011 highlights in- •Atlantis The Palm, Dubai-Aquaventure, Dubai, U.A.E. •c) Splash! Buccaneer Bay / La Mirada, Calif. •Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark, McMinnville, Ore. cluding the Racer Series, Surf Press Kit/Media Kit Stream, Creek Surfing and •Great Wolf Resorts, Madison, Wis. •a) Splash Kingdom Waterpark, Shreveport, La. •Wild Wadi, Dubai, U.A.E. Splash Cinema. •b) Waterworld Waterpark, Ayia Napa, Cyprus Fibrart based in Jalisco, •c) Noah’s Ark Waterpark, Wisconsin Dells, Wis. Mexico, was exhibiting the company’s Turbo Racer, with the first one installed this sea- son in Morelos, Mexico. Ale- jandro Mestas Gonzalez, in- ternational sales manager, said the company has been very busy particularly in the U.S., Spain and the Dominican Re- public. “For 2011, we also in- stalled an eight-lane racer at Seven Peaks Water Park, Pro- vo, Utah,” Gonzalez said. Vortex, Quebec, exhib- ited several of their fiberglass Andy Tymiak, left, product manager for Waves and Flow- Brad Goodbody, marketing manager, Proslide Technology splash models. The company’s Riders, WhiteWater West Industries, Vancouver, B.C., points Inc., Ottawa, Ontario, showed some of Proslide’s newest products include the Splash- out features of some of the company’s newest line of water products including the KrackenRACER, which won the 2011 pad, Spraypoint, and Poolplay. attractions to potential customers at the 2011 World Water World Water Association’s Most Innovation Award. Scott Snyder, Zebec Water Association Trade Show and Symposium, New Orleans, La., Sports, Fairfield, Ohio, said Oct. 3-7. AT/PAM SHERBORNE although his company is well- known for its rafts and tubes, the company is diversified in its offerings that “some people just aren’t aware of.” So, the company was showing them off at the WWA tradeshow. “We sell impact padding, rope and netting, and lily pad walks, among other things,” Splashtacular’s B.J. Johnson, director of marketing, and Kyle Snyder said. Sila Gokalp, landscape architect, Polin Waterparks & Pool Rieger, key accounts sales, said there had been quite a bit of CPI Amusement, Kyle, Systems, based in Turkey, was among those with Polin as the interest in some of their newer products at the 2011 WWA Texas, was displaying its line company featured many of their products including the new trade show and symposium. One new attraction was the of water rafts, bumper boat King Cobra water attraction. The company was exhibiting dueling body bowl, a 58-foot tall tower which drops riders tubes, and bumper collars. at the 2011 WWA trade show and symposium held in New down a shoot going 30 to 40 mph as they enter into a bowl Lo-Q, Lithia, Ga., show- Orleans in October. cased its new Q-band, the where riders can chase each other around. It has a controlled 4See WWA, page 24 start and a theoretical capacity of 240 in an hour. December 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23

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The Waterpark Company Tel: +1 604 273 1068 • www.whitewaterwest.com 24 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011 WWA said business has just started Continued from page 22 picking up for him. “We were slow up until about a month ago,” he said. company’s virtual queuing McGruder does a lot system for waterparks. Frank of work for municipalities Good, director of North Amer- around the country, as well as ican sales, said there has been amusement parks and water- a lot of interest in the system. parks. He has found city offi- “We tested it this summer cials are able to get a duel us- at the Six Flags White Water age from the fountains. They park in Atlanta,” Good said. can provide fountain fun for “They loved it there.” children during the day, then Gail Platt, Colortime provide fountain shows at Crafts and Markers, Merrick, night. Kevin Engels, left, development specialist, and Marc-Andre N.Y., exhibited her line of cos- The last area of growth Laurin, product designer/talent ambassador, Vortex, Que- tume T-shirts. Her products among municipalities that bec, Canada, were on hand at the 2011 WWA trade show allow park guests to color McGruder spoke of is the and symposium during October to show some of the compa- their own designed shirts with same growth area as Root is ny’s water play elements including a variety of spray points, markers. Platt said the shirts seeing in member growth for pool play items and splash pads. can be washed safely once the the WWA as well as in actual color is dried. attendees to this year’s event. Zebec, Fairfield, Ohio, was Wade McGruder, Water- “We are seeing a very on hand at this year’s WWA works International, High good growth among our pub- trade show and symposium Ridge, Mo., was showcas- lic sector,” Root said. “I think held in New Orleans in Oc- ing his fountain products 20 percent of all our attendees tober. Among some of the equipped with LED lights. He this year is from that sector.” products in the company’s booth included tubes, rafts, impact padding, rope and netting. amusementtoday com

Lo-Q inc., Lithia Springs, Ga., exhibited that company’s new- est line in flash passes. The 2011 season was the first for Lo- Q’s virtual queuing system for waterparks. It was tested in the Six Flags’ White Water Park in Atlanta, Ga.

CPI Amusement, a leading designer and manufacturer of top quality products and EmeraldFx North America Mazur exhibited its line of fiber- accessories for the amuse- glass products. The company has a full-service fiberglass shop ment park and waterpark in- in Norwalk, Ohio. The company’s president Rick Hughes said dustries, showed off its line they are also starting to get into turnkey contracting. From of tubes at this year’s WWA left, are Chuck DeCaro, vice president, Hughes, and Scott tradeshow and symposium, Borsick, sales and marketing. New Orleans, Oct. 3-7.

Allied Specialty Insurance Inc. representatives David E. Gallace and Sherrie Calhoun spent time answering ques- tions during the 2011 WWA trade show and symposium held in New Orleans, Oct. 3-7. December 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011 Riptide Bay a hit during 2011 for Six Flags Great America STORY: Pam Sherborne [email protected] FASTFACTS

GURNEE, Ill. — Six Flags Riptide Bay Great America & Harbor unveiled a multi-mil- Surf Rider: Double-Sided lion dollar waterpark expan- Surf Simulator sion this season, Riptide Bay, •A wave-in-a-box with and, by the end of the 2011 55,000 gallons of water season, the expansion was flowing per minute deemed a success. •Five foot waves with Among other compo- speeds up to 30 mph nents, Riptide Bay added four •The double-sided feature thrill slides, a 14,000-square- allows two surfers at a foot activity pool, a double time funnel family raft ride and a Six Flags Great America & double-sided wave simulator Hurricane Harbor unveiled Dive Bomber: able to produce five-foot high a multi-million dollar water- Free-Fall Looping Slides waves. It also added four acres park expansion for the 2011 •SuperLoop slides with a bringing the total size of the season, Riptide Bay, and, by Skybox launching capsule waterpark up to 20 acres. the end of the season, the •Riders free-fall five sto- The park doesn’t release expansion was deemed a ries into a looping slide specific attendance figures, success. ProSlide delivered and travel speeds up to at but park officials have been the new slide complex. 40 mph pleased with the addition. COURTESY •Clear tubes allow specta- SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA And, it looked as though visi- tors to see riders shoot tors were, too. ProSlide is the Outdoor Tan- down the slide and the “Riptide Bay has been a trumAlley. Titled “” twin version allows riders huge hit,” said Hank Salemi, at Six Flags Great America, this to race each other Six Flags Great America park attraction winds a four-person president. “My favorite part CloverLeaf raft through a tun- Mega Wedgie: of my job is seeing our guests nel into two separate funnels, Free-Fall Speed Slides have a great time. Every time two Mega Wedgies; and one Wedgies is 230 feet, with a dis- both offering several oscilla- • slides with a I go into Riptide Bay I’m re- Wipeout. patch rate of 20 seconds. tions before feeding the raft Skybox launching capsule minded of that, because every- The Mega Wedgie is The Dive Bombers are the on through the ride. This ride •Shoot down the five where I turn people are smil- ProSlide’s first FreeFall slide first SuperLoop slide with a has 400 feet of enclosed slides, stories, 80-degree plunge ing and having a blast .” with a SkyBox launching cap- SkyBox launching capsule in a drop of 35 feet and a capacity at 40 mph ProSlide Technologies sule anywhere. Riders shoot North America. Riders free- of 720 riders per hour. •Race a friend on twin LLC, Ottawa, Ont., and Six down a five story, 80-degree fall five stories into looping Riptide Bay also features versions of Mega Wedgie Flags Great America worked plunge going up to 40 mph. slides while traveling speeds the Surf Rider, a five-foot dou- together to offer Six Flags And, because there are two up to 40 mph. And, again, be- ble-side surfing simulator that Wipeout: Double-Funnel guests some one-of-a-kinds. versions, riders are able to race cause there are two versions, allows two participants at a Family Raft Slide The slide complex includes a friend. riders are able to race each time. There are 55,000 gallons •A high-intensity slide five slides: two Dive Bombers; The length of the Mega other. of water flowing every min- that takes groups of two The length of the Dive ute to keep the surfers going. to four swirling on a raft Bombers are 290 feet, with a The Surf Rider is free with through tight turns and 20-second dispatch rate. admission to the waterpark. two funnels According to ProSlide of- Six Flags does offer surfing •Speed through 400 feet ficials, the SkyBox Launch lessons for those wanting to of enclosed tubes and Systems are designed and re- learn a few tricks and maneu- plummet down a 35-foot fined to produce a dramatic vers. These lessons do have an drop. high-speed drop-launch ex- additional cost. perience. The one slide tower Then, there is Monsoon houses all of the launching Lagoon, a 14,000-square-foot souvenirs. capsules. The transparent activity pool complete with “Riptide Bay is the perfect doors allow riders a look in- waterfalls and interactive addition to our park’s exten- side the capsule before enter- spray elements. Aquatic De- sive collection of thrills,” Sa- ing. A transparent floor allows velopment Group was the lemi said. “We expanded the riders to look down the drop supplier of the interactive water park due to popular before being “launched.” elements and other props in demand, and are excited to ProSlide has calculated Monsoon Lagoon. provide guests of all ages with the launch angle of the SkyBox A new concession and a variety of unique and thrill- in conjunction with the speed retail shop finish out the ex- ing slides and attractions that with which the floor drops pansion. The new concession can only be found at Six Flags out to provide a sensation of is called 5 o’clock Phil’s and Great America.” weightlessness at its maxi- is themed as a Tiki snack bar. Hurricane Harbor opened mum, while providing a safe Along with food offerings, it in 2005. Construction on the Among components of Riptide Bay, the new expansion add- and consistent anticipatory serves tropical drinks with Riptide Bay expansion began ed in 2011 to Six Flags Great America & Hurricane Harbor, launch. outdoor seating. last fall. Riptide Bay at Hurri- Gurnee, Ill., is a double-sided wave simulator able to pro- Another North American The High Tide retail store cane Harbor is free with a sea- duce five-foot high waves. debut for both Six Flags and offers swimming apparel and son pass or park admission. December 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27

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Global Headquarters-2650 Queensview Drive, Suite 150-Ottawa-Ontario-K2B 8H6 Canada www.proslide.com 28 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011 BUSINESS REVENUE PEOPLE SAFETY SUPPLIERS BRIEF US Thrill Rides announces new tower concept SkySpire is Bill Kitchen’s newest ride concept Cedar Fair chooses accesso to drive WINDEMERE, Fla. — Bill nology and US Thrill Rides E-Commerce Kitchen, inventor of the popu- LLC, is actively commercial- lar attractions and izing the new design. Several his company, US Thrill Rides theme parks and venues are SANDUSKY, Ohio LLC, recently unveiled their pursuing SkySpire because it — Cedar Fair, based in newest concept — SkySpire. is affordable, requires a very Sandusky, Ohio, recently This patent-pending tower small real estate footprint, and announced that it has en- that can rise from heights of has substantial rider capacity. gaged accesso, a leading 250 to over 3,000 feet provid- USTR has a track record provider of commerce ing guests with unparalleled, of looking at expensive attrac- solutions, to utilize their 360-degree, panoramic views tions and devising much premier online commerce as they ascend and descend more affordable versions and mobile technology in gondolas that spiral around which deliver all of the thrill across its renowned port- the structure much like the at a lower cost while main- folio of parks. stripes on a candy cane. taining focus on guest safety. Along with rede- Kitchen’s first foray into From the SkyCoaster which signed websites for each business began with broad- fundamentally disrupted the park, Cedar Fair will cast technology where he suc- bungee craze in the early 90s replace its current in- cessfully mastered the con- and became one of the best- house e-commerce solu- struction of very tall broad- selling and safest rides in tion with accesso’s fully cast antenna towers. These the world, to iFly which per- hosted, dynamic online structures were the inspi- fected indoor skydiving for platform beginning in ration for what he saw as 1/3 of the cost of competitors, very tall observation rides to UniCoaster which deliv- January 2012. Cedar Fair that require much less real ers the experience of a loop- will also roll out acces- estate than Ferris wheels. ing roller coaster in a very so’s integrated mobile The SkySpire elegantly rises small area, USTR has proven platform with updated to great heights and provides to have a knack for creating mobile websites along guest a comfortable spiraling the next new and exciting ride with iPhone and Android ride to the top where they that has real business upside based apps including can exit to enjoy views in an for the owner/operators. mobile ticketing. observation lounge and then When asked where the “Industry-leading or- ride spiraling gently back to first SkySpire will be erected, ganizations like Cedar the earth. Kitchen is careful not to reveal Fair understand the in- “SkySpire is totally the location or timing. “We creasing power of online unique and affordable for will leave that to the direc- commerce and mobile attraction operators, but most tion of our developers,” he technology,” said Steve of all, it will be a guest expe- says. He does mention that Brown, accesso’s chief rience that will fully deliver his first SkyQuest suspended executive officer. “Our the value of any interesting beam ride system has been solutions are known for view,” said Kitchen. purchased and will be going their easy-to-use designs SkySpire follows into the Indianapolis Zoo next Kitchen’s patent pending year. “We are very busy with with a focus on the user ‘SkyView’ observation wheel, many attractions, but we are experience and sales re- which was introduced in Nov. very happy that we can now SkySpire is a new concept for observation towers being sults. We look forward to 2010 and exclusively licensed be a leader in the observa- developed by inventor Bill Kitchen and his company, US bringing our technology to Circle Entertainment SV-I, tion market. Stay tuned, we Thrill Rides, LLC. This patent-pending tower can rise to and unique service mod- LLC. Together, patents sur- have gravity, speed, height heights of 250 to over 3,000 feet providing guests with el to Cedar Fair and its rounding the two rides give and physics as our paints on unparalleled, 360-degree, panoramic views as they ascend customers in early 2012.” Kitchen a unique approach the thrill canvas…we are just and descend in gondolas that spiral around the structure in observation attraction tech- getting warmed up.” much like the stripes on a candy cane. COURTESY US THRILL RIDES Looking for a part? E-mail us! Email: [email protected]

NORTH AMERICAN PARTS, INC. (716) 839-4791 x101 December 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29

Djurs Sommerland sets attendance record

DENMARK — Djurs Sommerland finished this season with a ‘Magical Halloween’ in October, which attracted more than 53,000 guests. This figure helped the park break its attendance record once again. COMPILED: Scott Rutherford, [email protected] Djurs Sommerland welcomed more than 660,000 visi- For the third consecutive year, Knott’s ism attractions have to offer. tors during 2011, and thereby set a new attendance record Berry Farm hosted the American’s Diabetes The company is offering a cutting-edge for the fifth consecutive year. Approximately 82,000 more Association’s Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes. way of fusing entertainment with education guests visited the park this season, which equals a growth On Oct. 1, more than 5,000 Orange County and wrapping them up in an exclusive photo- of more than 15 percent. The record high attendance posi- residents took part in the event that raises book that’s unlike anything out on the market tions Djurs Sommerland as Denmark’s second largest tour- needed funds to support the association’s mis- today. With Magic Memories, customers can ist attraction outside of Copenhagen — exceeded only by sion: to prevent and cure diabetes and to im- visit their favorite tourism attraction and take Legoland Billund. prove the lives of all the people affected by home a detailed account of their experience in Djurs Sommerland CEO Henrik B. Nielsen, is thrilled diabetes. Participants enjoyed a day at Knott’s a booklet that they can share with friends and by the result and notes significant reasons for the success- Berry Farm with appearances by Snoopy, the family without even having to bring a camera. ful season: “An important reason for this year’s attendance Laker Girls, the Anaheim Duck’s Street Team, Indulge in your trip by reliving the memories record is of course our introduction of Europe’s biggest and several other guests. via the online photobook on their website, or water coaster – Skatteøen. The Mack water coaster has • share your experience with friends and family been an outstanding success and is already challenging Ride Entertainment Group’s Adam San- through the social media outlets. our roller coaster Piraten as the park’s most popular attrac- dy and Mark Rosenzweig recently donned Magic Memories has recorded significant tion. Furthermore, we have been able to attract our guests bear outfits and roamed success around the world since its beginnings from a larger geographical area and have experienced a during the park’s ‘Screeemfest’ event to raise at Skylinegondola attractions in 1994, Queen- significant increase in foreign guests.” money for Give Kids the World (www.gktw. stown, New Zealand. Djurs Sommerland opens for the 2012 season on May 4. org). Canobie put a collection point at the Magic Memories currently produces more exit of the park’s new coaster where than 15 million personalized Magic Memories guests could drop a few dollars in as they a year across attractions in five countries — walked by. The park matched all donations, New Zealand Australia, U.K, Ireland and South had their props and makeup team help Sandy Africa and they are now looking to bring their Hendrick Construction and Rosenzweig with their costumes, and pro- magic touch to the U.S. market. vided them with a guide for the evening. In • to expand exhibit at addition to raising money at the park, the REG The Bowling Proprietors’ Association team solicited donations from amusement in- of America (BPAA), recently announced the dustry friends and family members. launch of BPAA Customer Connect, a highly North Carolina Zoo • anticipated web-based CRM program that will Six Flags Great Adventure followed the reshape the industry’s ability to connect and ASHEBORO, N.C. — help people draw a connec- official ending of the 2011 operating season engage with bowling center consumers. BPAA Hendrick Construction, Inc.. tion between the two.” by partnering with a VIP Wild Safari experi- Customer Connect, which will be unveiled at based in Charlotte, N.C., The project requires ren- ence on Nov. 5 and 6 to offer guests an op- the 2012 Bowling Summit, is a new, free ben- won a contract to expand the ovating 2,000 square feet of portunity to sample local wines, food and efit available to BPAA member centers as an North Carolina Zoo’s polar the existing polar bear hold- gifts. The event featured 11 New Jersey vine- added value for 2012. BPAA developed this bear exhibit to create space ing facility, which is part of yards with nearly 150 locally-produced wines breakthrough program which will enable pro- for new polar bears, as well the zoo’s Rocky Coast attrac- for sampling, handcrafted gifts, dishes from prietors to create, track, and market events, as allow caretakers to estab- tion. Hendrick will make im- neighboring eateries and live music. Visitors leagues, tournaments and more — all with real could purchase a special Wild Safari package data, in real time, for real results. lish a breeding program. provements to the life sup- that included a private tour of the safari and “Most bowling proprietors will tell you The $6 million project port systems for the polar special wine tasting in the African Plains sec- that data is king and having a robust data- will feature a new exhibit bears, as well as the seals and tion among giraffes. Younger guests enjoyed base is critical in today’s operating environ- with a splash pool, cool- sea lions. And, Hendrick will activities in the Safari’s Camp Rose area that ment. Through BPAA Customer Connect, we ing areas and digging pits, upgrade the polar bear pool included the theme park’s animal educators are empowering our member centers by help- as well as a new visitors’ and viewing glass, and build and their small exotic animals. ing them to connect with their customers on plaza. Hendrick will build a new shade structure over • a deeper level than ever before,” said Steve a 5,500-square-foot holding the existing exhibit overlook. The 14th Annual Scream Zone, held at the Johnson, executive director of the BPAA. “At facility with a maternity den, “We’re thrilled to be in- Del Mar “Scaregrounds,” closed its haunted BPAA, we say that ‘it pays to belong’ and Cus- a 4,500-square-foot visitor volved with another exciting chambers long after midnight on Halloween, tomer Connect will do just that for our mem- building and an 800-square- attraction for the zoo,” said Monday, Oct. 31, with the second-largest at- bers. Whether it is building a database, keep- tendance in Scream Zone history. ing tabs on events and leagues or keeping foot interpretive viewing Roger Hendrick, president This three-haunt, in-your-face attrac- customers engaged and coming back, this so- shelter for visitors. of Hendrick Construction. tion even claimed its share of victims: 32,199 lution will add even more value to every BPAA The purpose of the ex- “It’s a challenging project guests dared to enter and 414 frightened souls member center.” hibit is to educate visitors because we need to plan our never made it through the House of Horror or The 2012 Bowling Summit will be held about the plight of polar construction activities so as Chamber. from January 22 to 24 at the Meritage Resort bears and the broader issues not to disrupt the other ani- The Scream Zone team of more than 100 in Napa Valley, California. of habitat loss and global cli- mals.” helped make this 23-day trilogy of terror into • mate change. The expansion project the scariest yet. More than 60 pounds of make- has removed “Polar bears are and al- was designed with environ- up were used to make these creatures into the yet another of its original attractions. This ways have been our most mentally sustainable fea- ghouls and goblins that greeted all souls who time the victim is the beloved Log Jammer, popular animal at the zoo, tures, such as recycled ma- dared enter their zone. an early ride supplied by Arrow De- and they’ve been in quite a lot terials, storm water drainage The 2011 event delivered a 6 percent in- velopment. Guests visiting during the park’s crease in revenue over the previous year, rank- 19th annual Fright Fest event turned out to be of trouble in the wild,” said strategies, and energy-effi- ing it second most successful in Scream Zone the Log Jammer’s final passengers. “Six Flags North Carolina Zoo General cient fixtures and mechanical history. Magic Mountain is always evolving, not one to Curator Ken Reininger. “Not systems. • rest on its laurels. We are sad to see Log Jam- many people get to go to the The project is scheduled Magic Memories, a New Zealand-based mer leave, but we are excited about the future Arctic and see polar bears or to begin this fall, with the tourism photography experience company, is plans for the area and know our guests will be the impacts of global climate new exhibit opening to the presenting a new way to capture the best en- too,” said park spokeswoman Sue Carpenter. change, and our exhibit will public in spring 2013. tertainment experiences that American tour- 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011

Region As of Change from MARKETWATCH (U.S.) 10/31/11 year ago East Coast $3.886 $0.823 Prices Prices 52 weeks Midwest $3.866 $0.817 RIDING THE Company One Month Ago 11/03/11 High Low MARKET Gulf Coast $3.808 $0.826 Cedar Fair L.P. $17.52 $20.98 $22.69 $14.150 Mountain $3.959 $0.818 MGM Mirage $8.23 $10.73 $16.94 $7.40 West Coast $4.107 $0.865 FUEL PRICES Six Flags Ent. Corp. $25.79 $37.24 $40.25 $24.72 California $4.163 $0.926 CBS Corp. $18.95 $24.52 $29.68 $15.99 TOP 7 MOST TRADED On 11/04/2011 $1 USD = Walt Disney Co. $29.00 $35.03 $44.34 $28.19 CURRENCIES 0.7277 EURO Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. $2.41 $2.62 $3.65 $2.02 0.6266 GBP (British Pound) Blackstone Group $11.31 $14.20 $19.63 $10.51 78.0298 JPY (Japanese Yen) Village Roadshow $2.70 $2.86 $4.45 $2.24 0.8835 CHF (Swiss Franc) 0.9695 AUD (Australian Dollar) NBC Universal $14.69 $16.67 $21.65 $14.02 CURRENCY 1.0144 CAD (Canadian Dollar)

PEOPLE WATCH CNE has a new Eastern States Expo names finance director well as regular maintenance.” This is a business we understand board president Eastern States Exposition President and CEO and one that TECO can support,” commented Scott Bishop, presi- Wayne McCary announces that Thomas L. Plasse, dent of TECO. “I am excited Bill has decided to bring his expertise TORON- of Westfield, Mass., has been named director of to TECO.” TO, Ontario, finance of Eastern States Exposition (ESE), West TECO has been in business since 1936 and is celebrating its Canada — Springfield, Mass. Plasse assumes the position 75th year of service in 2011. TECO is focused in two areas: power Following the formerly held by Eugene J. Cassidy who is now train components and motion control and automation. Annual Gen- executive vice president and COO. eral Meeting Plasse comes to the Exposition from his Plasse Cedar Fair promotes Richard Zimmerman of the Cana- previous post as president and CFO of Mother- Cedar Fair LP recently announced the promo- dian National Ashton wear International, Inc., Holyoke, Mass., a manufacturer of nursing tion of Richard A. Zimmerman to the position of Exhibition mothers’ clothing which is sold online throughout the U.S., Cana- chief operating officer. Association (CNEA) in Octo- da, and Europe. “During his time with Cedar Fair, Richard has ber, Brian Ashton was named Plasse began his career as chief financial officer for Colart demonstrated the quality of leadership and high the 58th president of CNEA’s International, which had offices in Springfield, Mass. and LeMans, standards that make him especially well-qualified France. The company, a subsidiary of Lefranc & Bourgeois, manu- volunteer board of directors. for this role,” said Matt Ouimet, Cedar Fair’s Ashton, a former City of To- factures high end artist paints, canvas and brushes sold in Europe president. “As chief operating officer, Richard will Zimmerman ronto Councilor, replaces and U.S.A. He was promoted to the position of president for the be responsible for the execution of our strategic James Melvin. Melvin’s two- U.S. subsidiary. plan, leadership development and most importantly, for ensuring A native of Springfield, Plasse was educated at St. Joseph all of our parks deliver the high-quality guest experience that Ce- year term as president came Parochial School, and is a graduate of Cathedral High School in dar Fair is known for.” to an end at the meeting. Springfield. He received his Bachelors Degree in Business Admin- Zimmerman has more than 20 years of experience in the CNE General Manager istration with an Accounting concentration from Woodfield Univer- amusement park industry and most recently served as executive David Bednar announced that sity in Greenwood, South Carolina. vice president of Cedar Fair. the 2011 CNE was a great ESE is home of The Big E, New England’s largest Fair as well success. It attracted 1.31 mil- as over 120 year round shows and events, Storrowton Village and Raffi Kaprelyan named Knott’s new GM lion visitors over the course Storrowton Tavern. Cedar Fair LP recently announced that Raffi of 18 days, Aug. 19-Sept. 5. Kaprelyan has been named general manager Overall attendance was up Bill Dauphinee joins TECO of the Knott’s Berry Farm Resort in Buena Park, nine percent over the previ- Transmission Engineering Company, in Hatfield, Pa., is pleased California. Kaprelyan will be responsible for the ous year, and onsite research to announce Bill Dauphinee as director of its Amusement Division. successful operation of Knott’s Berry Farm theme has indicated that the CNE Bill is a 16-year veteran of the amusement industry. Most recently park, the 320-room Knott’s Resort Hotel and was successful in attracting he was co-owner of the Philadelphia Toboggan Co. Dauphinee is Knott’s Soak City Water Parks in Orange County, both new and lapsed visitors, a member of the Pennsylvania Amusement Ride Advisory Board, San Diego and Palm Springs. in additional to its traditional Kaprelyan New Jersey Carnival Safety Advisory Board and past president of Kaprelyan is a 32-year veteran of Knott’s Ber- audience. AIMS International, and a member of ASTM F24 safety committee. ry Farm where he began his career in park services before mov- “The CNE continues to In his new role, Dauphinee will build relationships, market the ing to ride operations. Kaprelyan became a supervisor at Knott’s honor its past as a premier in- TECO portfolio of products, and define services that meet the Berry Farm in 1993 and moved up the Knott’s corporate ladder dustrial fair, but we are press- needs of this important customer base. becoming assistant general manager of the park in 2005. In 2006 ing forward to create a future “Amusement parks and showman fit our strategic plan at ev- Kaprelyan was tapped as the general manager of the Cedar Fair fair and event where 21st cen- ery level; these popular attractions are mechanical in nature. The Park, Canada’s Wonderland, the position he held prior to his return tury ideas, technology and biggest difference is that they also require a high level of safety as to Knott’s Berry Farm. people come together in a spirit of fun,” he said. The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is Canada’s largest fair and one of the top 10 fairs in North America. Founded in 1879, the CNE celebrates its 134th year in 2012, when it takes place from Aug. 17-Sept. 3.

Find us on Facebook facebook.com/amusementtoday December 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31 Wildwood’s Hankins Fudge remembers shore heritage through ‘giant postcard’ series

WILDWOOD, N.J. — ed on this site. The original Model-spokesperson Hankins Fudge, located on the venue, the Ocean Pier (also Kalyn Magee for the Giant Boardwalk in Wildwood, N.J. known locally as the Funchase Postcard Exhibition, pres- has for many years offered Pier), was constructed in 1905. ents Tony Gorbatow of vacationers one of the most Tragedy struck the popular Hankins Fudge with a Giant enticing selections of candy, attraction, during World War Postcard entitled fudge, salt water taffy and II, on Christmas Eve 1943. Hunt’s Pier with Tramcar other delectable confections A new amusement com- circa 1984. COURTESY HANKINS FUDGE one could ever imagine. The plex was not built for quite yearly pilgrimage to the Jersey some time, due to wartime shore is a flashback to the 4See POSTCARDS, page 32 innocence of simpler times and the chance, once again, to be ‘a kid in a candy store.’ This year, in addition to the sweet treats they sell, Hankins has added some eye candy as well. Ken and Tony Gorbatow, the identical twins who have owned the shop since 1977, are creating a trip back through time by helping to reinvent an iconic (albeit dis- continued) Wildwood brand. They have acquired the first of a limited edition series of vin- tage three three-foot-by-two- foot Giant Postcards prints made from ‘Designer Series Postcards’ distributed on the island in the 1980s. The image is now prominently on dis- play as décor within the store. This, along with their antique candy display cases and ambi- ance of yesteryear, provides a truly nostalgic experience for guests to the store. “We set out to replicate an old fashioned candy store buy- ing experience within a spe- cific era,” said Tony Gorbatow. “This image represents the Wildwood brand from the 1980s. A large percentage of our clientele are baby boomers and their children. The post- cards feature the scenes they saw here during their first vis- its to the resort as children or teenagers. Some may have sent the very same image to a friend when it was on a post- card.” “Giant Postcards are fun and educational for all ages,” added Ken Gorbatow. “The older generation feels like they’ve stepped back in time and the young ones have a chance to understand some- thing of their parent’s history.” The featured postcard is titled “Hunt’s Pier with Tramcar circa 1984.” It is, without question, the quint- essential photograph of the amusement complex. This image is actually of the second incarnation of an amusement pier construct- 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011 POSTCARDS ing partner, sold the pier in 1985. The pier passed through Continued from page 31 The second postcard offers several hands until the Morey a view facing southwest, par- limitations. Hunt’s Pier finally organization became owners in allel to the beachfront and debuted in 1957. Determined 1999. The Flyer wooden roller the Wildwood Boardwalk. not to let history repeat itself, coaster, the Golden Nugget, Highlighted by the Chance the pier’s deck and pilings the Keystone Cops and the and Larson Super were constructed entirely Skua have all been Loop, the image illustrates of concrete reinforced with torn down. Although the pier stands today and is structur- the evolving seaside amuse- steel rods. Advertised as an ally sound, none of the attrac- ment complex in its fifteenth ‘Oceanic Wonderland,’ it was tions pictured on the deck are year of operation. more Disney-like and theme present at this time. COURTESY HANKINS FUDGE oriented than its competitors. Hunt’s Pier, as we knew While the concept of mak- it, will never be the same. ing enlargements from scans Bud Hunt, the only surviv- of printed postcards is hardly new, the dot pattern used to create the printed card quickly degrades the image relative to the increase in size. Giant Postcards are made from digi- tally re-mastered drum scans of the original materials (pho- tographic transparencies) used to make the cards. This is the first time postcards have been reinvented in this fashion in the United States. The result- ing digital files are outputted as giclee prints made with archival pigment based inks. Hankins Fudge received the artwork as part of an incen- tive package for becoming a sponsor of the Giant Postcard Exhibition that will soon be on display at the Doo Wop Experience Museum in Wildwood. For more details, e-mail: giantpostcardexhibition@ yahoo.com. Great American Train Company gains certification

PLYMOUTH, Minn. — The Great American Train Company, LLC (GATC), a Minnesota-based manufactur- er of backyard trains and ac- cessories, recently announced that it has received indepen- dent engineering certification under ASTM F-24 standards for its Pioneer Mogul Locomo- tive and passenger riding cars. GATC trains have been designed for use in both back- yard and commercial amuse- ment ride applications. One locomotive can pull up to eight riding cars with two passengers in each car, mak- ing the train ideal for use at amusement parks, fairs, fes- tivals, family entertainment centers and other indoor or outdoor locations. “We’re pleased to have passed the very rigorous evaluations for obtaining en- gineering certification under ASTM F-24 standards,” said Mark D. Strobel, GATC’s na- tional sales manager. December 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33 MIDWAY CARNIVALS STATE FAIRS REVENUE SUPPLIERS State Fair of Texas has good 2011 run Goes dartless with Midway games STORY: Pam Sherborne [email protected]

DALLAS, Texas — The 125th State Fair of Texas is now over but certainly not forgotten. And, even after 125 years, the fair continues to introduce new attractions as well as continuing to improve ty of these games,” he said. the grounds. “There has been a big push for Additional shade aw- this by insurance companies.” nings were obvious this year While overall attendance as was the renovated and re- was down this year from named dark ride. The latter, 2010’s record year, fair visitors called Scary Park, is a perma- still spent more than $35 mil- nent attraction on the grounds lion on food and the 73 amuse- owned by Gary Barnett, said ment rides on the independent Rusty Fitzgerald, director of midway. operations. Barnett brought in This amount represents Above, Big Tex welcomes vis- the ride for a couple of years. revenue from coupon sales itors to the 2011 edition of But, that’s not all. (State Fair currency for food the State Fair of Texas in Dal- In addition, Fitzgerald and rides). The all-time high las. At right, top to bottom, said, for the first time in the of last year was $37 million. The fair continued its expan- fair’s history, the fair went Texas-Oklahoma football sion of shade shructures in dartless on the midway. Saturday weighed in with the Midway areas with this “As far as I know, we are $3,900,000 in coupon sales, year’s structures covering the first fair to do this with our compared to $4,040,000 on the the KidsWay; this Jumping midway games,” Fitzgerald same day in 2010. Jumbos kids ride from Lar- said. “It is a pretty big thing. State fair officials attribute son, was purchased by Steve There have been discussions the success to the 125th anni- VanderVorste following the about this due to the insurance versary, certainly a milestone. close of the fair; and Dar- issue.” The theme “125 Years: A Time- tron/Rides 4U brought in the Instead of using darts for less Tradition,” helped lure new Rave ride by Kyle Brady. the “dart games” on the mid- this year’s patrons. AT/GARY SLADE way, the fair constructed what “The weather was beauti- amounted to as shadow boxes ful,” said Sue Gooding, vice that held the balloons. Be- president, public relations and 115,000 visitors to its TEXAS! hind the balloons, there was a community relations, “and exhibit at the Hall of State. wooden board. followed a record-breaking Fairgoers flocked to see - per “We put a screw with a summer of 100-plus degree sonal artifacts belonging to big sharp point through the back- days.” names in Texas history, includ- board,” Fitzgerald said. “Play- Gooding said highlights ing James Bowie, Davy Crock- ers were given Hacky Sacks, include the 2011 “Texas!” ex- ett, Sam Houston and Stephen which they threw at the bal- hibit. F. Austin. loons. If they hit the balloons “While the fair was cele- Fitzgerald said the 73 a certain way, the balloons brating 125 years, Texas is cel- rides on the midway were would hit the sharp point, ebrating 175,” Gooding said. owned by 33 carnival opera- bursting the balloon. The Dallas Historical So- tors. Aside from the dark ride, “This improves the safe- ciety welcomed more than 4See TEXAS, page 34 Factory Wholesale pricing! • Over 100 designs available! Made in the USA! Seasons Greetings from Sippers By Design

Toll Free: (800) 395-9980 • email: [email protected] • www.sippersbydesign.com 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011 MIDWAYLIGHTS 2011 State Fair of Texas top 10 rides COMPILED: Pam Sherborne, [email protected] 1. Texas Star Ferris Wheel, owned by BLB Panorama, manufactured by SDC Jim Sinclair, deputy general manger, Minne- Reithoffer Shows provided over 60 rides for 2. Texas Skyway, owned by Skyway Transportation, sota State Fair, Minneapolis, was to turn over the the midway this year. reins as chair of the International Association of • manufactured by Dopplemayr Fairs and Expos at this year’s Annual Convention Officials at the 2011 New Mexico State Fair, 3. Crazy Mouse, SJ Entertainment Inc., Reverchon and Trade Show, Las Vegas. Albuquerque, which ran Sept. 9-25, hoped the fair 4. Fast Trax Super Slide, State Fair Spectaculars, Fabbri Incoming chair is Gary Slater, CFE Iowa State would bounce back from the 2010 disappointing 5. Love Bugs, Prime Pacific, Mack Fair, Des Moines. numbers. Last year, about 535,000 people attended, 6. Log Flume, Fair of Fun Inc., Arrow This year’s Convention and Trade Show was to down from 611,000 the year before. be held Nov. 28-Dec. 1, at Paris and Bally’s Hotels. But, it seemed, paid attendance dropped be- 7. Starship, Laser Fair Inc., Wisdom • low 400,000 this year. Managers tried to save the fair 8. Windstorm Coaster, SJ Entertainment Inc., SDC Attendance at the 12-day South Carolina State money by closing on Mondays and Tuesdays, histori- 9. Magnum, Wood Entertainment, Mondial Fair, Columbia, Oct. 12-23, was 442,350, about 10 cally the slowest days of the week. 10. Rock It, Demas Enterprises, KMG percent off last year’s record of 492,000, said fair After this year’s fair, it was reported that the manager Gary Goodman. But per capita spending event was running in the red and doesn’t have was down less than six percent, meaning individuals enough money to finance day-to-day operations, ac- grand champion. Tom Thumb were spending more per person than last year. cording to a new audit that prompted legislators to TEXAS In all, it looked like the event would take in a question whether taxpayers should be subsidizing Continued from page 33 Food & Pharmacy purchased minimum of $22 million, some $1.8 million a day, this the fair. the grand champions in four year, according to a story in The State newspaper. Auditors for the Legislative Finance Committee other new additions on the categories, lamb, swine, meat More people might have come, but four rainy said the fair has been losing money for years as reve- midway included the Jun- goat and broilers. days, including a brief but dangerous windstorm, nues and fair attendance dropped, but it has contin- gle Twist, manufactured by dampened a few spirits. ued to operate because it’s not paying some debts. “The State Fair Fall Gar- On Oct. 13 a storm prompted fair officials to State officials continue to struggle to decide Wisdom and brought in by den Exhibition continues to activate an emergency evacuation plan for the first how to mange the fair’s financial programs. Showtime Rides; Dayton, by grow and gain more interest in time, Goodman said. People were ushered into per- • Fabrri and brought in by Mi- fairgoers,” Gooding said. manent buildings before heavy winds hit, knocking Though the Alachua County Fair, Gainesville, chael Wood; Happy Swings by The State Fair of Texas is concession stands around and blowing signs off Fla. took 2010 off as a regrouping year, its 2011 re- hinges. turn, Oct. 22-29, was to greet guests with an all-new Zamperla, brought in by Tom famous for its food. New this “In our business, weather is something you have midway and entertainment lineup, and with an all- Thomas; Air Maxx, Caprice year included: to roll with,” said Goodman. new company coming to town to stage it. Adult, brought in by Bruce •Deep Fried Biscuits and North American Midway Entertainment, Belle City Amusements, Deltona, Fla., was to Pearlman; Wacky Shack, by Gravy, created by Mark Zable; Farmland, Ind., provided about 70 rides for the mid- provide the midway this year with 60 rides, games Owens, owned by Danny Eng- •Texas Steak Cone, a fajita way this year. and attractions. • Event Marketing Corporation was hired to pro- land; Dartron’s Rave, brought relative, created by Binh Tran Attendance at the North Carolina State Fair, duce the Alachua County Fair for the first time. in by Kyle Brady of Playworld and Benz Foods; Raleigh, Oct. 13-23, might have dropped from the • Unlimited (brokered through •Heavenly Deep Fried record-setter of 2010, yet officials were extremely For the first time, the Space Coast State Fair, Len Soled, Rides4U) and Lar- Brownie, at Trini Garza’s Ran- pleased when 1,009,173 people passed through the which was set Nov. 10-20, was to be held on the son International’s Jumping chero Fajitas. gates this year during the 11-day run. grounds of Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Florida’s The 2010 total attendance was 1,091,887, which Space Coast. This new location was a change from Jumbos, operated by Steve •Fried Naked Tamales, set an all-time record. During this year’s event, the the previously announced location at Sand Point VanderVorste. at Tamales stand, which also attendance on Friday, Oct. 21, was the second high- Park in Titusville. Other highlights for 2011 featured Deep Fried Southern est for the second Friday of the fair in the last 25 “The Washington Nationals have graciously included the annual Youth Hospitality, a gentile combi- years. On that day this year, there were 94,314 pa- allowed the fair to use the 20-acre fairground next Livestock Auction of Cham- nation of pork, collard greens trons. The record for that Friday, set in 2010, was to Space Coast Stadium,” said Ed Pierce, Maver- 105,073. Thanks to a strong final weekend and good ick Multimedia managing editor, one of the event’s pions, animals raised by and hot water cornbread; weather for much of the fair, the 2011 fair hit the one sponsors. “As one of the top events held each year young Texans and sold for •Double Fried Chicken million mark again. in Brevard County, the fair will bring welcome thou- $1,108,383.28. Volunteers of Breast Taco, “Viva el taco!” On Saturday, Oct. 22, 146,635 attended. sands of visitors to Viera and we are grateful to the the State Fair of Texas bought •Praline Sweet Potato The slight dip wasn’t worrying organizers, who Washington Nationals for making this change of lo- the grand champion steer for Poppers, at Kyle Wall’s Pizza say this year’s attendance is still above average. cale happen.” “Last year was absolutely amazing, attendance- Giles Malone, a partner with Maverick Multime- a record $102,000 and a group and Nacho stand; wise,” according to fair spokesperson Brian Long. dia and chairman of the 2011 Space Coast State Fair, of State Fair concessionaires •Fried Pecan Caramel “We set nine daily attendance records last year, said the popularity of the fair was the underlying rea- paid $24,000 for the reserve Candy, at Barrera’s. which was unprecedented. The odds of that happen- son for the change of location. ing in back-to-back years are pretty low.” Pierce said the fair was to feature thrill rides, State Fair attendance surged to 877,939 people amusement games, free shows and food stands, and in 2009, a year after the fair added a preview day to included concerts from Christian artists Shonlock, the schedule. It was the second-highest attendance Real Radio’s Bubba Wilson and Grammy winning in the last decade. Southern rock band Molly Hatchett. Powers Great American Midways, Corfu, N.Y., Other fair highlights were to be Torres Family provided the midway for the fair. Circus Extravaganza, an extreme motocross stunt • show, a truck show and the Space Coast Bull Mother nature, in the form of rain, did not stop Riding Bash. 439,931 people from catching “Fair Fever!” at the • 22nd annual, state-sponsored Georgia National This coming January, the South Florida Fair, Fair, Perry, which ran October 6-16, 2011. West Palm Beach, will celebrate 100 years with a “This was the third best fair in our history even blend of customer-favorite shows, events and activi- with four days of rain,” said Randy Moore, executive ties together with new promotions to more fully in- director. “The attendance proves Georgians recog- volve the public in the centennial celebration. nize the value of the educational and entertainment The first of those promotions launched Oct. 5 opportunities which exist at the Georgia National with a 100-day countdown to the opening of the Fair.” fair. “100 Days of Giveaways” is a prodigious lineup The rain may have affected total attendance, of everyday deals or giveaways from participating but the good weather set several fair records. South Florida Fair sponsors and vendors. Participants •Best Sneak-a-Peek attendance (October 6). could get involved in this promotion signing up on The Texas fair’s on grounds •Best First Friday attendance (October 7). the fair’s Web site, on Facebook or Twitter. dark ride, Scary Park, re- •Best First Saturday attendance (October 8). The 2012 South Florida Fair Centennial is set for ceived new scenes inside and •Sold-Out Blake Shelton concert (October 8). January 13-29 on the South Florida Fairgrounds. The •Second Best Second Saturday (October 15). 17-day event includes headline entertainment as well out and saw live entertain- •Second Best Second Sunday (October 16). as grounds entertainment such as magic shows, rac- ment, including Little Red “As we go forward, we will continue to offer the ing pigs and The Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show. Riding Hood, played by Ke- best value for Georgia families with regard to free Wade Shows, Livonia, Mich., will provide the cia Jones of Dallas, and her entertainment at the Fair,” Moore said. “Thank you midway for the 2012 South Florida Fair. pet wolf. The ride is owned to all fairgoers and organizations that assist us in this program.” by Gary Barnett. AT/GARY SLADE December 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35 Records shatter at Mississippi State Fair JACKSON, Miss. — held on the first night of the The 2011 Mississippi State Weather, entertainment, and fair when the POP was also Fair shattered previous at- promotions helped push the offered. tendance records when a to- 2011 Mississippi State Fair “We also gave them a dis- tal of 694,892 guests passed over the top, shattering pre- count at one of the larger food through the turnstiles. North vious attendance records and concessions on the midway,” American Midway Entertain- creating a “a really good fair.” Orr said. “It turned out great. ment provided between Billy Orr, executive direc- Last year, we had one corpo- 70 and 80 rides. The Circus tor of the Mississippi State rate party. This year, we had Maximus held three per- Fair commission, said atten- two, one for 250 people and formances daily and each dance this year was 694,892. one for 125 people. Next year, performance was at about That total surpasses the 2010 we were thinking about giv- 85 percent capacity. total by more than 20,000 pa- ing them a Santa hat to wear.” COURTESY MISSISSIPPI STATE FAIR trons. The 2011 event was held Oct. 5-16. “We had a great fair,” Orr said. “We had great en- tertainment this year, such as Steel Magnolia, Boyz II Men, Oak Ridge Boys, Kansas, The Band Perry, Corey Smith, Keith Sweat and Three Doors Down. The Band Perry and Keith Sweat had our largest turnouts. “And, of course, we had a great midway,” he said. “We always do with North Ameri- can Midway Entertainment. I would say they brought in be- tween 70 and 80 rides.” The fair also featured Cir- cus Maximus. Orr said the circus held three shows daily and each of those shows were at about 85 percent capacity. In addition, keeping with tradition, the fair didn’t charge for patrons who want- ed to come in during the week for lunch. Admission is $5 and parking is $5. “But, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., we offer free admis- sion so people can come in for lunch,” Orr said. “We had about 5,600 daily just for that.” Orr said because the 105- acre fairground is located “al- most in the center of Jackson, we have a lot of people walk- ing over here during their lunch hours.” Several promotions really helped push the attendance over the top. Orr said for Columbus Day, Oct. 10, they offered a pay-one-price pro- motion where patrons could purchase an unlimited ride pass for $25. That promotion, a very popular one, ran on several other days throughout the fair including the first day, the last day and for Midnight Madness on Fridays of the fair. In addition to all the other activity on the grounds dur- ing the fair, Orr said they had two local companies hold their Christmas parties during the event. The parties were 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011 2011 State Fair of Virginia draws largest crowd since relocation DOSWELL, Va. — The for those ages three to six years p.m. on opening day instead New this year was the Among other highlights 2011 State Fair of Virginia and 65 plus, as well as a strong of the traditional 10 a.m. kick-off event, Premier Night, are: drew nearly 270,000 visitors concert line-up featuring The “We are pleased that peo- which began at a later time •12,000 students, teachers during its 11-day run Sept. 29- Band Perry, Tracy Lawrence, ple continue to react positive- of day, and included special and chaperones visited “Vir- Oct. 9 at The Meadow Event The Marshall Tucker Band and ly to the fair at our new site,” pricing, special entertainment ginia’s largest outdoor class- Park here. The Fair’s actual others. said Curry Roberts, State Fair and debuted the State Fair room” on school tours, some attendance of 268,930 was the The 2011 State Fair opened president. “We work through- Fireworks. The final day of the through new matching grants largest attendance for the fair six days later than the 2010 edi- out the year with people from fair also featured a special fire- for lower income students at The Meadow Event Park tion to move its closing day to across the Commonwealth works show as well as special in the Fredericksburg area and second largest since 1998. Columbus Day eve. The Fair, to put on the best fair pos- entertainment. through Doris Buffet’s Sun- In its third year at the benefitting from nearly perfect sible and it is rewarding that Deggeller Attractions, Stu- shine Lady Foundation. new site, the fair’s attendance weather, drew record crowds the public has supported the art, Fla., provided almost 50 •4,000 Virginia schoolchil- soared due to new discounts even with a later opening at 5 event.” rides for the midway this year. dren participated in livestock, vocational, agricultural, fine arts and arts and crafts com- MIDWAY petitions •33 State Fair competition MARKET PLACE areas awarded scholarships. Since 1989 the State Fair Schol- arship Program has awarded 2,439 scholarships, a number that will increase after totals are added for this year. •The Fair kicked off with Black Tie & Boots, a special VIP Fair celebration on Sept. 29, with proceeds benefitting Secretariat’s Plaza and the renovation of Secretariat’s training barn and other State Fair of Virginia projects at The Meadow Event Park. •The Dominion Conser- vation Classroom was dedi- cated on Tuesday, Oct. 4. The building features solar panels, a smart energy grid as well as a geo-thermal heat pump and can be used by visiting classes throughout the year to study ecology, sustainable energy and conservation. •Over 10,000 season pass- es were sold for the 2011 event, compared to 3,600 in 2010 and doubled Facebook fans to over 25,000 during the month lead- ing up to the event.

Deggeller Attractions, Stu- art, Fla., provided about 50 rides and attractions, includ- ing this Chance Giant Wheel, at the 2011 State Fair of Vir- ginia. The fair drew its larg- est attendance since moving Keep our carnival and fair industry strong! to Doswell, Va. Buy products and services from these suppliers. COURTESY STATE FAIR OF VIRGINIA December 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011 December 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39

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Box 5427 Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE (or Province and Postal Code) TELEPHONE NUMBER (REQUIRED) Call Michael: (410) 358-8311 Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 • R Payment Enclosed AMUSEMENT • (817) 460-7220 COUNTRY EMAIL ADDRESS Charge to Credit Card: (817) 460-7220 Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397) TODAY SIGN ME UP FOR FREE EMAIL NEWS ELI #5 FERRIS WHEEL Fax (817) 265-NEWS FREE(6397) • QUESTIONS? CALL AT: 817.460.7220 NEWS! R EXTRA! EXTRA! YOUR DESKTOP EDITION RRSerial# 1161-69 R • We accept: G/M, sand blasted CLASSIFIEDS ready for repair and paint We accept: 45-foot trailer YOUR I WANT TO HELP BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATION IN THE AMOUNT BELOW TO PRESERVING MAKE A YES! THE NATIONAL ROLLER COASTER MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES. MORE INFO: ROLLERCOASTERMUSEUM.ORG $6,000 cash ROLLER COASTER USED RIDE HISTORY DONATION R $10 R $25 R $50 R OTHER AMOUNT: $ Call John Fanelli (978) 343-4881 MARKETPLACE 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2011