Amusementtodaycom

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Amusementtodaycom KINGS ISLAND’S 40th ANNIVERSARY – PAGES 19-22 TM Vol. 16 • Issue 3 JUNE 2012 Two traditional parks turn to Zamperla for thrill factor AirRace takes flight at Utah’s Lagoon Massive Black Widow swings into historic Kennywood Park FARMINGTON, Utah — Inspired by what they saw at Co- STORY: Scott Rutherford ney Island’s Luna Park last year, Lagoon officials called upon [email protected] Zamperla to create for them a version of the Italian ride manu- WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. — facturer’s spectacular AirRace attraction. Guests visiting Kennywood Just as with the proptype AirRace at Luna Park, Lagoon’s Park this season will find new ride replicates the thrill and sensations of an acrobatic air- something decidedly sinister plane flight with maneuvers such as banks, loops and dives. lurking in the back corner of Accommodating up to 24 riders in six four-seater airplane- Lost Kennywood. The park’s shaped gondolas, AirRace combines a six-rpm rotation with a newest addition to its impres- motor driven sweep undulation that provides various multi- sive ride arsenal is Black vectored sensations. The gondolas reach a maximum height of Widow, a Zamperla Giant 26 feet above the ground while ‘pilots’ feel the acceleration of Discovery 40 swinging pen- almost four Gs, both right-side-up and inverted. The over-the- dulum ride. shoulder restraint incorporated into the seats holds riders during Overlooking the the simulated flight, and with a minimum height requirement of final swoop turn of the just 48 inches, AirRace is one of Lagoon’s most accessible family Phantom’s Revenge and the thrill rides. When operating at peak capacity, the new ride can Monongahela River far below, accommodate approximately 480 guests per hour. Black Widow is constructed 4See LAGOON, page 4 on the former site of Pittfall, the 251-foot-tall second-gen- eration Intamin freefall that operated at Kennywood from 1997 through 2011. Farewell Pittfall When asked about the decision to remove Pittfall, Kennywood officials agree that it was time for the ride to go. “Though it had its share of fans, the Pittfall just wasn’t that popular anymore. And the capacity was nothing com- Black Widow, a Zamperla Giant Discovery 40 swinging pen- pared to most of our rides.” dulum ride, has invaded Kennywood Park this season. Lo- said Kennywood General cated in the Lost Kennywood section of the park on the site Manager Jerome Gibas. “It of the former Pittfall free fall, Black Widow accommodates was also due for a major over- 40 guests per cycle. AT/SCOTT RUTHERFORD haul and we all knew its days were limited.” director of maintenance and is going to be a big hit with “That’s right. Ridership construction. “We looked at it our guests. We offer a lot of Lagoon’s newest thrill ride is this AirRace from Zamperla. was certainly down on Pittfall from several perspectives and different experiences here at Seating 24 riders per cycle, the ride swings ‘pilots’ up and and then there was the ongoing it just made good business Kennywood and this one fits over to reach 26 feet above ground while accelerating to maintenance issues,” added sense to remove Pittfall and in perfectly.” almost four Gs, both right side up and inverted. Rob Henninger, Kennywood’s replace it with something like COURTESY LAGOON assistant general manager and Black Widow. I think this ride 4See KENNYWOOD, page 4 SUBSCRIBE TO JOIN US IN SEPTEMBER! Dated material. material. Dated AMUSEMENT TODAY 2012 RUSH! NEWSPAPER TICKET P. POSTMASTER: PLEASE 25, 2012 May Mailed Friday, (817) 460-7220 GOLDEN I. AWARDS PERMIT # 2069 # PERMIT V. SEPTEMBER 7-8, 2012 FT. WORTH TX WORTH FT. com BEST OF THE BEST! PAID amusementtoday US POSTAGE US PRSRT STD PRSRT GOLDENTICKETAWARDS.com 2 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2012 NEWSTALK OPINIONS CARTOON LETTERS AT CONTACTS EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] CARTOON: Bubba Flint Standard equipment? I know some are going to disagree with what I’m about to write, but after touring several new waterparks and slide towers this spring and all of last year, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s time for all of the waterpark slide suppliers to make a stand. Slade Too many times I have seen a beautiful new slide tower without a top roof cover- ing to protect the guests and the lifeguard/slide opera- tor from the sun. When a roof structure is added, many times it looks out of place or just comes across as an afterthought. I know parks view the roof (or covering) as an item they can install cheaper than purchasing new from the supplier, but it’s time for the suppliers to start pushing for their platform covering design more. Also, while on the subject of waterparks, I’ve reached the conclusion that suppliers should offer their slide towers to include the tube/raft conveyor as part of the total package on any slide that requires tubes/ rafts with a capacity of three guests or more. Park guests EDITORIAL: Scott Rutherford, [email protected] seem to manage the single tubes and double donut tubes up the staircases fine, but anything more than that Showcasing history always seems to be an issue that clogs up the line and Anyone who knows me is well ers. Though viewing the collection can be somewhat slows down the overall capacity. Plus it takes away from aware of my penchant for history. heartbreaking when you realize just how much has the guest experience, as the soon-to-be rider is having Though my interests may encom- been lost, those of us who truly care about such things to work by carrying a tube/raft to just enjoy the slide? pass a broad range of subjects, can take comfort in the fact that at least some tangible none is more dear to me than my components of a favorite attraction have been saved. Roller coaster suppliers don’t allow parks to buy a ongoing research into and pres- While the NRCMA’s long term plan is to construct new coaster without a lift hill, it’s time waterpark ervation of amusement industry a permanent home to house the ever-growing collec- suppliers did the same. Yes, I know it’s a competitive heritage, particularly wooden roller tion, the immediate goal is to assemble and build dis- thing, an outlet for a park on a limited budget, but in the Rutherford coasters. plays for several temporary exhibits set to be opened So it should come as no sur- in 2012 and beyond. The exhibits will focus on local long run is it really worth it? prise how much I support and admire the efforts of parks and include both the story of the roller coaster Suppliers: please dig down a little deeper in your those behind the National Roller Coaster Museum as well as images of celebrated parks no longer in sales presentations and convince the waterparks that and Archives. Founded in 2001 by a group of industry existence. platform shade structure and the lift conveyor (to get professionals and historians, the NRCMA’s honorable The very first of these temporary endeavors – mission is to “discover, preserve, interpret and share The National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives tubes/rafts up to the dispatch point) are standard the historical heritage of the roller coaster for present Premiere Exhibition – is currently being assembled. equipment and included in the purchase price. and future generations.” Although many may have Over the past few months, a select group of histori- The guests will thank the park with repeat visits, and heard of the NRCMA, only those who have personally ans, collectors and artists have diligently worked to in turn the park will thank you, the supplier. investigated and examined the artifacts and memora- create this amazing and unique display, which will be bilia housed in the group’s massive Plainview, Texas unveiled later this summer within an existing structure —Gary Slade storage facility can truly appreciate the scope and at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. dedication behind this endeavor. And it should be mentioned that just as with the Gary Slade is the founder and publisher of Amusement Quietly and with too little recognition, the NRCMA itself, this “Premiere Exhibition” is possible Today. His love for amusement parks began at age six NRCMA has been steadily amassing items that range only because of dedicated volunteers who selflessly from historical photographs and postcards up to donate their time, energy and passion so that others when he first visited Pontchartrain Beach Amusement complete, full-size roller coaster trains and sections might enjoy and be inspired to begin their own quest Park and Six Flags Over Texas. His long newspaper career of the track on which they once carried excited rid- for historical preservation. helped lead to the launch of AT in 1997. 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, Stacey Childress / Childress Media Editorial Sue Nichols Arlington, Texas 76011 NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, WWA, TTIA, Web & Graphic Design [email protected] Advertising NAARSO and IISF (817) 889-4441 (615) 662-0252 Subscription rates are: 1 year (14 issues) $75 in the USA; $100 elsewhere; 2 years (28 issues) $140/$180; [email protected] Scott Rutherford [email protected] 3 years (42 issues) $200/$250. Send check or money order (U.S. funds only, drawn on a U.S. bank) to Amusement Today, P.O.
Recommended publications
  • ACE's Scandinavian Sojourn
    ACE’s Scandinavian Sojourn : A Southerner’s Perspective Story by: Richard Bostic, assisted by Ronny Cook When I went on the ACEspana trip back in 2009, it was by far one of the most amazing vacations I have ever experienced. In addition to getting to visit parks in a different culture than we see here, it is also a great opportunity to spend time with fellow enthusiasts and grow friendships while enjoying our common interests. When Scandinavia Sojourn was announced for the summer of 2011, I knew it was a trip I could not miss. Since the 2009 trip was my first trip to Europe I thought that there was no way the over- all experience could be better in Scandinavia. I was wrong. We landed in Helsinki, Finland around 1300 the day before we were required to be at the hotel to meet with the group. Helsinki is an interesting city and fairly new compared to many cities in Europe. Walking around the city you can see the Russian influence in the city’s architecture. In fact, many movies during the cold war would use Helsinki to shoot scenes that are supposed to be set in the Soviet Union. After making our way to the Crowne Plaza Hotel and getting a quick lunch at the hotel restaurant we decided to spend the remaining time that afternoon checking out some of the sites around our hotel. Some of these sites included the Temppeliaukio Church inside of a rock formation, the train station, Routatientori Square and National Theater, and a couple of the city’s art museums.
    [Show full text]
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's Carousel Turns
    TM Celebrating Our 15th Year Vol. 15 • Issue 8.2 NOVEMBER 2011 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s carousel turns 100 STORY: Jeffrey L. Seifert gigantic natatorium that of- [email protected] fered one of the largest heated saltwater pools ever created. SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Other attractions soon fol- The oldest ride at the Santa lowed including a miniature Cruz Beach Boardwalk passed steam train that same year, a the century mark earlier this Thompson Scenic Railway in summer. 1908 and the Looff Carousel in Charles I.D. Looff, one of 1911. the earliest and most success- ful builders of carousels deliv- Americans fall in love ered the “Merry Go Round” come a popular pastime. with the ‘Carousel’ to the Boardwalk in August of John Leibrandt opened Though dating back to 1911. the first public bathhouse on France in the mid 16th centu- Looff, who immigrated the beach in 1865. The Santa ry, it wasn’t until the late 1800s from Denmark as a young Cruz beach, with its south- and the adaptation of a steam man, began building carousels ern shore on the north side of engine that carousels became in 1875, installing his first at Monterey Bay was protected popular. Mrs. Lucy Vanderveer’s Bath- from the harsh waves typical Americans had become ing Pavilion at Coney Island, of the west coast and offered a enchanted with these new New York City, in 1876. Be- beautiful and serene area with rides in the late 1800s and ear- The historic Santa ing one of the first, many of safe, open-water swimming.
    [Show full text]
  • RIDES, GAMES and SHOPS International Street 13
    RIDES, GAMES AND SHOPS International Street 13. Portrait Drawings 28. Delirium™ - Spin out of control as you hurtle up to 137 feet in the air.... SHOPPING... 52. SpongeBob SquarePants™ 3-D - Take the plunge with SpongeBob and his Rivertown ATTRACTIONS... 14. Glass Blower - Glass blowers and candle carvers create unique gifts and collectibles! more than 13 thrilling stories at 70mph! 39. Airbrushed Shirts Bikini Bottom pals in the world's only 3-D ocean motion movie ride. ATTRACTIONS... 1. Eiffel Tower 15. Caricature Drawings GAMES (Pay as you play)... 40. Woodworks - Hand-carved wooden names and wood works 53. Paramount Action FX Theater™ - Check theater for current feature. (May be too 66. The Beast® - The world’s longest wooden roller coaster... 16. Sugarplum Candy Shop - Fudge, candy, lollipops and other tasty confections. frightening for small children.) 2. Grand Carousel 29. Action Blast Coney Mall 25 years and running! 3. The Paramount Story 17. Girl Space - Stuff for your own personal planet. GAMES (Pay as you play)... 67. TOMB RAIDER: The Ride™ The Sequel - Experience a longer and more SHOPPING... ATTRACTIONS... 4. International Showplace 18. Convenience Corner - Full of sundries, gifts, cameras, & suncare products! 30. On Location - Son of Beast™ and "Motor Heads" headquarters. 54. Hang Time Basketball thrilling adventure as mystery and mayhem collide in an epic battle of 5. International Street Bandstand 19. Carved Names and Rings 41. The Racer - Forward and backward wooden coaster 55. Center Games fire and ice. (Please, no food, drink or smoking inside the cave. Octoberfest 42. Scrambler 6. Paramount Theatre Paramount Action Zone™ 56.
    [Show full text]
  • Risk of Being Hit by Moving Parts of an Aerial Amusement Ride
    Risk of being hit by moving parts of an aerial amusement ride Purpose To highlight and manage the risk of being hit by fast moving parts in the loading/unloading zone of certain aerial amusement rides, such as the 'Inverter' or a Frisbee style ride. Background An operator of an Inverter Ride in USA died on 19 October 2008 when he was hit by the counterweight of the ride. The investigation found that the victim was taking measurements for future repairs and apparently thought the ride had finished its cycle. He moved into the path of the moving counterweight, which hit and killed him. The carriage and counterweight of certain aerial amusement rides are physically not in the loading zone during the majority of the operation cycle. For a split second, these moving parts return and sweep across the passenger loading zone. It is critical that the operator (or any other person) is not in the hazardous zone during the operation cycle of these rides. Examples of such rides operating in Australia include the Claw, Hangover, Ranger, Ali Baba and No Limit. Photograph 1 shows an aerial ride and the gates into the hazardous zone. This alert is not intended to cover situations where: maintenance gates are normally locked and the keys are only available to authorised persons; gates which are subject to documented lockout procedures, e.g. access gates leading to roller coaster track areas. Photograph 1: View of an aerial ride showing the gates into the hazardous zone. Recommended control measures Owners of these types of rides must implement appropriate control measures such as: 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Hungry Hungry
    Rider Height Guide Ride Rating System lost All Minimum Maximum Must be Requirement Accompanied by a Ride Low Thrill Ride – to Ride Requirement Responsible Person 2 Mild Thrill Ride NEW 54" Diamondback, Flight of Fear, The Crypt 5 Moderate Thrill Ride 2011 for 54" 80" Firehawk 5 High Thrill Ride 54" 78" Invertigo 5 5 Aggressive Thrill Ride 52" WindSeeker with park admission! park with FREE included is Bay Boomerang landscaping. lush by surrounded waterfalls careening and areas activity family three pool, wave square-foot 36,000 waves, surfable rivers, rushing lagoons, tropical slides, water 30 including activities, water 50 than more features Bay Boomerang waterpark. 15-acre splashtacular our in heat the beat to way coolest the Explore Bay Boomerang PEANUTS the with opportunities meet-and-greet daily and Adventure, Pirate Brown’s Charlie Snoopy Planet better. getting keep thrills best the year, after Year Island. Kings at are offer to has world the thrills best the year, after Year Vortex. and Racer the Deck, Flight Invertigo, Coaster, Stunt Backlot Tower, Drop Delirium, Firehawk, also There’s feet. 7,400 at world the in coaster roller wooden longest the – Beast The Challenge Island. Kings at coaster roller meanest and fastest tallest, the – Diamondback on fix their get can junkies speed park, the in Elsewhere park. the above stories 30 riders spins that tower 301-foot-tall a WindSeeker, with 2011 in seekers thrill for landscape the change to continues Island Kings Charlie Brown, Linus and Lucy. and Linus Brown, Charlie 52" 76" Delirium 5 show, stage live a features also Snoopy Planet Snoopy, voted “Best Kids Area in in Area Kids “Best voted Snoopy, Planet any other park in the world.
    [Show full text]
  • Amusement Industry Helps Light the Way for Hope
    SPECIAL DIGITAL EDITION: Industry reacts to COVID-19 TM & ©2020 Amusement Today, Inc. pandemic April 2, 2020 | Vol. 24 • Issue 1.1 www.amusementtoday.com Amusement industry helps light the way for hope As the nation — and the world — battles the COVID-19 pandemic, the amusement and attractions industry is doing its best to keep people's spirits up, remind them that better days are ahead and to be the light at the end of the tunnel. Demonstrations of hope by the attractions industry are being seen and enjoyed worldwide. Kentucky Kingdom took out bill boards throughout Lousiville reminding the community that they were in this together with them (above left). Playland's Castaway Cove showed everyone they can always look forward to the future by keeping its Ferris wheel illuminated (above right). Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort illuminated several of the resorts' hotel towers with hearts (Universal's Aventura pictured right). Carnival Cruise ships were seen off the coast of Florida with the message "We will be back" lit up across them (below right). Entertaining guests in their homes, Disneyland's Dapper Dans (below left) performed live via the internet, taking requests and harmonizing from their living rooms. COURTESY KENTUCKY KINGDOM, PLAYLAND'S CASTAWAY COVE, WEAR-TV, DISNEY PARKS; AT/ DAVID FAKE Industry Voices...Pages 2-3 Get the most up-to-date industry news from Theme parks find silver linings...Pages 4-5 Amusement Today, Manufacturer's and suppliers forge on...Pages 6-7 Insurance, finance companies find solutions...Page 8 AmusementToday.com and Industry organizations guide members...Page 9 EXTRA! EXTRA! Your Desktop Edition Family-owned parks display hope...Pages 12-13 INSIDE: Carnivals, midways strive onward...Pages 14-15 daily email newsblast! FECs eager to welcome back families...Page 16 Water parks look to keep flowing...Page 17 2 AMUSEMENT TODAY COVID-19 Special Edition 2020 AMUSEMENT VIEWS AT NOTEBOOK: John W.C.
    [Show full text]
  • Guest Accessibility Guide
    Guest Accessibility Guide CONTENTS Safety Overview Amusement Rider Safety and Liability Act...................................4 Admission Information Admission .....................................................................................5 Supervising Companion ...............................................................5 Ride Exit Pass ...............................................................................5 General Information Guest Services ..............................................................................6 First Aid ........................................................................................6 Service Animals ............................................................................6 Mobility Devices ...........................................................................7 Lockers .........................................................................................7 Smoking ........................................................................................7 Ride Guidelines & Rules Making an Informed Riding Decision ...........................................7 Health Restrictions .......................................................................8 Artificial Limbs & Amputees ........................................................9 Boarding a Ride or Attraction ......................................................9 Restraint Systems .........................................................................9 Ride Experience ............................................................................9
    [Show full text]
  • Coasterstock | Kings Island
    Coasterstock | Kings Island https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog-article/online-fun/Kings-Islands-... | 0 items Today's Hours Kings Island: Opens April 15! Search Save Time and Money! Buy and « Go Back print your tickets at home. Friday, January 20th, 2017 BY JUSTIN DIETZ | CP Food Blog Chances are you cannot wait to ride Kings Island's new Mystic Timbers roller coaster, love a signature blue ice cream cone, and would jump at the chance of going behind the scenes back into the woods to see The Beast up close. For those that have a passion for roller coasters and rides, have you considered joining a coaster club? Once a year, Kings Island invites various clubs out to the park for an exclusive two day event that is the must do event of the spring, Coasterstock! 1 of 4 3/17/2017 1:18 PM Coasterstock | Kings Island https://www.visitkingsisland.com/blog-article/online-fun/Kings-Islands-... February 2017 January 2017 This year’s Coasterstock event takes place May 19-20, starting out on Friday morning with exclusive ride time (ERT) on Banshee and The Bat, followed by more ERT on Adventure Express, Delirium, Drop Tower and Invertigo. After lunch, which is included in the event, guests will do a lights on tour of select Haunt mazes and a behind-the-scenes photo opportunity of the park's tallest and fastest roller coaster, Diamondback, and the Train, which will also be an opportunity to get some great photos of Mystic Timbers. Guest will then end Friday night with ERT on Mystic Timbers, The Beast, Diamondback and Flying Ace Aerial Chase.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 a B C D E F G a B C D E F G 1 2 3 4
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 A 44 A 23 37 G 28 35 36 32 31 30 29 14 16 34 33 12 22 24 1 3 4 10 11 2 5 6 13 15 43 21 9 B G B 20 7 8 17 18 3 19 4 24 27 5 6 19 25 20 21 7 C 25 C 22 23 6 12 3 4 2 45 1 2 18 28 3 6 13 16 19 30 1 G 7 17 23 2 15 31 D 2 20 25 27 D 10 29 32 3 G G G 21 G 26 5 1 8 4 12 1 33 G 34 G 1 5 G 24 G 14 1 6 G 9 22 G 13 G G 18 11 11 42 G 5 G G 8 E 4 10 35 E 9 15 G 7 40 41 16 36 14 2 G 4 F 37 F 3 39 17 38 G G 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 TERRACES 21 Group Foods 4-C 16 Willow 7-B 43 Log Flume 10-B 11 Space Scrambler 3-E Cinnamon Roll 9 21 Milk 2 9 GUEST SERVICES X-VENTURE ZONE & PAVILIONS ATTRACTIONS 34 Irontown 9-B 24 Merry-Go-Round 9-D 23 Speedway Junior 9-D Coffee 2 9 19 Nachos 10 25 Drinking Fountain 13 Aspen 6-B 12 Juniper 6-B RIDES 18 Moonraker 7-D 39 Spider 11-F Corn on the Cob 22 Pizza 4 10 Telephone 1 Catapult 2-D 9 Bighorn 4-B Maple 6-C 25 Baby Boats 9-D 36 Musik Express 14-E 22 Terroride 7-E Corndog 10 15 Popcorn 7 Strollers, Wagons 2 Top Eliminator 2-F 15 Birch 6-B 22 Meadow 3-C 12 Bat 4-C 13 OdySea 5-C 31 Tidal Wave 10-D Cotton Candy 7 9 13 Pretzel 4 10 13 21 & Wheelchairs 3 Double Thunder Raceway 3-F 7 Black Hills 3-B 31 Miners Basin 9-A 9 Boomerang 3-E 5 Paratrooper 2-E 10 Tilt-A-Whirl 3-E Dip N Dots5 7 12 18 24 Pulled Pork 22 Gifts & Souvenirs 4 Sky Coaster 4-E 17 Bonneville 5-B 24 Oak 5-C 15 Bulgy the Whale 7-D 28 Puff 9-C 32 Turn of the Century 11-D Floats 9 16 23 Ribs 22 ATM LAGOON A BEACH 10 Bridger 4-B 36 Park Valley 8-A 40 Cliffhanger 11-E 44 Rattlesnake Rapids 10-A 38 Wicked 12-G Frozen 1 11 17
    [Show full text]
  • Cedar Point Welcomes 2016 Golden Ticket Awards Ohio Park and Resort Host Event for Second Time SANDUSKY, Ohio — the First Chapter in Cedar and Beyond
    2016 GOLDEN TICKET AWARDS V.I.P. BEST OF THE BEST! TM & ©2016 Amusement Today, Inc. September 2016 | Vol. 20 • Issue 6.2 www.goldenticketawards.com Cedar Point welcomes 2016 Golden Ticket Awards Ohio park and resort host event for second time SANDUSKY, Ohio — The first chapter in Cedar and beyond. Point's long history was written in 1870, when a bath- America’s top-rated park first hosted the Gold- ing beach opened on the peninsula at a time when en Ticket Awards in 2004, well before the ceremony such recreation was finding popularity with lake island continued to grow into the “Networking Event of the areas. Known for an abundance of cedar trees, the Year.” At that time, the awards were given out be- resort took its name from the region's natural beauty. low the final curve of the award-winning Millennium It would have been impossible for owners at the time Force. For 2016, the event offered a full weekend of to ever envision the world’s largest ride park. Today activities, including behind-the-scenes tours of the the resort has evolved into a funseeker’s dream with park, dinners and receptions, networking opportuni- a total of 71 rides, including one of the most impres- ties, ride time and a Jet Express excursion around sive lineups of roller coasters on the planet. the resort peninsula benefiting the National Roller Tourism became a booming business with the Coaster Museum and Archives. help of steamships and railroad lines. The original Amusement Today asked Vice President and bathhouse, beer garden and dance floor soon were General Manager Jason McClure what he was per- joined by hotels, picnic areas, baseball diamonds and sonally looking forward to most about hosting the a Grand Pavilion that hosted musical concerts and in- event.
    [Show full text]
  • Togo Mizrahi and the Making of Egyptian Cinema
    2 Togo Mizrahi, Work over Words To usher in the new year, 1941, an Egyptian weekly magazine published a spe- cial issue devoted to the arts featuring interviews with high-profile figures. Togo Mizrahi, the successful and prolific film director, was quoted as saying, “No Egyp- tian actress is fit to stand before the camera.”1 To stanch the furor over his remarks, Mizrahi penned a lengthy letter to the editor. The filmmaker’s response to this embarrassing gaffe provides insights into Mizrahi’s character and his place in Egyptian culture.2 Togo Mizrahi was known to be media shy—a man who “prefers work over w ord s .” 3 He granted few interviews, and had little experience dealing with the press. His response letter is one of the few surviving pieces Mizrahi published in the Egyptian press. While in his letter Mizrahi does not deny making the inflam- matory statement, he accuses the journalist of distorting his words and taking them out of context. Mizrahi asserts that he had not intended to disparage any of the actors he had worked with. He claims, instead, that he wished to outline for emerging talent what it takes to launch a successful cinema career.4 A more media- savvy director would have weighed his words more carefully. The letter also reveals the two roles Mizrahi played in the Egyptian cinema industry. Mizrahi was one of the pioneers of the industry, founding a studio and a production company in 1929. He was also a prolific director of popular comedies and musicals. In his letter, Mizrahi speaks from his perspective as a director when he addresses his relationship with actors.
    [Show full text]
  • Thunderbolt Turns 50 Coasterbash! XXIX
    The FUNOFFICIAL Newsletter of ACE Western Pennsylvania Vol. 28, No. 2 June 2018 Thunderbolt Turns 50 by Brett Weissbart 2018 is a special year for Kennywood for many reasons: the park is celebrating its 120th anniversary, Thomas Town marks one of the largest investments in decades and perhaps most notable for coaster enthusiasts, Thunderbolt is celebrating its 50th anniversary! Originally designed by John Miller and opened in 1924 as Pippin, the ride reopened in 1968 after receiving a major overhaul by the park’s own Andy Vettel. The longer, faster and wilder ride received many accolades, including being named “the king of Photo by Joel Brewton coasters” by The New York Times and one of the top ten coasters in the country by the Smithsonian. Kennywood is celebrating the anniversary with special pricing, ride marathons and other events throughout the season. CoasterBash! XXIX by Sarah Windisch ACE members in western Pennsylvania and a Fred Ingersoll/Luna Park historical marker, which costs surrounding states converged again in early March around $2,000, so organizers added this to some of the at Salvatore's in the South Hills of Pittsburgh for fundraisers being held during the evening. Additionally, CoasterBash!, the region's off-season event with plenty it was announced that ACE Western Pennsylvania was of food, fun, prizes and even some dancing (you never looking for a Twitter coordinator. know what to expect!). With some return presenters The first presenter was Brian Butko, who authored and several fresh faces, CoasterBash! XXIX was plenty the Kennywood Behind the Screams; Pocket Edition of fun.
    [Show full text]