New Mexico refuses to let amusement facilities open, no clear explanation — page 36 INSIDE:

Full recap of Florida Week events TM & ©2021 , Inc. PAGE 30-32 March 2021 | Vol. 24 • Issue 12 Digital Edition Dezerland Action Park Orlando opens with indoor fun, museum AT: David Fake Special to Amusement Today Dezerland Action Park Orlando occupies more than 800,000 square feet in the former ORLANDO — After Artegon Marketplace/Festival nearly three years of prepara- Bay Mall at the north end of tion, Dezerland Action Park Orlando's International Drive. Orlando opened to the public AT/DAVID FAKE on December 14, 2020. The park, which occupies more than 800,000 square feet in the former Artegon Marketplace/ Festival Bay Mall, is located on the north end of International Drive in the heart of Orlando’s tourist corridor. The new park is currently operating under a soft opening model, which includes six of the 12+ planned, pay attractions; however, admission and parking are free. The attractions currently included in the soft open- The Palace provides valued at approximately $6.5 ing the tank, are fully opera- ing include: Arcade Orlando, historic information about the million and multiple Bat tional if you give them gas Bowling Orlando, Jump Start, games along with a tracking Mobiles from the television and a battery. Of course, we The Pinball Palace and The house of world records for the show and an array of the need to keep them that way Orlando Auto Museum. players. movie franchises. so there's no potential short or Arcade Orlando is home Karting Orlando is a two- Sure to be a favorite, and electric spark,” says Sebastian to over 300 redemption, skill, track racing experience in state- possibly the biggest draw to Mochkovsky, co-owner of rhythm, nostalgia, classic pin- of-the-art electric go-karts U.S. When fully open, will the museum, will be the James Dezerland, along with the park’s ball, toddler riding games and manufactured by BIZ Karts, a feature over 18 organized Bond Exhibit and Lounge, and collection’s namesake and video games. Many of which British go-kart manufacturing groupings of vehicles includ- which is nearing completion. curator, Michael Dezer. were acquired from the now company in operation since ing Cars of the Stars, the Bat When open, the exhibit will Dezer, an Israeli immi- defunct Republic park 1994 in London England, and Cave, Cuba Libre and Main house the world’s largest col- grant, came to the U.S. in (Dubai Mall, UAE), which operating a Florida division Street USA, and the Military lection of James Bond memo- 1962 and worked in advertis- operated from 2009-2017. serving the , Pavilion, just to name a few. rabilia. The exhibit and lounge ing while he attended night Bowling Orlando is a Canada and Mexico markets The Orlando Auto will include a full-size Russian school before creating his own 12-lane boutique bowling since 2017. Karting Orlando’s Museum is any auto enthusi- tank and jet, as well as feature typesetting business. He then experience with exciting light- two tracks include the Pro ast’s dream, because not only the two 1964 Aston Martin began investing in New York ing, large screen projection Track, which at 1,500 feet is the can guests view the vehicles, DB5s, which remains the most City real estate and found- televisions, and full bar and longest indoor go-kart track in they can also buy them, as iconic and recognizable of the ed Dezer Properties. In the restaurant service. Florida and reserved for rac- some of the museum’s highest Bond vehicles. These originals 1980s, Dezer purchased sev- Jump Start has 20,000 ers over 58 inches in height, quality classic and collector made their first appearance eral oceanfront lots in Miami square feet of fun, adventure and the Cadet Track, a shorter cars are also for sale. in the film Goldfinger; one and developed over a billion and excitement including tram- track (500 feet) reserved for There are approximately of those in the collection is dollars in properties. Dezer poline courts, dodge ball, super racers over 48 inches in height. 2000 vehicles in the collection. a custom, one-of-a-kind stunt has had a lifelong affinity for slam basketball and three The Orlando Auto There are about 130 of those model, tricked out with Bond automobiles and motor vehi- rooms to host private parties. Museum is Orlando’s larg- vehicles displayed throughout effects, including disguised, cles, spurred by the purchase The Pinball Palace fea- est museum of any kind and the park, outside of the actual retractable machine guns, of a Vespa at age 16. tures over 150 pinball games home to the Dezer Collection. museum, where there is no a flipping license plate, and In 2012 Dezer opened The from manufacturers such as It is also the largest and most charge to view the vehicles. smokescreen capabilities. Miami Auto Museum at the Data East, Gottleib, Bally, engaging private collection of Highlights of the collection “The majority of the vehi- Sega, , and Williams. automobiles/vehicles in the include several Aston Martins cles in the collection, includ- 4See ORLANDO, page 6

AMUSEMENT VIEWS PARKS & WATER PARKS BUSINESS SAFETY CLASSIFIEDS Page 4 Pages 7-24 Pages 25-29 Pages 30-37 Pages 38-45 Page 46 Get the most up-to-date industry news from AmusementToday.com! 2 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021 March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3

New Looping Coaster! 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021 AMUSEMENT VIEWS

AT NOTEBOOK: John W.C. Robinson, [email protected] FLINT’S VIEW: Bubba Flint One year later... It's hard to believe it's been a year since everything seemed to get turned on its ear. I still remember my flight home from New Orleans, after attending Amusement Expo 2020, and distributing our Amusement Today's March 2020 issue. By the time my plane had landed, Disneyland announced Robinson it's closure, Dollywood had canceled its media day, and local FECs had started to announce their own temporary closure. Admittedly, I was full of hope and thought all this would be over in a matter of weeks. Not the first time in my life I've been wrong. However, I was right about something. When I got home, I wrote a column for AT's April 2020 issue regarding the pandemic. I wrote with great confidence that our industry, though stunned, would survive this sudden change because this industry has not only always adapated, but it has also always come together — as a family — when needed. Looking back on the past year, that's exactly what happened. IAAPA has worked with the federal government to help get financial aid programs for the attractions industry. INDUSTRY VOICE: Jonah Sandler, owner, Scene75 Entertainment Centers NEAAPA worked with local governments to help get area An equal and opposite reaction parks open for guests, including finally acheiving the green light to open attractions in the state of New York (see Newton’s Third Law of Motion relates rationale behind their decisions explained to the physical interaction of two objects. well enough to the public to earn buy-in? story, page 46). Suppliers developed new products and But I often contemplate the essence of In , our four Scene75 locations techniques to help attractions maintain sanitary conditions. this law in connection with many other were closed by government mandate last Parks shared knowledge with their competitors to help aspects of my life. As relates to Scene75 March, a scenario similar to what many of prepare them for the hurdles of opening within a pandemic. Entertainment, I tell my teammates that it us experienced across the country. When Most recently, major theme parks are working with is not only our immediate action or deci- the mandate was ultimately lifted, it was local governments to become mass vaccination sites and sion that we must evaluate, but also, it is Sandler replaced with a government imposed 10 help distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to the populace (see the ensuing — often unintended — conse- p.m. curfew. Did the local government, story, page 44). In essence, parks are working to ensure quences that require deep deliberation. in making this decision, fully evaluate the hidden their guests are ready to spin the turnstiles again in 2021. As managers and leaders, it is our duty to consequences of trying to force people into staying Even though we're nearing the light at the end of the determine the latent consequences of our deci- home at night? First hand, on an hour-by-hour basis tunnel, the struggle is not over. The outdoor and traveling sions. And then, once identified (always in part leading up to the curfew, I saw more congestion, and never in full), it is on us to determine if we more traffic, more crowds in multiple kind of estab- amusement industry continues to battle cancellations, believe that the intended course of action still lishments and even more guests at times in venues postponements and downsizing. The state of New Mexico remains the appropriate path to pursue. like ours, due to the condensed hours of operation. has offered no information for the opening of any kind of As the pandemic tore through our world, I And as the curfew hour approached, a mass exodus family amusement facility (indoor or outdoor), while still wondered if our government leaders truly con- which lead to immense social distancing challenges. greenlighting the opening of local gyms and strip bars (see templated the unintended consequences of their As we look back at 2020 and try to rebuild, if story, page 36). There is still much ahead to accomplish. decisions in advance of adopting them. Many of and where able, what will we most remember? For I could not be prouder of our industry. Facing a us suffered through a continuum of seemingly arbi- me, it will forever remind me that for each action struggle that no one saw coming, repeatedly we've trary rules based on limited, or at best unexplained, or decision we make, there is almost always a con- worked together to pave the way for hope, opportunity supporting data. While I unequivocally support the sequence or reaction lurking. To be better leaders, and the return of family fun. safety of all, did our leaders think through the equal we must evaluate the hidden as much as, if not and opposite reactions of their actions? Was the more so than, the obvious. Opinions expressed on this page are those of the columinst(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

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Amusement Today is an independent, privately- Founder & Publisher Editor & Production Manager Monthly Contributors owned trade newspaper published 14 times per Gary Slade • (817) 460-7220 John Robinson • (513) 256-1441 David Fake, Bubba Flint, year by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Box 5427, [email protected] [email protected] Lottie Minick, Richard Munch, Arlington, Texas 76005. The entire contents of Janice Witherow this newspaper, and its related websites, are Copyrighted and Trademarked 2021 by Amuse- Accounting & Classified Editorial Association Memberships ment Today Inc., all rights reserved. Sammy Piccola • (817) 460-7220 Tim Baldwin • (972) 697-9745 [email protected] [email protected] ACE, AIMS International, ASTM, IAAPA, IISF, Address: P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas IRT/iROC, NAARSO, NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, PAPA, PACE, SLA, TTIA, WWA 76005-5427, USA Assistant Office Manager, Circulation Jeffrey Seifert • (817) 460-7220 Deliveries: 2004 E. Randol Mill Road #502, [email protected] Arlington, Texas 76011, USA Savannah Breen • (817) 460-7220 Industry Affiliated Charities Phone: (817) 460-7220 [email protected] Give Kids the World Village, Morgan's Wonderland, • (717) 843-3050 Fax: (817) 265-NEWS (6397) B. Derek Shaw National Museum & Archives Websites: www.AmusementToday.com, Advertising [email protected] www.GoldenTicketAwards.com Sue Nichols • (615) 477-5432 Pam Sherborne • (615) 308-3310 [email protected] [email protected] March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5

THE INDUSTRY SEEN MINUTE Snowtime thrills DRILL 2 AT: Janice Witherow Sara Paz, Embed Decisive. Intense. Strategist. High-energy. Leader. When looking for words to describe Sara Paz, these are just a few. As CMO of Embed, a worldwide leader of the integrated cashless business management systems and solutions for the family entertainment and amusement/ attractions industries, Sara brings a history of award-winning marketing results to the company and shares each success with her team. She was honored by Industry Era magazine with the dis- tinction of “10 Best CMOs of 2020.” Her sense of adventure and love of life spill over into her career making her one to watch in the industry.

Title: Chief Marketing Officer.

Number of years in the industry: 3. FAIRFIELD, Ohio — With record snowfalls hitting the Best thing about the industry: Embed's Sara Paz often displays her sense country, Amusement Today's John Robinson and some The people! We’re in the business of fun, and of adventure as well as a love of life and young friends wanted to enjoy some . However, nobody’s having more fun than us "transform- what it offers. COURTESY EMBED the surprise snowfall and COVID-19 shutdown had ing fun" via the combination of technology availability in very short supply. Zebec Watersports of and the creative application thereof. Fairfield, Ohio, came through in a pinch to deliver the I always need help with … Everything! I fun. The company supplied Robinson with multiple clear, Favorite amusement ride: roller might have a vision and strategy, but without slick water slide tubes which coasted along the sledding coaster in Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi; it’s cur- my team to execute it, I’m nothing. They hills perfectly for a day of fun. AT/JOHN W.C. ROBINSON rently the fastest in the world. Mind-blowing! make me look better than I deserve. It’s the ultimate adult amusement ride. What do you notice first when meeting If I wasn’t working in the amusement indus- someone? The frequency of their energy. try, I would be … I’ve always worked for companies in industries I respect and admire, If you could invite one famous person to Reflections making the world a better place with their dinner, who would it be? Jacinda Ardern, products and services. So, if I wasn’t working Prime Minister of New Zealand. The way she ON FUN in this industry, I’d be working for another navigated a terrorist attack on her country AT: Lottie Minick company/industry with products and services and the pandemic… brilliant leadership! She’s that are working toward the greater good to authentic and down-to-earth. Primates and peacocks make the world a better place. In 1987 my husband, Bob Minick, took over Lion Country The store I find myself in most often is … Safari in Atlanta. He coordinated the park’s primates with Biggest challenge facing our industry: The RealReal. I like great deals! Terry Maple of the Atlanta Zoo who’d recently appeared Accelerating business recovery after the pan- on The Tonight show with Johnny Carson. demic, which requires increasing consumer My favorite time of day is … Morning. It’s a The crowning glory of the borrowed primates Terry confidence about safety in order to capture fresh start to a new day. offered Bob was a magnificent black and white, lion-tailed the share of wallet of re-emerging consumers. macaque name Egbert. Egbert was handsome, smart The last thing I lost was … We stay in humble The thing I like most about amusement/water budget hotels frequented by traveling families. and loved messing with our guests, especially the smartly park season is … It’s as close to returning I left a $20 bill in the pocket of workout shorts dressed ladies with their grandchildren. Bob had a special to my childhood as possible; the waterslides, I washed at the hotel laundry room. I so hope round habitat built for Egbert that was close to guest splashing and frolicking in the water, the fresh that finding the $20 made the day of a family relations. summertime fare, popsicles here, icicles there… traveling on a tight budget. The primate quickly realized the more politically correct pure American apple pie childhood goodness! he was not, the more attention he got. And the guest On a Saturday evening, you can usually find relations staff had to put up with many complaints. Looking All-time favorite meal: Mexican food. me … Spending quality time with friends, back, I realize we let Egbert get away with far too many dining and dancing. indiscretions. The first thing I do in the morning is … One day, Bob was giving a tour of the park to an Hug my dogs, who love nothing more than a Season that describes your personality: Spring. Atlanta dignitary who knew Terry Maple when they heard morning snuggle, and then I center my day with screaming towards Egbert’s habitat. The primate had been a 15-minute meditation, followed by exercise. The household chore I really don’t mind entertaining his audience when he ran toward Bob with a doing is … Cleaning. I love cleaning and baby peacock in each hand and smiled with baby peacock The coolest view I have ever seen from an keeping my home and life tidy. It’s the quick- feathers sticking out of his mouth. Soon after, Terry came airplane would have to be … When I lived in est way to feel a sense of accomplishment. and took him back to the zoo. Finland, I flew from Helsinki to New York City, We missed Egbert, but we always remembered him and and the route always went over the Arctic Circle. Are you a planner or a spontaneous kind of think of him still when we see peacocks. The pilot would alert us of the stunning scenery person? Planner. below: the icy tundra, the turquoise-blue water Lottie Minick is a 46-year attractions industry veteran lapping onto the shelves of frozen seaside cliffs. If you could change places with anyone for a and co-owner of Dallas-based Minick Associates, a design day who would it be? Anyone at a spa vaca- firm founded by her late husband, Bob. Her monthly column If you could have three movies in your col- tion getting amazing treatment after treatment! features behind-the-scenes anecdotes of her own and from lection, what would they be? those who have worked in the business. Got a fun industry The Godfather I, II, and III. Go-to cocktail: Smoked whiskey sours. story? Email [email protected]. 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021 ORLANDO Continued from page 1 Dezer Collection to house and display the collection he had amassed. He followed the opening of the museum with a second South Florida attraction he called “Dezerland” in 2018. It was also in 2018 that Dezer purchased the Artegon Marketplace/Festival Bay Mall property and began the process of relocating the Miami Auto Museum to Orlando, to open as The Orlando Auto Museum, the centerpiece for his second Dezerland Park. It was during this time that Dezer was introduced to Mochkovsky, the CEO of Sacoa USA, a division of Dezerland Orlando Owners (l to r) Sebastian Mochkovsky, Maria Mochcovsky, and Michael Sacoa, the leading FEC opera- Dezer pose in front of Captain Nemo’s custom “Caddy” from the motion picture The League tor in Argentina for over 60 of Extraordinary Gentlemen (above left). Karting Orlando’s electric go-karts are supplied by years. Mochkovsky’s inten- BIZ Karts, a British go-kart manufacturing company in operation since 1994 (above right). tion was to discuss the Sacoa COURTESY DEZERLAND Cashless System with Dezer. The pitch? Sacoa Cashless an expected 78 million people two “wealthy” businessmen the planning, design and/ edge axe throwing experience. System, which the FEC opera- landing in the Orlando airport in an investment partnership or construction stages are: VR Orlando Coaster will tor developed in the early 1990s each year. But thanks to the they hope will be profitable. Hello Park, A Quick Escape, offer a drone-enhanced roller as a means to improve ROI and pandemic, that 78 million was And then there is Dezer who Axecelsior, VR Orlando coaster ride through Orlando. create added control for their closer to three or four million. said in an interview, “I’m a Coaster, Replay Lounge, UVR Replay Lounge, an ulti- business, was the first to use a As Mochkovsky put it, kid at heart. When I was born Orlando, a meeting/event mate social gaming venue, will read-only magnetic stripe card “That number, it's a doozy in Israel, we didn’t have these division, laser tag, as well as be home to billiards, shuffle- to operate instead of cash or now. With only three or four kinds of park and arcades. I am several amusement rides. board tables, foosball tables, tokens. The company now has million coming into the air- making up for what I didn’t do Hello Park will be a rev- air hockey, steel-tip darts, elec- 1900 debit card systems installed port, and [every Orlando when I was a young kid.” olutionary multimedia play- tronic darts, bocce ball, ping worldwide, and Sacoa is recog- attraction] trying to get their Yes, in this case, this is ground for fantasy, creativity pong, classic pinball, and wall- nized as the global leader in portion of the pie, do we still more than just an investment and hands-on exploration in size projection TVs. Cashless Management Systems try to open with what we opportunity, it’s two extreme- a world of unique technology UVR Orlando is an expe- for the amusement entertain- have? That's where we are, and ly passionate businessmen and captivating projections rience that will bring virtual ment and leisure industries. we chose ‘yes!’ The good thing who have a stake in their life- made possible through aug- reality experiences to life. Sacoa Cashless System could is both partners are wealthy long passions. And with the mented reality and projection “…and this is not finished provide the same ROI and con- and have other investments, momentum that kind of deter- mapping. Designed to be a with what you see here,” said trol to Dezerland that it did for so we can keep rolling,” said mination creates, you realize fascinating adventure for both Mochkovky. “We have already its own FECs. Mochkovksy. “Of course, no they will make this work, and children and parents, the fam- purchased from Mochkovsky walked one wants to lose money. But nothing will stop them. ily attraction will transform the closed Sega Republic park away with much — a co- we can wait a little bit more. That is why Mochkovsky each week revealing adven- [Dubai Mall, UAE, 2009-2017) owner/investor’s stake in We will soon begin marketing and Dezer have chosen to soft tures in oceans, jungles, space and are planning an indoor Dezerland and a showroom to the surrounding states, and open without every attraction and other worlds. roller coaster and drop shaft, for the product. we have the momentum of ready to go. They have already A Quick Escape will be but [Dezer and I] decided to After multiple hurdles, Spring Break that is coming created some 150 jobs, and the future home to a series step off of the accelerator and setbacks and a pandemic, the right now. We'll let everybody when fully open, that number of immersive five-minute see if we need to put in another park was finally given the go know that we’re open.” will be closer to 350. At that escape rooms including such $1.5 million now or over the ahead to open in the fall of 2020. Even so, all one needs to time, fully open and operating titles as Space , Pirate’s next few years. So, we will see However, there was another do is spend some time with smoothly, is when they will Cove, Bunker 57, Area 51 and how things go with what’s here problem. The model for the Mochkovsky to realize that have their grand opening. Wizards of Wormbly. and then decide from there.” business was designed around this venture is more than just The attractions still in Axecelsior is a cutting- •dezerlandpark.com

The Orlando Auto Museum is the largest private collection of vehicles in the U.S. In the collection are some 2,000 vehicles, including many “Cars of the Stars” like The Mystery Machine (above left), the Batmobile (above middle), and the world’s largest collection of James Bond vehicles including a full-size jet, tank (above right) and multiple Aston Martins. AT/DAVID FAKE March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 PARKS, FAIRS & ATTRACTIONS  Fire at Castaway Cove — page 11 / Clementon Park on the auction block — page 13

Extensive restoration in progress on century-old PTC St. Louis invests in refurbishing beloved park attraction AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected]

EUREKA, Mo. — Since the close of the 2019 season, Six Flags St. Louis has not operated its carousel. But for a good rea- son. The Grand Ole Carousel is receiving some welcome tender loving care. Built in 1915 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (today known as Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.), the cherished attraction at the park was actu- ally built more than 55 years before the Six Flags park even opened. Over time, it has had four homes. Its previous three locations were all in Ohio, the first of which was Cleveland’s and we are so looking forward Built in 1915, the carousel’s first home was Luna Park in Ohio. Seen here in 1972, the horse Luna Park. Following a fire in to sharing the transformation named Vanessa and the entire carousel was restored for its debut at Six Flags (inset). Below is 1929, Luna Park shuttered its and restored beauty of this ride Vanessa today after receiving the color blocking phase of its restoration. COURTESY SIX FLAGS gates, and the carousel found with our guests when it is com- a new owner, Puritas Springs pleted.” as our seasons get longer and Park. Once that park closed in “This decision was a result longer, rehab plans are shorter 1958, the ride was acquired by of us wanting to do it for a long and shorter. People can’t wait Sandy Beach Park (later to be time,” said Public Relations to see it.” called Indian Lake Park). The Manager Elizabeth Gotway. The decision to not open carousel operated there until “It’s a beautiful carousel, and so the carousel until the proj- 1971, the year Six Flags Over many guests remember it from ect was completely finished Mid-America opened its gates. coming as kids. It’s something was made rather than simply Today, the park goes by Six as a park that we had been doing it in phases with some Flags St. Louis — and celebrates wanting to do, but when you horses removed. While loyal its 50th anniversary this season have so many rides, you have guests do have to be patient, — but even though it is the old- to decide what to refurbish. But the debut will be done in grand est ride in age, it didn’t join the this was the carousel’s time; fashion. A staggered approach lineup of attractions in Missouri we made the decision not to would have even lengthened until 1972. just repair and touch up but to the process, and the park felt matic results of the restoration receives coats of primer, “The carousel is an icon completely strip the horses and it would not have done the process. The carousel’s history feather fill, base coat and then for our industry, the heart of do a full restoration.” restoration justice. is also part of the display. color blocking. Six horses are a park if you will, and peo- Helping guests to be patient, In this transformation pro- “The display does such a in the restoration process at ple are drawn to it for many Six Flags has installed an exhibit cess, the park has decided to complete job of showing what’s a time. Workers are doing all reasons,” Park President Phil out front to see the restoration give each horse a name, creat- really going on — how intricate the outside horses first, which Liggett told Amusement Today. work in progress. The first horse ing an identity for each one. it is, how detailed it is, how they find are the most diffi- “It may be because it was their to be completed can be viewed The name Abel was given to much work it is,” said Gotway. cult. Outside horses are larger very first ride experience as a in beautiful detail. the first horse on display as a “There’s just such an apprecia- and have more intricate detail. child, because they rode it on a “The display really makes nod to what the park is “able” tion for it. While they can’t ride Those who are overseeing the first date or now take their kids a difference,” said Gotway. to accomplish. it, they can see him and imagine restoration have the privilege or grandchildren to ride one; “We’ve gotten good respons- Restoring each figure is a what the carousel is going to of naming each horse. but of all the rides in our park, es from the guests. It’s very painstaking process. In the dis- look like when it is done.” “The most rewarding part guests stop and watch the car- hard to have it down, espe- play, park visitors can see what The process is painstak- of this project is taking each ousel the most. Our carousel is cially if it is your favorite ride, the horse “Abel” looked like ing. Each horse is stripped over 100 years old. It is unique, and we understand that, but beforehand and then the dra- of paint, sanded, and then 4See CAROUSEL, page 8

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Steve Read leads his team in the painstaking restoration of intricate detail (above left). Megan A Rhoads uses her artistic skills to begin applying color (above right). COURTESY SIX FLAGS Rhoads gets to decide with Philadelphia Toboggan CAROUSEL A carousel Continued from page 7 what color the horses will be. Coasters as the park’s famous The color of the base coat is Screamin’ Eagle roller coaster horse before horse and studying its detail, determined by the final color was PTC’s final coaster from its restoration imagining what the carver’s choice for the horse. For exam- designer John Allen, said to be is pictured vision was over 100 years ago ple, “Nelson” received a chest- his very favorite. The wooden above. Some and then bringing that detail nut finish. For him, the base coaster was built in 1976. of the steps back to full life,” said Steve coat was orange. Airbrushing Under the list of attractions of restoration Read, craftsman and head blends all the colors together. on the park’s website, interested include carver. “Even though wood Detailing follows, then the fans can click on the Grand stripping the paint down carving is a hobby of mine, I ornamentation. Ole Carousel and be directed B am learning more with each “Each horse is going to tell to updated information as the to the bare horse, and I am so proud to its own story,” Gotway told AT. process continues. wood (A), a be a part of something that “I’ve been at the park since I The exterior and the panels primer coat people will enjoy for the next was 16. I’ve been around it for of the carousel will also receive (B), layers 100-plus years.” 39 years, and I’ve never seen it the full treatment. The process of sanded “Each one of these horses like this.” is such a labor of love, the proj- feather fill is very different, a unique and Tom Rebbie, owner of ect is expected to take two to (C), base coat individual project with its own PTCI, finds pride in the park three years. (D) and the story and background,” said taking care of the company’s “Working on the carousel is color blocking Megan Rhoads, artist. “I love carousel. “I’m ecstatic about something completely different (E). The being able to tell each horse’s it,” he told AT. “There are than anything I have ever done completed story through the detailing, numerous parks out there that before,” said Jeremy Farrell, restoration C color and styling. And I love have PTC and have mechanic technician. “Seeing with clear that a child will come to ride the taken good care of them. I’m the sheer craftsmanship in each coat is carousel and be drawn to a par- always happy to see some- horse and watching the detail pictured at ticular horse because of that.” thing being restored that’s old come back before your very “It gets multiple feather or antique, especially when eyes is really amazing.” the bottom coats and then sanded and it’s older than me. I know Six “It’s interesting how the of the page. then multiple base coats,” said Flags St. Louis loves that car- carousel has really stood the COURTESY SIX FLAGS Gotway. “You have to get it ousel. I could tell during my test of time. It stays popular. smooth. We have people ask last visit there that it was well Different kinds of roller coasters us if it is fiberglass because it loved by the park.” come and go, but the carousel is is so smooth. This is a long, Of note, Six Flags St. Louis timeless,” said Gotway. “It real- long process.” has another historic connection ly is an icon of our industry.” D E March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 S&S adding air launch coaster at Changsha Window of the World AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected] The compact nature of this S&S Air Launch Coaster will add to the excitement. Top surpasses 60 mph. Three inversions are taken along close to 2,800 feet of track. CHANGSHA, Hunan, COURTESY S&S WORLDWIDE China — Window of the World is the largest theme park in central China and is the most important base of travel, film, television, cul- ture and entertainment in the area. Changsha Window of the World was established in 1997 and contains around 50 replicas of the most famous tourist attractions in the world in its park. Utah-based S&S- has been tasked to deliver the prop- erty’s newest draw. The park had already worked with S&S previously on an installation of a double tower. Now, the company will be supplying its fifth Air Launch Coaster to China. “The park has gone through a plan of renova- tion,” said Preston Perkes, executive director of admin- istration, S&S. “This par- ticular site had a coaster that was removed, and our 4See S&S, page 10 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021 S&S they came to us is because tured by Hebei Zhongye it to fit that space, and we Continued from page 9 they wanted an Air Launch Metallurgical Equipment told them this is the length Coaster,” said Perkes. and had not operated in sev- of launch we can give you, coaster will not be the only “Before this contract was eral years. but we can jumble up every- addition to this [renovated signed, we had built and When asked by AT if the thing else on the footers. section], but it is the last one installed three large-scale Air extremely compact nature There is significant structure to go in. They went through Launch Coasters in China snarls through tightly banked of this particular project sharing on it.” a process of contract signing, and a fourth in the works. turns, airtime pops, three provides a selling point for If not for the global pan- and our ride was slated to be They were able to see those inversions and overbanked future installations, Perkes demic, the ride would have the last one installed.” coasters and experience turns at exhilarating speed. said, “I’d be of the opinion been completed last year. The new coaster will be them. They came to us want- “It’s a super mix of air- that every launched coaster Following the Lunar New the anchor ride for the reno- ing [that experience] but told time, quick horizontal tran- from S&S has an extreme Year holidays, the S&S team vated area. us they didn’t have a lot of sitions from left to right, and amount of action. There’s weas not permitted to return “It’s situated on a hill- space to work with. That led some variety of inversions,” really not a time where you to China and construction top in a very forested area,” us to be a little bit creative. said Draves. “I love the top can take a break — you came to a halt. The track and noted Perkes. “You’ll be able We put a lot in a small space.” hat element when taken come to the end and say, structure were more than to see the ride from quite The designer of the right side up.” ‘What just happened? I don’t half completed. This March, far, particularly the top hat ride is Joe Draves of Ride The coaster captures know what happened, but construction can resume element that follows the Centerline. He feels this new attention with fiery red track it was amazing.’ Through once again. launch. It will bring peo- coaster will be the coolest atop light gray supports. the years we’ve continued to “We’re going to finish it ple up to it. When you get and one of the most dynamic Trains feature four-across do that with the Air Launch as soon as we possibly can,” right next to an Air Launch attractions at the property. seating like the other S&S Coasters. This one packs the said Perkes. “Our team is Coaster, people see just how “It was a small footprint launched coasters in China. punch like the others, but in going to have to make some exhilarating it is.” and [the park management] This ride will sport two this situation the launch and sacrifices. Our employees With a maximum height wanted more maneuvers,” trains. Each seats 20 pas- crazy elements are just on have to quarantine 30 days of more than 131 feet and a he told Amusement Today. sengers. top of each other in a tight before they can even enter track length just over 2,723 “They wanted a multi-loop- “One is a melon yellow spot. Each of those coasters the park. We’re looking for a feet, the coaster will include er this time around.” and the other is light blue,” has a unique part of it; this late summer timeframe.” 10 exciting elements with The compact nature of said Perkes. “They have coaster is super tight with a “It’s going to be really multiple inversions launch- the ride creates several close been delivered and are on couple of zero-G rolls in the good. I can’t wait to ride it,” ing at a max speed of 60 mph. clearances that coaster fans site in storage.” middle of it.” said Draves. The new coaster at Window are sure to love. Following The new, as-yet- Draves laughed, “The Window of the World is of the World will be the first the launch, the layout rises unnamed coaster replaces entire ride is a spaghetti one of the most visited des- Air Launch Coaster in China into an upright top hat ele- a former loop-and-cork- bowl in the old footprint of tinations in the area and is by S&S to have inversions. ment. Following that maneu- screw coaster from 1999. the looping coaster that used open year-round. “One of the reasons ver, the intertwined layout That coaster was manufac- to be there. They wanted •s-s.com A full spectrum of family fun!

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PO BOX 638 • PLAINVIEW, TEXAS 79072 • (806) 293-1353 LARSONINTL.COM March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 Fire destroys 80-year-old building at Playland's Castaway Cove AT: Pam Sherborne [email protected]

OCEAN CITY, Md. — The rides at Playland's Castaway Cove will spin, loop, twirl and light up the night sky come March 26, 2021. That is a certainty, said Brian Hartley, park vice president. But, he admits, there are still many unknowns since the four-alarm fire on January 30 destroyed the park's board- walk building that housed the park's arcade, offices and two separate restaurant rentals. Castaway Cove's marquee building had become an icon along the boardwalk (above left). An official investigation revealed As of mid-February, the that the four-alarm fire on January 30, 2021, was accidental.COURTESY PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, CAPE MAY COUNTY HERALD Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the ATF was trying to re- Hartley said. Park administration has Hartley said. (ATF) had determined that create the recording from the Meanwhile, that area is set up temporary offices back So far the negative im- the cause of the fire was - ac scorched hard drive located locked down so that the inves- in the maintenance area and pacts of 2020 has lingered into cidental and had started near in the office area to determine tigation can continue into the they have no idea how long 2021. When the smoke alarm the front of the arcade. Hart- the exact cause. exact cause and so they will be there. company contacted Hartley ley said they had two security "They are telling us that companies can take care of "I thought with 2020 being cameras on that specific area will take three to six weeks," business as well. over, things would look up," 4See FIRE, page 12

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GERSTLAUER AMUSEMENT RIDES GMBH Industriestraße 17 I D-86505 Münsterhausen Tel. +49 8281 - 99 68 0 I Fax +49 8281 - 99 68 33 www.gerstlauer-rides.com I [email protected] 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021 with the original company that FIRE spread of the virus that causes COVID-19," the Continued from page 11 designed the ship found a copy at his office from 20 years ago." CDC’s website said. "Experts need to under- at 7:50 a.m. on Saturday, Janu- When facing the original stand more about the protection that COV- ID-19 vaccines provide in real-world conditions ary 30, he was unable to get to building, there were four large before making that decision." the property due to a positive garage-type doors along the Universal Orlando Resort also plans to COVID-19 test. He was quar- front. The far left door was keep mask rules in place at its parks. antining and had to send other the front to the Dairy Queen Since reopening in July, the Disney World employees to the property. and the far right was to Ham- theme parks have required masks and regularly By the time fire fighters burger Construction. The cen- evolved their safety rules whether it was to ban were on the scene, Hartley ter two were the main park neck gaiters or not allow visitors to eat or drink said fire and smoke had to- entrances and arcade. Hartley while standing in certain ride lines. The compa- tally engulfed the 80-foot-by- said the Dairy Queen will be AT: Pam Sherborne ny has previously said it’s keeping a 35% atten- 100-foot boardwalk building, back, but the owners of Ham- [email protected] dance cap to limit crowds. In Orange County, which was originally built burger Construction have not the coronavirus remains a health concern. for the 1939-1940 New York made a decision yet. • World's Fair that was held in Hartley said they have ’s amusement parks are consider- Officials from the Blank Park Zoo, Des Queens, New York. The build- had initial conversations with ing an appeal to the Council of State against a Moines, Iowa, announced the opening of the ing was taken apart and reas- the City of Ocean City plan- decision taken by the Consultative Committee Holmes Foster Event Center, which will be sembled on the Ocean City, ning and zoning committees. last month to keep their doors closed while al- home to educational activities, conservation Maryland, boardwalk. But first things first. lowing zoos to reopen. programming, recreational events and private Hartley said the all-wood- "We have to be able to get Speaking on behalf of members of the gatherings such as business meetings, wed- en structure burned quickly. back onto the property and be- Association of Belgian Amusement Parks, dings and reunions. Belgoparks, Plopsa Group CEO Steve Van The $2.2 million, 10,000-square-foot Lost were all Castaway gin demolition," he said. "We den Kerkhof, described the decision to a local building replaces the tent-like ZooPlex, which Cove's games, the Skee Balls, need to get the architects, en- news agency as unfair and regretted the fact had exceeded its lifespan. The new building shooting galleries, basketball gineers and contractors." that there were no prospects for the reopen- is temperature controlled, has a speaker prep games, etc. The offices were There is a secondary en- ing of their businesses. area, bride and groom suites, AV, Wi-Fi and a a total lost. He said much of trance into the park. That "We cannot understand why animal parks catering kitchen. It also adds additional rest- his records he had backed up will become the main gate are allowed to open, but not amusement room facilities to that area of the Zoo. on his computer so they were when the park opens in 2021. parks," Van den Kerkhof said. "We expected This winter, the zoo is offering winter ac- saved. But the owner, Scott There may be a couple of equal treatment." tivities including a nine-hole, mini-golf expe- Simpson, had a lot of pa- rides not opening at the be- Belgian amusement parks also want to rience in the new event space. The mini-golf per records going back many ginning of the 2021 season, know when they can expect to be allowed to course is set up to ensure social distancing of years that are now gone. because of their location to reopen stressing the fact the parks need time groups and is free with regular admission. "We had a fire-proof file the fire area. However, that is to prepare for reopening. There also are self-guided education ac- cabinet where we stored em- still an unknown. • tivities and a snack area. ployee records, their applica- Hartley said they are all It is the beginning of a new chapter for The new space seats 350 at round tables tions," Hartley said. "Those thankful for the great work by Jungle Island in Watson Island, Florida, with or approximately 500 theater style. were saved. It was a godsend the firefighters that fought the plans to transform the attraction that will in- The event center is named in memory we had those in that safe." blaze that morning. clude a new resort hotel and an eco-adven- of Holmes Foster. Holmes and wife Marjo- In addition, Hartley said "They really did a great ture theme park are underway. Plans also in- rie Foster are long-time supporters of Blank they were storing ride vehi- job in keeping the fire from clude a lazy river, bungee experience and a Park Zoo. , underway. • cles in the building. They were spreading to other buildings," Another big change for the park is that A new carousel is opening for riders at from rides by , a bal- he said. "There are buildings there no longer will be large mammals on the Old Sacramento Waterfront in Sacra- loon ride and a helicopter ride. to our north and to our south. exhibit. All are being relocated to rescue mento, California. The main structures for the There was some water dam- reserves. The Front Street Carousel joins the Water- rides were still on the grounds age, but none of them had The approval of a zoning change by the front Wheel as entertainment attractions along and had been wrapped for the fire damage. There is only six Miami City Commission last month brought the waterfront. winter. But the vehicles in the inches of air space between the plans closer to fruition. It will have to go The carousel has 30 horses and two building were a total loss. the walls of our building and through the commission for a second reading sleighs. Riders must be at least three feet tall Hartley said, fortunately, the others." but it is expected to be approved then as well. and if children are under that height, they can they had purchased a new With the arch of Castaway The trademark parrots, macaws, exotic still ride if an adult is standing with them, hold- helicopter ride last year from Cove's building, it was taller birds and smaller animals like the lemurs will ing on as they ride. Zamperla. than the adjacent buildings. still call Jungle Island home, but the rede- People must be at least 42 inches tall to "It was late getting here "We may not build an- signed park will be much more about the re- ride the Waterfront Wheel. so we didn't set it up at all other arch, however," he said. sort experience. The lynch pin of the new proj- For COVID-19 safety precautions, the last year and it was stored "We are looking at maybe an ect is the new 300-room, 12-story hotel. middle horses will be closed on the carousel, in a different area," he said. A-frame or a flat roof." Developers said the of Jungle leaving only the outside and inside animals "We had planned to sell the Hartley said they are also Island is in tune with a rapidly growing Miami. available to ride. Employees will also disinfect old one. That won't happen thankful that no one was in If everything stays on target, Phase 1 of high-touch surfaces on the carousel, like the now, but we will have a new the building at the time the the new Jungle Island is expected to open in restraints and horses, after each ride. the winter of 2022 and the hotel should be • one we will set up. We have fire started. done by 2025. Delgrosso’s , Tipton, contacted Zamperla about "We are in here all year • Pennsylvania, announced that it plans to re- getting new vehicles for the long, working Monday Disney World will still require visitors to open this summer for the 74th season. The balloon ride." through Friday," he said. wear facial coverings even if they are vaccinat- park was closed last summer due to the pan- Also a total loss was the No one had yet to arrive ed from the coronavirus, the theme park said demic. Last month, the board of directors iconic pirate's ship that sat that morning. in a safety rules update. decided to move forward with opening the atop the structure of the build- Hartley said he has since Disney’s policy falls in line with the Cen- amusement park and this year. ing. At this point, no plans tested negative for COV- ters for Disease Control and Prevention’s Delgrosso’s plans to safely reopen all of have been drawn up for a new ID-19. But in the first week of recommendation that people should keep the rides and attractions on Memorial Day building, but Hartley said the February when the weather wearing masks and maintain social distance af- weekend. But park officials say they can’t do it will be back. turned colder, he ended up ter they receive the vaccines. without an amazing staff. "We were really surprised taking a spill on ice down his "Not enough information is currently avail- The park is looking to fill about 250 jobs. at how many people really back stairs. able to say if or when CDC will stop recom- Director of Marketing Amy Mearkle stated that loved that ship," he said. "We "I'm fine," he said. mending that people wear masks and avoid the park is currently looking for to fill positions have actually found an old He just wants 2020 to re- close contact with others to help prevent the in food service, ride operation, and . set of ship plans. An engineer ally and truly be over. March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13 Ralph S. Alberts Company unifies industry with "Teddy" Alberts

Clementon Park, opened in 1907, will be up for auction on March 23. The entire property could go to a sole buyer to reopen the property, or the assets could be sold individually. AT/TIM BALDWIN Clementon Park and Splash World attractions go up for auction March 23 In a typical year, the customer service staff at Ralph S. Alberts Company would be on the road visiting park AT: Tim Baldwin the park’s 52 acres — along Firestone told Amusement Today. maintenance personnel, as they install new padding [email protected] with its liquor license — is a “It has harbored such great for the upcoming season. Travel restrictions and 23-acre spring-fed lake from memories in the community. COVID-19 related directives have put a halt to park which the park gets its name. The heart is there, the question CLEMENTON, N.J. — visits. The company has embarked on an effort to bring A wide range of attractions is if the financing will follow.” Having opened in 1907, the industry together. A plush Theodore S. Alberts Clementon Park has more are ready to possibly find new This will be the first (Teddy) is being added to shipments of foam parts to than a century of history. Its homes. Thrill rides include a opportunity for a sole buyer parks all over the world. Amusement park maintenance next chapter might admittedly , Larson loop and since CRG became involved. team members are encouraged to take pictures at ride be its last. The last 25 years swinging ship. Family attrac- Firestone feels it is the last locations with Teddy as a stand-in for the Alberts team. have delivered challenges to tions will include a , chance for such an opportu- All photos can be submitted to the company by emailing the park, one of which was a carousel, Tilt-A-Whirl, a chil- nity to happen. them to [email protected]. Photos of Teddy at the 1998 incident on a roller coast- dren’s coaster and a Chance “We would love to see parks will be shared with Amusement Today and on er since retired that seemed to . Several kiddie someone maximize its value Ralph S. Alberts' social media to aid in bringing our place the park under incredible rides and a ride are also here,” said Firestone. “We are close-knit industry, separated by a pandemic, closer scrutiny. Combine that with a on the block. certainly available for inspec- together again. COURTESY RALPH S. ALBERTS COMPANY revolving door of owners and One of the hardest attrac- tions and to answer questions management, and the park tions to relocate would be the and to make anyone feel com- seemed to lose the support of Hellcat wooden roller coaster. fortable in the auction pro- Parks prepare to celebrate the local community. The most Splash World was a water cess. We’d love to see a suc- recent owner, Premier Park, park included with admission cessful sale where the park is Roller Coaster Appreciation LLC, closed the park abruptly to Clementon Park. Several kept operating.” GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas in the fall of 2019 before the slides and attractions from it The park's liquor license, — The second annual World season had actually ended. will also be available. while a part of the property, Roller Coaster Appreciation Clementon Park was one In addition to rides, the list- could be sold to someone else- Month was recently selected of the rare remaining trolley ing states: “All park furnishings where subject to the approval for inclusion in Chase’s Calendar parks. This historic group and support equipment includ- of the Alcohol Commission of of Events 2021. Presented by was noted for being built ing over 300 assorted configura- New Jersey. American Coaster Enthusiasts at the ends of trolley lines. tion picnic tables with attached An inspection is set for (ACE), the month-long event Amusement parks built in benches, food prep and conces- Friday, March 19. will highlight the , such locations encouraged rid- sion equipment, maintenance A sole bidder could reopen architecture, history, entertain- ership on the weekends. The equipment and much more.” the park. The decision to rede- ment and marvels of roller park is 30 miles from down- “There is such heartfelt feel- velop the land would be a pre- coasters in June 2021. town Philadelphia. ing to see the park continue,” dictable outcome as well. “For many years, ACE has wanted to create special celebration Shuttered for the last 15 about our favorite amusement ride: the roller coaster,” stated Robert months, the park and its assets Ulrich, president, ACE. “We are excited to honor roller coasters will be going up for auction on around the world. Roller Coaster Appreciation Month is the perfect March 23. Connecticut-based way for us to include our annual ACE Coaster Con event, too.” In addition to Coaster Con — scheduled to be hosted by Capital Recovery Group will Hersheypark, Dorney Park, Dutch Wonderland and Knoebels be conducting the auction. It Amusement Resort ­— parks across the globe will be hosting is listed as “Sale by Order of events to celebrate the popular thrill rides. Howard Samuels – Receiver.” Furthering education and awareness of the amusement attrac- “We are actively seeking tions, multiple roller coaster history displays will be available in a buyer for this iconic park public buildings and speakers will be scheduling both virtual and in- located outside of Philadelphia person presentations on a variety of topics related to roller coasters. and expect significant inter- “Roller coasters and amusement parks are at the heart of est in the auction,” said CRG family vacations and the special memories we all have,” said President Bill Firestone. National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA) Board Interested parties are Member Pete Owens. “Celebrating the roller coaster is like reliv- sure to find numerous items The ride assortment includes thrill rides, family rides, kiddie ing all of those childhood and parenthood memories.” of interest. In addition to rides and waterslides. AT/TIM BALDWIN •aceonline.org 14 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021 v AMUSEMENT PARK MARKET PLACE

Your specialist for people movers and interactive dark rides The expansive Hologate World entertainment center will feature immersive entertainment www.etf.nl paired with unique food, beverage and bar service. COURTESY HOLOGATE Hologate World unveiled in Germany MUNICH, Germany — "We are very excit- In early February, Hologate ed to be partnering with revealed the latest evolution P&P Group on this game- of its business when it broke changing project,” said ground on the state-of-the- Leif Petersen, Hologate art, more-than-13,000-square- CEO and founder. “With foot immersive Hologate the introduction and inclu- World entertainment facility. sion of fresh, never-before- In recent years, Hologate has and indoor/outdoor gath- seen, immersive entertain- emerged as one of the indus- ering areas, Hologate ment options, alongside our try leaders in immersive, World will feature the lat- Arena and Blitz systems, location-based entertainment. est of Hologate’s virtual and all within a large, social- Scheduled to open in reality systems, extended ly-focused, fun-for-everyone September of 2021, Hologate reality escape rooms and a space, Hologate World pres- World will be promoted as competitive esports arena. ents the next level of immer- the largest "extended-reali- In addition, several propri- sive location-based enter- ty" entertainment space in etary entertainment experi- tainment for Hologate." Germany. In addition to ences will be premiering at The flagship location will a bar, food service lounge the opening. be housed at the new and modernized 194,000-square- foot Flair urban marketplace in Fürth, Germany. This enter- tainment anchor and destina- tion, located in the heart of the city, will also serve as a blueprint for further franchise locations looking for a mod- ern entertainment facility to get people off their couches and back into their retail and hospitality locations. "Our goal with Flair is to create a dynamic social expe- rience and to generate maxi- mum attendance through Hologate's Arena (above) and Blitz (below) virtual reality the numerous offers,” systems will be the centerpieces of the FEC's entertainment stated Michael Peter, P&P offerings. COURTESY HOLOGATE Group CEO and owner. “With Hologate World, we have found [the ultimate entertainment highlight] and can thus offer a new,

Road Trains Trams & Trolleys Par incomparable attraction that Custom Projects k Trains is globally one of a kind." The Transport Engineering Specialists Hologate World, is built Established in 1947, Enjoyed by Generations around Hologate's industry Severn Lamb, Pennsylvania, USA adopted hygiene and safe- E: [email protected] T: 717-342-2784 W: www.severn-lamb.com ty standards and offers a facility that caters to small groups for social safe fun Keep our amusement park industry strong! with friends and family. Buy products and services from these suppliers. •flair-fuerth.de •hologate.com March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15 Land of Dinosaurs adds Robu Group purchases the Sunkid family tower ride Melbourne Star Observation Wheel MELBOURNE, Australia — As of February 1, Swiss-based global observation wheel design and management company Robu Group has purchased the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. The attraction will continue operating as usual, welcoming thousands of visitors a week, with a new master plan expected to bring exciting new visitor activities and experiences — both in and around the giant observation wheel — in the near future. Robu’s CEO Ronald A. Bussink has been the lead designer on more than 100 observation wheels globally. On the acquisition, Bussink said: “Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is an iconic attraction for the city of Melbourne. I was already very keen before its official opening to add this [wheel] to our portfolio and to create a world-class visitor experience in line with our global expertise in city-shaping attractions.” “We saw the Melbourne Star as a unique investment opportunity, which forms part of our strategic focus on standalone tourism attractions. We are very positive and confident about the future and our new master plan will optimise operations and bring exciting new visitor activities and experiences.” “We will definitely strengthen the corporate and social responsibility of Melbourne Star and include it into our Turn for Good program to make the world a better place,” concluded Bussink. •melbournestar.com

The Robu Group has taken over ownership of the iconic Melbourne Star Observation Wheel which highlights the skyline of the popular Australian city. COURTESY MELBOURNE STAR OBSERVATION WHEEL

MOSCOW, Russia — Integrated into the theming of Dream Island's Land of the Dinosaurs, an interactive tower from Sunkid has been added. With its treelike design, the family attraction fits perfectly into the jungle playscape. Standing 30 feet tall, the top of the attraction offers guests a fun vantage point of the surrounding area. COURTESY SUNKID 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021 Myrtle Beach's Broadway FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT Grand Prix adds Intercard CENTRAL AT: John W.C. Robinson [email protected]

The Mayor of Ashland, Missouri, Richard views of the Columbia River, batting cages, Sullivan and Pinball Company CEO Nic golf simulator, ninja couse, walls, Parks announced on Facebook they're trampolines, a sports bar and restaurant. working on plans for a new entertainment • park near the Columbia Regional Airport. The 300-game Bishop Cidercade "This project that Nic is working opened in Houston, Texas, in late January. on is called Lakeside Ashland," stated It is the latest in a chain of cider-serving bar- Sullivan. "We were actually going to do this arcades. The venue, which is part tasting [announcement later], but it’s such an excit- room and part arcade is already well known ing project and some information leaked, in the state for its outlets that provide cre- The management of Broadway Grand Prix celebrates the and we wanted it to come to the city of ative flavors of cider. There are 48 different installation of the Intercard system. COURTESY INTERCARD Ashland first." varieties to try. ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Intercard completed an installation at Myrtle Lakeside Ashland will be a 37-acre The 18,000-square-foot venue is the Beach’s Broadway Grand Prix Family Race Park, a go-kart and property with an amphitheater, small lake, chain's third. The others are in Dallas, where arcade attraction located in the South Carolina. miniature golf, a waterfront restaurant, and the company is based, and Austin. The par- Multi-unit operator Lazarus Entertainment Group runs other features not yet announced. ent company is run by husband-and-wife Broadway Grand Prix and two water parks in the Myrtle Beach area. "Some future ideas for this property... I team Joel and Laura Malone, who started Visitors can play 75 great games in the park’s 20,000-square-foot like the idea of doing a hundred-foot Ferris home-brewing cider when they could not arcade. The facility also boasts seven go-kart tracks, a mini-golf course wheel, outdoor ropes course, a potential find one that they liked. They started the as well as a rock-climbing wall. zipline, you know, the sky’s the limit with Bishop Cider Company in 2014. Realizing the facility's current token and ticket system was out- what type of entertainment things we can The 300 games are accompanied by dated, the Intercard installation is Lazarus Entertainment Group’s add to this facility," Parks said. pool tables, air hockey, table football games first venture with a cashless technology system. • and table tennis, darts, skeeball and dancing “We wanted to upgrade our whole arcade and bring in some Dave & Buster's opened a new enter- machines, plus local food trucks. A $10 admis- new games and new attractions for our guests,” said Garrett Watts, tainment location at the Bay Park Square sion buys unlimited access to all of the games. the FEC's director of operations. “We thought that adding a cashless Mall in the state of Wisconsin. • system would go a long way for the ease of use for our guests, but also The venue was expected to open last 814 Lanes and Games is a rebranded for our operations as well. year, with the pandemic delaying proceed- FEC from owners Chris and Bobby Hogue. “I really liked the direction that Intercard was going with [its] ings. Precautions will be taken against The new facility was formerly a traditional software and the technology that [the company] is using, as well as COVID-19 after the opening, with visitors bowling center that the two brothers were its ability to integrate with our other POS systems. So it was an easy required to wear masks and hand sanitizing intent on transforming into a full family decision for us.” Within the next few years, Watts expects to revamp the entire park stations available. entertainment center. operation and consolidate all attractions into the cashless system. “The The 27,000-square-foot location will “Our goal was to capture the market ability to incorporate the arcade, food and beverage and our outside feature arcade games, sports viewing, as within 45 minutes as the premier destina- operations into the cashless system would make our entire operation well as food and beverage offerings. tion for family entertainment with first class seamless as well as improve our efficiency and controls,” he explained. • attractions that are unique to our area,” said “Intercard’s technology gives Lazarus Entertainment Group An arcade bar in Arizona, helped over- Chris Hogue. the option in the future to easily go cashless throughout Broadway turn the state's 10 p.m. curfew. Creative Works collaborated with 814 Grand Prix,” stated Rachelle Granger, Intercard North America sales The Cobra in Tucson was one of a Lanes and Games on three new immersive rep. “Customers would be able to use the same play card for karting number of businesses in Pima County to attractions: an escape room, a Hologate VR and food and beverage as well as games and redemption merchan- win a preliminary injunction that overturned arena and laster tag. dise. This can promote card sales, build repeat traffic and streamline the government’s curfew order. The curfew 814 Lanes and Games became the back office operations.” was created in reaction to the COVID-19 very first facility to install Creative Works •intercardinc.com pandemic. new escape room theme, Cell Block E. The The local superior court decided: escape room experience puts participants in FECs of New York take “Because the court finds the resolution is a challenging situation where they attempt not statutorily authorized and violates the to escape a jail cell. Cuomo to court governor’s executive order and that the For its laser tag arena, the FEC went NEW YORK — Dozens of owners of arcades, trampoline parks, plaintiffs have demonstrated the possibility with a post-apocalyptic theme. This theme laser tag facilities and other FECs sued New York State over not of harm, the court finds the plaintiffs are incorporates props of large vehicles in a being allowed to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic, calling the entitled to relief.” war-torn environment. continued shutdown "arbitrary, capricious, irrational and abusive." • “Our arena is unlike any in our area…so The lawsuit was filed February 11 with the state Supreme The list of activities expected at a people are blown away. There is a helicop- Court. It stated that since ordering the temporary shutdown new entertainment center in Wenatchee, ter and a hummer coming out of our walls, of nonessential businesses in March, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo Washington, is almost as long as the big so it’s pretty rad,” said Chris Hogue. has allowed many similar businesses — including casinos, slide that developers have in the works for Nick Salfity, the creative consultant for gyms, movie theaters and bowling alleys — to reopen, while Sport Wenatchee, too. the project, was thrilled to see the project ignoring other indoor family amusement facilities. “It’s basically a giant indoor playground come to life for the Hogues. “Bobby, Chris, An Urban Air Adventure Park franchise in Lake Grove, for everyone,” said co-owner Taryn Harris. and the rest of the team were super fun to New York is among the 45 plantiffs. They claimed the state had Harris and her mother, Sue Harris, of Sport work with. Seeing them at [the IAAPA Expo], offered no guidance or plan for reopening their businesses, Gymnastics, are co-owners of the project Amusement 360 and just knowing how hard which have suffered significant financial losses. along with local developer Flint Hartwig and they worked to get this project off the ground "We didn’t want to file a lawsuit. However, we need Wenatchee Applesox owner Jose Oglesby. is very rewarding to see,” added Salfity. engagement. We cannot be ignored any longer," said David The ownership group is close to finaliz- “Creative Works has listened to our Wolmetz, co-owner of the Urban Air franchise. The filing came ing a $2 million purchase of three connected feedback and addressed anything we are a day after national chain Dave & Buster’s filed its own lawsuit buildings from the Port of Chelan County. uncomfortable with and adjusted ideas to against Cuomo over not being allowed to reopen. The complex's attractions are set to fit into the concept of what we are trying to On February 17, Gov. Cuomo stated that indoor FECs would be allowed to reopen on March 26, 2021. include: rooftop pickleball courts, lounge present to our customers,” said Chris Hogue. March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17 JRA aids in developing Nickelodeon’s Happy Day migrates first FEC in China: Nickelodeon Playtime to Semnox system , Ohio — China Leisure Development Co., (CLDC) and ViacomCBS developed a Nickelodeon- themed family entertainment center located in the city of Shenzhen, China. Comprising four attraction zones, Nickelodeon Playtime features: Happy Day FEC SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW recently adapted Patrol, Dora the Explorer, and Semonx's Arcade Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Debit Card System. as well as Nickelodeon-branded COURTESY SEMNOX retail and a sit-down play café. The playful and unique Nickelodeon theming — aided in The 16,000-square-foot FEC is being realized by JRA —extends into Nickelodeon Playtime's DUBAI, U.A.E. — Happy Day, a family entertainment now open at Shenzhen OCT colorful gift shops. COURTESY JRA destination, has chosen Semnox’s Arcade Debit Card System Happy Harbour. for a comprehensive customer experience management “Connecting with audi- JRA was contracted to help in an FEC format. We see rapid solution for its operations. The FEC has been in operation ences on the ground through make the FEC a reality. growth in family entertain- for more than five years in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. immersive experiences remains “JRA was honored ment spending in China and “We were struggling with reporting, CRM and gift an integral part of Nickelodeon’s to work with [CLDC] strong demand from shopping management in our old system,” said Khalid Al-Dhakeel, global business,” stated Gerald and Nickelodeon on the centers for experiential prod- owner of Happy Day. “Semnox was our best choice. With Raines, senior vice president design and development of ucts. Nickelodeon Playtime is its ease-of-use system, we are able to free our mind and of global location based experi- Nickelodeon’s first FEC in part of our strategy to capital- focus more on our customer’s needs. Semnox was able ences, for ViacomCBS. China,” said Colin Cronin, ize on this trend.” to implement and migrate the system smoothly without a Nickelodeon Playtime senior project director at JRA. “It was a pleasure help- downtime amidst the pandemic crisis.” immerses guests in the worlds Commenting on the open- ing to bring SpongeBob, Dora, “Happy Day system migration has been a good of these iconic properties and ing of the $4.6 million attrac- Donatello, Marshall, and their experience,” said Meghashyam J, client manager of invites them to play along- tion, Linda Dong, President friends to life, and we hope Semnox Solutions “With the Semnox system, they can focus side their favorite characters, of CLDC, said: “We are the attraction delights visitors on building closer relationship with their customers using extending the brand experi- thrilled to be partnering with from Shenzhen and beyond,” multi-tiered membership and loyalty management system.” ence beyond screens. Nickelodeon to bring their added Cronin. •semnox.com Cincinnati, Ohio-based highly popular brands to life •jackrouse.com 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021 Belle City Amusements midway popular at Hendry County Fair AT: David Fake Special to Amusement Today

CLEWISTON, Fla. — The Hendry County Fair and Livestock Show took place from February 9 through the 14 in Clewiston, Florida with an invitation to all to “Join us as we take it ‘Back in the Old Days,’” which was the fair’s 2021 theme. Entertainment at this year’s fair was somewhat lim- ited due to pandemic precau- tions, and, unfortunately, the rodeo, one of the show’s favor- ite events, had to be canceled. However, there was still an abundance of other favorites for which the fair is known: pageants, steers, and swine. A Southwest Florida sunset lights up the sky and is a beautiful complement the lights of Belle City Amusements that But pageants, livestock bring the Hendry County Fair midway to life (above left). Belle City Amusements also operated the midway for the 2020 shows and sales are not the Strawberry Festival. COURTESY BELLE CITY AMUSEMENTS; AT/DAVID FAKE only reasons people are drawn to the county fair. Of course, youth and educate fairgo- grosses and ridership. and the Charlotte County Fair two unscheduled events last there is also the food, and ers on the agriculture, trade, Final attendance numbers saw record attendance and fall, the Georgia State Fair in Hendry County Fair is no entertainment and heritage and ride grosses were not yet ride grosses in the weeks lead- Perry, Georgia and the Florida exception. There was plenty to of Florida.” released, but unexpectedly, the ing up to the fair in Clewiston. Gateway Fair in Lake City, eat, including such standard Gate admission was $6 in fairs preliminary stats were Most fairs do not have Florida, last fall because the favorites as cotton candy, fun- 2021, and the fair concluded showing that even amidst a 2020 numbers with which to shows contracted to service nel cakes, kettle corn, pie, and on Valentine’s Day Sunday pandemic, fairgoers were compare their 2021 results. those fairs were in lockdown every possible “fried (insert the with a family day, which arriving in large numbers. However, because Florida's and/or unable to travel. indulgence of your choosing).” offered free admission. Early in fares run Charles fair season begins months “2020, it wasn't easy. I The fair was honored to Belle City Amusements, Panacek, President of Belle ahead of most others, many mean, we had a lot of time have Florida Federation of which has operated the mid- City Amusements, said of the Florida fairs were off last year in the summer, Fairs and Livestock Shows’ way for the Hendry County that attendance was, in the spared, since they occurred in the spring in the summer President, Jim Ward, and Fair for the past 10 years, least, trending toward being prior to or after the pandem- and of course, early fall, but Executive Director, Dan offered pay-one-price wrist- on par with previous years. ic shutdowns. In fact, last we did play two events late West, pay a visit to the bands every day of the fair. However, Panacek stated that year Belle City Amusements last fall. So, you know, we did Hendry County Fair. The Even though there were no this was the third fair on his made it through a fourth get about four weeks’ worth visit was in keeping with new rides offered in 2021, the 2021 schedule, and if the trend fair, the Florida Strawberry of work in which helped a lot. the organization’s mission to midway offered 28 rides rang- that was seen at the previous Festival, before they expe- And those events were also “Increase the overall qual- ing from mild to wild, provid- two stops also held true in rienced the first closure or record attendances and record ity of Florida’s Agricultural ing something fun and excit- Clewiston, attendance could cancellation. ride grosses,” said Panacek. Fairs and provide its mem- ing for the entire family. Again not only exceed expectations, Beyond March of 2020, “We are very optimis- bers the support and guid- in 2021, the Giant Wheel but surpass previous records. however it was far from “busi- tic about the rest of this ance needed to enlighten our remained the most popular in Both the Manatee County Fair ness as usual” for the car- year,” said Panacek. “We are nival operator. Like all oth- extremely glad to be out and ers, Belle City Amusements working, and hopefully, our The #1 Leading Slide Manufacturer in America! struggled through months of industry as a whole can get World’s Largest 5 Lane, One Trailer Slide — 108 ft.! canceled shows. They were back to some sense of nor- fortunate enough to pick up malcy as time goes on.” • Financing and Leasing Available • Slide or Rain Bags • Trades Considered • 90 ft. Fiberglass Slide • 65 ft. Fiberglass Slide

Florida Federation of Fairs and Livestock Shows’ President, Jim Ward (left) and Executive Director, Dan West (right), visited the Hendry County Fair on February 12. Pictured FREDERIKSEN INDUSTRIES, INC. between them (l to r) are: Hendry County Fair’s Lisa Kelley, 5212 St. Paul St. • Tampa, Fla. 33619 • (813) 628-4545 • FAX (813) 621-3679 Yvonne Swindel, and Lindsay Hall, the fair’s Manager/ funslide.com Treasurer, President, and Director, respectively. COURTESY HENDRY COUNTY FAIR March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19

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The new dates for the 2021 Florida livestock program manager for the Alameda State Fair are April 22-May 2. Originally County Fair, Pleasanton, California. She also scheduled for February 11-22, organizers contracted with various other California fairs decided to delay the annual event that as a livestock and data entry specialist and attracts 500,000 fairgoers each year due to the exhibit department supervisor and live- continuing COVID-19 mitigation. stock auction supervisor at the Napa Town “The Florida State Fair is truly a com- and Country Fair, Napa, California. munity event that our guests look forward Her extensive fair career started in 1995 to each and every year,” Cheryl Flood, as the small animal department coordinator executive director of the Florida State Fair, at the Alameda County Fair. told WFLA-TV news. “Like other fairs and • venues across the country that have safely Typically, when most fairs work with reopened, we are utilizing best practices their schedules, it is to add a day or two. and safety guidelines that have proven to Such is the opposite for McLeod County be successful.” Fair, Hutchinson, Minnesota. They are mov- First held in Tampa in 1904, the Florida ing from a five-day fair to a four-day one, State Fair includes competitions, entertain- August 19-22. ment, carnival and other attractions and According to Casey Walters, execu- n activities. It is one of the largest annual tive secretary/fair manager for the McLeod events in the Sunshine State. County Agricultural Association, the idea • of a four-day fair had been discussed on and Naughton Some Rodeo Austin events are being off for years, but never seemed to be the Insurance, Inc. canceled as Luedecke Arena and other right fit at the time. parts of the Travis County Expo Center, “Wednesday is and always has been our EST. 1947 where the event has been hosted for slowest traffic day of the fair, and as for a decades, are being used for COVID-19 Wednesday evening, it’s not the top choice Specializing in Insurance Programs for response. The cancellation, the second year for nights to go out,” Walters said. “If some- Amusement Parks, Water Parks and in a row, includes the pro rodeo, carnival, one chooses to come to the fair one or two Family Fun Centers. fair and BBQ events that were scheduled times, it’s more likely to be Friday through for this month. Organizers are working with Sunday when the majority have some days www.naughtoninsurance.com local officials to figure out which events can off to enjoy it, or for a specific livestock be rescheduled for later this year. show or event.” Only private youth competitions will Organizers are now working on shifting be hosted this month, including the junior the schedule and adjusting all the details. livestock show, Ag mechanics competition, • ultimate scramble championship and the Since early February, 100 people have youth auction. been able to shelter indoors at the Oregon • State Fairgrounds, Salem. Community Always one of the top five rodeo/carni- leaders partnered with local nonprof- val events in the country, organizers of the its to provide housing in The Pavilion, a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo have 30,504-square-foot arena floor, seating and shelved the 2021 event that was moved to hospitality room. Additional people are also May 4-23 as the pandemic continues. The able to use the adjacent parking lot as a junior livestock and horse show competitions vehicle camping spot. will still be held in March as private events. The Oregon State Fair and Exposition “While we were optimistic that moving Center has not rented any of their property our rodeo to May would provide a better for events since March of last year, instead, opportunity to host our annual community being used for COVID-19 testing, vaccines event that rodeo fans have come to love and wildfire relief. The recent shelter hous- and expect, unfortunately, it has become ing is run by Church at the Park, a program evident that the current health situation has that provides homeless services at Cascades not improved to the degree necessary to Gateway Park. Five staff members are on host our event,” said Chris Boleman, presi- duty along with 24/7 security. dent and CEO of the Houston Livestock • Show and Rodeo, in a release. “While this The question of how long the 150-foot- is an extremely heartbreaking decision for tall SkyStar Observation Wheel in Golden our rodeo volunteers and the larger rodeo Gate Park, , could stay is still community, we believe this decision is in the being considered. The Historic Preservation best interest of the health and well-being of Commission wants to allow the Recreation our community.” and Park Department to continue to oper- 2022 will be the 90th anniversary of the ate the wheel until March 2025. Nearby rodeo. No date has been set yet. residents are concerned about the length of • time as well as environmental issues, noise The Nez Perce County Fair, Lewiston, and LED lighting concerns. Some feel since Idaho, has a new manager starting this the wheel was only scheduled for a year, that month after the fair board voted unanimous- a one-year extension would be appropriate. ly to hire Vanessa Schneider to replace It only operated a total of 39 days in 2020. Keep our amusement park industry strong! Mike Orton, who recently retired. A decision regarding any extension time is Buy products and services from these suppliers. Schneider most recently served as the expected soon. March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21 22 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021 2020 European Showmen's Union report showcases concerns

AT: Pam Sherborne with the national associations, have been fighting for Some of those events included demonstrations in [email protected] the future of fairgrounds and the professional interests countries including The , Germany, Bel- of more than 75,000 family businesses and their 600,000 gium and Switzerland. Since the beginning of the 2020 novel coronavirus employees. ESU members have been concerned with what they pandemic, board members of the European Showmen‘s A couple of weeks before the outbreak of the pan- feel has been a double standard in attraction reopenings Union (ESU), one of the oldest trade organizations in demic last year, showman representatives from Ireland, in Europe. For example, outdoor pools have Europe, has had ongoing exchanges with representatives Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, France, Belgium, opened and children are allowed to sit together in the kid- from other European national associations in regard to The Netherlands, Great Britain and Germany were able die pool, "but at the same time children are not allowed the crisis as it unfolded and continues now into 2021. to meet in person for the annual 41st ESU Congress. to ride together on a carousel," according to the report. Those conversations have not presented an optimistic Board members were elected. They include, from Ger- ESU members have called for economic aid in the view of Europe's outdoor mobile amusement industry. many, President Albert Ritter; from Belgium, Vice form of non-repayable funds. According to an annual report released last month President Franck Delforge and Secretary General Steve Ritter: "Loans would not solve the problems, but by the ESU, 2020 was devastating on the industry. With Severeyns; from The Netherlands, Vice President Atze only postpone the impending insolvencies in the Euro- cancellations to events on fairgrounds and the associ- J. Lubach-Koers and Deputy Secretary General Nina pean showman industry until next year," Ritter said in ated losses in revenues, "the majority of showman fami- Crommelin; from Switzerland, Vice President Charles the report. "Never in their history have the showmen lies are facing economic ruin." Senn, and from Ireland, Vice President Chris Piper. asked for support. But today, being subject to a ban on The report states that the pandemic has "... plunged As lockdowns ensued last year, Europe's show- practicing their profession due to corona(virus) restric- the European showman industry into its worst crisis men experienced huge losses. As a result, thousands of tions and having found themselves in a situation threat- ever. Centuries-old fairgrounds are about to disappear showwomen and showmen demonstrated throughout ening their very existence through no fault of their own, from the cities’ cultural program forever." Europe to draw attention to the dramatic situation af- economic help is urgently needed." Since 1954, the ESU constituent bodies, together flicting their industry. •debev.de Charlotte County Fair The Showmen's League of America adjusts for COVID awards scholarships, looks to future

The Showmen’s League planning of America (SLA) announced committee the organization will award 44 recently met. students with scholarships for Chaired by the 2021-2022 school year. The Bob Johnson SLA will also award two car- and Ron nival schools and the SLA St. Burback Henning Louis Chapter with scholar- year. He is from the ( Funtastic ships funds. The noteworthy area, owns Lucky Ducky Shows), they discussed ideas amount of $82,000 is similar to Concessions and books for club longevity including last year’s total, which was de- with his uncle, past SLA topics such as membership, termined before the pandem- president Bill Johnson who trade show and convention, ic’s significant impact on the owns Fantasy Amusements. fundraising, etc. This year's outdoor amusement business. Future incoming presidents committee members were cho- “Thanks to our active are first Vice sen for their geographical loca- nationwide membership, we President tion to ensure all SLA mem- were able to ensure the stu- Patrick bers are represented since the dents receive at least what Jamieson group is a nationwide (plus they did last year,” said Lo- ( World's Canada) organization. relei Schoendienst, co-chair Finest Looking ahead, SLA of the Scholarship Commit- Shows, is aware that this will be a tee. “So many families in our Ontario, Thorson challenging time for its hard- industry are suffering finan- Canada) and second VP Marc working members again in cially and we are glad to be Janas (B. Original Foods who 2021. SLA has kept that in in a position to give back,” books with Powers Great mind regarding its fundrais- she continued. American Midways and is ing activities. This year, SLA Although the SLA was nephew to Debbie and Corky will have its annual Buffalo unable to fundraise in 2020, Powers. Marc's father is a Bill bonanza raffle with the the most recent few years past president of the SLA). drawing held during IAAPA PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — The 10-day Charlotte County were very successful due to The third VP, Bob Johnson Expo 2021 in November. Fair was recently held in Port Charlotte, Florida. Belle increased events and member is the retired president of the Fundraisers like this and oth- City Amusements, Deltona, Florida, had the spot bringing participation. OABA. In February, the nom- ers help support SLA's schol- in 22 rides, of which six were kiddie ones. Shown is the The scholarship program inating committee, chaired by arship program. In 2022 and Sky Wheel and other rides leading up to it. Belle City has been the SLA’s signature two previous past presidents beyond, SLA hopes to con- is one of five carnival operations across the country that program since 1974. Each Andy Schoendienst (Luehrs' tinue to increase its outreach operates this ride on its midway. Special ride and gate February, the scholarship Ideal Rides), and Mary Chris to its membership through the admission pricing was offered throughout the run. Three committee meets to review Smith (retired as president of SLA After Dark parties which shows were offered daily with two to three offerings each applicant. Applications McGowan Allied Specialty occur all over North America. each day. They included Jurassic Kingdom Live!, Dinosaur are open to students who are Insurance) selected the 2022 As of now, SLA is plan- Show and Cirque Mundial. There were a few changes planning to attend a two-year Board of Governors and ning to have its trade show due to COVID-19 procedures. There was no vintage car or four-year college or trade incoming 3rd VP. Although in San Antonio this year after show as has been tradition. Usually, the fair hosts local school. Submissions are due this meeting usually takes taking 2020 off. This will be student art in the expo center, where kids show off their each year by December 31 and place in Tampa, it was held the last year in San Antonio as creations decorated with ribbons. The indoor venue was require a 2.75 GPA or higher via a Zoom meeting this year. the International Association closed due to social distancing concerns. A mandate and member sponsor. Cindy Henning contin- of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE) to keep all buildings closed, meant the livestock barns Robert Thorson is serving ues as the SLA's executive will be moving to another were operated outdoors with a sunshade for animals. COURTESY STEVE O’DONNELL as president of the Showmen’s directer. location for 2022. League of America (SLA) this The SLA's long-range •showmensleague.org March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23

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WATER PARKS & RECREATION  World's Largest Swiming Lesson resumes in-person education — page 28 WhiteWater West celebrates 40 years of water park excellence AT: Jeffrey Seifert [email protected]

VANCOUVER, B.C. — WhiteWater West, one of the leading designers and manufac- turers of water park products, is doing a year-long celebration to commemorate its 40th anniver- sary. WhiteWater was founded in 1980 by Geoff Chutter, a former accountant. Chutter saw his first waterslide at the age of 28 when conducting an audit for a park in Kelowna, B.C. Seeing the poten- tial of this type of recreation, he decided to take the plunge, real- izing that he was still young, and if it didn’t work out, he could always go back to accounting. Geoff Chutter overlooks construction of the WhiteWater Waterslide and Recreation Complex in 1980 (above left). The Chutter started WhiteWater WhiteWater team poses at the IAAPA Expo 2019 in Orlando, Florida (above right). Amusement Today founder Gary Slade in the town of Penticton, B.C., and Andrew Mowatt, WhiteWater’s vice president of North American sales, pose in a fiberglass slide section while touring WhiteWater establishing the the manufacturing plant in 2000 (below). COURTESY WHITEWATER; AT/GARY SLADE COLLECTION Waterslide and Recreation Complex as one of North a designer and manufacturer of the company continued to grow. America’s first water parks. over 100 incredible attractions, In 1987, Chutter partnered with Using the experience he gained which can be found in thousands Andrew Wray from Barr & building and running that park, of parks all over the world. Even Wray North America. Barr + Chutter started a company to after all this time, the motiva- Wray had established itself in share that knowledge with those tion remains the same, I’ve always the U.K. as one of the leaders in who were interested in building wanted to see families have safe, fluid handling and conditioning, their own parks. Now 40 years healthy fun together, and along- providing pools and spas along later, that company has grown side with our clients, we continue with water filtration equipment, to become one of the world’s to achieve that.” and pumps. Wray, with a degree most recognized and largest Forty years ago, waterslide in mechanical engineering, providers of everything water manufacturers were few and far began designing wave generat- park related. between, so WhiteWater con- ing equipment while working Looking back on the past structed its own slides for the alongside his father at Barr + 40 years, Chutter, WhiteWater’s park in Penticton. Soon after- Wray. He brought the technolo- founder and CEO, still remem- ward, other parks came call- gy to Canada with his company the rotating SlideWheel. The favorite attractions. A decade bers where it all started: “When I ing, and as business grew, Barr & Wray North America. By deal was later modified giving ago, WhiteWater introduced the opened WhiteWater Waterpark in WhiteWater acquired a fiber- joining forces, WhiteWater was WhiteWater exclusive rights MegaTube series of waterslides 1980, I didn’t imagine we would glass manufacturing plant and well on its to becoming a one- to market the product. As part including Constrictor, Python, become the industry leader it is a few years later added a local stop shop for everything and of that development, Rainer Viper and Rattler, offering rid- today, and I’m humbled. Four engineering firm. anything water related. Wray Maelzer joined the WhiteWater ers on rafts high banking oscilla- decades later and WhiteWater is Throughout its first decade, become WhiteWater’s chief team in June 2019 as a consultant. tions in huge, 20-foot-diameter enclosed tubes. Taking that con- One of business development officer Aside from acquiring tech- and a key partner at WhiteWater nology, the company has devel- cept a step further is the mas- WhiteWater’s West Industries. oped several innovations utiliz- sive Anaconda waterslide that most popular Following that merger, ing its own talent base. In 1988 has six-passenger rafts climbing slides is the WhiteWater continued to be WhiteWater added in-house the walls of a cavernous chan- Boomerango, on the lookout for new tech- architectural design and master nel nearly 15 feet high. Other seen here at nology. That led WhiteWater plan services. New corporate innovative attractions include Typhoon Texas to either acquire, form partner- offices were opened in 1995 in the AquaDuck slide installed on Water Park in ships or license products from Kelowna, B.C. and the follow- the Disney Dream cruise ship, Katy, Texas. Interactive Water Play in 1995, ing year a 90,000-square-foot, which featured a Master Blaster AT/TIM BADLWIN FlowRider in 1998, Prime Play state-of-the-art manufacturing slide with clear acrylic slide in 2001, and Master Blaster tech- facility was added. One of the sections, and FusionFortress, a nology from NBGS in 2003. The first-ever themed waterslides, complete all-in-one water park year 2005 brought the acquisi- , was developed by play structure. tion of SCS Interactive, and WhiteWater. Opening in 1990 At IAAPA Expo 2018, the following year a licensing at Wet’n’Wild parks in Orlando WhiteWater introduced its new agreement was reached with and Arlington, Texas, the space- Vantage program, which inte- Aqualoop to market and manu- ship-themed slides featured grates technology from a vari- facturer the world’s first loop- black enclosed tubes with run- ety of systems to revolution- ing waterslides. The latest part- ning lights, fiber optics, fog ize guest experience in a water nership, announced at the 2019 and sound effects. Introduced park. The Vantage system can IAAPA Euro Attractions show, in 2005, Boomerango with its help guests customize their expe- was a licensing deal with wie- wall-climbing reverse fall has gand.maelzer to manufacturer become one of the company’s 4See WHITEWATER, page 26 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021 NEWSSPLASH AT: Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected]

Universal Studios' Volcano Bay water of a whole new area that includes Crystal Riv- park reopened on February 27 after having er Refreshments — a new food venue with a closed on November 2, 2020, for seasonal grab-n-go menu featuring speciality cocktails, maintenance. It was the first seasonal closure comfort food, flatbreads and sandwiches. for the park, which has operated year-round Also new to area are two heated spas since it opened in 2017. According to Univer- with massage jets and 360-degree views of sal, the water park was closed for the season the water park. The new area includes ad- to perform annual maintenance on several at- ditional private cabanas that come with a tractions and areas of the park at the same lounge area, refrigerator and flat-screen TV. time. The closure came as a surprise to many Pay-extra upgraded seating is also available guests who had already made plans to visit in the form of day beds that can accommo- during that time period. date two adults; exclusive sun deck chairs Guests who had purchased three-park overlooking Crystal River Rapids; and premi- tickets or a three-park multi-day vacation and um pool seating that guarantees a spot with had planned to visit while the water park was a front-row view of the pool. closed were able to modify their purchase • to a two-park ticket. Guests had the option Cliff Lakes water park in Cliff, North to receive a refund or choose an in-park gift Warwickshire, England, is increasing the size card that covered the difference plus 20%. of its popular floating aqua park. Originally Another big seller for WhiteWater is the multi-lane mat racer Cabana sales and other premium add-ons designed to be one big attraction, restric- such as this one at Six Flags Harbor, Arlington, were fully refunded. Three-park season pass tions during 2020 had the park divided in Texas. AT/TIM BALDWIN holders were given the option to have their two. Twenty-five guests spent the first half pass extended for an additional two months hour of their session in half the park, and creates a dedicated surf pool. WHITEWATER or to receive a comparable refund. then moved over to the second half to finish Continued from page 25 The wave generating machine can provide an endless supply When asked if the seasonal closures the hour-long session. rience in the park by commu- of different types of waves with would happen every year, Universal respond- The expansion will nearly double the size nicating through an app down- instructions from a computer. Its ed that any future closures would be shared of the floating park and offer more challeng- loaded to their phones. Once at heart-shaped pool design is scal- on the park's website. ing obstacles with more climbing structures a park, guests sync their app to able in size, with a maximum • and a 22-foot giant slide. a supplied RFID wristband. A width of 1,000 feet in a five-acre On February 4, 2021, ProSlide launched • quick scan at the start of the pool. The machine can provide a new website design allowing ProSlide cus- As scuba has become more popu- ride then enables personalized waves in both directions from the tomers to see the full product portfolio in lar, several underwater parks have been cre- lighting or sound choices on the center of the pool, with a wave a user-friendly environment that offers im- ated to give divers something unusual to slide. Depending on what ser- lasting up to 26 seconds from proved navigation and functionality. explore. In 2019, Dive Bahrain submerged a vices are integrated, the system the beginning to the end of the The new website showcases ProSlide's decommissioned Boeing 747 aircraft. can be used throughout the day ride. The pool can accommodate 35 years of innovation and its full catalog of Now, swimmers and divers in France can to provide locker access, food and 75 surfers at a time, with waves high-performance water rides from the iconic explore an underwater art gallery located drink, and even guide the guests potentially getting pumped out , to the technologically advanced Hy- in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of to certain areas of the park or every eight seconds. droMagnetic Water Coaster. Cannes, in the French Rivera. Cannes, famous alert them to shopping specials. Although WhiteWater “Our primary goal during the redesign for its international film festival, has long Wireless transmitters throughout can provide a complete pack- process was to create a more valuable, user- been associated with the arts. Six sculptures the park provide real-time data to age from concept, design and centric, and responsive resource across all by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor have both guests and operators. construction all the way to platforms and devices,” said ProSlide’s Di- been submerged off the Cannes coast. Taylor The app also provides feed- the finished product and con- rector of Global Marketing Chantal Theoret. is a British sculptor, conservationist, underwa- back to the park owners, and tinued maintenance, it also “Specifically, we wanted to focus on making it ter photographer and instruc- with the demographic informa- works with several well-known easier for our visitors to learn and locate valu- tor who has installed sculpture parks off the tion entered into the app, owners design partners such as Aquatic able information about our innovations, wa- coasts of Mexico, the Bahamas and in the can determine which attractions Development Group (ADG), ter rides, and services not only at their desk Caribbean. The project in Cannes is his first are popular with which demo- Water Technology Inc. (WTI), but on mobile devices as well.” in Europe and his first in the Mediterranean. graphic group at certain times of Cloward H20, JRA, Ramaker • The sculptures are a series of masks, al- the day. For instance, the Vantage & Associates and Falcon’s The Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissim- most eight feet tall, based on ordinary local system can let owners know that Creative Group. mee, Florida, has opened Crystal River Rap- people. Each sculpture weighs between 10 a certain high-thrill attraction is What started as a single ids, a new water attraction on March 1. It is to 12 tons and is made of a pH-neutral mate- popular throughout the day with water park in 1980 has grown to part of the resort's $158 million expansion, rial that is designed to provide refuge where teenagers, but parents ride it only become a global industry power- opening in phases, that will include 302 ad- flora and fauna can flourish. once at the beginning of the day. house with a team of more than ditional rooms in a new Gulf Coast Tower “The reference is to the performing This type of real-time data, both 600 individuals with offices in along with 96,000 square feet of meeting arts, which are so associated with Cannes..." immediate and long term, can North America, Barcelona, Dubai, and event space. The expansion also includes said Taylor. “We held a public casting ses- help determine future attractions. and China. WhiteWater has been a new 12,000-square-foot event area, Man- sion for volunteers who could prove they The latest attraction to come an industry leader and innovator grove Lawn, which allows for unique group lived in Cannes, and I took a whole range from WhiteWater was launched for decades. Its products and events that can include access to the river or of masks of old and young people. Then I while most of the world was in services can be found at thou- a pandemic lockdown. With the sands of venues including theme the nearby South Beach Pool. selected six faces I thought were the most popularity of increasing parks, cruise ships, indoor and The new Crystal River Rapids action river full of character and based the sculptures dramatically all over the world, outdoor water parks, hotels and attraction at the Cypress Springs Water Park on them," he added. the time had come to produce resorts all around the world. The was inspired by Florida's spring-fed rivers. It To see the sculptures, people will have to wave pools dedicated to surf- company has been recognized will take guests on an exhilarating ride with swim out about 60 feet from the shore. The ing. Although the technology for its excellence and commit- changing currents past roaring waterfalls and sculptures can be seen from the surface with- has been around for decades — ment to safety with IAAPA Brass crumbling limestone walls. The new attraction out diving equipment. Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon wave Ring Awards, Thea Awards, also includes a state-of-the-art sound system “The waters are incredibly clear and the pool, installed in 1989, is able Leading Edge and Amusement and heated water for year-round enjoyment. bottom is flat. It’s free and it’s public, so any- to produce surfable waves — a Today Golden Ticket Awards. Crystal River Rapids is the key attraction one can go and see them," said Taylor. new product called Endless Surf, •whitewaterwest.com March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27 28 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021 World’s Largest Swimming Lesson to be held on June 17, 2021

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Now for children under 14 and the fifth in its 12th year, The World’s Largest leading cause of unintentional inju- Swimming Lesson (WLSL) serves as ry deaths for all ages in the United a crucial platform for the aquatics States. Drowning is an even greater industry to build awareness about the threat in other countries around the fundamental importance of teaching world. According to the World Health children to swim. With a whole year of Organization, drowning is the third learn-to-swim programs having been leading cause of unintentional injury lost in 2020, the need to provide chil- The massive death worldwide, accounting for 7% dren with access to formal swimming international of all injury-related deaths. lessons this summer has become more World's Largest Participation in formal swimming important than ever. Swimming Lesson lessons can reduce the risk of drowning “A dire consequence of the pool event returns on among children ages one to four by up closures created by the 2020 pandemic June 17. COURTESY to 88%. is that millions of children did not WORLD WATERPARK In 2014, a survey completed by the ASSOCIATION have the chance to begin swimming American Red Cross found that more lessons as they normally would,” said Whether facilities are able to host ing to swim and staying safer in and than half of all Americans (54%) either Rick Root, president of the World just 21 swimmers and their parents around the water. Registration for host can’t swim or don’t have all of the Waterpark Association, the founding due to social distancing protocols or locations opens April 1, 2021 at wlsl.org. basic swimming skills. organization of the World’s Largest 2,100 because the whole community is The purpose of the event is to Parental supervision can be key to Swimming Lesson. in full-swing, organizers are encourag- provide kids and parents exposure safe swimming. According to a 2016 This year’s WLSL event will take ing as many locations as possible to to life-saving water safety skills and Safe Kids Worldwide report, despite place over the course of 24 hours at participate in this year’s program. build awareness about the vital impor- the fact that lack of supervision played host locations that are able to reopen “Over the last 11 years of hosting tance of teaching children to swim a role in the majority of drowning on Thursday, June 17, 2021. the WLSL event, we’ve learned we can to prevent drowning. Aquatic venues deaths, less than half of parents (49%) Local WLSL events take place at make a real difference in our communi- are joining the WLSL in its mission indicate they remain within arms’ waterparks, aquatic centers, swim ties if we all work together,” said Root. to spread the message "Swimming reach of their child in the water. schools, YMCA’s and other water lei- “By committing to the #21in21 cam- Lessons Save Lives" to kids and adults Since its inception, more than sure venues. Traditional and socially- paign, we can get kids and families back to help prevent drowning. 320,000 children and adults have distanced lesson plans will be available. on track to being water aware by par- Per the Center for Disease participated in life-saving WLSL les- The WLSL is unveling a new ticipating in life-saving swim lessons.” Control, drowning remains the sons, generating more than two bil- #21in21 campaign to encourage host Aquatic facilities and trainers in the leading cause of unintended, injury lion media impressions about the vital locations of all sizes to get back on local community are encouraged to help related death for U.S. children ages importance of learning to swim. deck for the WLSL's June 17. parents connect the dots between learn- one to four, the second leading cause •wlsl.org

It’s time to get back on deck for the WORLD S LARGEST SWIMMING LESSON™ event’ on June 17, 2021 and help us put an end to drowning by Register As A spreading the word that Swimming Lessons Save Lives™. Host Location Starting April 1, Join TEAM WLSL™ For Our #21in21 Challenge 2021 WLSL.org © 2021 World’s Largest Swimming Lesson March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29

TRANSFORMING WATER PARKS WaterKINGDOM

Interactive family fun and discovery

KIDZ rides inspired by iconic ProSlide water rides

Themed to create an immersive experience

PROSLIDE.COM

Copyright © 2020 ProSlide Technology Inc. All rights reserved. ProSlide, the ProSlide logo and any other marks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of ProSlide Technology Inc. in Canada, the United States of America and any other countries. 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021

BUSINESS & NEWSMAKERS  Extreme Engineering's Sky Tag, Surfin Tsunami — page 34 / New Mexico amusements still shuttered — page 36 Gibtown goes with lower vendor numbers, attendee participation AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected]

RIVERVIEW, Fla. – While not all Florida Week activities that are typically held took place, this certainly is not a typical year. Organizers of the various events were cautious and had numerous COVID-19 mitigation practices in place. Central to all activity, was the 53rd annual International Independent Showmen’s Foundation (IISF) annual Super Trade Show & Extravaganza. It took place under muted atten- From atop a Frederiksen slide, some of the outdoor rides and other equipment at the trade show can be seen, including a dance, estimated at 3,000, down new Gosetto made for Deggeller Attractions (above left). Above right are honorees at the OABA annual member from 8,000 in 2020. There were meeting (l to r): Sam Johnston, Jeanne McDonagh, Jerry Aldrich and Al De Rusha. COURTESY STEVE O’DONNELL, OABA 40 indoor and 32 outdoor ven- dors throughout the 20-acre slow times to a variety of rea- cannot exhibit, because we are York ride. It has a wooden Alliance conducted two ses- site, with four first-time com- sons. The carnivals did not get unable to enter your country, revolving barrel element, remi- sions on the “H2B Balancing panies. They included Elite out much (if at all) in 2020. due to the border closures. We niscent of those found in opera- Act: Practical, Political Trade Show Services/Marquee; Staffing issues, financing con- live in [the] 21st century, so we tions decades earlier. The ride Strategies for Survival in this Encore Concessions – Fab cerns and, of course, COVID- have technology on our side. took the Outstanding Outdoor New Abnormal.” Metals; Mid-America Engine 19 were additional culprits. I hope we are going to make Display award at the show. A pair of programs were and Urethane Specialties. Only Frederiksen said parks are still good use of it,” said Izabela Inside, the exhibitors were available on Friday. A ServSafe two indoor vendors could not buying, and the pumpkin patch Smith, company representative, confined to the center aisles, to certification program for food make it due to weather issues. (Halloween-type activities) are in a video presentation. tighten things up. handling along with industrial Many of the usual out- the hottest niche for his opera- Then there were ven- Throughout the grounds, truck/forklift training, were door ride manufacturers and tion right now. The company dors who wanted to be there both indoor and outdoor, offered to registered attendees. sellers brought one or no rides has expanded into outside proj- but couldn’t make it because numerous COVID-19 practices Tony Thomas, a conces- and primarily operated out of ects including goat trailers to of canceled flights from the were in play, including temper- sionaire from Wapwallopen, tents. This included Rides 4 help keep employees working. weather around the rest of the ature checks, hand washing and Pennsylvania, felt the time U, Dalton Rides and Wisdom Overseas manufacturers country. One such person was sanitizing stations, the require- spent was well worth it. “It was Manufacturing. The excep- and other companies outside Gina Guglielmi with Intermark ment of face masks, social dis- a good show with the basics tion was Amusement Devices of North America were unable Ride Group. She tried numer- tancing and frequent public that we needed. I was there two & Manufacturing LLC, from to attend due to travel restric- ous times and days to fly in from bathroom cleanings. days — purchased signage and Iowa, which had a half dozen tions to the United States. Nashville, and they just “kept The National Association drink cups. [There was a] beau- rides and rentals at the show. Some of them took to other canceling flights.” Her company of Amusement Ride Safety tiful miniature circus display A Flying Dragon ride (SBF/ methods to communicate and represents new and used rides Officials (NAARSO) again by Brooke Evans [with Circus Visa Group mini pirate ship) visit with their customers and for Fabbri Group, Gosetto s.r.l. offered inspector certification Model Builders.] All in all, a was on display at the Rides 4 potential ones. Such was the and Moser Rides, among others. exams for level one inspectors good time to socialize.” U booth. Owner Len Soled told case with Kolmax Plus, S.R.O., Deggeller Attractions had on Tuesday. This was the sec- Weaver had positive feed- AT. “I’m really pleased I went Ostrava, . Sales its brand new Gosetto funhouse ond time training and testing at back about the trade show. “The to Gibtown. The one third who Manager Irene Zvarova encour- on display. It was brought in the trade show has taken place. IISF did a really good job. I saw came yielded good conversa- aged interested parties to have by Joey Weaver with Fair Ride Concurrent with the four- more show owners on the first tions. We planted some seeds. a private meeting and con- Entertainment. Response was day event were a pair of work- day. Attendance was better than I’m optimistic on what lies nect via WhatsApp, Facebook good as Weaver explained: “It shops on Wednesday with I expected.” ahead. I’m looking for the start of Messenger, Viber or telegram. went really well. There was a timely topics. “Events That “It’s worth coming. We many more trade shows ahead.” Another long-distance lot of interest. People liked the Operated During the 2020 sold a couple of pieces. Not Frederiksen Fun Slides manufacturer, Luna-Park quality of the piece. I got a Season” and “Reopening During many here, but you don’t need brought five slides to exhibit Rides, Zakopane, , lot of good feedback.” Andy A Pandemic,” were both popular many. I’m pleased,” said Mark — two new and three used. reached out to its customers Deggeller and his company and well attended sessions. Blumhagen with Rides 4 U. “Had a lot of spectators. No as well. “We normally display came up with the theming for On Thursday, the JKJ “All things consid- sales for me,” said owner Jim by the front gate, by the recep- Atlantis, an adaptation of the Workforce Agency and the Frederiksen. He attributes the tion office. Sadly, this year we successful, New York, New Small Business Workforce 4See GIBTOWN, page 32 March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31

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Co-sponsored by Co-located with 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021 GIBTOWN recipients. It was held on the sec- Continued from page 30 ond floor of the International Independent Showmen’s ered, it went very well,” said Museum. The winners were for- IISF President Lee Stevens. mally recognized Friday evening “Vendors were pleased with during the 56th annual member people who did attend. Those meeting and chair’s reception that who came, came out to shop.” was held at the Sheraton Tampa When asked about the rest of Brandon Hotel. This year's recipi- this year, he said, “I’m very ents included Jeanne McDonagh optimistic about the season. and Sam Johnston – Hall of When we get out, the people Fame and Jerry Aldrich – Pioneer will want to play.” award. The OABA also present- This was the first major carni- Marla Calico, IAFE president and CEO was on hand presenting a few workshops for OABA, ed an award to Al De Rusha in val show for the industry since last NICA and IISF events. She is pictured with OABA President, Greg Chiecko (above left). appreciation of his 30 years of February owing to the COVID-19 Taking time for a breather from the show were Len Soled, Rides 4 U; Gary Slade, Amusement OABA membership and his help pandemic. Teresa Rimes, trade Today; and Ramon Rosario with Zamperla (above middle). Bob’s Space Racers had their One with all the jamborees. He also is show secretary, was pleased with Step Hand Santizer Station on display (above right). COURTESY OABA; AT/GARY SLADE instrumental in developing vid- what their organization accom- eos of all the award recipients that plished. “We took the initiative, ety of educational workshops. one exit. Food samples were passed the gavel to incoming are presented at the annual meet- and we did it! We opened. We’re The discussions were very cur- only allowed if they were served President, Sandy Class. Marla ing. In 2017, De Rusha joined the grateful for what we got. Buyers rent and informative; reflecting by the exhibitors. There were Calico, IAFE president gave a OABA Hall of Fame. were here, not just dust-kickers. the struggles and solutions that 50, which was down slightly. presentation on “Movin Forward On Thursday, board and The first day was perhaps our the industry is choosing as it Attendees were offered three Together.” Additional speakers scholarship meetings took best day.” Rimes indicated a few moves forward. Speakers also time-slots that were scheduled were Greg Chiecko, OABA CEO, place during the day. Thirty vendors thanked the IISF for put- presented topics on “Insurance in two-hour increments. The and Eugene Cassidy, IAFE chair- students (23 returning college ting on the show this year. Principals – Back to Basics,” change resulted in attendees man. The annual hall of fame and seven high school seniors) Other organizations held “DOT Today,” and “Payment enjoying the extra time they award went to Greg Miller, a two- were awarded $1,000 scholar- activities in the area that week. Options that Ensure Customer were allowed to visit with time past president. The NICA ships. In addition, $2,000 each The NICA (National Safety.” Also, on Tuesday, NICA exhibitors learning more about Foundation awarded over $33,500 was allocated to show schools, Independent Concessionaires kicked off their website-based their products displayed and in scholarships to 18 recipients. Deggeller Academy (Deggeller Association)/Fare Foods food Peer to Peer Resource Center. ideas offered. This change will The Outdoor Amusement Attractions) and Cammack show took place early in the That evening was the Fare continue for future shows. Business Association (OABA) Christian Academy (RCS.) That week, with all events at the Foods Food Show, a one-day Over 350 people attended held their usual round of events evening, the always popular 5th Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel event this time around. The lay- the NICA general member meet- that started on Wednesday. That annual TopGolf fundraiser event in Tampa. Activities started off out was altered to comply with ing Wednesday evening, with day was full of meetings, work- with silent and gypsy auction with a vendor and customer the CDC guidelines allowing for a Year in Review conducted by shops and case studies, along was held. It was a huge success appreciation event on Monday. social distancing and attendance Rey O’Day, executive director. with the afternoon reception for raising much needed money for The next day, NICA held a vari- capacity with one entrance and Don Delahoyde, 2020 president, the 2021 Hall of Fame and Pioneer the OABA's H2B agenda.

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COMPANY SYMBOL MARKET PRICE HIGH LOW Shuttered parks continue impact on Disney 02/22/21 52-Week 52-Week ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Walt Disney Company reported The Blackstone Group BX NYSE 69.52 72.10 33.00 earnings for its first fiscal quarter ended January 2, 2021. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations for the quar- ter decreased 98% to $0.02 from $1.17 in the prior-year quarter. Cedar Fair, L.P. FUN NYSE 48.00 51.97 13.00 Excluding certain items, diluted EPS for the quarter decreased Comcast Corp./NBCUniversal 79% to $0.32 from $1.53 in the prior-year quarter. Results in the CMCSA NASDAQ 52.50 53.60 31.70 Media quarter ended January 2, 2021 were adversely impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The Walt Disney Company DIS NYSE 191.76 194.02 79.07 "We believe the strategic actions we’re taking to transform our company will fuel our growth and enhance shareholder value, Dubai Parks & Resorts DXBE:UH DFM 0.08 0.19 0.07 as demonstrated by the incredible strides we’ve made in our DTC business, reaching more than 146 million total paid subscriptions across our streaming services at the end of the quarter," said Bob EPR Properties EPR NYSE 44.44 73.59 12.55 Chapek, the company's chief executive officer. The most significant impact was at the Disney Parks, Fuji Kyoko Co., Ltd. 9010 TYO 5790.00 6010.00 2080.00 Experiences and Products segment where since late in the sec- ond quarter of fiscal 2020, Disney's parks and resorts have been Haichang Holdings Ltd. HK:2255 SEHK 0.66 0.89 0.38 closed or operating at significantly reduced capacity and its cruise ship sailings have been suspended. Disney Parks, Experiences and Leofoo Development Co. TW:2705 TSEC 21.30 23.05 9.08 Products revenues for the quarter decreased 53% to $3.6 billion, and segment operating results decreased $2.6 billion to a loss of $119 million. Lower operating results for the quarter were due to MGM Resorts International MGM NYSE 37.52 38.80 5.90 decreases at both the domestic and international parks and expe- riences businesses. Royal Carribean Cruises, Ltd. RCL NYSE 86.23 101.00 19.25 Cedar Fair reports fourth quarter results Sansei Technologies, Inc. JP:6357 TYO 711.00 875.00 490.00 SANDUSKY, Ohio — Cedar Fair Entertainment Company SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. SEAS NYSE 38.94 40.66 6.75 announced its 2020 fourth-quarter and full-year results ending Dec. 31, 2020. “We are optimistic that levels of attendance at our parks and Six Flags Entertainment Co. SIX NYSE 44.30 46.15 8.75 resort properties will significantly improve in 2021, particularly as COVID-19 vaccines become broadly available over the next Tivoli A/S DK:TIV CSE 722.00 768.00 550.00 few months,” said Cedar Fair President and CEO Richard A. Zimmerman. “In anticipation of improving demand, we are poised STOCK PRICES ABOVE ARE GENERALLY QUOTED IN THE FOREIGN CURRENCY IN WHICH THE COMPANY IS LOCATED to resume normal operations, particularly during our seasonally Worldwide Markets: ASX, Australian Securities Exchange; CSE, Copenhagen Stock Exchange; LSE, London Stock Exchange; NYSE, stronger back half of the year. We have strategically designed our New York Stock Exchange; NASDAQ, National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations; SEHK, Hong Kong Stock operating plan for the 2021 season specifically to minimize cash Exchange; SZSE, Shenzhen Stock Exchange; TSEC, Taiwan Stock Exchange, Corp.; TYO/TSE, Stock Exchange burn in the pre-opening period and correlate park operating calen- —SOURCES: Bloomberg.com; Wall Street Journal dars with forecasted demand while growing our season pass base for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.” Cedar Fair's Dorney Park used its parking lot as the site for a mass, drive-through For the full year ended Dec. 31, 2020, net revenues totaled vaccination location to help distribute COVID-19 vaccines. COURTESY DORNEY PARK $182 million versus $1.47 billion for 2019. The decrease in net revenues was the direct result of a 25.3 million-visit decrease in attendance and a $101 million decrease in out-of-park revenues, with both shortfalls due to COVID-19-related park closures and operating calendar changes in 2020, as well as the negative impact of the pandemic on demand upon reopening. In-park per capita spending in 2020 decreased by 4% to $46.38 compared to $48.32 in 2019. This year-over-year decline was attribut- able to decreases in guest spending on extra-charge attractions, pri- marily front-of-the-line Fast Lane products, and admissions resulting from a higher season pass mix. These declines were offset in part by higher in-park per capita spending on food, merchandise, and games. Comcast reports for fourth quarter, year DIESEL PRICES PHILADELPHIA — Comcast Corporation, parent company Region As of Change from (U.S) 2/15/21 1 year ago for Universal Resorts, reported results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2020. East Coast $2.898 -$0.042 Univeral theme park revenue decreased 62.9% to $579 million Midwest $2.852 $0.095 in the fourth quarter of 2020, primarily due to Universal Orlando Gulf Coast $2.627 -$0.031 Resort and Universal Studios Japan operating at limited capac- ity, while Universal Studios Hollywood remains closed as a result Mountain $2.787 -$0.071 of COVID-19. Theme parks adjusted EBITDA loss was $15 million West Coast $2.960 -$0.121 in the fourth quarter of 2020, which included pre-opening costs California $3.635 -$0.139 related to Universal Beijing Resort. For the 12 months ending December 31, 2020, revenue from the CURRENCY theme parks segment decreased 68.9% to $1.8 billion compared to On 2/22/21 $1 USD = 2019, primarily owing to the temporary closures of Universal Studios 0.8250 EURO Japan in late February and Universal Orlando Resort and Universal 0.7133 GBP (British Pound) Studios Hollywood in mid-March as a result of COVID-19. Theme 105.41 JPY (Japanese Yen) parks adjusted EBITDA loss was $541 million. "With the vaccines rolling out throughout the world, we 0.8961 CHF (Swiss Franc) are optimistic that the parts of our business that had been most 1.2703 AUD (Australian Dollar) impacted will soon be back on a path towards growth," said Brian 1.2613 CAD (Canadian Dollar) L. Roberts, chairman and CEO. 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021 Innovative concepts provide cost-effective solutions in current climate Extreme Engineering announces new rides: Sky Tag, Surfin Tsunami AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected]

ATHENS, Texas — With the global health crisis came numerous challenges in forg- ing ahead in the amusement industry. Expenditures are more closely scrutinized, and future investments are more tentative. Extreme Engineering is excited not only to bring forth two new innovations for ride ideas but to also provide solutions in times of guarded budgets. “I’m thrilled that our company has two all-new coaster options to offer in 2021,” said Phil Wilson, exec- Sky Tag (above) will be the first suspended laser tag coaster. Surfin Tsunami (inset) allows people to ride a utive vice president. “These suspended coaster in a standing position. COURTESY EXTREME ENGINEERING attractions check all the boxes for our industry moving for- pended coaster. Starting at in a building that is no longer Surfin Tsunami is a radi- “The goal is to get someone ward in 2021. Price, experi- under $500,000 turnkey, this is in use. It’s very cost friendly.” cal departure from typical sus- standing up as much as possi- ence, capacity and family- a fantastic solution.” FECs and parks can oper- pended coaster experiences. ble while still properly restrain- friendly are all jam packed “This attraction was actu- ate a Sky Tag in as small as a With this new concept, single ing them safely. Imagine rid- into these exciting rides.” ally designed in response to 40-foot-by-40-foot space. The riders hop aboard surfboards ing a surfboard 50 … 60 … 70 Known for the award-win- COVID and the economic con- height requirement for ceiling attached to an above track via a feet in the air. It’s going to be ning Cloud Coaster suspend- ditions facing the parks and height can be as low as 16 feet. pole. This pole provides a grab an interesting feeling as you ed roller coasters, Extreme family entertainment centers,” Barto is intrigued by the idea bar for surfers to hang onto go around turns and feel that Engineering is unveiling two said Pete Barto, vice president of having the coaster enter a while a restraint system allows sway effect,” added Barto. offshoots of this platform. of sales and strategic partner- traditional laser tag arena to them to safely enjoy the ride Extreme Engineering Sky Tag is an elevated dark ships. “The budgets aren’t where both participants on the in a standing position. Indoors reported that they received ride system that uses coaster what they were in the past floor and riders on the coaster or out, the track can curve and several requests for proposals vehicles equipped with phas- and won’t be for a few years. can interact. weave through existing attrac- within 24 hours of unveiling ers provided by LaserBlast. We wanted a product that gets “We’re really looking at tions at a small park or FEC. the two new concepts. During the ride, passengers decent capacity and didn’t the applications that this ride “There are a lot of zipline- “We’re excited about take aim at other coaster vehi- take up a lot of space. It’s might lead to,” Barto told type harness attractions out it,” said Barto. “We’ve had cles and targets within a dark- 100% turnkey, so there are no Amusement Today. “I think we there that are sometimes com- responses from customers that ened enclosed environment. surprises to anyone willing are at the tip of the iceberg of pared to the Cloud Coaster. said they were just waiting for Theming is provided by to invest in a new attraction. what we could do with this We’re trying to bridge the gap this type of attraction. We think Creative Works. Numerous We wanted it unique; I’m not ride platform. I think we’ve put between a zipline and a true the market is really going to theming options, includ- aware of any laser tag roller together a really nice package coaster,” said Barto. “We’re embrace this. The parks and ing adventure, space, ocean coasters out there.” that has some unique twists to looking at ways to make that the industry are in a tough spot or western are designed and Although the feel of a dark it. There’s going to be a lot to ride experience unique, exciting, right now. They want to spend ready to go. ride is apparent on Sky Tag, the look at and shoot at.” fun and different. It’s not some- money and excite their base, “We partnered with some coaster is still gravity driven. According to Barto, part- thing you have to strap yourself but this is a tough time. To be of the best suppliers in the “The real selling point is ners LaserBlast and Creative into in Velcro and zippers.” able to bring something that industry to create an all-inclu- that this can fit in almost any Works are working on ways As riders soar overhead, is exciting but won’t break the sive attraction,” said Wilson. space,” added Barto. “It could that owners and operators can turns and curves in the track budget, it feels like we can help “No one has this type of attrac- be hung above something else. change out targets and theming let passengers “ride the wave” with the healing of that.” tion or experience in a sus- It could be a replacement ride to keep the ride fresh over time. with a fun feeling of swing. •extremeengineering.com

On this suggested Sky Tag layout (above left), four vehicles traverse a small layout twice for two minutes of fun. Creative Works has developed many themes to use with Sky Tag (above right). COURTESY EXTREME ENGINEERING March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35 Rebecca Wood President Six Flags Great Escape INFLUENCE Queensbury, New York A view from the top… In 2019, Rebecca Wood was named president of Six Flags Great Escape Resort in Lake George, New York. She started with Six Flags at that park in 2009 as director of public relations. Six Flags Great Escape opened in 1954, originally as Storyland USA. It includes a hotel, theme park as well as an outdoor and indoor water park. Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is one of the world's largest regional theme park companies and operators of water parks in North America, with $1.4 billion in revenue and 25 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Accomplishments and affiliations… •Member International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), involved with IAAPA committees •Awarded participation in IAAPA's leadership program, spending one week at the Harvard Business School, 2016 •Board member of the Chamber of Commerce, United Way and YMCA Wood sees simplicity in her industry QUEENSBURY, N.Y. — Rebecca After college graduation, Wood Wood remembers her first amusement spent several years in various positions park work experience very well. and companies, just trying to find her She was 15 years old and was footing. She finally hit on a public helping a friend who had a catering relations job with a company that job at Canobie Lake Park, Salem, New managed shopping malls. She really Hampshire. The park was located about liked this position, but it wasn't long four miles from Wood's hometown of that another opportunity knocked. Windham, New Hampshire. A former colleague of hers saw "I was running with a pan of corn, a job posting for a director of public tripped and fell into the corn," she relations at The Great Escape and said. "I now have a huge respect for immediately thought of Wood. those working in those types of events. "He sent me the posting," she And no one lets me carry the corn." said. "He said that when he read it, it The irony is not lost on her that just felt like it was perfect for me." she is now resort president of Six Flags She applied and got the job. And who worked in the communications "It has brought the industry a long Great Escape Resort. it did feel perfect for her. department," she said. ways, but there is still so much potential Wood had a traditional youth. Her "I felt like I was home," Wood Her husband, Michael Wood, is there," she said. father, James Valenti, was an optometrist, said. "I think it was the people and the now a communications consultant. Wood feels she is seeing more and her mother, Jean Valenti, was an energy I felt." She said Six Flags has been women coming into the industry. executive director of the northeastern She spent five years as the supportive in helping her to become "Because we are one of Six Flags' branch of the Internal Revenue Service. director of public relations. Then she a success. She has had many mentors smaller properties, we sometimes can She grew up with two older brothers, spent five more years as the director along the way. Bonnie Weber, Six Flags be a development park," she said. "We Andy and Jeff Valenti. of communications. She was then senior vice president, park operations, can see people come into the industry She still visited Canobie Lake Park promoted to resort president. was one of them. There have been and watch them grow into leaders. I after her disastrous corn dive as well She has loved every minute of it. others. There have been those that love that. I hope that my role here will as other amusement and theme parks, "I think a lot of people under have inspired her to "branch out of the inspire others so they know they always but it was for recreation. It would be estimate how much passion and energy silo of public relations." have a seat at the table." almost a decade before she worked in goes into this industry," she said. "It is You know, they say it takes village," And even though the COVID-19 a park setting again. not only about how much we love our she said. pandemic, a factor for more than a year She played field hockey and jobs but why we love what we do. We She does want to expand now, has created significant negative basketball in high school, receiving are providing fun for people. And, for her responsibilities with Six Flags impacts to the industry, Wood said a basketball scholarship to play me, it is as much about the team I work eventually. Her career is important to there has been a silver lining. Division I basketball at St. Bonaventure with as the guests that visit the resort." her as is her family. "And that is in safety," she said. University in the city of the same name Wood feels she has drawn a lot of "When I married Michael Wood, "Safety is who we are and I think in New York state. strength and work ethics from her mother. I was blessed with three awesome people see that. Families still need to She also had found a seasonal job "My mom was a very hard working stepchildren," she said. "David is 18 get away and they have been able to at a local family entertainment center, person," she said. "She always told me years old and already in college. Marie trust us as they do." Victorian Park Entertainment Center that the value of a job is what you are is 15 years old and is a sophomore in Woods said she feels the industry in Salem, New Hampshire. This center, learning in that job. Is it keeping you high school. And Jake is 10 years old, has given to her a family, people, which has since permanently closed, challenged? And the other thing is: Are a sixth grader. When he is older, we passion and love. offered arcade games, ice cream and you having fun?" have said we would look into perhaps "I just hope that I will be able to miniature golf. She worked summers What has kept her at Six Flags moving to another location." give somebody else the same thing," she during high school and college. Great Escape is how the resort and Wood said the most significant said. "And I hope that people will see the In 2004, she graduated from St. the company have become her family, changes she has seen since she first simplicity of what we do. We are creating Bonaventure with a degree in public literally and figuratively. started in the industry has been in the future leaders and future thrills." relations and communications. "I ended up marrying a man advancement of technology. —Pam Sherborne 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021 New Mexico amusement facilities still have no answers from state AT: John W.C. Robinson It could be next year for all basis every year. In October, [in early February]." Several Garcia disagrees with the [email protected] I know," said Thomas Garcia, Gary Hays, owner of Cliff’s, New York state FECs — includ- state's position. "We are worse owner of the New Mexico Urban told local station KOAT-TV: "I ing Dave & Busters and Urban than Florida through this pan- NEW MEXICO — As Air fran- honestly don’t know if we can Air Adventure Park — filed demic in cases-per-100,000 and Amusement Today goes to press, chise. New survive without opening up a similar lawsuit in February, {Florida is] fully open," said news has been released that Mexican Gov. [in 2021]." soon thereafter Gov. Andrew Garcia. "New Mexico is worse New York amusement facilities Michelle "There are 154 Urban Cuomo greenlit an opening than Florida in average cases have been given the green light Lujan Air franchises in the U.S.," timeline for the FECs. per 100,000 and yet New Mexico to open in March and April (see Grisham has explained Garcia. "We are the In an email to KOAT- is the most restrictive state in story, page 46), and California's the statewide only Urban Air in the country TV, a spokesperson from the the nation. We have a year of theme parks are starting to get protocols Garcia that has never been opened to Governor's office said: "As evidence and the evidence says a sense of a timeline for their under a three- some capacity in the pandemic. a whole, the state has made that we should be open." reopenings. tiered color system, similar to a "We have submitted a great progress as we continue Not being able to open is However, the "Land of traffic light. But, even once areas 40-page reopening plan to the to weather the pandemic, but affecting all levels of employ- Enchantment" is proving to be are in the green tier, what the governor and health inspectors government's role is to ensure ees within these amusement anything but for its amusement state has dubbed "close contact office," Garcia continued. "They that protecting the health facilities. Cliff's Amusement parks and family entertainment recreational facilities" (CCRF) have not sent any representa- and safety of New Mexicans Park had to lay off 20 full-time centers. Cliff's Amusement still are not cleared to reopen. tives to any other Urban Airs remains the top priority. The employees in 2020. Cliffs’ work- Park of Albuquerque, New Garcia questions the logic that are open. Since we are hope is that as New Mexicans force consists of 98% teenag- Mexico, and Western Playland in seperating CCRF's from other in the category of close con- continue to act responsibly and ers. They are the state’s largest of Sunland Park, New Mexico, businesses: "There are gyms tact recreational facilities, the safely to limit the spread of employer of young people. were closed throughout 2020 open, climbing wall facilities governor herself told me that COVID-19 and vaccinations Unemployment is taking its due to the state's COVID-19 and ninja warrior courses open she will not open me without continue to be administered, toll on Urban Air's staff as well. restrictions. In addition, all of [in the state]. My daughter goes opening the rest of the category, further reducing virus trans- "One of our employees was out the state's family entertainment to gymnastics and jumps on a even though she believes we mission rates statewide, we on the street and now living centers, such as Albuquerque's trampoline every time she goes. can keep guests safe." will be able to evaluate what with my business partner," said Urban Air Adventure Park We have all of those attractions In an effort to gain some comes next for New Mexicans Garcia. "Twenty-five percent of have remain shuttered in 2021. but we can’t open. Why? We movement and information, and New Mexico businesses our employees had addresses And none of these facilities have are insured as a gym." Garcia partnered with two other after the Green Level, poten- out of state when we called been given any guidelines or With 2020 in the past, sea- amusement facilities in a law- tially a 'Green Plus,' where the them to ask where to send their update as to when they might sonal parks are clearly focused suit against the state. "We have risk of viral transmission has W2. Most moved because they be allowed to reopen. on 2021. Cliff’s Amusement had a lawsuit in federal court been reduced to the point that couldn’t find work here." "The state has not given us, Park typically opens in April since early November. We can’t we can cautiously invite even The office of Gov. Grisham nor or any other business in this and that is not far off for a get a hearing date," said Garcia. more risk and enhance capaci- can be reached via the state's category any indication of when park that hires hundreds of "Four other trampoline parks ties at more categories of com- website. we might be allowed to open. local teenagers on a seasonal filed a lawsuit against the state mercial activities." •governor.state.nm.us LA ProPoint completes renovations Legacy completes move during shutdown, ensures safety into San Antonio office SUN VALLEY, Calif. — Design, engineering and fabrication supplier for theatrical and theme park systems, LA ProPoint was able to take on and finalize several large scale projects in the California area despite the statewide COVID-19 restrictions which severly limited in-state businesses. “Even in the midst of a global pandemic, we persevered and were able to complete several sig- nificant projects, all while respecting COVID-19 restrictions and ensuring the safety of our workers,” said Mark Riddlesperger, president of LA ProPoint. At SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, LA The massive custom hanging box truss ProPoint was charged with the design, fabrication structures for lighting and audio equipment at and installation of massive custom hanging box truss Sofi Stadium was completed by LA ProPoint. structures and supporting equipment that are used COURTESY LA PROPOINT to mount lighting and audio instruments for the playing field and grandstands. Owing to the unique with removable guard rails. These upgrades brought nature of the stadium roof, and its immense scale, safety and reliability up to modern day standards, as the instruments are not accessible by catwalks or any well as added new flexibility and functionality to the other permanent static structure. Instead, they float theater rigging systems and infrastructure. suspended at great height in space within a laby- For the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, rinth of the roof's structural cables. LA ProPoint’s LA ProPoint completed work in two theaters in Los imaginative work encompassed structural engineer- Angeles. Concept design was provided by archi- ing, automation design, fabrication within rigorous tect Renzo Piano, and the Renzo Piano Building design tolerances and a rigging installation environ- Workshop. In each theater, LA ProPoint installed ment of substantial height and scale. innovative, complex, curved projection screens com- “With innovation and imagination, we were plete with automated screen masking systems that able to honor our resiliency and commitment to provide the ability to frame any size image, at any SAN ANTONIO — Legacy Amusement Distributors, an our clients,” stated Riddlesperger. aspect ratio, and locate it anywhere on the screen. amusement industry coin-operated machine source has LA ProPoint also completed renovations and The result is a unique theater experience exclusive to relocated its offices from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, upgrades at the 500-seat Mandell Weiss Theatre, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. to San Antonio, Texas. The company, which has serviced one of the La Jolla Playhouse performance spaces With the state of California officially loosen- the industry for more than 50 years, has become known located on the University of California's San Diego ing its COVID-19 restrictions and many local for its slogan of "the go-to guys" and services the campus. Once mobilized, LA ProPoint installed a attractions reopening, LA ProPoint's projects are southeastern United States. new motorized fire curtain, a counterweight rigging closer to being enjoyed by the public. COURTESY LEGACY AMUSEMENT DISTRIBUTORS system, safety nets and a custom rolling hatch door •lapropoint.com March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37 ON THE MOVE OBITUARIES Tony Moore moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for almost 40 years, so is in 2016 after being named Executive Director ideally placed to take over. Arnold Amusements, Inc. for Gathering Place, a $465 million park that “The pandemic has was still under contraction at the time. After proved challenging, with a owner Ivan Arnold passes five years in Tulsa, Moore is headed south. number of our current proj- He has been named president & CEO of ects currently at a standstill, RIVERVIEW, Fla. — Ivan R. Arnold, age 84, founder and Trinity Park Conservancy in Dallas, Texas. but the entire industry is in owner of Arnold Amusements Inc, passed on Feb. 4, 2021, after “Parks are critical infrastructures that sig- the same situation,“ Adams Adams complications from COVID-19. nificantly impact the quality said. “We are still getting countless inquiries Born in Traverse City, Michigan, on October 27, 1936, he was of life in our communities. from around the world so we’re confident we the son of Lester and Mabel (Olman) Arnold. We have seen this more than can quickly restart once the lockdown lifts.“ He married Agnes Garvin in 1958. At the age ever over the past year. The of 8, Arnold got his start in the industry as a Trinity Park Conservancy Zofia Bil Ryan has joined American stake boy for John Reid, eventually becoming has a vital civic mission, and Pinball as a senior mechanical engineer. an independent ride owner on the Reid Broth- Harold Simmons Park will Ryan has more than 30 years of expe- ers-Happyland Shows. Later Arnold became have a lasting impact on this Moore rience in the pinball industry, designing a unit manager for W.G. Wade Shows. Upon community, from both social plastic parts, sheet metal parts, mechani- the sale of the show in 1980, Arnold went on to Arnold and economic perspectives,” said Moore. “I cal components and game mechanisms. form what is now Arnold Amusements Inc. am truly honored to be chosen for this role, She was the first woman to be hired as a Arnold’s lifetime of hard work and his hands-on approach and am looking forward to getting to know mechanical engineer at Williams. built an unrivaled reputation in the outdoor amusement business, the Dallas community, working with the She worked for Williams, Bally Midway traveling throughout Michigan, Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida. Conservancy team and stakeholders across and created many mechanisms for vari- He was a fixture at the IISF Trade Show and Club in Gib- the city to build a thriving park.” ous pinball games and for casino games. sonton. His passion and support of the industry led him to During Moore's time, Gathering Place She was awarded six U.S. patents for her volunteer for leadership roles at the International Indepen- saw immediate success, welcoming tens of designs. They included the dent Showmen's Association (IISA). Arnold was a past presi- thousands of visitors in its first weekend. two-way kickout mecha- dent of the IISA and a past president of the Greater Tampa The park exceeded its attendance projec- nism for the Popeye pinball Showmen’s Club. He loved to study and chronicle the history tions in the first year with more than 2.8 mil- and the roulette scoring lion visitors. USA Today named Gathering device for the same game, of American carnivals, providing time and talent to the IISF Place the ‘Best New Attraction’ in the coun- the magnetic ball carrier Museum, still serving as president when he passed, a position try in 2018. Time named the park one of the that was used on Dracula, he held for a couple decades. Arnold was a lifetime member of the Northwestern Michigan ‘World’s Greatest Places’ for 2019. the multi-level play feature Ryan on and the mul- Fair Association, a member of the Outdoor Amusement Business After more than 50 years at the helm, tiple path ball ramp for The Machine. Association, the Michigan Festival and Events Association and of Pan Amusements’ Paul Whittaker has She also designed the mechanical parts the Showmen’s Shrine Club. He was inducted into both the IISF retired, leaving the company in the capable for many pinball games for WMS and hall of fame and the Michigan Association of Fairs hall of fame. hands of longstanding partner Paul Adams. worked with some top game designers on From the Arnold Amusements Facebook page: “We have Whittaker has been in charge of shoot- leading games that include Pool Sharks, lost our fearless leader. A man we all looked up to. A man who ing gallery specialist Pan Amusements since Bride of Pin Bot, , Ticket Tac Toe taught us a work ethic like no other. A husband, father, grand- 1970. Adams has worked for the company and . father, uncle, friend and forever a first-class showmen. We will be forever thankful for the extra time that we all got to spend together this summer. We celebrated everyone’s birthday and Leadership change as WhiteWater every holiday together. Something that was usually hard to do with our regular work schedule. We find peace in knowing he enters fifth decade made his last round of the midway in Fellsmere, Florida.” VANCOUVER, B.C. — WhiteWater announced that Arnold is survived by his wife Agnes; his three children; Paul Chutter is succeeding his father (Geoff Chutter) as Tom, Sandy Arnold Schmidt, Jon (Karen) Arnold; five grand- president of WhiteWater. His father will remain as CEO. children, Alex, Lauren and Jillian Arnold, Josh (Hannah) and Together they will continue to steer WhiteWater forward, Kyle (Courtney) Schmidt and three great granddaughters; Mar- shaping future entertainment experiences and supporting ley, Harper, and Chloe Schmidt. clients’ success. Disneyland photographer Renie Bardeau “To be able to work alongside my father and ensure that [WhiteWater’s success] continues long into the future is Paul Chutter Smith CARSON, Calif. — Renie Bardeau, a publicity photogra- a huge responsibility and honor that I’m excited to take on,” commented Paul. pher at Disneyland for nearly 40 years, died of kidney failure In his new role, Paul adjusted his leadership team to build one that will help him forge further Monday, after having recently contracted COVID-19. ahead. Doug Smith, who has overseen growth within WhiteWater’s Asia Pacific region as the Bardeau was responsible for one of the most iconic photos ever Regional Vice President for the last six years, now steps into the role of Global Head of Sales. In taken of the park: An image of Walt Disney stroll- his role, Smith will support the increasingly significant regional offices as they further deepen their ing in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Taken in capabilities and expand their reach. He will be immersing himself back into the Americas alongside 1964, it became known as the “Footsteps” photo, his global responsibilities allowing for Franceen Gonzales to take on a new role within WhiteWater. and was subsequently printed and sold on mer- Gonzales is known for her work championing safety and as a true advocate for the industry. chandise over the years. It is estimated that he’d Having held senior operations and strategic development taken hundreds of thousands of pictures over the roles with Great Wolf Resorts and Six Flags before joining years, including 100,000 of Mickey Mouse. WhiteWater seven years ago to lead the Americas region, Bardeau’s first assignment was covering Bardeau Gonzales transferred that client perspective into her team, the opening of Tomorrowland, which included getting a photo enabling them to support the development of some the of the ribbon-cutting at the monorail with then-Vice President region’s most exciting projects. Now, she’ll use her supplier Richard Nixon, his family and Walt Disney. and customer insights to help WhiteWater continue to Disneyland issued a statement reading, “We are deeply sad- elevate the customer journey as Chief Experience Officer. Gonzales Bogdonov dened to hear of the passing of Renie Bardeau, who will long The Asia Pacific leadership role that Smith vacated is be remembered for some of the most iconic Disneyland photog- passed on to the experienced hands of David Bogdonov, who spent eight years as vice raphy ever published. Our thoughts and prayers are with his president of business development for China, as parks there rapidly expanded and the industry family during this time.” matured. From 2008 to 2011, he supported sales for the wider Asia region. He has been able Upon his retirement in 1998, Bardeau's name was immortal- to guide park development plans with advice based on his engineering qualifications and ized on an upper-story Main Street window — above a camera large-scale construction project management experience as well as deep regional insight. shop. The marker reads: “Kingdom Photo Services. Magic Eye to the World. Renie Bardeau. Photographer-Archivist.” 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021

SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS  NAARSO offers classroom, virtual education — page 40 / Making Mardi Gras safe at Fiesta Texas — page 42 New York New York's Big Apple Coaster adds Premier Rides trains AT: Pam Sherborne [email protected]

LAS VEGAS, Nev. —In just over two weeks, thou- sands of visitors had already taken a ride on the bright new trains on the 200-plus- foot tall Big Apple Coaster at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino. Premier Rides manufactured the new trains that are themed to look like a New York cab. And, according to Pre- mier Rides, social media re- ports were pouring in during the second week of February saying the ride was incred- ibly smooth. "New York-New York reported that they were sell- ing a record percentage of all day ride passes, which con- firms the comments about how guests and coaster en- thusiasts can now ride the The 203-foot-tall Big Apple Coaster at New York-New York Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, reopened January 30 after a coaster over and over," said renovation project that replaced the coaster's trains. Built by Premier Rides, the fleet of new trains are themed to New York taxi Premier's Jim Seay. "Tickets cabs. Premier's project also included upgrades to the lift, track and station (below). COURTESY PREMIER RIDES have been selling out with an impressive queue." Premier Rides was com- missioned by New York-New York Las Vegas to provide a fleet of new trains for the Big Apple Coaster. This project has proved to be one of the largest service contracts in the history of Premier. "Premier Rides very much appreciates the trust placed in us by the New York-NewYork Casino team and we very much appreci- ate the excellent teamwork which has successfully deliv- ered such a transformational result," Seay said. The New York-New York coaster engineers and the Premier Rides engineers 4See NYNY, page 39 March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39

Linda Freeman joins the SAFETY ASTM International Board of Directors MARKET PLACE W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — Linda programs. Freeman, industry manager, entertainment An ASTM International member since and amusement for Rockwell Automation 2010, Freeman is a member-at-large on the of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will serve a three- executive subcommittee of the amusement year term on the ASTM International board rides and devices committee (F24). She also of directors. works on several subcommittees and helps Rockwell Automation lead the F24 student initiative to bring on is a global provider of the next generation of committee members. industrial automation and Freeman holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology electrical engineering from the Georgia products and services. Institute of Technology and is certified Freeman has more than by TÜV Rheinland as a functional safety 24 years of experience engineer and a cybersecurity specialist. Freeman at Rockwell Automation, ASTM International’s board of directors having joined in 1996 as a sales engineer. is made up of 25 leaders from an array of Over her career, she has worked in companies, associations, and government multiple manufacturing industries and in bodies worldwide. Several members are other industries such as onboard marine based outside the United States. applications and NASA space launch •astm.org

Proudly working with the following American-made companies: •Premier Rides •Sally Dark Rides •Fibrart •PTC, Inc. Premier Rides engineers along with the New York-New York coaster engineers performed all the •Park Insights integration work to the new generation trains to operate successfully. COURTESY PREMIER RIDES •Swannee River NYNY and can hold up to 18 riders, a track length of more than Railroad Co. thus increasing the coaster's 4,000 feet. The ride begins •Equipment Continued from page 38 Solutions/ITAL Resina capacity. with a 180-foot lift and a jointly performed all of the •Great Events of Rigorous testing, inspec- 76-foot drop, followed by a Colorado integration work and up- tions and certifications start- hill and a 144-foot drop. The Facebook.com/IRMRides grades necessary to allow ed up in December 2020, but train then traverses two in- the new generation trains to was halted in the late part of versions, a standard vertical operate successfully on The that month due to a repair loop and a dive loop (twist Big Apple Coaster. The in- that needed to be made to the and dive element), where the tegration work included up- track. Once repaired, the test- train performs a 180-degree grades to the lift, track and ing began again. twist and then performs a station, the latter which is The ride was slated for half-loop maneuver. themed to a New York City reopening on February 1. The rest of the ride is ex- subway station. Premier Rides beat its own ecuted on the roof of the ca- "The trains are based completion date by a couple sino, and features small hills on the award winning, in- of days, allowing the ride to and a helix into the brakes. dustry-proven Sky Rocket reopen in late January. Currently, the ride costs style trains," Seay said. "The This is not the first work $15 per individual ticket ($20 new trains utilize Premier’s Premier has done on this coast- with virtual reality) and $8 award-winning individual er, which was manufactured for a re-ride. A combination lap bar restraint system and by TOGO. It opened in 1997 as regular/VR ride ticket costs feature the comfort collar the Manhattan Express. $28 and an all-day pass can be system (seen on West Coast Premier Rides installed bought for $26. Racers, , Tigris and magnetic brakes in 2004. In The Big Apple Coaster Electric Eel) to deliver a trans- 2006, Premier replaced the is the only roller coaster by formational ride experience." original TOGO trains. TOGO that still operates in Keep our amusement park industry strong! The new trains consist The Big Apple Coaster, North America. Buy products and services from these suppliers. of more open-air seating measures 203 feet tall with •premier-rides.com 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021

SAFETY 2021 NAARSO safety seminar featured MARKET PLACE in-person classrooms, online options AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected]

OLDSMAR — The 34th annual National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO) safety seminar took place for five days in late January with an added twist this year. Attendees could participate in-person at the Avanti Palms Resort & Convention Center, Orlando or, for the first time, partici- pate virtually if they so desired. Attendance was more than 400 Among the 40 instructors were Fun Spot U.S.A.'s Frank with 79 in person and 362 opt- Hamedl (left) and Kevin Joralemon (right). COURTESY NAARSO ing for online training. Those online were able to participate maintenance. There were also behind,” said Wood. This was concurrently with the in-person classes on specific types of rides accomplished by offering two instruction or virtually at their and manufacturers as well. ways for virtual attendees to leisure up until March 15. The on-line portion got start- communicate. One way was Due to COVID-19 require- ed last March. The NAARSO edu- to unmute their computer and ments, NAARSO kept 40 cation committee was charged ask their question. The second instructors and in-person with the task of offering an online way was via a special e-mail attendees safe by following state component for the 2021 training address for each of the four and local guidelines. Because session. Previously, seven class- classrooms that online attend- of these extra procedures, all rooms were offered at one time. ees could make use of. “Overall, classes were offered except for The committee felt four concur- the students were pleased with Limited Specialty and Train rent classrooms would be some- everything that happened,” the Trainer. The instructors are thing “we could do and do well,” said Wood. all volunteer and come from said Wood. NAARSO made a “This was a new experi- throughout the industry. “There substantial investment to have ence for all of us. We wanted to were a few vendors and sup- all the necessary equipment to make learning as good as it pos- pliers who presented as well,” provide this opportunity. Webex sibly could be, for all attend- said Michael Wood, NAARSO was contracted to provide the ees,” said Wood. president. All told, 480 people videoconferencing hosting ser- Those attendees came from participated, which is 20 more vice. To make sure online attend- all segments of the industry: WE CARE ABOUT than the in-person training last ees would be up and running the portable, amusement parks, SAFETY, year in Myrtle Beach. first day, a continuous loop of a jurisdictional inspectors, and Throughout the five-days, INNOVATION & class was fed for them to connect third-party inspectors (for fairs 128 classes were available for to all day Sunday. or insurance companies). There DESIGN both primary and secondary Wood was asked about how were two international partici- inspectors as well as operations the program went. “I thought pants from Singapore and Dubai. and elective classes. Topics cov- [it] went well. Obviously, on NAARSO has the slogan, ered the full amusement ride Day One there were a few speed “Safety through communica- spectrum, including OSHA, bumps. Webex did its job and tion.” That communication was EXPERIENCE THE AFTER SALES SERVICE wire rope inspections, changes ran almost flawlessly.” Most of evident with the students as they Standards for safety can never be too high! Through our highly trained and qualified staff, we offer our customers after in ASTM standards, rigging sales service in the broadest sense of the word. We offer maintenance the issues the first hour were were asked to share their knowl- check-up programs, spare parts, reconditioning services and customized service contracts, so that reliability and availability of Vekoma coasters and inspections, understanding connectivity ones that were eas- edge and expand their network- attractions are maintained to the highest level, providing our customers the best return on their investments. weld and NDT certifications, ily resolved. ing opportunities. “People gain WWW.VEKOMA.COM passenger restraints, corro- “We catered to our online resources to use throughout the sion analysis, fasteners, blood audience, making sure all had year,” said Wood about student borne pathogens (BBP), incident a chance to get their questions investigation and preventative answered. No one got left 4See NAARSO, page 41

NAARSO president Michael Wood (above left) presented a Seminar Excellence Award Keep our amusement park industry strong! to Cynthia Coetzee, who is part of the ride safety team for North American Midway Buy products and services from these suppliers. Entertainment. Dave Bartozzi (above right), a free-lance ride inspector, also received the Man of the Year Award from Michael Wood. COURTESY NAARSO March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41 Quassy freshens up Frantic for 2021 season

The Intelligent Disinfection Door was an option that more that 70% of the in- person attendees took the opportunity to use. It provided UV light while spraying disinfectant KOC- 86 Guard as attendees passed through. COURTESY NAARSO NAARSO MIDDLEBURY, Conn. — The maintenance team at Quassy Amusement Park brought seats of the park's popular thrill Continued from page 40 attraction Frantic — an SBF/Visa Mini Dance Party 360 — back to like-new condition. With all of the work done in-house, take-aways. the reconditioned seats will be installed and ready for the park's planned April 24 opening. SBF/Visa is represented in Wood sees this first success- the U.S. by Rides 4 U of Somerville, New Jersey. COURTESY QUASSY AMUSEMENT PARK ful split-learning venture as a way to expand and continue to offer the simulcast program, as long as COVID-19 continues and as cost savings measures for attendees. Some of those savings by attending virtually include travel, lodging and food costs. There were many positive comments received about the training including these two. “I thought it went very well, and online support when need- ed was great. Just an awesome job by everyone to pull this together and have it be success- ful,” Nick Ungaro, Valleyfair maintenance foreman. “Thank you for the time and work you and NAARSO put into pulling this seminar together. I am sure it has been challenging under the circum- stances. I think that the virtual training worked well, but I look forward to being able to attend future seminars in person once we can get back to some form of 'normalcy' which likely will still be different than what it was before the pandemic,” said Jim Hennessey, Director, gen- eral services, Dorney Park & . Wood talked about future NAARSO projects: “We hope to expand entry level courses to the Spanish language, with 6,000 Mexican nationals who come to work in the United States.” Perhaps someday, NAARSO will offer safety training south of the border. “Safety doesn’t stop at the border. We want to spread as far and wide as we can.” •naarso.com 42 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021 Six Flags Fiesta Texas keeps Mardi Gras going with safety protocols AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected]

SAN ANTONIO — Festivals have become reli- able attendance drivers, par- ticularly when placed in the shoulder seasons outside of the daily operational calendar of the summer. Six Flags Fiesta Texas introduced its Mardi Gras Festival in 2017, and it became a big hit with the park’s audience. “Beads, beads, beads,” Park President Jeffrey Siebert The new House of Voodoo was created for the Mardi Gras event but will also be included was prone to say. “We can’t into the Fright Fest lineup in the fall. COURTESY JAY JACOBS; SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS give them out fast enough.” One of the highlights talents at the park to create a again for Fright Fest. When keep people distanced and in of the festival is the parade New Orleans vibe into a new people see the New Orleans an open-air environment. of colorful floats that travel haunt to be enjoyed in a differ- mausoleums we have created “This year features more down the streets of Rockville ent part of the year. … WOW!” Siebert said. Mardi Gras entertainment than through crowds of park-goers “The other safety pro- Other elements of the fes- ever before,” said Filicko. “The waiting to catch numerous tocols are from our success- tival are food and music. To showtimes and additional show strands of holiday beads. ful HallowFest event,” said help keep people distanced locations naturally keep the Guests clamored to either be Siebert. “For example, candy and safe, these activities take guests spread through the park selected to dress in costumes distribution is now how we place outdoors. Specific fes- and entertained at every turn.” and ride the floats or line the are going to manage bead dis- tival foods, such as bacon- All guests and staff contin- streets to take in the atmo- garb, a whole new mindset tribution. Our scare actor pro- wrapped Cajun pork ribs, ue to wear masks in the park. sphere and snag a necklace of had to be adopted to make the tocols established last fall are crab mac-and-cheese and The Mardi Gras Festival beads — or two, or five. event a reality. The question now how we are managing the sausage jambalaya, can be ran through seven weekends In 2019, the park helped of how to do it safely was the new House of Voodoo.” purchased at outdoor kiosks. in January and February, anchor its entrance into year- primary focus. For the event, the Fiesta Likewise, festival entertain- concluding on February 28. round weekend operation with “It just doesn’t feel like Texas team transformed a ment also takes place at out- Spring break marketing takes the festival by moving it up Mardi Gras without some back area of the park inhouse door locations, helping to over in March. to the months of January and sort of parade,” said Jeff into a new area that faces February — to great success. Filicko, marketing and com- the guest. Admittance to The In 2020, Fiesta Texas wrapped munications manager. “The Houngan House of Voodoo up the Mardi Gras event at the idea of a pop-up cavalcade is regulated by a free res- close of February, just prior created a way for our guests ervation system in order to to the impactful results of the to enjoy an important part of maintain social distancing coronavirus pandemic. the experience while still fol- and provide a safe environ- For its fifth annual edition lowing the necessary COVID ment for all participants. of the festival, Six Flags had to safety protocols.” Also, limited capacity keeps think outside the box — or in Although the parade groups separated from oth- this case, outside the parade. doesn’t physically take place, ers and scare actors are even Times had changed. the floats are situated through- distanced. Siebert explained With the parade being the out the park to add to the flair where guests and scare actors large focal point of the event, and ambiance of the event. are close, shields are in place streets lined with crowds New for 2021 is the to become safety barriers. shoulder to shoulder, not to Houngan House of Voodoo. “It will be open for not A variety of Cajun specialties awaited guests (above left). This mention floats staffed with The park’s popular Halloween only Mardi Gras, but the masked voodoo character inhabited the park outside the New park guests sharing festive event has inspired the creative House of Voodoo will reopen Orleans haunt (above right). COURTESY SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS

Outdoor kiosks provide culinary Cajun specialties for the event (above middle). Pop-up cavalcades at Six Flags Fiesta Texas still offer the fun of catching beads during the Mardi Gras event but without gathered crowds (above left). The park offered more outdoor entertainment than ever before for the seasonal event (above right). COURTESY SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 43 44 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021 Theme parks help to distribute COVID-19 vaccine safely, quickly

UNITED STATES — The ing, 10,000 people signed up COVID-19 pandemic saw to receive vaccines, causing theme parks and amusement the county's website to crash. parks across the country pivot On the company's first- on how they welcomed guests, quarter earnings call, Disney handled crowds and operated CEO Bob Chapek announced the business of fun throughout that (to date) more than 100,000 2020. In 2021, parks are actively vaccine doses have been becoming part of the solution to administered at Disneyland. bringing back some normalcy to With Southern California the upcoming seasons. being hit hard by the pan- As more COVID-19 vac- demic — it's reported that Los cines become available, new Angeles has recorded more mega sites for vaccination are Dorney Park's parking lot was transformed into a drive-thru vaccination site to help cases and deaths than any popping up across the country distribute COVID-19 vaccines to the public. COURTESY DORNEY PARK other county in the U.S., a and theme parks are quickly majority of which occurred adapting their infrastructure nents. Unlike a typical flu vac- 19 vaccination site in early additional signage added to during the last two months to help accomodate the need. cine (patients drive up, get February. The design of the direct people specifically to the — other theme parks are also For the past 24 years the the shot and go on their way), park's site allows for the park to theme park as well.” stepping in to help. the parking lot of Allentown, LVHN needed to implement a continue to distribute vaccines Disney announced in Six Flags Magic Mountain Pennsylvania's Dorney Park 15- to 30-minute holding area even after the theme park itself January that it would turn part began operation as a mass has served as the Lehigh in order to observe and moni- opens to the public in March. of its Anaheim, California, vaccination site on January Valley’s location for drive-thru tor patients for any post-vac- “It’s just an overflow park- Disneyland resort into a 20. Cars lined up outside the flu vaccine clinic. With only cine symptoms and easy exit ing lot, and the great thing mass-vaccination site. The theme park, which now hosts two weeks to prepare, there routes for those who didn’t about it is it has it’s own street parking lot began the latest mega-POD (Point of was a lot of quick thought have an appointment. access,” said Six Flags spokes- serving up coronavirus vac- Dispensing) in all of LA County. and implementation that went With nurses and doc- man Joe Pudlick. People arriv- cinations on Jan. 14 as Orange On its first day, the Six Flags into converting Dorney Park's tors present, operationally ing for coronavirus vaccination County's first point-of-dis- Magic Mountain site distribrut- parking lot into a mass vacci- the vaccine clinic is on a shots will line up in a park- pensing supersite. Essential ed more than 2,400 vaccines. nation site for COVID-19. 100% volunteer basis, many ing lot west of the amusement workers and people over 70 “We’re hoping to ramp up vac- It wasn’t the typical drive- of which came from Dorney park. “There’s plenty of sig- years old were among the cinations to up to 4,000 a day,” thru flu vaccine — this is the Park's full-time staff. nage out there to direct folks first group offered vaccines at said Marco Rodriguez, spokes- COVID-19 vaccine which Six Flags America began directly to the vaccination the theme park. On the night person for the Los Angeles required additional compo- operatiing as a mass COVID- site, but there will be some before the site began operat- County Fire Department. March 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 45 CALENDAR

NJAA's 13th Annual East Coast / Mid-Atlantic NAARSO Outreach Safety School March 3 and 8, 2021 New Jersey njamusements.com/naarso.php • IAAPA Virtual Conference April 7 and 8, 2021 Virtual iaapa.org/virtualconference • IAAPA Latin America Virtual Summit 2021

April 13 and 14, 2021 ” Virtual

iaapa.org/region/iaapa-latin-america-caribbean d • l Association O Convention and Trade Show May 2 - 6, 2021 m Reno, Nevada “ o rollerskating.com/pages/convention/50 N Fr • ew s Pennsylvania Amusement Ride Safety Seminar Ride May 10 - 14, 2021 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (717) 215-4316 is the paridesafety.com independent engineering • provider to the IAAPA Expo Asia 2021 amusement industry. June 7 - 10, 2021 We specialize in the Macao, China upgrading of older iaapa.org/expos/iaapa-expo-asia attractions, finding • solutions to improve rider safety, and Amusement Expo International problem solving. and Operations Conference June 29 - July1, 2021 An example of our work is the modernization Las Vegas, Nevada of the wooden roller amusementexpo.org coaster Rutschebanen • (1932) at Bakken, IAAPA Expo Europe 2021 Denmark, for which we provided new trains, September 27 - 30, 2021 brakes and control Barcelona, Spain system making this iaapa.org/expos/iaapa-expo-europe/iaapa-expo- iconic attraction safer europe-2021-barcelona and cheaper to operate. • It would be a pleasure IAAPA Expo 2021 to assist you in preparing November 16 - 19, 2021 your older attractions for the better days ahead. Orlando, Florida iaapa.org/expos/iaapa-expo • IAFE 2021 November 28 - December 1, 2021 San Antonio, Texas fairsandexpos.com/Annual-Convention t +31 (0)495 - 58 31 00 i www.kumbak.nl e [email protected] Have a Calender event listing you want to share? Email it to: [email protected] 46 AMUSEMENT TODAY March 2021

BREAKING NEWS NEAAPA, Governor Cuomo develop CLASSIFIEDS

COVID-19 safety for New York parks AUCTION NEW YORK — Due to COVID-19, all amusement facilities in the state of New York have been shuttered since the end of the 2019 season. The New England Association of Amusement Park (NEAAPA) announced that it achieved success in working with Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office, its New York members and the government relations and legal firm of Davidoff Hutcher and Citron LLP (DHC). On February 17, Cuomo officially announced that New York’s outdoor amusement and water parks will be open for the 2021 season. “We are pleased to have been able to work with the governor’s administration on getting this accomplished before the traditional start of the season,” said Eric Anderson, president of NEAAPA. “It will be great to see our members operating again.” NEAAPA worked closely with its members, most notably Adventureland, Adventurer’s Amusement Park, Central Amusements International (Luna Park), Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, Ride Entertainment, High Mountain Enterprises, International Ride Training, and DHC. NEAAPA had previously developed CDC-compliant safety protocols to open almost all amusement parks throughout the New England States. and had worked cooperatively with New Jersey, Pennsylvania and IAAPA in developing protocols and safety measures. Spotlighting industry leaders, Embed celebrates International Women's Day SINGAPORE — March 8 we believe in the boundless sharing their life stories, their marks International Womens’ strength (intellectual, leader- professional journeys, life- Day: a global day celebrating ship, cultural and commercial hacks and secrets to success. the social, economic and po- strength) that results from har- "These acts of profes- FOR SALE litical achievements of women. nessing and realizing the talent sional generosity were done Given what the world has been capital of gender equality. with the intent of illuminating through in 2020, Embed is cel- "We take great pride in anyone watching, who might ebrating the courage, strength, not only being gender equal, benefit from the gift of their FOR grit and determination of but putting an end to gender example," stated Goy. women who have hustled hard inequality in our tech sector. "Embed celebrates Interna- SALE to not only survive the year, With a Chief Executive Lead- tional Womens’ Day because if Loco, Tender, but thrive. Many industry col- ership team made up of 50% we learned anything in 2020 it 3 x Coaches leagues and partners worked women, led by a female CEO is that tough times don’t last, $200,000 from home, multi-tasking work [Renee Welsh], we are proud but tough people do," said Sara OR NEAREST OFFER while helping kids with remote to be an example of what other Paz, chief marketing officer for learning, taking care of ailing companies, large and small, Embed. "Therefore, 2021 Inter- family members and aging par- aspire to achieve." national Women’s Day Wom- ents. Many even contracted CO- Despite the pandemic, Em- en@Embed campaign features VID and overcame it. bed remained operational, not women from our industry and "At Embed, we believe in only assisting clients but help- what fueled their resilience and the value of diversity in our tal- ing to guide the industry as a strength to get through 2020." ent pool," said Kathleen Goy, whole through the pandemic. The Women@Embed vid- Severn Lamb, Pennsylvania, USA Embed's global head of events. The company has done a se- eos can be viewed at Embed's [email protected] +1-717-342-2784 "We have a shared commit- ries of Women@Embed videos YouTube channel or via its www.severn-lamb.com ment to gender parity at all lev- — with a cross-section of lead- website beginning March 8. els of an organization because ers from various industries — •embedcard.com 43168_SLT_AmusementToday_ClassifiedAdvert V2.indd 1 07/10/2019 17:20 FOR SALE

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