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uses pandemic to prebuild rides, ready for delivery — page 35 INSIDE:

CELEBRATING Castle restores 25 historic TM & ©2021 , Inc. YEARS! PAGES 44-45 August 2021 | Vol. 25 • Issue 5 Digital Edition

Phoenix family thrill New offerings spotlight coaster is located very close to the 's long history iconic . Throwback ride, top. is COURTESY DENO'S a throwback to a beloved (and WONDER WHEEL PARK parade celebrate missed) family attraction. For summer nights, the park has daz- anniversary and zled crowds with the Celebrate delight guests 150 Spectacular, a parade with massive floats that culminates AT: Tim Baldwin with a street dance party. [email protected] Debuted in 1960, the Riverboat Cruise took pas- SANDUSKY, — sengers on two stern wheelers Patience is a virtue, or so it is around the park’s . Over said. The milestone of a 150th time, the sets and anniversary is quite simply a cen- — as well as the route, owing tury and a half in the making. to additions to the park’s real 2020 was to be a big celebration estate — changed quite a bit. for Cedar Point. Unfortunately, With alterations to the attrac- masks, social distancing and lim- tion came name changes, and ited attendance didn’t exactly many longtime fans of Cedar rises at Deno’s Wonder Wheel “party.” Last summer, Point will remember a journey park officials made the call to or two on the Cruise AT: B. Derek Shaw and discussed all the different options we had. host the festive event this year. By or Paddlewheel Excursions. [email protected] We talked about everything from go-karts, flat moving it to 2021, the anniversary The final trip of that attrac- rides to, of course, roller coasters. In the end , N.Y. — The July 4th holiday extravaganza could be done right. tion was taken in 2011. While we felt a single major attraction would be best. weekend marked the opening of a family- “It’s time. We’ve all waited Snake River Expedition will We wanted something unique to the area, and style Rides BV sus- more than a year to share this entertain many first-time pas- pended aptly named Phoenix, therefore decided a suspended coaster would momentous occasion, and we sengers, there are still some as it is meant to symbolize rebirth into a more be perfect. We also wanted something that fit couldn’t be more excited,” said nods to the Western Cruise and accepting and loving world. The project took well with our park. As we are a more family- Carrie Boldman, vice president Paddlewheel Excursions that the better part of three years as a lot of dif- oriented park, a family thrill coaster made the and general manager. will bring a smile. ferent pieces had to be put in place. most sense,” said Vourderis. While there are many com- “One of the things we talk- From opening day remarks at the rib- The park owners did their due diligence ponents to the actual celebra- ed about with the 150th anni- bon cutting festivities, third-generation fam- when it came to research. “We talked to several tion (see page 38), two big addi- ily member D.J. Vourderis said, “ manufacturers and received lots of ideas and tions for this season rise to the 4See POINT, page 8 is known for its ability to take a punch and interesting concepts. We went to , bounce back; I don’t think any place on earth Fiesta Texas [and] Fun Spot and does this better. And is its great- rode different coasters from different manu- est example of resilience, even in the darkest facturers. We even sought input from the roller of times. It is a place people have always come coaster enthusiast community.” to find comfort, and to remember what it feels Vekoma from Vlodrop, Netherlands, was like to smile. We need this now more than ever. the company selected for the job. “The custom I don’t believe these are uncertain times for design they created for us is not only accessible us. They are critical and painful and trying, but for all ages but thrilling and packs a serious we will, most certainly, rise from the ashes and punch! This roller coaster was going to sit, (and give birth to the best of times.” dive under) the official landmark To make the project happen, land acquisition Wonder Wheel. It had to be unique and worthy had to occur. “The property that we purchased of such a historic location. I asked Vekoma to is adjacent to the Wonder Wheel and had shared build something enthusiasts would enjoy but a fence with our existing park. We always had it wouldn’t scare younger children. I think we in our sights, as it would make a perfect addition got exactly that. You’re never sure with custom to Deno’s,” explained Vourderis. designs, but we are extremely happy with how Next came the discussion on what to do Floats captured numerous aspects of the park’s history. with the new parcel. “We sat down as a family 4See PHOENIX, page 6 COURTESY MARK ROSENZWEIG/3DX SCENIC

AMUSEMENT VIEWS & WATER PARKS BUSINESS SAFETY CLASSIFIEDS Page 4 Pages 11-30 Pages 31-34 Pages 35-43 Pages 44-49 Page 50 Get the most up-to-date industry news from AmusementToday.com! 2 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 AMUSEMENT VIEWS

AT NOTEBOOK: Gary Slade, [email protected] FLINT’S VIEW: Bubba Flint Remembering Paul Ruben Amusement Today has published countless obituaries since our beginning in 1997, both as a service to the family and our industry but also as a matter of public record for future generations, who we hope continue the tradition of amuse- ment industry research, just as we do today. All published obituaries are difficult, even Slade more so when they are of someone our AT staff knows. The most difficult ones are when they are one of our own. Paul Lewis Ruben, 84, never wrote for AT, but his editorial contributions included Journal, RollerCoaster! (ACE) and Park World. I had the pleasure of knowing Paul through all those media journeys and I always enjoyed his stories and his friend- ship. We shared many rides together at various park media events and always found time to catch up at the various trade shows. Two media events come to mind: •On April 4, 1998, opened Rid- dler’s Revenge, a B&M stand-up coaster. This was Bonnie Weber’s media event and she convinced INDUSTRY VOICE: John W.C. Robinson, [email protected] Paul to let her spray paint his hair green for a TV Hope for tomorrow is stronger than ever shoot, which he gladly I remember all too vividly the feel- globe are announcing new attractions accepted. I think this was ing in the air one year ago. This industry for 2022 and 2023, showcasing high- a good example of Paul’s was nervous, many of its members gen- dollar investments and their committ- humorous side, for those uinely fearing for what each day, each ment to continue and deliver the fun. of us who got to see it. round of the news cycle would bring. In recent weeks, owners are breaking •On June 15, 2012, ’s California Adventure Unemployment? More shutdowns? We ground on new FECs, theme parks, opened its new $1.1 billion Cars Land and, as fate would all waited with bated breath as parks Robinson parks and other attractions. The footprint have it, Paul and I took one of the early media rides together and attractions started to open (to lim- of the industry is expanding once again, aboard Cars. The event was spread out over the entire day ited capacity, in parts of the country that would promising to keep wowing guests with thrills and giving media free downtime to enjoy the park or just enjoy the allow them to open) just trying to salvage what putting smiles on the faces of families worldwide. new section, where I ran into Paul again. He was a little flus- could be of the 2020 season. There's still a lot to be done. The hiring tered as he could not find a Kodak Picture Spot to get a close Even as 2021 started, we were excit- crisis is very real. The struggle to return the H1 up of the Cars vehicle on the track due to all the media trucks ed to hear when Cedar and Six Flags Visa program to its normal levels and ensure and support equipment blocking key vantage points of the announced opening dates for all of their com- proper staffing is ongoing. Suppliers and ride. I told Paul I had found his angle. We ventured over to the pany-owned parks. But we were also tapering manufacturers are still waiting on payment elevated TV stage for KTLA where I had a contact. Since they that news with caution, having seen things for orders made in 2019 or 2020, and eagerly were in between live shoots, we were allowed on set where change entirely on a moment's notice. awaiting more orders for 2022 and beyond to we had a beautiful view of the ride from 25 feet in the air. Paul Thanks to vaccination efforts, we are final- get their books back into the black. was always appreciative of that "Kodak" moment. ly starting to feel the nerves relax a little. Even with so much more to do, it's unde- Just as this industry will, I will miss my friend Paul Ruben, Rides that were supposed to open in 2020 niable that a real sense of hope has returned but what I will miss the most are our talks about roller coasters, are now debuting in 2021, and guests are both to the amusement industry — and the the industry and even the trials and troubles of early day film queueing up to experience them in impres- world as a whole. Let's keep that hope going cameras when the mechanics didn’t always work to our liking. sive numbers. Even better, parks across the and growing!

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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, Lottie Minick, year by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Box 5427, [email protected] [email protected] Richard Munch, Janice Witherow Arlington, Texas 76005. The entire contents of this newspaper, and its related websites, are Association Memberships Copyrighted and Trademarked 2021 by Amuse- Accounting & Classified Editorial ACE, AIMS International, ASTM, IAAPA, IISF, ment Today Inc., all rights reserved. Sammy Piccola • (817) 460-7220 Tim Baldwin • (972) 697-9745 [email protected] [email protected] IRT/iROC, NAARSO, NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, Address: P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 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] Industry Affiliated Charities Arlington, Texas 76011, USA Savannah Breen • (817) 460-7220 Give Kids the World Village, Morgan's Wonderland, Phone: (817) 460-7220 [email protected] National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives • (717) 843-3050 Fax: (817) 265-NEWS (6397) B. Derek Shaw Websites: www.AmusementToday.com, Advertising [email protected] www.GoldenTicketAwards.com Sue Nichols • (615) 477-5432 Pam Sherborne • (615) 308-3310 [email protected] [email protected] August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5

THE INDUSTRY SEEN MINUTE Hiring Trailblazer DRILL 2 AT: Janice Witherow Keith Herrman, Kemah Boardwalk Keith Herrmann started his career in the amusement industry at the former Six Flags AstroWorld where he worked while in high school and college. Today, he serves as senior sales manager for Landry’s Restaurants at the charming Kemah Boardwalk near Houston. His job keeps him hopping as he is responsible for maximizing revenue across the group of full-service restaurants at the complex. Keith is known for putting his team first, being open to new ideas and mentoring several employees in the industry.

Title: Senior Sales Manager.

Number of years in the industry: ELYSBURG, Pa. — Amusement operators all over North 35. America are facing staffing challenges. To help combat this, the ownership at Knoebels Amusement Best thing about the industry: created a promotion called, “Work Here. Win Here.” The The fun and excitement and letting me pre- park is giving away a new 2021 Chevy Trailblazer. The tend I am still young. giveaway is the result of a partnership between Knoebels and Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships. Employees, 16 Favorite amusement ride: So many, but and older, working 250 hours get a chance in the vehicle really love at Fiesta Texas. drawing. Bonus entries are offered for every additional 25 hours worked. AT/B. DEREK SHAW If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry, I would be … Performing on Broadway!

Biggest challenge facing our industry: Rebounding from the past year. Keith Herrmann has enjoyed a career in Reflections the amusement industry spanning across The thing I like most about amusement/ nearly four decades. He often puts his ON FUN water park season is … experiences to work by mentoring several AT: Lottie Minick Walking the park when it is full of people and of his employees about the industry. observing. COURTESY KEMAH BOARDWALK The Magic Sock

To me, the most influential person in his- In the mid-1970s, Bob Minick was part of the Six Flags tory is … That is a hard one. Let’s go with In 10 years, I hope to be … Over Texas team. He scheduled a meeting for Paul Osborne . A lottery winner. Associates to meet management in the boardroom and pres- ent the company's idea for a Himalaya encased in a blacked-out Favorite dessert: People say I remind them of … building that would showcase the magic of the costumed char- Cheesecake. Brad Pitt (I wish)! acter creation, Cyrus Cosmo. Paul Osborne presented the idea. The showmen — Jim Ashworth, Vic Donovan, Tom Major When I say exercise, you say … If I could be part of any TV family it would as well as Minick — were sold immediately. However, silence Walking from one end of the park to the be … The Griffin’s (Family Guy). from the corporate executives was, as always, non committal. other, multiple times. Hardy Haberman, Osborne’s partner, assessed the situation. The newspaper I read every day is… Unlike, Osborne who was dressed in a sports coat and slacks, The best pizza I have ever eaten was at … None, I rely on the web. Haberman attended the meeting in an old green coat, sailor I can’t remember the name, but it was a little captain’s hat with long curly hair underneath and heavy boots. “ma and pa” place in . The local paper: As the silence progressed, Haberman crossed his left leg Houston Chronicle over his right and untied his boot. He set the boot down Right now, the tone on my cell phone carefully and just as carefully took off his sock, put it on his is … A boring standard apple ring tone. All-time best comedian: right hand and arranged it carefully. The hole in the sock’s Gallagher or Eddie Murphy. toe was still clearly visible. Then, the sock began to talk. The last book I read was … It was never exactly made clear what “Boot Sock” Dear Evan Hansen. The most useful invention in the last 10 had said in the meeting, but it’s no surprise to know that years has to be … Ashworth, Donovan, Major and Minick had nearly fallen out Growing up, my nickname was … Computer technology. of their chairs laughing. Cyrus Cosmo and The Rotoriculous I didn’t really have one. were a stunning at . The sock In one word, my home can be described as has made its way to The Magic Sock of Fame. When on an airplane, I typically … … Messy, I am never home enough to really Watch a movie or sleep clean! Lottie Minick is a 46-year attractions industry veteran and co-owner of -based Minick Associates, a design The food I crave most often is … If I had an extra day off, I would spend it firm founded by her late husband, Bob. Her monthly column Anything Mexican! … Sleeping. features behind-the-scenes anecdotes of her own and from those who have worked in the business. The concert I would really want front-row My favorite day of the week is… Got a fun industry story? Email it to Lottie Minick at seats to is … Dolly Parton or Fleetwood Mac. Sunday. [email protected]. 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 PHOENIX Continued from page 1 this came out. It far exceeds our expectations,” said Vourderis. Vekoma Global Business Development Manager Ricardo Tonding Etges talked about the partnering process: “This is another example of the great collaboration of Vekoma and Deno’s, with both parties active- ly discussing the track design tion was well planned before and ride elements. After a few the start, the construction went iterations, we got to a point well above average, the entire where the track layout was mak- structure of tracks, columns ing the best use of the real estate and equipment fitted together while offering a very unique perfectly,” he said. “One of the family-thrill ride experience.” biggest challenges during con- “The compactness of the struction of the Phoenix was site resulted in fruitful discus- basically the lack of storage sions on how to make the most around the construction site. of it. Luckily, Deno’s wanted Thanks to the enthusiasm and a family ride that still has a personal contribution of D.J. Part of the footprint of Phoenix allows park goers to walk underneath and observe the ride good sense of thrill. This was Vourderis, and the collabora- while it is in operation. COURTESY DENO’S WONDER WHEEL PARK a perfect fit because the site tion with the Vekoma logistics constraints would lead to department, a solution was ticular about how things should sure we knew how everything pandemic, our installation team tight curves and quick transi- found on a daily basis.” be put together, and they did not worked before they left. We had at Ride Entertainment was hon- tions,” said Vekoma Concept Vourderis was quite pleased disappoint. They were just as several days of “school” with the ored to add our names to the Engineer Tonny Schonewille. with the erection process. “The meticulous as we are. They did supervisors. They would make already rich history of Deno’s Project Manager Daniël on-site crew from Vekoma were not leave until everything was us run the ride, and purposely Wonder Wheel with our con- Kerkhofs talked about the fantastic. They were more than perfect. The training Vekoma simulate errors to show us how tribution to the construction construction that was carried just supervisors. We all worked provided was also excellent. I the system responded and how of Phoenix,” stated Amanda out by Ride Entertainment together to get the job done. had about a million questions, to troubleshoot,” said Vourderis. Mercado of Ride Entertainment's Systems, ride maintenance Ride Entertainment and their and different scenarios I asked “Despite the challenges of installation division. “[Deno's and installations division. “The crew was amazing — they are them to play out for us. They working in a major municipal- entire sequence of construc- real pros. I am extremely par- sat with our team and made ity, during a once-in-a-lifetime 4See PHOENIX, page 7 August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 PHOENIX line to ride again. I believe its Continued from page 6 ability to allow children as small as 39 inches to ride will create a ownership is] a genuine, hard- great many future roller coaster working group dedicated to enthusiasts! People often com- bringing back smiles.” ment on what a great addi- The Vekoma team had an tion this coaster is. The layout equally rewarding experience and ability to walk under the with the Vourderis family. “The Phoenix has greatly improved people from Deno’s Wonder the look and feel of this part of Wheel are a close team, work- Coney Island,” added Vourderis ing together tirelessly to take Dennis Vourderis, co- care of and operate their park. owner has been elated as well. One thing that was immedi- “Business has been great! ately clear was that they are People are out and spending fully aware of the history of money. The Phoenix is exceed- their family’s park and Coney ing our expectations!” Island in general, and they feel The younger Vourderis responsible for its future. It finishing his remarks on the was truly a pleasure to join in first day in July said, “The eyes that,” said Schonewille. of generations to come will be “The Phoenix is a perfect watching what happens now. example of our family, the Let’s show them who we are. Phoenix was erected on- city of New York, Vekoma, And as long as we remem- site at Deno's Wonder Ride Entertainment and our ber who we are, Coney Island Wheel park by the beloved Coney Island commu- will always be a place for all installation team from nity working together to get people to come and play. It is a Ride Entertainment. The the job done,” said Vourderis. place where the troubles of our team was tasked with the The proof is always in the time can be forgotten. When challenges of working pudding and rider reaction has the politics of the world divide within a major municipality been strong. us, places like Coney Island are on top of the restrictions of “The Coney Island Phoenix essential in bringing us back the COVID-19 pandemic. is definitely more thrilling than together. We look forward to COURTESY it looks. People can’t believe welcoming you all in 2021, the DENO’S WONDER how intense the ride is. Not first year of The Phoenix roller WHEEL PARK one person has come off disap- coaster, and over 100 years of pointed, and many get back in Deno’s Wonder Wheel.” 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021

Snake River Expedition is a beloved attraction from the past reimagined for the anniversary. Live actors bring the storyline to life throughout the entire ride experience (above middle). Animated sets provided by The Weber Group add humor to the journey (above right). AT/TIM BALDWIN; COURTESY CEDAR POINT, THE WEBER GROUP POINT partnered with the company in 1800s circle swing that once rotat- array up to Cedar Point with our time,” said Tony Clark, direc- Continued from page 1 2019 for Forbidden Frontier. ed in the waters of Lake Erie, the tech to get a 3D scan of that horse tor of communication, Cedar “Really getting to work on bath house which was the park’s to create that exact replica.” Point. “All of our planning that versary milestone was what we the blue sky portion of things first attraction, games Thieme said the company went into that anniversary that should bring back that had nos- and taking this loose storyline including Fascination, an hom- remained cognizant of the load was paused and set aside came talgia, what people loved, and that came to us with age to the steamships that used distribution being accurate for to life in that one moment. We the ride kept coming up,” and developing these scenes to transport guests to the resort, maneuvering and powering knew it was time to share that Boldman told Amusement Today. and visual cues was really and the classic entrance sign let- the weight. special time in our history with “It’s a family ride, but it is an enjoyable,” said Brad Stivers, ters. Famous signature rides like “The midway float is amaz- our guests — and our team.” immersive experience. It’s full creative director, The Weber and Cedar Downs have ing,” said Thieme. “There are so With the parade originally entertainment. Our entertain- Group. “Obviously, we had the twin floats in the parade. The many interactive pieces with the planned for 2020, the work on the ment team is doing a great job extra year with COVID, and Breakers float has acrobatic lights and the moving sign. It floats was shared with Dayton- performing and acting.” that gave Cedar Fair extra time performers in bellhop uniforms just captured some old nostalgic based Scenic Solutions. Working Snake River Expedition is to reevaluate how they wanted on trampolines, while a tangle games that were on the midway.” around other projects, 3Dx Scenic a blend of ride operations and to tell the storyline.” of coaster track has skilled roller “The intricacy of the did seven of the 12, with the oth- entertainment departments. Stivers remembered the skaters on that float. Fascination signage is wonder- ers going to Scenic Solutions. Numerous live actors spin a days of Paddlewheel Excursions -based 3Dx ful,” said Rosenzweig. “That “It was a large amount of yarn about transporting gold and noted that one of those Scenic was called upon to cre- sign was so iconic.” work in a short amount of time,” — and dynamite! — along the original props — an elk — was ate many floats. The compa- Interspersed within the said Rosenzweig. “If we knew river. Outlaws, allies and boat still in place. “All the other ani- ny’s work had been on view on floats are costumed dancers, we had until 2021, we would captains keep the bad jokes mals are based off that elk,” floats for the Grand Carnivale cyclists and performers — more have loved to have done it all.” from the past continuously com- he said. “I’m partial to the rac- events that toured Cedar Fair than 100 in all. A soundtrack 3Dx Scenic delivered the ing but keep the story moving. coons. They’re good at getting parks in 2019. especially written for the floats to Cedar Point in 2020 Animatronics and scenes along into trouble.” Nate Thieme, vice presi- parade keeps the energy lively. and the park has a staging site the voyage tell more of the story, Because live actors are dent of scenic experiences, In all, it is a 45-minute parade to store them. and actually dock half- heavily involved throughout 3Dx, told AT, “We had worked route. The floats end in what is Boldman finds the floats to way through the ride for an the journey, The Weber Group with them in the past, and they termed Celebration Plaza for a be a marvelous asset. If there exchange of goods and an even- kept safety at the forefront. came to us with blue sky think- final stage show. is a way to continue to utilize tual shootout. On each journey, “There’s a portion at the end ing with what the anniversary “I was in tears as it came these anniversary pieces, she is a young guest is chosen to be in of the ride where an outhouse floats were going to be. They down the midway the first open to options. charge of transporting the gold, blows up, and we had actors which helps further bring park interacting with that piece,” said visitors into the whimsical and Stivers. “There was a lot to do tongue-in-cheek storyline. with safety concerns to make “It’s really become a great sure that actor was safe when opportunity to entertain guests they went through that build- of all ages. The great thing ing. There is always [collabo- about that ride is that you can ration] with [the entertainment carry a handheld infant on it,” department] as they developed added Boldman. “It’s a fam- their story and making sure the ily ride, a family tradition. It stuff we’re making with the tech has been for many years, and involved and audio cues that now we’ve brought it back and it all works together to make a tied it into Forbidden Frontier. seamless experience.” We’ve created a bigger story One of the long-awaited around the whole thing. It’s components of the anniver- really exciting.” sary was the Celebrate 150 The attraction operates with Spectacular. The parade is sched- four boats. Prior to boarding, the uled to run nightly, which began 3dx Scenic produced stage is set in a pre-show “barn,” June 26 and will continue through had a designer on staff, and we multiple one-of-a- where passengers receive August 15. “It will really knock built from his designs.” instructions for their secret mis- your socks off,” said Boldman. “It was so fun for us to kind floats for the sion. It is the first interaction “two story floats — it’s a larger- work on this,” said Mark anniversary parade. with the live performers. than-life parade and stops for a Rosenzweig, senior account are In addition to the live night show. It’s a big deal! We executive, 3Dx. “We’re all such spotlighted for Cedar actors, numerous sets and ani- do a parade, but this big fans of the park. Just how Point fans (right). matronics were created by The is something we’ve never done it pays homage to the park his- Riders inside Gemini Weber Group. Cedar Point had before. We’ve tapped into our tory, it was so cool to fabricate coaster vehicles See Amusement Today's history, so you see a little bit of Cedar Downs horses for jockeys interact with parade in-depth coverage of a story and the history of Cedar to ride down the midway.” spectators (above). Point through the floats.” “The Cedar Downs horses COURTESY Cedar Point's 150th Twelve floats are exclusively are actual replicas of the horses MARK ROSENZWEIG/ anniversary! themed to Cedar Point, including on the carousel itself,” noted 3DX SCENIC Pages 38-39 homages to the past such as an Thieme. “We sent our camera August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 PARKS, FAIRS & ATTRACTIONS  opens Camp Cedar — page 16 / spectaculars return to parks — page 22 Coaster — an urban legend comes to life RMC and Six Flags Great Adventure unleash record-setting coaster AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected]

JACKSON, N.J. — Six Flags Great Adventure has one of the most impressive roller coaster collections in the world. Among the arsenal are record-setters and award winners. It is only fitting that its newest installation, Jersey Devil Coaster, is its 13th. With an official open- ing on June 13, Jersey Devil Coaster is a product of Idaho- based Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC). Jersey Devil Coaster is the fourth installation of the company’s track, a single-rail style that places riders in a single-file configuration on the . The first three instal- lations featured a similar lay- out design that was very com- pact, but ’s model is a custom model that sets records for the genre. Jersey Devil Coaster is the first coaster from Rocky Mountain Construction at Six Flags Great Adventure. The coaster “The out and back style features three unique inversions that are not found on any of the park’s other coasters. AT/TIM BALDWIN of the ride and added height allowed us to do things a bit loving it,” said Kristin 2020 became widespread, the differently,” said Jake Kilcup, Fitzgerald, communications ride was 60 percent completed COO, RMC. “Elements are a manager. “The fact that it is an in terms of construction. Parts little more sustained through- attraction that nearly every- were on property when global out. Both are super fun, just one in the family can ride events took hold of statewide different styles of ride — out together is something really restrictions. For this season, it and back vs. twister.” special. It was something sore- was a matter of finishing the “It’s a quality ride. It has ly missed in our park in terms erection and testing. features that none of our other of a thrill attraction. It’s very “We went water park the rides have, which is a reason thrilling but not so extreme year before, so it had been why we selected it,” said John that it excludes kids. I keep two years since a theme park Winkler, park president. “I hearing that the most.” focus,” said Winkler. “The had previous experience [with “We’ve been wanting to Jersey Devil was needed.” RMC] while at Six Flags New put a ride over by the lake for Standing at 130 feet tall, it . Some of those fea- a long time, and with three takes the record for this style tures weren’t here, so we start- signature pieces down that of ride. In contrast to previ- ed talking about what are we roadway, it helps our circula- ous installations, Jersey Devil missing. It’s unique. It checks tion from a traffic point of Coaster features four trains in off a ton of boxes.” view,” Winkler added. operation and a much longer Winkler loves the 48-inch A few children’s attrac- length of 3,000 feet. The trains height requirement, which tions had to be removed to are also longer at 12 passengers. broadens the . make space. “The guests have been Before the pandemic of 4See DEVIL, page 12 Revolves & Rotates

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Of the four single-rail coasters from RMC, Jersey Devil is both the longest and tallest. Four trains can run simultaneously on Jersey Devil's winding track. AT/JEFFREY SEIFERT, TIM BALDWIN DEVIL from the New Jersey area. mal and part human.” is in continuous flow with a “My favorite moment Continued from page 11 “I think people are enjoy- While waiting in the queue, “moving” station in which is coming out of the airtime ing that as well, in addition signage and images allow some trains do not stop. They grad- hill and going right into the “With the longer train, we to learning the history of the of this folklore to unfold. ually roll in where one pas- 180-degree stall,” said Gabriel needed to be cognizant of how Jersey Devil,” said Fitzgerald. “We actually have our own senger steps out and the next Darretta, public relations that last coach does over humps “For New Jersians, it’s such tale to tell,” added Fitzgerald. rider steps in until the train is supervisor, Six Flags Great and other elements,” noted an inherent part of our youth, “There is a piece of history that completely loaded. Adventure. “You get this feel- Kilcup. “I really like the way growing up. There were Jersey ties back to our great lake, and “We had great partners to ing of weightlessness that I it turned out. There’s a good Devil sightings and Jersey the story goes that the Jersey work with. Six Flags knows don’t think I’ve ever experi- variety of ride experiences from Devil stories, but anyone from Devil wanted to take a wife. what they’re doing; they own enced on any other coaster. the front, middle to the back of outside the area has no idea He met this beautiful woman and operate hundreds of That, tied in with the smooth- the train. A little something for what the Jersey Devil even named Guinevere, he was rides, “Kilcup told Amusement ness, is a really good element.” everyone if you will.” is. As the legend goes, the morphed into human, and they Today. “The flow of the four- “At night, I think the ride Jersey Devil features Jersey Devil is the unwanted were set to be married under a train system was a collabo- offers a completely different three inversions in addition 13th child of Mother Leeds full moon by the lake. Under ration between our teams. spectrum than it does in the to numerous airtime-filled of southern New Jersey in the full moon he transformed We’re really happy with how day,” said Winkler. “During drops. A dive loop, zero-G the Pine Barrens. It suppos- into a beast, and she was terri- it turned out!” the day, you have the scenic stall and zero-G roll make for edly turned into a fied. She fled into the lake never “It’s all about throughput,” lake views. We’re very rural, exhilarating maneuvers. Top and flew out the chimney and to be seen again. We’ve had a said Winkler. “And one of the so you have a good visual of is 58 mph following an started terrorizing people. All terror trail at Fright Fest called cool features is that it doubles the property at the top of the 87-degree first drop. these years there have been ‘Lady of the Lake’ since 2017. back on itself multiple times, hill. But at night, the sunset The name of the coaster alleged sightings of this crea- That was our tie to the story.” and if you have two trains on or moonlight creates shadows. comes from an urban legend ture that is said to be part ani- The four-train operation the track, you get that whole When you are going through bypass. None of our other these stalls and corkscrews, it’s coasters here do that. It’s a com- a very different experience. It pletely different experience.” kind of disorients you.”

Riders on a Raptor track model sit single file. AT/JEFFREY SEIFERT August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13 14 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 Mack spinning coaster gets magical, cosmic at De Panne AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected]

ADINKERKE-DE PANNE, West Flanders, Belgium — “Magical people of tomor- row, the wisdom of nature has brought you here. And you may rest assured, it will not desert you on your ride to hap- piness. After this point, your minds will never be the same.” So says a cosmic being project- ed on a screen above the roller coaster trains on The Ride to Happiness by Riders are not only spun but turned upside down five times. A slow inversion right out of the station starts the fun immediately at Plopsaland De Panne. (above left). Vehicles spin dependent on the riders’ weight (below). COURTESY PLOPSALAND This new Xtreme Spinning Coaster from — lation garnered an enthusias- ed — an extreme roller coaster only the second in the world tic reaction as well. In the time for teens and adults. The first — has delivered rave reviews since, both Mack and Plopsaland reactions were thrilling.” since its July 1 opening. have kicked it up a notch. The ride consists of Journalists at previews were “The Ride to Happiness numerous elements, begin- giving it high praise such as is awesome. Time Traveler is ning with a slow heartline roll “a party adrenaline ” great, but this layout is real- out of the station. From there, and “the best roller coaster in ly one big step further,” said a launch to 56 mph sends rid- Belgium.” Maximilian Roeser, head of ers soaring, spinning and flip- At €17 million, it is good marketing, Mack Rides. “[This ping. Five inversions — some that the ride has performed as has] a stronger launch than of which are challenging to the park had hoped. , and the ele- describe — upend smiling The first type of this ride ments are just in a constant passengers. A mid-ride launch (Time Traveler) opened in 2018 flow. Therefore the cars spin a keeps the speed going until in Branson, Missouri’s Silver lot more than in Branson, but Dollar City. That first instal- that’s also what the client want- 4See MACK, page 15 August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15 MACK Continued from page 14 AMUSEMENT PARK MARKET PLACE the trains have traversed the 3,018 feet of track. “The most impressive ele- ment is the one after the sec- ond launch where you go up to full speed and then head into a one-and-a-half heartline roll just to be sent down again. This would be a great element on any launch coaster – but with the spinning gondolas we go next level.” Because there is not a tradi- tional , the modest size of 108 feet is taken at good speed thanks to the linear synchro- nous motor launches, and all the ride’s elements stay fast and fluid. In addition to the inver- sions, pops of airtime make the ride a complete package. For most parks, the coaster hardware would be enough, but the setting Plopsaland has staged ele- vates the ride to world-class. Park management partnered with Tomorrowland, an elec- tronic music festival that has reached worldwide renown in past years. This other-worldly cosmic overlay brings a sense of “cool” in a whole new way. Even the trains play an origi- nal, orchestrated soundtrack. "The new The Ride to Happiness coaster can be seen from afar on the motorway and changes the entire skyline of the park, which provides a whole new dimension,” said Chelsea Vanhullebusch, mar- keting, Plopsaland. “The fact that we were able to realize this together with Tomorrowland is like a dream come true. Through this collaboration, we can both entertain an even bigger audience, which only makes us stronger.” “Tomorrowland is a won- derful addition to the ride experience,” said Roeser. “If you haven’t seen it, look at the stages and of their annual electronic music festi- n val. It’s amazing! And to have this great exterior and inte- rior design combined with an Naughton awesome onboard soundtrack , Inc. and really powerful speakers is just a blast.” EST. 1947 Four cars of four passen- gers arranged in back-to-back Specializing in Insurance Programs for seating send riders on their Amusement Parks, Water Parks and journey 16 at a time. The Ride Family Fun Centers. to Happiness operates with two trains. www.naughtoninsurance.com Another rider at previews summarized his 14 rides like this: “Every ride is different. There are inversions you go Keep our amusement park industry strong! through obliquely or back- Buy products and services from these suppliers. ward — that’s just bizarre.” 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 Kings Island Camp Cedar offers new lodging for theme park visitors AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected]

MASON, Ohio — Longtime fans of Kings Island might remember an old campground where visitors to the park could stay. Kings Island was built in the 1970s, and much has changed. A Great Wolf Lodge now resides on that former site today. But camping is back. Delayed from a late-June opening, Kings Island’s Camp Cedar opened on July 15. Boasting 52 acres, the site is just off Highway I-71 at Camp Cedar offers 74 cottages of different types, along with 184 RV sites. Families can rent cottages alongside each other the same exit as Kings Island. Originally purchased to be to keep reunions together. Cottages have full kitchens and bathrooms; some models sleep up to eight (below left). The developed for other business, “living room” within the Hornbeam Lodge provides a cozy feel (below right). COURTESY KINGS ISLAND the space became available for new options after previous plans had been discarded. “This location has a real wooded area around it,” said Terrie Zajo, general manager. “I think [the acreage] gives us a lit- tle more room, and the ability to expand in future development as well. I think being set back a little off from Kings Island helps offer two experiences. We can shuttle our guests back and forth to the park for a day or two, and then they can enjoy staying with us a day or two.” The ownership of the camp- full kitchen and an outdoor fire … not having to drive home at Ironwood Grill and Tap is able to maximize their time.” ground is not the theme park. The pit and grill. All come with a the end of the day, that’s what’s the far end of the lodge. Serving The campground has property has two owners, Small front porch or deck. going to make it really special.” breakfast, lunch and dinner, the 14-passenger shuttles to take Brothers LLC and Cincinnati- “I used to stay at the old Camp Cedar also offers 184 full-service restaurant has both guests to Kings Island, but based Terra Firma. Kings Island Kings Island Campground RV sites in the complex. indoor and outdoor seating. Zajo those wanting to take their own has been hired to manage the growing up. Some of my best “RV growth is at an all- noted they are developing pizzas cars have parking privileges. property. The management memories of visiting Kings time high,” Showalter told to be delivered to cottages as well. “When you stay here, you includes a licensing agreement. Island were waking up and hav- Amusement Today. “I think Camp Dining doesn’t stop there. get early ride time,” said Zajo. Although there is a slight ing our breakfast at the campsite Cedar is opening at the right Near the pool is Belize Street. “Shuttles run back and forth all nod to Cedar Fair with the and then heading over to the time to provide that experience. “It’s like food truck-inspired day. Some kids need a nap in the camp’s name, the real driving park and spending the day,” There aren’t as many camp- dining,” said Showalter. Here, middle of the day.” force is the emphasis on trees. All said Chad Showalter, direc- grounds as there used to be.” guests find Urban Cow (ice About 250 staff members the streets within the facility are tor of communications, Kings Upon arrival, guests find cream), Route 66 (American are on hand to make the vaca- named after trees, as are the style Island. “When I heard Camp Hornbeam Lodge. Inside there fare), Fresh Tortilla (Tex-Mex tion easier. of cottages. There are 73 cottag- Cedar was coming back to Kings are four parts, beginning with a offerings) and Beach Box (a As general manager, she’s es of various types. The Aspen Island and that camping experi- Welcome Center. Coyote Camp three-sided full-service bar). excited to see the property and Hickory models sleep eight; ence — of course, nothing like Store will let visitors find both Being able to cook in one’s open. COVID affected shipping Sycamore, Mulberry and Birch what I had growing up with this needed items as well as an cottage is an advantage, but if and logistics, delaying Camp sleep four. The Mulberry comes being more of a luxury outdoor assortment of souvenirs. The the campers wish to relax and Cedar in getting open. “Being with two separate bedrooms and experience — just the idea of third space is an open area Zajo be pampered, there are various outdoors is great, unless you are bathrooms which are ideal for walking trails and fire pits and calls the “living room.” options to dine and take it easy. building outdoors,” joked Zajo, couples sharing a vacation. an incredible pool “It’s kind of the heart of Deerfield Springs is one of referring also to weather delays. Each cottage comes with a and spending time with family everything,” she said. two swimming pools. With a “You can go online and towering waterfall backdrop, the actually pick the site you want 5,000-square-foot, heated pool to stay in,” Zajo told AT. “If you has interactive elements and a want to be close to the lodge, zero-depth entrance. Kingfisher you can pick that; if you want to Landing is an adults-only pool be back in the woods, you select located near Ironwood Grill and something there.” Tap. Rental cabanas are located Families booking together at both and include full service. can pick their own cottages Three bath houses cater to and know that members are those not only at the pool but to close together. the campsites as well. Washers “We’ve seen people who and dryers are available too. want to rent, eight, nine, ten cot- “If you have eight people in tages for a big family reunion,” a cottage, someone may want a said Zajo. “They can sit out longer shower, so you send the back and do the s’mores at the kids over to the bath house, and fire pits. Really enjoy family The 5,000-square-foot pool includes then everyone can get going,” time. I think that really excites interactive and participatory elements. said Zajo. “We wanted to make me the most.” COURTESY KINGS ISLAND it convenient for guests to be •visitcampcedar.com August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 Massive crowds enter Marvel stories at Disney's

AT: Pam Sherborne Band unlocks multi-fire webs [email protected] aboard WEB Slingers, creating a different ride experience. ANAHEIM, Calif. — Mar- The pre-existing Guard- vel Entertainment superhe- ians of the Galaxy — Mission: roes fans are living the dream Breakout! ride has been in- at Disney California Adven- corporated into the Avengers ture Park now that the new Campus. The thrilling drop Avengers Campus has opened. tower has a tale of its own. And that is exactly Guests may explore the where Disney officials want- ruins of a mysterious Ancient ed them to be when finaliz- Sanctum and learn the site’s se- ing construction and story- crets from Doctor Strange, who lines for the new land that is looking for people with mag- opened June 4. ical abilities to join his team. As Josh D'Amaro, chair- The food and beverage lo- man of Disney Parks, was cations haven't been left out of quoted as saying: "We’ve the Marvel stories. The main got the ultimate playground dining area within the Aveng- for Marvel." ers Campus is called Pym’s The six-acre Avengers Test Kitchen. Here, scientists Campus, based on years of Visitors may find some working with Ant-Man and Marvel Entertainment stories of the mightiest of the the Wasp are using their grow- and movies, was supposed to Marvel superheroes at the ing and shrinking technology open in 2020, but, needless to Avengers Headquarters. The to create innovative foods. say, that didn't happen. headquarters has a Quinjet There also is Pym’s Tast- So, anticipation was high rooftop launching pad and is ing Lab, a place for adults to when Disney officials an- overlooked by the exisiting enjoy craft beers and signa- nounced the opening for June Guardians of the Galaxy: ture cocktails. 4, 2021. In fact, in the wee Mission Breakout tower There are two food carts. hours of that Friday, before (above). Guests may also The first is Shawarma Palace dawn, visitors began lining up visit the Ancient Sanctum and the other is called Terran for the opening. Reports have and learn the site’s secrets Treats. The Terran Treats booth it that by 7 a.m., when the first from Doctor Strange (inset). is located near the Guardians lottery recipients were sent COURTESY of the Galaxy ride and features out, the line had grown to one- items that play on some tra- half mile and had circled back pad. The Quinjet is parked these superheroes may have visitors to test their own web- ditional foods such as circular on itself 17 times. atop the Avengers Headquar- to jump into action. slinging powers. Designed by churros and bright With crowds continuing ters where, from time to time, They are able to meet Disney Imagineers, riders are purple cream puffs. to amass, Disney officials de- guests will find some of their many during the meet and tasked with helping - Walt Disney Imagineer cided to take those lucky first superheroes battling villains. greets. Some of these charac- Man nab the Spider Bots that Brent Strong, executive cre- attendees inside Avengers The Quinjet lights up and revs ters include Captain America, were replicated in an experi- ative director for develop- Campus at 8 a.m. instead of its engines for guests. Captain Marvel, Iron Man, ment gone wrong. ment of Avengers Campus, the scheduled 9 a.m. The Quinjet, which first Black Panther, Thor and Black All the riders need is to told USA Today Network the This is the first phase of appeared cinematically in Widow. wear 3D glasses. They board day before the opening:“We the Avengers Campus open- 2012's The Avengers, is the focus Visitors also are able to vehicles with onboard inter- designed this with every- ing. With this, visitors are be- for the still-to-come attraction. watch as Spider-Man swings face that is able to track hand body in mind. ing treated to the new WEB It is all in a story, but in the air over the Avengers gestures. If they want to fling “So if this is your first time Slingers: A Spider-Man Ad- guests in the new land don't Headquarters. The Spider- a web, they fling their arm encountering these characters, venture, Guardians of the really need to have read all the Man doing stunts up to 60 feet forward. The gestures are this is a great introduction and Galaxy Mission: Breakout! at- Marvel stories or seen all the is actually a robotic figure, but picked up and out comes vir- hopefully it inspires you to traction, the Ancient Sanctum, Marvel movies to enjoy. They the character does land from tual webs. want to learn more about them. Pym Test Kitchen, Pym Tasting are able to get caught up in the time to time. To keep guests com- “There’s really something Lab, Sharwana Palace, Terra land of superheroes and vil- The new Worldwide En- ing back for more, they may for everybody,” Strong said. and the Avengers Headquar- lains. They are able to see the gineering Brigade (WEB) at- purchase WEB Tech acces- Disney purchased Marvel ters with a to-scale Quinjet superheroes in different parts traction, WEB Slingers: A sories in the outlets on Entertainment in 2009. sitting on the rooftop launch- of the campus. At any time, Spider-Man Adventure allows the campus. The WEB Power •disneyland.disney.go.com

For one of Avengers Campus' feature attractions — WEB Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure — Walt Disney Imagineers created technology for the interactive that recognizes riders' gestures (above right) so they are able to participate by slinging webs like the spectacular Spider-Man. COURTESY DISNEYLAND RESORT August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19 Rock 'n Drive-in Laser Show is coming to

AT: Pam Sherborne "Since, we have been sell- [email protected] ing out every weekend," he said. "I have two crews on it." MIDDLEBURY, Connecti- Teorey said some venues cut — Quassy Amusement had started offering tailgait- Park and Waterpark will pres- ing and it had become ex- ent a brand new event next tremely popular. month called Totally Rock'n "Everyone seems to love the Drive-in Laser Light Show. tailgating," he said. "It allows Being produced by Laser families to get out. It is really Encore, the show has been set family-friendly. Some places to run two consecutive week- will open an hour early for tail- ends, September 10, 11, and 12 gating, some two hours early." and September 17, 18 and 19. Quassy park officials are Park officials have set a tenta- considering offering park tive start time for the shows at 8 food for sale, as well as tail- p.m., early enough for children. gating before the shows. Food Robert Teorey, Laser En- sales would be online when core, has been producing la- guests arrive. A QR code ser shows since 1985 when he would bring up the menu and started with planetarium la- guests would order and pay Quassy Amusement Park ser shows. Since, he has been with their phones. and Waterpark , Middlebury, holding a variety of shows in Ron Gustafson, director , will present a variety of venues and for a of marketing and public rela- Rock 'n Drive-in Laser Light variety of operators. tions at Quassy, expects guests Show for two consecutive "Back about a year ago, also will have the opportuni- weekends starting when the pandemic hit, we ties to purchase light-up nov- September 10. The shows, started doing the drive-in elties during the shows. which are expected to begin shows," Teorey said. "I saw All tickets will be sold on- at 8 p.m. with time for where people were hold- line so that the park will be tailgating prior, are being ing drive-in concerts and I able to manage capacity. Park presented by Laser Encore. thought, 'why not a drive-in COURTESY laser show?' 4See LASER, page 20 LASER ENCORE 20 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 LASER laser shows have become a Continued from page 19 permanent part of his business offerings now. officials anticipate a capacity "Our regular shows are of about 200 cars per night. Of- starting to pick back up, but ficials want to be careful not to these will continue to be a big oversell the events. part of our business," he said. Show sponsors will have "They will just be mixed in their logos shown during with our regular shows." the opening. Teorey expects the shows "There will be a 40-foot- at Quassy to last an hour. tall screen in the center of the Teorey also expects to area with laser graphics pro- be at the 2021 International jected on it," Gustafson said. Association of Amusement "There also will be four aerial Parks and Attractions (IAA- laser units on each side of the PA) Expo in Orlando, Florida, Laser Encore has been screen, which will engulf the in November. Teorey exhibited presenting laser shows audience with lasers. This will there in 2019 and had planned since the mid-1980s. all be choreographed to fam- to be there again last year. Quassy's forthcming show ily-friendly music (snippets "We also do seasonal rent- will feature a 40-foot screen only), so it will be fast paced." als for amusement parks, (left) placed in the center Gustafson said, over the which is why we go to IAA- area for the show, but there years, Quassy has had laser PA," he said. will be laser beams coming shows. The last one was 10 The event at Quassy will in from each direction, years ago. be a stand-alone event. Dur- engulfing the area and "But nothing like this," he ing that time of year, the park the viewing guests. said. "Aerial beams are now closes at 5 p.m. No rides will COURTESY LASER ENCORE full color. Years ago we had be open. only bright green." •quassy.com Teorey said the drive-in •laserencore.com August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21 22 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 Climactic fireworks displays return to Florida’s amusement corridor

AT: David Fake out December and ended with Special to Amusement Today an added bang with its 2021 New Year’s Eve midnight ORLANDO, Fla. — countdown celebration. Guests around the world are For the return of pyro- finally finding their way back technic shows in 2020, to the amusement industry’s SeaWorld Orlando re-engi- parks in large numbers after neered its pyrotechnic shows a long, exhausting year with- to make them visible from out fireworks displays and all around the park to allow shows. This past July Fourth guests to remain physically holiday saw the return of distanced in a time when it fireworks shows to parks was a requirement, along with across the U.S., some for the face masks, and still enjoy the first time since July 2019. shows in their entirety. However, in Florida these This year SeaWorld displays were even more Orlando was again the first noticeably absent long before to bring back nighttime dis- the 2021 U.S. Independence plays in late May along with Day holiday. the award-winning sum- On October 1, 2021 Resort will debut two highly anticipated nighttime Central Florida is known mer event, Electric Ocean, a spectaculars in celebration of the resort’s 50th Anniversary: HarmonioUS at (above for its world-class parks and colorful family dance party left) and Disney Enchantment at (above right). COURTESY DISNEY attractions, along with their celebration that sparks as nighttime skyward spec- the sun sets and occurs on taculars. There, over-the-top, land, sea, and sky. This event music-synced pyrotechnic includes the return of Ignite. displays are a nightly expec- According to the park's show tation. These shows, like description, guests can "Surf so many other things, were the wave to a whole new ended abruptly with the park level with Ignite, a fireworks closures in March 2020 due and fountains spectacular to the COVID-19 pandemic. that brings the brilliant col- And even though the Central ors of the sea to the skies Florida amusement corridor above the park." was among the first in the A SeaWorld Orlando rep- industry to see its parks reopen resentative explained that in limited capacity with new they found the re-imagined health and safety standards, show format to work very the night sky mostly remained well last year that they con- both dark and silent. tinued it for New Year’s SeaWorld Orlando was Eve, and now again with an outlier and the first to this year’s Ignite, despite the quickly bring back fireworks relaxing of physical distanc- briefly in July 2020, shortly ing, masks and other policies. after reopening from their Simultaneously with the pandemic closure. It again return of Ignite in May of this lit up the sky in 2020 with Holiday Reflections through- 4See FIREWORKS, page 23

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SeaWorld Orlando re-engineered its pyrotechnic shows in 2020 to make them visible from all around the park to allow guests to remain physically distanced in a time when it was a requirement along with face masks and still enjoy the shows FREDERIKSEN INDUSTRIES, INC. in their entirety. This re-imagined show format worked so 5212 St. Paul St. • Tampa, Fla. 33619 • (813) 628-4545 • FAX (813) 621-3679 well last year the practice remained with this year’s Ignite, funslide.com despite the relaxing of physical distancing, masks and other policies. COURTESY SEAWORLD ORLANDO August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23

until 9 p.m., the park closed at 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Nelson told an Erie Times-News reporter Sunday evenings on July 2 that he felt these changes for the hol- this summer, Busch iday weekend was the only way to keep guests Gardens Tampa and park employees safe. lights up the "I will tell you that the last three days are sky with Spark! the worst three days that Waldameer has had," A Nighttime Nelson was reported saying after a recent op- Spectacular. erating weekend. COURTESY BUSCH The behavior problems are primarily GARDENS TAMPA among young people, Nelson reported, and AT: Pam Sherborne he said he was worried about the tone. "They are rude to each other," Nelson [email protected] said. "They are rude to the other customers and they are rude to the help." And it seems that the rude behavior has , the amusement park at the occasionally escalated. Several fights broke West Mall, Edmonton, , out at the park on Memorial Day, leading Mill- Canada, announced last month a partnership creek Township police to charge two juveniles, with the toy company Hasbro. This partner- a girl and a boy, with disorderly conduct. There ship will bring 25 newly-themed rides to the were several fights reported at the park over a FIREWORKS ing contemporary versions park, several of which already have been un- couple of hours. Continued from page 22 of beloved Disney songs. The veiled. Those rides included a My Little Pony Nelson said he has seen people dumping nightly show “inspires all themed . garbage on the ground and arguing when they year, SeaWorld Orlando’s dreamers to find their own The transformation with Hasbro will take were asked to stop smoking or vaping. sister park, happily ever after.” over the entire park, which has been space- "This is not how things are at Waldameer," Tampa Bay, also rolled EPCOT Forever, which themed for more than 20 years. West Edmon- Nelson said. out Spark! A Nighttime takes place on the World ton Mall’s amusement park also will be home Nelson and Gorman plan to set these Spectacular every Friday, Showcase Lagoon, invites to new Hasbro-themed retail and food venues. same policies for Labor Day weekend and Saturday, and Sunday evening guests to “witness the won- Park officials plan to unveil the additional there could be other weekends throughout this Summer. The show, which der of the story of Epcot and rides over the next few months and into 2022. the summer. the park is billing as its big- • • behold the single ‘spark of Loading riders onto the , a Hangloose Skywire, the first attraction to gest and brightest show ever, imagination’ that started star attraction of the Santa Cruz Beach Board- open at Hangloose Adventure park, Blue- features an “explosive array of it all. The show replaced walk, Santa Cruz, California, is not how Karl water, England, is giving guests a sky view of fireworks and exciting effects the long-standing favorite, Rice thought he'd be spending his summer. lakes and glimpses of the 50 acres of park land from dazzling lasers to grace- IllumiNations: Reflections But Rice, whose family runs the Northern at Bluewater in which the new adventure park ful water elements and dra- of Earth show, in October California amusement park, like so many other will be situated. matic pyrotechnics.” 2019, and will be replaced amusement and theme parks this year, got a The Hangloose Skywire is being touted Florida Resort on October 1 with a high- later-than-usual start in hiring workers after re- as England's fastest and longest zipline. It is brought back Red, White & ly anticipated, new show, opening in April. Reuters news agency reported nearly 2,380 feet long. It opened at the end BOOM for two nights in July HarmonioUS, for the 50th- at the end of June that Rice had only been able of June. The original opening date had been as a celebration of America’s anniversary celebration of to hire about one-half of the 1,900 employees set for May, but a series of delays pushed that independence. This annual Walt Disney World he traditionally needs for the summer season. back by a couple of months. fireworks show, with the Magic Kingdom will Rice, the park's president, said all park ex- The zipline will not be the only attraction help of special 3D also receive a new fireworks ecutives are working attractions or food stands at Hangloose park. Over the next 36 months, glasses, “transforms into show for the 50th anniver- at least once a week this summer. Rice is taking park owners plan to add an outdoor skydive bursting LEGO bricks before sary on October 1. Disney on two eight-hour shifts a week, usually help- machine, a swing and an outdoor climbing your eyes.” Enchantment will be the first ing guests in and out of the historic Giant Dip- wall. The climbing wall will make use of the Fun Spot America also Magic Kingdom fireworks per, roller coaster. cliffs surrounding Bluewater to create a range got back in the pyrotechnics show that will feature pro- To get more applicants, the Boardwalk of- of fun-filled activities for all fitness levels. game for one night on July 4 fered a $300 bonus every two weeks for those • jection mapping not only on clocking at least 30 hours a week. The num- After a bankruptcy filing by its parent with their “HUGE” fireworks , but also ber of applications surged afterwards. Finding company in 2019, the display shows at their Orlando on all buildings of Main time to train the new employees has added theme park located in Jacksonville, Florida, and Kissimmee parks. Street, U.S.A. another dimension of challenges. on the city's west side, closed on June 27. Its After Walt Disney World Disney has not comment- • Jacksonville Beach park could close by Octo- Resort reopened following its ed on when fireworks or the Fourth of July preparations by park officials ber, but the owner of the Adventure Landing pandemic closure, guests had guest favorite, Fantasmic!, at and Water World, Erie, brand, Hank Woodburn, is looking at options to wait another year before will return to Hollywood , were made a little more chal- to move that park to another location. fireworks returned to the night Studios park. lenging this year due to some policy changes. While Hank Woodburn owns and operates sky over the parks. Arguably The fourth park, Although not permanent, the most significant Adventure Landing parks, all the parks sit on the most well-renowned Animal Kingdom, does change was charging guests to get into the leased lands. pyrotechnic spectacular pro- not permit fireworks shows park on Saturday, July 3, and Sunday, July 4. The operator of the Adventure Landing ducer within the amusement owing to the large popula- Waldameer always has been a free admission parks, NRP Lease Holdings LLC, filed for industry, Walt Disney World tion of animals at the - park. But park owner, Paul Nelson, and Steve Chapter 11 reorganization in December 2019. Resort finally brought back logical park. Gorman, park president, decided on the change Woodburn and his wife, Susan, own NRP, ac- their nightly fireworks shows, While not classified as to try to curtail some of the disruptive behavior cording to bankruptcy court filings. Happily Ever After at Magic a fireworks show, Universal they have been seeing in the last month or so. NRP operates 13 parks in Florida, North Kingdom and EPCOT Forever Orlando Resort has brought Nelson told a local news agency that charging Carolina, New York, Kansas, Ohio, Texas and at EPCOT, just before the back its nighttime spectac- the admission wasn't something he wanted to Missouri. All of them are open and other than Independence Day holiday. do, but he and Gorman felt it would help. the Westside park, Woodburn said he expects ular, ’s All admission tickets had to be purchased to continue operating all of them. Happily Ever After mag- Cinematic Celebration, on online, with the online sales shutting down at • ically transforms Cinderella multiple occasions since 5 p.m. for that day. Everyone age one year and Merlin is planning to Castle through the use of October 2020. The movie- older had to pay. This would require planning. open a wax museum in amazing state-of-the art themed projection, light and They also decided to go with a no-alco- Dubai, UAE, later this year. projection technology, fire- fountain show occurs on the hol policy for the 4th weekend and operating The museum will consist of seven themed works, lights, lasers and park’s central lagoon on eve- hours were decreased. Instead of staying open rooms and wax figures of 60 global stars. special effects, accompanied nings where extended hours by a soaring score featur- are observed. 24 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 Pizza Ranch opens three new locations iFly World opens ORANGE CITY, Iowa — Family restaurant and arcade first Michigan location chain Pizza Ranch announced the opening of three new locations across the Midwest: Champlin, Minnesota; Brookings, South Dakota and Duluth, Minnesota. Pizza Ranch combines two extremely popular things for families — food and arcade games. Pizza Ranch restaurants offer an all-day buffet, includ- ing pizza, a salad bar, chicken as well as dessert buffet. Select Pizza Ranch recently opened locations also offer a FunZone multiple new locations that Arcade, featuring games and a feature a FunZone Arcarde full-service redemption center. (insert) which utilize Embed's “Pizza Ranch is poised to SmartTOUCH system. add 10 to 15 new FunZone loca- COURTESY PIZZA RANCH tions this year, and 20 to 25 over the next 24 months,” said ing of SmartTOUCH readers and and increasing profitability. DETROIT — Indoor skydiving arrived in Detroit, Michigan, Mark Souba, chief development self-service kiosks that include “We are completely focused with the opeing of iFLY World. The company's first officer, Pizza Ranch. “We’re easy upsell features, package on providing tailored solutions always looking at trends to find deals and game card reloading. to help our customers drive Michigan location opened its doors on July 24. iFLY’s the right new games and prize Pizza Ranch has an aggres- more profit for their business by indoor skydiving utilizes a vertical wind tunnel that allows products to include in our game sive growth schedule, antici- increasing their revenue, reduc- for guests to comfortably lean into a cushion of air and rooms, like virtual reality and pating double-digit growth ing their costs, and achieving take off for the thrill of flight. iFLY joins Texas Roadhouse, golf simulators. Growth is defi- of its arcade business in 2021. their business goals,” said Renee Planet Fitness and Carvana on the Adell Center site nitely on the horizon, and we’re As their business grows, Pizza Welsh, CEO of Embed. “One of formerly occupied by the Novi Expo Center. The property fighting our way back from the Ranch has real-time visibility the benefits of our platform is has been under construction since 2019 and iFLY is part effects of the pandemic.” and control across their entire that it’s modular, so if you are of a planned entertainment district slated to include two The chain partnered with operation by installing Embed’s a business with multi-locations, and additional restaurants. iFLY was launched in Embed on the recently opened software platform that enables you can still have real-time vis- 1998 and has grown to 80 tunnels worldwide including locations. Embed’s involvement entertainment business owners ibility and control across the over 30 U.S. cities, , New Zealand, Brazil, , included the installing its inte- to achieve increased operational entire operation, with us to sup- Singapore, and Great Britain. COURTESY IFLY WORLD grated business solution consist- efficiency while reducing costs port you anytime, anywhere.” August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021

Urban Air Adventure Parks FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT introduces new mascot CENTRAL Urban Air Adventure Park, AT: John W.C. Robinson the world’s preeminent indoor adventure park, introduces [email protected] Urbie, the company’s newly- minted mascot. As a true WarnerMedia announced the open- cabanas, The Villas offer a high-end experi- representation of fun and ing date for two all-new interactive Harry ence with hostess service and convenient inclusivity for all, Urbie has been Potter virtual reality experiences — Chaos access to all the new Splash Island attrac- reimagined to fully emulate the at Hogwarts and Wizards Take Flight. The tions including the Relaxation Pool where any and every kid. ground-breaking experiences will debut the entire famiy can kick back and unwind. COURTESY URBAN AIR exclusively at the newly opened Harry “With five new slides, a new pool, ADVENTURE PARKS Potter New York flagship store on July 15, and upgraded cabanas, we’ve created a 2021 and will give fans of the Wizarding space that offers thrills and relaxation for World and thrill seekers the chance to the entire family,” said Funplex CEO Brian explore the magical world as never before. Williams. “In addition to new slides, the Created by WarnerMedia in part- expanded water park footprint gave us nership with the creative teams at Wevr room to offer additional deck space for our and Keylight and virtual reality company guests to spread out.” Dreamscape Immersive, the two adven- • tures create totally new and unique experi- To capitalize on the crypto craze and ences for fans. Both experiences combine help Esports operators earn some extra action with the popular characters and land- money, ggCircuit has introduced a feature marks into an immersive virtual world for the on its software that allows its computers to first time, allowing guests to step into the mine for crypto while not being used. The action in a new real-time interactive explo- feature was introduced by ggCircuit last ration of the magical world of . month, and any Creative Works clients with Using state-of the-art wearable VR the company's Game Up Esports attraction Fun Planet's Jason Wallace (left) chose the Intercard cashless technology, including headsets, backpacks, will be able to participate in the program to system for his renovated FEC partially because of his existing hand and foot trackers as well as periph- start generating additional revenue. relationship with Jerry Heinz (right), Intercard's Asia-Pacific eral wands that allow interaction with the In order to start crypto and receiv- virtual experiences, visitors will be able to ing monetary rewards, Esports centers that use sales manager. COURTESY INTERCARD roam freely through Hogwarts Castle, and ggCircuit’s software (called ggLeap) must opt- fly through the skies of , complete in to ggCrypto. Once opted-in, clients will be Australia's Fun Planet FEC with wind in their face. The sensory effects instructed to download the ggCrypto module. and immersive virtual environment promise With the hardware installed, comput- renovates, adds Intercard to deliver a level of realism and adventure ers that are not being used by gamers will AUSTRALIA — Intercard has installed its latest system at unlike anything fans of the franchise will begin mining for crypto automatically. The Fun Planet, a renovated FEC in Shepparton, Victoria, Australia. have experienced before. mining process will stop if a player logs into Fun Planet is a 54,000-square-foot facility that features a • a computer that is currently mining. This three-level laser tag arena, an indoor go-kart track with Sodi Spare Time Entertainment is planning allows the computers, when not being used, electric-powered karts, more than 130 arcade games, a prize re- to open a bowling-led FEC in Cedar Rapids, to generate additional revenue for Esports demption counter, mini-golf, climbing wall, four birthday party Iowa, this coming November. operators and facilities. rooms, a go-kart function room and a small theater. The existing The venue will be Spare Time The crypto mining feature has been center was completely revamped before reopening to the public Entertainment's 18th location in North operational in ggLeap computers for over as Fun Planet on May 14. America and its second in Iowa. It will a month now. In the first 18 days of the Jason Wallace, director of Fun Planet, is partnered in the have 80 arcade games, 18 bowling lanes, program, from May 13 to May 31, there was FEC with IT consultant Chris Motton and Zak Athanasiadis as well as food and beverage options in over $83,000 generated by Esports venue of Zax Amusements (Intercard’s Australian distributor). Zax is a 60,000-square-foot facility, plus three owners through the crypto mining program. Australia’s largest supplier of amusement games. escape rooms and a video wall. • A three-decade veteran of the Australian amusement in- • Among the awards at the Amusement dustry, Wallace first experienced Intercard’s technology while The Funplex Mount Laurel officially Expo International 2021 trade show in Las working at Fun Lab Pty, the operator of multiple amusement opened its newest area to guests in early Vegas, LAI Games took home a prize for its brands. It was there that he met Jerry Heinz, Intercard’s Asia- July, just in time for hot summer days. Named Angry Birds Coin Crash. Pacific sales manager. One reason Wallace chose Intercard was Splash Island, this unique area doubled the The new coin pusher from the devel- his existing relationships there. size of the Funplex’s existing water park oper won the AMOA Innovator Award, and “I like relationships. So having a good relationship with not adding five new slides, a pool, 10 premium it shared the title with Amusement Connect only Jerry but also global marketing director Lynda Brotherton cabanas, and twice the deck space for guests. for its Slider Mech. and CEO Scott Sherrod made it easier to communicate with the Rising into the sky is Whipsplash, the • company, it made it feel friendly and family,” said Wallace. “Ob- high-flying, gravity-defying centerpiece of Laser tag specialist Lasertron is banking viously, the product needs to work as well and their product Splash Island. Designed to build rider antici- on the long-term success of axe throwing at works. It's very stable. We've never had issues with it.” pation, Whipsplash delivers excitement with FECs and entertainment venues. The suppli- Wallace noted that none of his new employees at Fun Planet big drops, near-vertical ascents, and a zero- er has added the new game to its portfolio. had worked in an arcade before, making ease of training cru- gravity wall summit. A two-person tube The U.S.-based company has installed cial. “It was a very simple pickup for 15-year-olds through to slide, Whipsplash delivers extreme G’s, a eight axe-throwing lanes at its New York returned-to-work mums. We've all picked up the system very, weightless experience, photo opportunities location at Rochester after a six-month very quickly and easily,” he explained. and unique twists. research and development project to refine “Jason Wallace is one of the most experienced amusement “The addition of Whipslash changes the its own version. operators in Australia and I have enjoyed working with him skyline of our park,” said Funplex owner The Lasertron version of what is now a from his days with Fun Lab through to his own growing group Randy Lahn. “The unique design of this long-established and traditional game, has tar- of FECs today,” said Heinz. impressive slide will offer our guests a thrill- get displays and software for scoring, all with In late June, Wallace, in different partnerships, assumed ing sensation of weightlessness before they differing degrees of difficulty. In the game, management of Wyncity FECs in Point Cook and Morwell. splash down to the bottom.” the players compete against one-another in a These centers also run on Intercard cashless technology. The addition of 10 new, premium game similar to traditional barroom darts. •intercardinc.com August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27 28 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 68th annual Watermelon Thump Festival has a good run for 2021 AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected]

LULING, Texas — How far can you spit a watermelon seed? In Luling, Texas, it is an organized contest, part of the Watermelon Thump Festival, held for 68 years on the last Thursday through Sunday in June. “Because of COVID-19, we did not do our normal seed spit- ting or watermelon eating con- tests. However, we did a corn hole competition instead, and it turned out fantastic. In 2022, Always held the last Thursday through Sunday in June, we will return to doing [both] an estimated 30,000 people attend the four-day festival contests, as [well as adding the] in Luling, Texas, population 5,954. ’s Alamo corn hole contest to our list of Attractions, Inc. had 23 rides on the midway of which 12 activities,” said Yolonda Hiner, were kiddie ones. COURTESY WATERMELON THUMP FESTIVAL Secretary/Treasurer of the non-profit Luling Watermelon (Amusement Devices & Never had an incident. There Thump Association. Manufacturing, LLC). The were no complaints, except Attendance is not record- top three rides were Sizzler for the long lines at the ticket was not what it has been in the honor the growers and pro- ed for the festival, however, (Wisdom Manufacturing); boxes. It was a record year past. However next year (2022) mote the Luling watermelon “the grounds were full of peo- (Eyerly) and the there for our company. You we will be back to having the market. A contest was held ple and everyone seemed to Ballistic . COVID- couldn’t have asked for a better best entertainment around!” to name the event and the be enjoying themselves,” said 19 practices included sanitiz- outcome,” he said. “Sometimes The food booths are winner was a young man Hiner. Organizers estimate ing the rides, as well as peri- people [event goers] in the owned and operated by local from Luling High School, Mr. 30,000 visitors attend the event odically wiping them down. heat get a little rude, however non-profit organizations. Carol Ferguson. held in a town with a popula- When asked about the everybody was so happy to get Money raised goes to scholar- In 2019, the biggest Black tion of only 5,954. A Thump carnival provider, Hiner said, out and have a little fun. It was ships and helping the Luling Diamond champion melon in Queen is crowned each year, “We enjoy working with nice to see.” community. The association the festival’s history weighed and she presides over the giant Alamo Attractions, Inc., and The pandemic eliminated has a non-compete clause for in at 141 pounds. Thump Watermelon Thump Parade, have not had any issues with traditional advertising. “This food vendors. There cannot headquarters receive inquiries which starts promptly at 10 them. We have been work- year because of COVID-19 we be more than one of any type from all over the world each a.m. on Thump Saturday. ing with them for many years did not have a budget and did of food, so each organization year. While Thump organizers Alamo Attractions, Inc. and hope to continue working not advertise, except in our can make the most of their are somewhat puzzled by all brought in 23 rides, of which with them for many more.” social media,” said Hiner. time and money. the national attention at times, 12 were kiddie ones. There Mark Cox, a manager with Entertainment also took a In 1954, Hermon Allen, they have decided it must be were 10 games and four Alamo, was asked about work- hit. “Again, because of COVID- principal of the Luling the name, “Thump” — it just food joints. New for the fes- ing with the Thump organiza- 19, we did not have much of a Elementary School, proposed sounds like fun. tival this year was Ballistic tion and the event. “Excellent. budget, so our entertainment the idea of a celebration to •watermelonthump.com On the Midway: Penn Valley Shows

Penn Valley Shows, based in Middleburg, Pennsylvania, brought in 17 rides to the 45th annual Greater Governor Mifflin League Community Days in Shillington, Pennsylvania. AT/B. DEREK SHAW

Taking a quick break in the middle of the crowd, (from left): New to the show and making its debut Kevin Swavely, Treasurer of the Greater Governor Mifflin in Shillington, is a Mulligan Sea Ray, League; Kerry and Christina Benner, owners of Penn Valley recently purchased from Penn Wood Shows. Swaverly has been with the organization since Shows. Also new in the ride lineup are 1988. Penn Valley was the first carnival to open in the a Dartron Tractor ride and a Wisdom commonwealth of Pennsylvania this year on March 31 at Sizzler. Each employee follows a strict Clipper Magazine Stadium in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Penn no-cell phone policy. On site there is Valley have 28 spots this season, finishing October 2 with always a Pennsylvania certified ride just food and games at the Bloomsburg Fair. Shillington inspector as well as a ServSafe certified is one of the bigger spots in both size and gross revenue. employee. AT/B. DEREK SHAW AT/B. DEREK SHAW August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 On the Midway: MIDWAYSCENE Russ Amusements AT: B. Derek Shaw [email protected]

This September, the Calgary Stampede “She has a very good rapport with all will have a new CEO. Joel Cowley, the former the vendors,” Kepler-Yarc said. “We’re look- president and CEO of the Houston Livestock ing forward to having people come through Show and , takes over the reins from the doors.” interim CEO, Dana Peers. “The Stampede • is fortunate to have found a leader in Joel The North Central Washington Cowley who has seasoned experience with a Fairgrounds in Waterville, Washington, is similar organization and a strong familiarity now the Douglas County Fairgrounds, home with the Stampede’s complex year-round oper- to the North Central Washington Fair. ations,” said Steve McDonough, president Carolyn Morley, fair manager, said since and chairman of the Calgary Stampede board the fair is put on by Douglas County, she want- of directors. ed the entire county to feel connected to the Cowley holds an MBA from Michigan fair, which is how the name change started. State University and an MSc. in animal “We actually, pre-COVID, started getting Russ Amusements, Inc. principals include (l to r): Jim Boyer science from Texas A&M University. “I some signage revamped on our corner area. and son, Steve. Not pictured is the other fourth-generation am incredibly excited for this opportunity,” We thought it was the perfect time. If we are son, Kristian. The company plays nearly two dozen dates Cowley said in a statement, adding that he going to get new signage, we’ll make the each season, between May and October, in south central has had numerous interactions with the late name change now. Then COVID happened, Pennsylvania and northern Maryland. AT/B. DEREK SHAW Warren Connell, interim CEO Dana Peers which made it take longer,” Morley said. and several other Stampede volunteers and The 2021 fair takes place August 26 staff over the years. – 29, with Paradise Amusements the car- “Warren and Dana have been incred- nival provider. ibly strong leaders for this organization, and • I’m proud to step up to lead the Stampede The California Carnival Company has beyond the challenges of the COVID-19 pan- decided to cease operations. Kevin Tate demic and into the future,” Cowley said. founded the business in 2006, carving out a This year’s Stampede ran July 9-18. Northern California route with still-dates, festi- North American Midway Entertainment vals and over two dozen county and local fairs. (NAME) provided the midway. At one time, they operated with an 80-person • staff and 35 rides. Tate endured personal Matt Durian is the new manager of the health issues earlier this year, which contrib- Linn County Fair, Central City, Iowa. “We are uted to the decision to sell off the route and The Wellsville, York County, Pennsylvania-based midway excited to have Matt as part of the fair fam- assets. COVID-19 contributed greatly in the provider brought 13 of its 19 rides to the Shrewsbury ily,” Jennifer Dunn, Linn County Fair Board decision as it caused disruptions in the route Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival. More would have been set up member, said, in a statement. “The events and workforce, making a 2021 restart too diffi- if additional help was available. The first spot the company of 2020 left us unable to fill this vacancy until cult to accomplish, especially with California’s played this year had seven rides with seven workers. now and Matt is a great person for the role restrictive measures, only allowing virtual or AT/B. DEREK SHAW and a perfect fit for The Linn County Fair. drive-thru events. We look forward to putting his skills to use Classic Amusements picked up some of to further grow and develop our rental and the spots. partnership offerings.” • The Paso Robles, California, man majored Toby’s Carnival, Inc. Marceline, Missouri, in agricultural communications at California has decided to call it quits. Owner Daniel Polytechnic State University and planned or Yarnell has a half dozen reasons listed on interned at various livestock-related events in its Facebook page. “Yes, COVID helped to the Golden State. close our business. Due to our closing, 28 cel- “I am extremely excited about this ebrations that we provided a midway to were opportunity to give back to youth organiza- faced with having to find a new carnival for tions and support an important section of the their events. You may not see as many rides agriculture industry,” said Durian in a state- and games as you have in the past. Since ment. He started June 1. COVID and all the free money for people to The five-day fair is held in late June. Next stay home, it has been extremely hard finding Generation Shows, Inc. has the ride midway. employees,” Yarnell said. “If you notice an Some of the rides include a rarely-seen-these-days, Grover • increase in any prices, look around. Diesel is Watkins Tempest (called Cyclone at this show) and an Eli The Lake County Fairgrounds & Events almost $4 a gallon, freight on all carnival food, Bridge Company HY-5 II rim drive wheel. AT/B. DEREK SHAW Center in Grayslake, Illinois, recently named and prizes, etc. is up, employees’ wages are Shannon Dunn the new general manager. way up, and countless other things the general Dunn who joined the center three years ago public are not aware of when it comes to basic as marketing and events manager, succeeds operations of a carnival. One of the reasons Jon Brodzik Jr., who served five years on the I decided to close was the unknown. Every fair association board before being named year we faced the weather closing us down. general manager nearly five years ago. But the new unknowns are very scary to the “Her dedication during the pandemic amusement industry. At any point, the local proved that she has a strong grasp on or federal government can close you for fear what it takes to be a leader,” association of a new outbreak of COVID. I am sure that President Kelli Kepler-Yarc, told the Daily every carnival that decided to try to continue Herald, Chicago. this year, with all of its uncertainties, is on the Before joining the fairgrounds, Dunn fence if they want to continue.” Attendance was strong at the six-night annual fire company spent 10 years as a contractor with the Illinois The carnival, founded in 1963 by Norman fundraiser. “Great crowds, extreme spending. I don’t know National Guard, teaching troops and their “Toby” Nemmers, operated in Missouri, when [the end of this streak] is going to happen,” said Jim Boyer. families what to expect during deployment. Kansas, and Iowa. reflecting on the spots he’s played so far.AT/B. DEREK SHAW August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31

WATER PARKS & RECREATION  WhiteWater announces sustainability commitment — page 32 / News Splash — page 32 ADG launches new type of compact, stationary surf AT: Jeffrey Seifert [email protected]

COHOES, New York — When Big Surf in Tempe, Arizona, opened in 1969, it was the first time that surfers could ride manmade waves hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean. Since that time, has increased in popularity — to the point that currently more than 24 million people identify them- selves as surfers. The sport has become so popular that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted to include surfing compe- tition in the upcoming Games of the XXXII Olympiad. Multiple companies now offer various versions of inland surfing pools, and last month Aquatic Development Group (ADG) launched EpicSurf sta- tionary surf wave. ADG’s latest offering was introduced during EpicSurf’s compact footprint, starting at just 30 feet in width, allows for easy placement without taking up a lot of space. An a virtual tradeshow summit that optional training bar can help novices maintain their balance as they improve their boarding skills (below left). With a wave took place on June 24, 2021, and depth of three to six feet, EpicSurf allows surfers to use full-size boards with skegs (below right). COURTESY ADG was hosted by Surf Park Central. The event brought together lead- sheet of water that is pushed ers from around the world with- over a formed surface. in the surf industry to discuss “There are other manufactur- the latest developments in the ers out there who are approach- market and introduce new and ing stationary surf waves with advancing technologies on all thinner films of water, but at things surf. ADG had been fine- ADG we wanted to go all in tuning the product over the last and create a wave that gives rid- few months, with surfers in wet- ers a truer surf experience,” says suits testing the waves as early as Jim Dunn, president of ADG. January, in the freezing cold, with “EpicSurf is an opportunity for snow still on the ground. experienced surfers to get on and Made-to-order waves offer use real ocean boards and have surfers the chance to play or lots of room to carve and perfect train in a structure that mimics their skills, but at the same time, three to six feet in just seconds. evening, the venue can take on a system can be expanded for use ocean conditions, but with per- it also offers a platform for begin- Each and every rider, wheth- whole new vibe, with more of a on food and beverage, photo fect waves and swell periods. ners, giving them the chance to er expert or beginner, can get nightclub atmosphere. and merchandise purchases. This new product is engineered learn and advance, growing the an instantly customizable ride The EpicSurf wave surface EpicSurf marks the latest and manufactured at ADG’s sport for everyone.” experience matched perfectly can be designed and built start- development in wave design headquarters in upstate New "This is the perfect wave for to their skill level. A retract- ing from a width of 30 feet and and engineering from ADG, a York. ADG is no stranger to surf lessons,” said Phil Jackson, able training bar is also available can expand up from there in company long known for its manmade waves as the com- executive director of Surf Dreams for beginners to help ease them increments of eight feet depend- , creativity and supe- pany has been moving water for Foundation. “The EpicSurf wave onto the wave and make learn- ing on the client’s specific site rior wave system products. The more than 50 years. is a real game changer for the ing to surf easy for everyone. plan or business model needs. company has a long history EpicSurf represents the lat- surf industry. The kids couldn’t The EpicSurf attraction ADG offers a complete turnkey with more than 100 design-build est of stationary wave get enough of it.” Starting out boasts a compact footprint that solution that includes pumps, projects to its credit. ADG is pools. Differentiating it from with a gentle wave and a train- would work well in a city setting filtration, engineering and also the leading manufacturer other stationary waves on the ing bar, novices can quickly learn or other location where space design documents. With the when it comes to wave systems market, EpicSurf produces a real how to surf in just a matter of a could be an issue. Competitor’s company based in New York, having been one of the first com- wave of water with a depth few hours. Couple that with an surfing pools with moving ADG service technicians are panies to produce successful that can be adjusted from three after-school program and young waves often require large areas of readily available for on-site ser- hydraulic and pneumatic surf- to six feet for a more authentic surfers can become experts in a land and massive pools of water. vice and replacement parts and ing waves back in the 1970s and surfing experience. The deep- matter of weeks. Having locations near city cen- accessories are readily available 1980s. WaveTek branded waves water wave allows the rider to ADG’s EpicSurf offers ters means the venue can open through ADG’s New York-based have been installed in more than use an assortment of boards a unique Rapid Wave early in the morning for those warehouse. 500 projects around the world while surfing, including a full- Adjustability system by means looking for an alternative to the An RFID technology pack- including wave pools in resorts size with skegs (or of a remote access control sys- morning jog. In the afternoon age can be added to allow guests and water parks, as well as in fins) instead of a modified flow- tem that allows the operator it can appeal to a lunch crowd to access session times, number aquariums, water rescue train- board. Current stationary surf to quickly and easily tune the who just want to shred waves of rides, and rider stats all via a ing facilities, fountains and even simulators produce only a thin wave, changing the height from for an hour or two. Then in the wearable wristband. The RFID motion picture studios. 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 WhiteWater announces NEWSSPLASH sustainability commitment AT: Jeffrey L. Seifert VANCOUVER, B.C. – WhiteWater, celebrating its 40th anni- [email protected] versary this year, has announced that Paul Chutter, son of CEO Geoff Chutter, assumed the role of president. With this genera- Munich, Germany, will be home to a new water swimming, standup , tional change comes a more urgent focus on the impact the attrac- surf park provided by WhiteWater’s Endless pedal boats and sailboats. tions industry has on the environment. Surf. Located in the municipality of Hallberg- • In keeping with this focus, the company has also announced moos, just north of Munich, Surftown MUC Plopsaqua Hannut-Landen water park a corporate-wide commitment to implement more sustainable has been given approval to proceed with the made its debut in Belgium on June 9, 2021. development of an artificial surf park. The park had been partially open since environmental practices for all its operations and products as The president of WhiteWater’s European December 11 with a 25-meter swimming well as those of its suppliers, with ambitious waste and carbon headquarters, Rainer Maelzer, has been able pool accessible to residents of Hannut and footprint reduction goals in the next 20 years. It aims to be a to support the Surftown team closely through Landen. The park will continue to open in driver of sustainable change in the industry, both up the supply the design phases of the development. “The phases. In June, three slides, the wave pool chain as well as downstream to address the global climate crisis. design will result in a venue that has broad an outdoor area and water play structure While WhiteWater has been working in the background for and year-round appeal and a welcome addi- opened. Additional raft slides, body slides, many years on improving the tion to active leisure options in the region. I racing slides, a wild river, Jacuzzis and saunas environmental sustainability have to admit a little local pride to see these will open in July and August with a second of its products, it is now bring- Endless Surf waves open here before Paris. inauguration taking place when the park is ing it to the foreground. Many We have the team ready to bring it to life!“ fully operational. of the company’s products and said Maelzer. Plopsaqua Hannut-Landen is the second designs already improve water Located near Munich International Air- water park developed by the Group and energy savings, from ris- port, the venue will easily attract guests from following the success of Plopsaqua De ers built according to propri- all around the country and the globe. Panne. Since the new park is in the heart of etary computer simulations to guard against splash, to run-out The 20,000-square-meter (215,000- Hannut and Landen, it was designed to cater lanes with wave catchers. Smart blast technology that uses vari- square-foot) wave pool, is capable of han- to school groups and features an eight-lane able frequency drives (VFDs) to dynamically adjust pump speeds dling 700 surfers per day in 18 sessions. The lap pool and a four-lane instruction pool in during ride operation, thereby drastically reducing water and en- facility will also include additional lifestyle addition to a waterslide recreation area. ergy usage garnered an IAAPA Brass Ring Award in 2016. amenities like fitness areas, food and bever- • As WhiteWater looks to its next 40 years, it is clear that in age, merchandise retail, and lounge areas by Jordan’s Saraya Aqaba Waterpark lo- order to continue doing business in the water attractions in- the beach. cated on the Red Sea coast, opened to the dustry, all players need to confront the sustainability issue • public on July 3. The world-class attraction, head on. To further real end-to-end change in WhiteWater’s Soaky Mountain Water Park in Seveir- located in the heart of Jordan’s only coastal entire operation, all areas of the company are involved, from ville, Tennessee, is opening its second season city, promises guests an aquatic adventure design to procurement, from manufacturing to marketing. Ev- with several new additions. Although the park with more than 25 rides, slides and experi- ery employee is encouraged to contribute their ideas, which was able to open last year with restrictions, it ences in addition to family-friendly eater- are collected and considered by the company’s sustainability is looking forward to celebrating a true grand ies. The water park is expected to welcome committee. Approaching the issue holistically, the company is opening to kick of a full season. guests from across the kingdom, as well as implementing a sustainability scorecard, with focus on four New this year are two new bars — the tourists from around the world. Several of the areas: corporate, manufacturing and supply chain, parks and Overlook Bar and the Bar — offering attractions were inspired by Jordan’s most products, and social responsibility. frozen margaritas, daiquiris, piña coladas and iconic landmarks, including the Wadi Rum Each of these areas is headed by a staff sub-committee con- other adult beverages. Along with the bars are mountains and Mount Nebo, the Dead Sea, sisting of employees who have the passion and expertise in the 11 new clamshell cabanas which fit two people and the historic ruins of Jerash and Pella. topic. They collaborate to establish baseline metrics and achieve under a colorful shade and include two lounge Chris Van Der Merwe, general manager interim milestones that keep the momentum going to real- chairs and a safe. Occupants of the cabanas of Saraya Aqaba Waterpark, said: “Following ize long-term objectives. The sustainability scorecard will hold also get beverage service from the new bars months of earnest preparation, it fills me with WhiteWater accountable for making progress toward truly sus- including the frozen speciality drinks. an immense amount of pride to see the doors tainable practices, with each area setting ambitious goals for the The water park has also expanded its of Saraya Aqaba Waterpark finally open to coming years. food offerings by adding the Candy Cabin the public. Whether hopping on exhilarat- building where guests build a desert, choos- ing rides and slides, taking on thrilling water- The Corporate aspect of the sustainability scorecard covers ing from a variety of Yukon Frozen Yogurt sports, relaxing poolside or enjoying delecta- WhiteWater’s day-to-day operations, with the goal of achiev- or sorbet flavors, along with a selection of ble dining and live entertainment — we have ing ISO 14001 standards for waste reduction and environmental toppings and then paying by the weight of carefully curated a wide range of experiences management by 2025. This certification will not only serve as an their creations. to cater to the entire family.” internationally recognized external validation, but it will also Summit Snacks food carts also are avail- Saraya Aqaba Waterpark was developed embed environmental thinking in the business strategy. able in the main plaza area. These carts serve by Eagle Hills, the largest developer in the For the manufacturing and supply chain part of the score- food for guests to eat on the go, including: Kingdom of Jordan and is currently man- card, WhiteWater is committed to halving its waste by 2030 and nachos, pretzels, popcorn, hot dogs, nov- aged and operated by Farah Experiences, becoming net zero by 2040. In addition to examining its own elty ice cream, cookies, fresh-squeezed lem- the company behind Yas Waterworld and product development and manufacturing processes, the compa- onade, beer, bottled water, Icees and foun- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi in the United ny will work closely with its suppliers and partners with regard tain drinks. Arab Emirates. to raw materials, energy consumption, and end-of-life solutions. • • Because the oceans are as important as the forests in removing Northern Ireland is now home to an in- A fire at theMountain Creek Waterpark carbon from the atmosphere, WhiteWater will be donating 1% of its flatable water park. Splash Outdoor Wa- in Vernon, New Jersey, damaged portions corporate profits to water-focused non-government organizations. terpark in Moneymore, Ireland, opened this of a ProSlide . The fire broke out on In addition to making monetary donations, WhiteWater is summer on a 17-acre site that includes a 12- June 15 on the High Anxiety waterslide. The also supporting employees to engage in social responsibility and acre freshwater lake in an abandoned quarry. park had not yet opened for the season and live a more sustainable lifestyle. Starting with preserving the lo- While attempting to leave the area steeped firefighters responded quickly and were able cal environment, company-sponsored team activities include riv- in its own natural beauty, the owners of the to douse the flames before it destroyed the er trail maintenance, beach clean-ups, and recycling drives, with park created access to the water, a parking entire slide. Photos shows flames erupting more in the planning. lot and a building with changing rooms and from the loading platform at the top of the With this announcement, WhiteWater aims to encourage toilet facilities. The inflatable wa- tower. The park opened a few days later but the industry to take action on sustainability and invites all terpark is equipped with a number of obsta- the Tornado slide and a few surrounding at- players — manufacturers, designers, suppliers, operators — to cles provided by Wibit Sports of Germany. tractions remained closed. The cause of the join its efforts. Additional activities at the park include open fire has yet to be determined. •whitewaterwest.com/sustainability August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35

BUSINESS & NEWSMAKERS  Cedar Point celebrates 150th anniversary — page 38 / Charlie Dinn, Paul Ruben pass — page 41 Larson International uses COVID-19 pandemic to build inventory AT: Pam Sherborne [email protected]

PLAINVIEW, Texas — Larson International Inc. did something during the pandemic last year that it had not done in many, many years. The company built up its inventory, building sev- eral rides on spec. "We had some projects go- ing on last year when things shut down," said Hunter No- votny, vice president of sales and marketing, Larson In- ternational. "They were just completely frozen. They are still here." To avoid having to lay off any workers, Novotny and his father, Jeff Novotny, company Larson International company heads wanted to keep their workers employed during the pandemic, so the company prebuilt owner, put their heads togeth- its most popular rides. The company now has a ride inventory as never before. COURTESY LARSON INTERNATIONAL er and came up with a plan. "We were in a stable fi- nancial situation when the pandemic shutdowns began" Novotny said. "We worked it out with our bank and started building rides." The Larson International factory ended up building two , a porta- ble Fireball, a 22-meter Giant Loop, a Jumping Jumbos and two Tilt-A-Whirls. "Walter Larson would carry an inventory of loops," Novotny said. "But this is the first time we have been able lockdowns that pandemic that is due to some employees to do this." created. who left by choice. Walter Larson founded Novotny said they want- "There was quite a bit of Larson International in 1968. ed and needed to keep their fear when this hit," he said. The Novotny family pur- skilled employees. This was a "Some of our employees made chased the company in 2006. way to do it. some lifestyle decisions and "We always have been "No one knew how long decided to leave." busy enough that we never had it would take before we could There were losses due to time to build up our inventory get back to business," Novotny health issues. like this," Novotny said. "In be- said. "We wanted to maintain "We did our best to keep tween busy times, parts sales the stability of our company." everyone here," Novotny said. would keep us going. The typical number of em- Now that businesses have "But it became a different ployees at Larson Internation- begun to open, Novotny said Larson sold one 22-meter Giant Loop and a replacemnt is world," he said, referring to al is 40 to 45. Novotny said it currently being built to have in stock and ready for delivery. the global pandemic and the is down to about 35 now, but 4See LARSON, page 36 COURTESY LARSON INTERNATIONAL 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 Lagotronics' GameChanger receives European patent

Quassy Amusement Park owner George Frantzis II (center) helped kickstart legislation in his home state of Connecticut to allow for the rider operator age to be reduced to 16. AT/JOHN W.C. ROBINSON Connecticut passes bill, allows ride operators aged 16 and up HARTFORD, Conn.. — Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont THE NETHERLANDS — Lagotronics has announced that its unique GameChanger dark signed Senate Bill 186: An Act Allowing Persons 16 Years Of Age ride has officially received a European patent. Now the attraction has patents in the Or Older To Operate Rides At Amusement Parks. The new law USA, Asia and Europe. The GameChanger is an interactive media-based dark ride that went into effect July 1. offers a large capacity in a relatively small area. The attraction has already received The bill was sponsored by Sen. Eric Berthel, who represents several awards such as the European Star Award (for best new ride) and two Golden the district in which Middlebury’s Quassy Amusement & Wa- Crown Awards (for outstanding medium/small ride & outstanding dark ride supplier). terpark is located. COURTESY LAGOTRONICS Berthel's children were employed at the park in 2020, and he started working on the legislation after a conversation with Quassy’s George Frantzis II, a park owner. Up until now, Con- necticut law mandated that ride operators needed to be at least 18 years old. Frantzis emphasized that 16-year-olds were capa- ble of and could safely operate rides, which is allowed in numer- ous other states. Berthel drafted the bill, which was co-sponsored by Sen. Kevin Witkos, Rep. Anthony D'Amelio, Rep. Cara Pavalock- D'Amato, Rep. David Rutigliano and the House General Law Committee. Upon hearing about this bill, the New England Association of Amusement Park and Attractions (NEAAPA) and members in Connecticut, along with the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), immediately got to work providing testimony and information to the state’s Joint Committee on General Law, which heard the bill in February. NEAAPA members Quassy Amusement and Waterpark, Theme Park, Sonny's Place, Ocean Beach Park and International Ride Training all worked to get the measure passed. LARSON Larson International has Continued from page 35 the capability of warehousing all the rides it has manufac- they are beginning to see some tured. The company has two purchasing interest among warehouses across the street amusement industry profes- from its plant. Some space in sionals. The company sold a those warehouses was being 22-meter Giant Loop in April used to store artifacts, ride and is currently building one parts, etc., that have been do- to replace it. nated to the National Roller "The Giant Loop we sold Coaster Museum. A recent is going overseas," he said. expansion to that museum "We have potential sales on allowed Larson employees some of the other rides, but to free up more space in the none have come to fruition. warehouses so that all finished We feel we are on the cusp of a rides could be kept indoors, busy fall." out of the weather. Novotny hopes it will play "Another thing we were to their advantage to have in- able to do last year was have ventory ready to go. some of our employees work "So, we are not slowing on the museum," said Novot- With two Tilt-A-Whirls prebuilt by Larson, the down," he said. "If we sell ny. "That didn't really give us company opted to make one of them a popular one, like the Giant Loop, our any income, but it was some- themed version of the ride, with the rider carriages plans are to build another. Our thing for the employees and designed as shark heads. Riders would be equipment is ready to ship or they made a lot of progress." seated inside the sharks . ready to be customized." •larsonintl.com COURTESY LARSON INTERNATIONAL August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37 TThesehese ssmilesmiles areare rreadyeady TToo delideliVVerer!! rides are in sTock and ready To go!

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PO BOX 638 • PLAINVIEW, TEXAS 79072 • (806) 293-1353 • LARSONINTL.COM 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 Pandemic merely delayed milestone fun Cedar Point celebrates 150th anniversary full scale — a year late AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected]

SANDUSKY, Ohio — It was 150 years in the mak- ing. A milestone anniversary of a century and a half is no small feat, and such an occa- sion deserves a huge celebra- tion. Unfortunately, a global health crisis pays no attention to such things. As the amuse- ment industry scrambled to just open the gates in 2020, parks were stepping back and putting projects on pause. In the case of Cedar Point, and its 150th celebration, post- poning it a year to where it could be done right was the correct move. “Obviously, like every- one, our plans were inter- rupted,” said Vice President and General Manager Carrie The Celebrate 150 Spectacular concludes with a grand show production making for a nightly epic finale (above). A big Boldman. “We were happy to photo op prop (below) welcomes guests as soon as they enter the park. COURTESY CEDAR POINT; AT/ TIM BALDWIN do a few things last year but held onto a few things for a something that brings a smile. full-blown celebration.” Retired attractions, the roller Some celebratory mer- coaster lineup, hotel proper- chandise found its way into ties, characters and the hands of fans last season, many more find themselves but 2021 brings what manage- on a circular keepsake. Priced ment had envisioned in the at only $1.50 or five for $5, years of planning. It begins the collectible is an afford- as guests enter the front entry able remembrance. Because plaza and see the number of the enormous selection, “150” larger than life. the park has even provided “Everybody is getting cards displaying the entire their picture taken there,” collection so fans can either said Boldman. “It’s such a check off or make sure they great welcome to see that big have all their favorites. 150 in lights. We know people Sprinkled along the mid- are just happy to be back, way are staffed kiosks called but true Cedar Point fans are Courtesy Corps. A reflec- happy to come back and cel- tion of such stands from the ebrate the 150th.” 1960s and ‘70s, the booths are Throughout the park, adorned with enlarged his- there is much to see during a toric views of the park draped visit. The park was pleased to along the sides. Team mem- open Snake River Expedition, bers help visitors with direc- a re-imagined throwback tions, information about the to Cedar Point’s previous park or the anniversary event. Western Cruise/Paddlewheel The summer nights bring Excursion boat rides that ran the celebration to a grand for more than 50 years (see finale. With the fanciful cover story). and energetic parade kick- This season, there is much ing off the entertainment (see more 150th merchandise for cover story), the floats park loyal aficionados. In addition in Celebration Plaza where to apparel, a fun favorite has musical performers and been the introduction of col- pyrotechnics keep the street lectable buttons. party at peak level. The “The buttons have been multi-sensory Celebrate 150 popular. We wanted to do Spectacular is an epic finale something uniquely ours,” for visitors who have spent noted Boldman. the day at the park. The variety of buttons is “I have never had so so vast (more than 150) that many people come up to me both young and old — mul- — including team members tigenerational fans and first- The Celebrate 150 Spectacular begins each evening with a larger-than-life parade time newcomers — can find 4See CELEBRATE, page 39 featuring floats from Scenic Solutions and 3Dx Scenic.COURTESY CEDAR POINT August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 CELEBRATE Continued from page 38 — and say that the parade was the best way to summa- rize and caption the experi- ence at Cedar Point and what it means to our family,” said Tony Clark, director of com- munications. “A traditional part of a visit here is impor- tant to us, and the parade real- ly encompasses our history, but there’s something about it that is intangible that touches people’s hearts as well. We knew the scale was big, and we knew we had all the pieces to make great entertainment, but for us to see the extra layer of that has been something really special to behold.” Introduced last year, the Ticket of a Lifetime promotion Fans of the park can purchase inscribed red bricks in the Legacy Plaza through Labor Day continues daily through the (above left). Courtesy Corps stations are staffed with team members to answer questions grand celebration that started and help with anniversary activities (above right, inset). AT/ TIM BALDWIN June 26 and continues through August 15. This promotion time passes and in some of the park’s most our guests on social media allows a lucky winner each access to three exclusive VIP famous fare, including several and asked, ‘What food items day to win a lifetime season lounges where they can relax that are sure to become new would you like to see return?’ pass (along with three other in style, charge their phones, favorites. Famous fresh-cut Resoundingly were the souve- family members or friends to catch a game on giant TVs fries become cilantro, lime and nir juice bottles on midway receive one). and enjoy complimentary queso fresh-cut fries; hand-- carts. We were able to track Each day during the cel- water and snacks plus a pri- tered cheese on a stick becomes those down and find a manu- the park may do so through ebration, guests inside the vate cash bar. VIP winners fried pepper jack cheese on a facturer to make them for us. Labor Day of this year. It can park who register will have will also have access to the stick with raspberry jam; and They now have their own loca- be done online at cedarpoint. five chances to win by scan- VIP party deck offering great funnel cakes transform into tion on the midway and it’s com/150, starting at $75. ning their mobile device at views of the high-energy funnel cake hot chicken sand- super popular. We knew people Of note, floral arrange- each Courtesy Corps infor- nighttime parade. wiches. In total, 15 specialty asked for it, but you just never ments also denote the anni- mation kiosk. Winners will “When they told me there food items are available on the know what the real execution is versary with the 150th logo be randomly selected, then would be in-line roller blad- tour. Guests can save on the going to look like. People love in flowers. announced nightly through ers on the roller coaster float, Taste of The Point tour when them and are lining up for them “Not many businesses get a limited-time CP150 app I couldn’t believe it,” said they purchase tasting cards in and want to collect all four.” to celebrate this kind of mile- that allows guests to win Clark. “I thought that was advance online. One small casualty of the stone, and certainly not many prizes for playing park triv- over the top. The concept was “The food and beverage pandemic setback was the businesses get to say their only ia and to be a part of the to celebrate our roller coast- team did a bang-up job of updated renovation to the job is to make people happy,” finale of the Celebrate 150 ers. I thought there was no elevating these items,” said Town Hall Museum. It was said Clark. “The fact that all of Spectacular show. way we would pull that off, Clark. “They’ve added layers paused for this season, and us working today at this park “We draw a winner each but there they are jumping to them. You take the concept the park continues to evaluate that have been doing the same night just before the parade off the float and then jump- of what we have been serv- its development for the future. thing since 1870 is the heart steps off,” said Clark. ing back on. It’s just . ing for many, many years and Hardcore fans who real- of this celebration and what While entering the Ticket Through anniversary magic, what is famous to the culinary ly want to make their love we do on a day-to-day basis. of a Lifetime sweepstakes, there they are. People think it tastes of today.” known can purchase a brick Things will still continue next guests will also have the is really cool.” The sampling cards come on the Legacy Walk. A mes- year like they have since 1870. chance to be one of 150 win- Among food offerings, in various denominations. sage, family names, home- We’re going to open, the team ners to be instantly upgraded Cedar Point has some fan favor- “It’s kind of silly, but one town or simple graphics can is going to be here, and we’re to a CP150 VIP Experience ites. For this season, guests of the big surprises was the be inscribed into bricks and still going to be the place peo- for the day. The winner, plus can purchase a Taste of The juice bottles we brought back,” placed in the center of the ple are going to come to for three friends, will receive one- Point tasting card and indulge said Clark. “We surveyed main midway. Enthusiasts of summer fun.”

Cedar Point has marked the occasion in a floral arrangement (above left). Snake River Expedition is a return of a family favorite (above middle). More than 150 buttons make for easy anniversary collectibles (above right). COURTESY CEDAR POINT; AT/ TIM BALDWIN 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 MARKET WATCH BUSINESS WATCH

COMPANY SYMBOL MARKET PRICE HIGH LOW Dollywood announces childcare benefit 07/14/21 52-Week 52-Week PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Dollywood Parks & Resorts The Blackstone Group BX NYSE 98.65 102.89 49.26 officials announced a new benefit for hosts working at the Smoky Mountains theme park. Through a new partnership with Cedar Fair, L.P. FUN NYSE 43.65 52.50 22.81 WeeCare, the largest childcare network in the , hosts at all Dollywood properties can find licensed childcare Corp./NBCUniversal CMCSA NASDAQ 57.77 59.11 40.96 providers who offer flexible schedules for newborns through Media school-aged children. Additionally, The Dollywood Company will pay a portion of childcare costs for those who enroll in the DIS NYSE 183.42 203.02 113.37 program. This new benefit comes at an opportune time, as many par- Dubai Parks & Resorts DXBE:UH DFM 0.08 0.15 0.07 ents are unable to return to their jobs following the pandemic due to a shortage of childcare workers. WeeCare concierge EPR Properties EPR NYSE 55.33 56.07 20.62 care managers are available to help enrolled hosts find and tour licensed, safety-certified family childcare homes. Once a Fuji Kyoko Co., Ltd. JP:9010 TYO 5190.00 6500.00 2611.00 family childcare home is selected, WeeCare assists in enrolling the hosts’ children and provides around-the-clock care sup- Haichang Holdings Ltd. HK:2255 SEHK 0.66 0.375 0.89 port. The network of WeeCare facilities includes full-time, part- time, backup, drop-in, school-aged, after-school and overnight Leofoo Development Co. TW:2705 TSEC 19.20 23.05 14.50 care options in the area. “Obviously, this is a tremendous benefit for our hosts,” MGM Resorts International MGM NYSE 39.97 45.34 14.65 said Tim Berry, Dollywood vice president of human resources. “Simply put, childcare arrangements can be overwhelming to Royal Carribean Cruises, Ltd. RCL NYSE 76.20 99.24 45.71 most families. It is our hope that this new partnership takes some of that stress away from our current and future hosts. The Dollywood Company has always been devoted to taking , Inc. JP:6357 TYO 815.00 875.00 538.00 care of its employees and this is the next commitment to that. WeeCare can help hosts find childcare with hours that mirror SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. SEAS NYSE 46.69 58.26 13.91 Dollywood’s operating calendar, allowing our hosts more flex- ibility in scheduling. As any parent can attest, you can breathe Six Flags Entertainment Co. SIX NYSE 40.31 51.75 16.06 a little easier when you know your kids are taken care of; there is an instant sense of relief. We want this to be the case for our A/S DK:TIV CSE 878.00 944.00 620.00 hosts. Additionally, we will pay a portion of the costs for chil- dren at enrolled facilities, and all hosts are eligible. This benefit STOCK PRICES ABOVE ARE GENERALLY QUOTED IN THE FOREIGN CURRENCY IN WHICH THE COMPANY IS LOCATED is not dependent on income.” Worldwide Markets: ASX, Australian Securities Exchange; CSE, Stock Exchange; LSE, London Stock Exchange; NYSE, New York Stock Exchange; NASDAQ, National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations; SEHK, Hong Kong Stock Exchange; SZSE, Shenzhen Stock Exchange; TSEC, Taiwan Stock Exchange, Corp.; TYO/TSE, Tokyo Stock Exchange Disney relocating 2,000 jobs to Florida —SOURCES: Bloomberg.com; Wall Street Journal LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Walt Disney Company Multiple Cedar Fair parks announced the will be relocating approximately 2,000 jobs from California to a return of the popular Grand Carnivale Lake Nona campus not far from Orlando. The move is to take to the parks festival in July and August. place over the next 18 months. The event features shows, a parade and The Lake Nona campus will house Walt Disney Imagineers unique food treats. and more professionals in the Disney Parks, Experiences and COURTESY MICHELLE MOMANY Products division who are not fully dedicated to Disneyland. The 2,000 positions represent less than 5% of Disney’s total jobs in California. The size and specific site of the campus have not been confirmed. “This new project will create a dynamic environment to support our expanding business — a brand-new regional campus which will be built in the vibrant Lake Nona commu- nity of Orlando,” Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, said. “This new regional campus gives us the opportunity to consolidate our teams and be more DIESEL PRICES collaborative and impactful both from a creative and opera- Region As of Change from tional standpoint.” (U.S) 7/12/21 1 year ago East Coast $3.312 $0.781 Midwest $3.261 $0.948 Six Flags offers second round of bonuses Gulf Coast $3.830 $0.885 ARLINGTON, Texas — Six Flags Entertainment Mountain $3.594 $1.249 Corporation is ramping up efforts to reward its team mem- bers by offering another cash bonus package. Seasonal team West Coast $3.568 $0.974 members who work through October 31, 2021, can earn up California $4.187 $0.936 to an additional $500 to $1,000 or more with a 10% bonus for CURRENCY wages earned from July through September and a 15% bonus On 7/15/21 $1 USD = for wages earned in October. 0.8468 EURO “This program is part of our ongoing commitment to reward our employees for their continuous support,” said 0.722 GBP (British Pound) Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer 110.26 JPY (Japanese Yen) Laura Doerre. 0.9168 CHF (Swiss Franc) Previously in late June, Six Flags announced that seasonal 1.3392 AUD (Australian Dollar) team members employed as of July 1, and who work through 1.2502 CAD (Canadian Dollar) September 6, can earn up to an additional $500-$1,000 or more. August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41 OBITUARIES Charlie Dinn, famed wooden roller Amusement industry writer coaster builder, passes away at 88 Paul Lewis Ruben passes at 84 PENFIELD, N.Y. — Paul Lewis CLERMONT, Fla. — Ruben passed on July 12 at age 84. Charles “Charlie” Dinn, a Ruben launched a career as a builder writer/editor about the amuse- and credited by many as the ment industry. Since he began vis- dynamo behind a resurgence of iting parks at age five, he had vis- wooden roller coaster construc- ited nearly 400 parks worldwide tion, passed July 6. He was 88. and traveled an estimated 10,000 Dinn was the director of miles on more than 910 different construction, maintenance, roller coasters. He was a frequent and engineering at Kings speaker to civic groups and a guest Island, Mason, Ohio. He over- on TV programs discussing roller Paul Lewis Ruben saw design and construction coasters. He served as associate of The Beast, which opened in editor of Amusement Park Journal 1979. In November 1983, Dinn for nine years, editor of RollerCoaster! for four years, and since left Kings Island and opened 1989 was North American editor of Park World. He was a mem- the Dinn Corporation in West ber of the American Coaster Enthusiasts. Charlie Dinn (right) alongside his wife, Martha June. AT/FILE Chester, Ohio. Ruben was a BS and MS graduate of the University of Roch- The company relocated ester’s Institute of Optics. He was an optical engineer and lens two wooden roller coasters “We had three bents up before seemed like a very happy guy. designer at Bausch & Lomb, 3M Wollensak, and Eastman Kodak from parks that closed. They Charlie arrived. He took over Over the years when work- before becoming an independent consultant in lens design. His were the Rocket at from there. After our first ride, ing with him at both PTC work resulted in 41 patents in the fields of zoom lens systems, Park, San Antonio, to Knoebels we were thrilled. Charlie did and PTCI, it was always a photographic objectives, projection lenses, visual systems, and Amusement Resort, Elysburg, a good job for us. He worked pleasure. Sometimes I didn’t objectives, and six published papers. During his 29 Pa., being renamed the hard, and he partied hard.” understand what he said with years at Kodak, he designed the lens systems found in several Phoenix and the Giant Coaster In 1987, Dinn and Summers that Midwestern accent. He generations of Pocket Instamatic cameras, available light movie at , Nantasket started building new coasters, would just smile and chuckle. I cameras, zoom lenses for movie cameras, and the optical sys- Beach, to ten in the United States and thought the world of the guy. I tems in Kodak Instant Cameras. As an independent, he devel- Wild World (now Six Flags one in the Netherlands, their always enjoyed his company.” oped an ultra micro miniaturization lens that led to the develop- America,) Largo, Maryland, last in 1991. The two catered Clair Hain, Jr., president of ment of tiny computer chips. He was an emeritus member of the being renamed Wild One. to what the industry was Great Coasters International Inc. Optical Society of America. Dinn contracted with Curtis demanding at that time: big- shared what it was like working As a young man growing up in Niagara Falls, New York, D. Summers, Inc., engineering ger, higher and faster. with Dinn. “In the beginning, it Ruben spent summers selling ice cream, then as a tour guide firm in Loveland, Ohio, to pro- Another who knew him was like working for my father. around the Falls. He was a skilled water skier, usually on the vide the design for the restora- from early on is Larry Bill, engi- Toward the end, it felt like a upper Niagara River. Paul was also an accomplished bassoonist, tion of the helix of the Giant neer, , LLC. father and best friend. Eating playing with both the University of Rochester and the Niagara Coaster. Dinn also did a com- “Charlie Dinn was a legend and breakfast and lunch every day Falls Symphony Orchestras. An avid tennis player, he played plete rebuild of the an icon of the industry. There together was fun and amusing. winters at the Rochester Tennis Club and summers in the Pen- at Lake Compounce, Bristol, are a lot of us in the industry I am very sad and I feel like I field Sunday morning tennis league. He was also a founding Connecticut. today that got our start with lost a best friend.” member and past president of the Penfield Rangers Soccer Club. Dick Knoebel floated the him. Rest in peace Charlie.” Dinn is survived by “We are all very sad to hear the news that Paul Ruben has idea about moving a roller The first time Tom Rebbie his wife of nearly 67 years, passed away and our thoughts are with his family and friends,” coaster to Dinn at the 1984 (owner Philadelphia Martha June; daughter Denise offered Becci Knowles, editor ofPark World. “I had the pleasure IAAPA show. “I need you Coasters Inc) met Dinn was Dinn Biddle of Ormond-by- of working with Paul for over 10 years and will very much miss to help me,” to which Dinn in 1979 when he was working the-Sea, Florida; and son Jeff his second-to-none sense of humor and storytelling. His enthu- quickly responded, “I’m on on the Beast trains after they Dinn, Wilmington, Ohio. siasm for the theme park industry and, in particular, roller coast- —B. Derek Shaw board!” Knoebel continued, arrived at Kings Island. “He ers seem to meet no boundaries. This fantastic industry that we work in has truly lost one of its greats.” Ruben was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Rose Ru- ben. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Cherie Ruben (David Green) of Derby, N.Y.; son, Joel (Abbey) Ruben of Fairport, N.Y.; grandchildren, Maisa and Zoë Ruben, and brother, Arnold Ru- ben (Sandra) of Pittsburgh, Pa.; a niece, Naomi Pittle, her hus- band, Dr. Howard Pittle, and two great nephews, Harrison and Merritt, all of Pittsburgh, Pa.

Paul Ruben discusses Superman: Ride of Steel at with the local press during the coaster's opening day. COURTESY RICHARD MUNCH

See related story Charlie Dinn oversaw construction of Kings Island's famed The Beast roller coaster. Above, page 4 he's pictured with the ride shortly before its 1979 debut. COURTESY RICHARD MUNCH 42 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 Nikki Hardin Assistant Manager (former) Wapello Fabrications INFLUENCE Wapello, Iowa A view from the top… Wapello Fabrications, Wapello, Iowa, was founded in the 1970s. Nikki Hardin's grandmother, June Hardin, was a founding partner. Nikki Hardin began working there with her grandmother and uncle, Don Hardin, when she turned 20 years old. In 2013 June Hardin passed away and Don Hardin took over running the business. Nikki Hardin stayed with the company for 17 years, but left Wapello Fabrications — as well as Wapello, Iowa — this past winter for the sunny shores of Long Beach, Mississippi. One leap of faith becomes a giant opportunity for Hardin LONG BEACH, Miss. — on a company struggling to come Sometimes change is hard. Sometimes back after a complete shutdown. it is scary. Sometimes it is sad. "I figured business would But at the end of the day, change eventually come back," Hardin said. can also be exciting. "Uncle Don is already getting orders. I Nikki Hardin, who has left Wapello do feel like he can stay afloat." Fabrications, Wapello, Iowa, after But it will be tough, she knew. spending 17 years in the company and Perhaps it was just time to go. even more years in the amusement "I sold just about everything I industry, has experienced most of the owned," she said. "I put my house difficult parts. on the market and made the move. She is now honing into the It was scary." excitement, yet still missing the industry At 37 years of age, Hardin did that she has known all of her life. what so many have done in the past, "I always knew that I wanted to made that leap of faith. She used relocate out of the cold weather in the support and confidence she had Iowa," said Hardin, sitting in her new gained from her family and the family residence across the street from the Gulf business. She took with her a large of Mexico in Long Beach, Mississippi. "I coffer of skills and talents. Probably relocated down here, there is no you can always come here and work full guess it was the pandemic that made even larger than she realized at first. doubt I would be right there." time.' I did and I never looked back." me finally make a move." "When I first came down here Would she go back into the For the next 17 years, she learned Of course, having thoughts of and started building my resume, I industry in another role? to make inflatables and she learned relocating is quite different from realized all the different aspects of "I wouldn't hesitate, but it would how to sell them. She learned the leaving the industry entirely. manufacturing I had done," she said. have to be the right opportunity." business. She went to trade shows But, again, the catalyst was the "Even shipping logistics was a huge Hardin, who was born and raised with her grandmother. COVID-19 pandemic. It froze their part of what I did. Those critical in Wapello, started in the amusement The company diversified during business, as it did to many. The thinking skills were so important." industry when she was 14 years old on slow times, expanding to make things hustle and bustle of the company's Getting products out to customers her grandfather's, Don Hardin, midway. like air bags for stunt skiers and linings manufacturing was gone. The in a one-day turn-around was not an "My grandpa had a small carnival for air bags for pole vaults. They telephones weren't ringing. easy task. that he would take out on weekends," offered repair services. "We weren't working at all," Hardin She is not rushing into another Hardin said. "It was very small. We "We were very busy when I said. "In fact, I haven't spoken to career right now. played local events and were always started. We had gotten a contract anyone in the industry in over a year." "I am just trying to get my feet back home at night." from Six Flags to manufacture our She visited with friends in New under me," she said. It was fun, she said. Her uncles and ladder climb game for all of the Six Orleans this past winter. She is not sitting still, either. cousins all took part. Her father, Gordon Flags parks," she said. "I told them I wanted to drive over She has taken a job working in the Hardin, helped out in the summers. But over the years, Wapello's to Biloxi, Mississippi," she said. "I had , waiting tables and "He helped build a few trailers," business decreased. The year 2008 never been there and I wanted to look bartending. She has found she is good she said. "He also had his own small wasn't great. Competition from at the area. But along the way, I saw all at multitasking, people communications painting business." Chinese companies selling similar these little coastal towns. I said 'I think and money handling. She is making Her mother, Lisa Hardin, gave products took its toll. I'll move there.'" connections. In mid-July, she had been her support. Her grandmother, June "We found a way to persevere," When she returned home, she working at a restaurant for three weeks Hardin, focused primarily on Wapello she said. told her uncle, Don Hardin, who took and had already been noticed and Fabrications. Until the pandemic. over the business in 2013, that she pinpointed for a managerial position. After high school, Hardin attended She has begun to look at her planned to leave Wapello Fabrications It would be a big mistake to think a small community college and then move as an opportunity. A time she and move the Mississippi. Hardin doesn't miss the amusement transferred to a larger university in the can spread her wings from her leap. "It was sad," she said. "He wasn't industry and Wapello Fabrications. same year. She knows what she has to offer. expecting it." "I miss having a product at the "I came home from college that first Her world has just gotten bigger. But she felt her salary was a drain end of the day," she said. "If Wapello summer and my grandma said, 'Well, —Pam Sherborne August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 43 ON THE MOVE

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. announced Plus, and Kristyn exemplifies exactly what our team the appointment of Tom Iven to the position of Storyland Studios welcomed veteran Walt is built on: collaboration, creativity, chief operating officer (COO) effective June 28, Disney Company Imagineer Jim Clark as the com- and process. I'm so excited that she 2021. SeaWorld's Board of Directors unanimously pany's newest executive director. came back to our team and excited approved the appointment. Clark’s 27-year tenure with the Walt Disney to see her interacting with custom- "We are excited to have Tom join the SeaWorld Company included work at Walt Disney World, ers again," said Mike Tipton, chief team as we continue to drive the Disneyland and , with two operations growth officer. business forward and emerge decades at . Most recent- Another addition to the an even stronger company post ly, he served as senior creative Redemption Plus Customer Bruce COVID-19," said Marc Swanson, producer for the Tokyo Disneyland Success Team is Greg Robison as chief executive officer of SeaWorld expansion, where he helped devel- senior account executive for Texas. Entertainment, Inc. "Tom brings op the concept. Robison joins the team with over significant theme park operating “I’m excited about the depth 10 years of experience in the toy experience and a long, successful Iven and diversity of projects at and giftware industry. He will be operating track record. I am confident he will make Storyland. There are going to be visiting Texas customers and pros- immediate contributions as we continue to execute a lot of great opportunities here,” Clark pects on behalf of the company. on our strategic plans to realize the full, long-term he said. "In order to really impact our Robison potential of the company," continued Swanson. “We’re thrilled to have Jim as the newest mem- customer locations with quality redemption manage- Prior to joining the company, Iven served as ber of our executive team,” said Ben Thompson, ment, we felt that a boots-on-the-ground approach senior vice president of park operations for Six chief strategy officer and head of global clients at in Texas would be best. Greg is passionate about Flags Entertainment Corp. He was responsible Storyland Studios. “To have yet another talented serving customers and has the type of curiosity you for the operations management of all of Six Flags' veteran Imagineer on our team — who learned first- look for in a customer success rep.," said Michael parks and properties. Iven began his career at Six hand from a legend like — is an honor, Nowak, president of Redemption Plus. Flags as a seasonal employee and had a career and we’re so excited to begin working with him.” spanning several decades. Iven served in key oper- The Kansas board named Bryan ating and leadership roles both at the park and cor- Christie announced the appointments Schulz as the fair's next general manager. porate level. In addition, Iven led the development of Francois Godfrey and Maz Zaeefjou to the Prior to this, Schulz served as the executive and acquisition of numerous parks and other special Professional Services team as directors of sales vice president and general manager of the Red projects that contributed to multiple years of strong and business development. Christie Professional River Valley Fair Association in West Fargo, North results for Six Flags. Iven holds a B.S. degree from Services helps partners across the globe to prolong Dakota. He served in this capacity from January Missouri State University. the life of their AV systems and get the most from 2008 to December 2019. He is a their investment by proactively 1991 graduate of North Dakota The International Association of Amusement maintaining, troubleshooting and State University with a bachelor’s Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) formally announced resolving critical system issues. degree in Mass Communications, in late-May that Keith Stephenson has joined Francois and Maz will be respon- Speech and Animal Science. the organization as director, pub- sible for new business development In addition to his work with the lic affairs, IAAPA North America. opportunities and partnerships Red River Valley Fair Association, Stephenson will lead IAAPA’s gov- across the Professional Services Bryan was also active within the Schulz ernment relations and advocacy portfolio, which will be expanding to Godfrey International Association of Fairs and Expos initiatives on key issues impacting encompass a broader range of ver- (IAFE) where he graduated from the Institute of the attractions industry in the U.S. tical markets, including largescale Fair Management in 2012 and received his Certified and Canada. attractions, government and more. Fair Executive (CFE) designation in 2013. He was a Stephenson has 25 years of Stephenson “We’re excited to have member of the North Dakota Association of Fairs public affairs and trade association experience both Francois and Maz join our Board of Directors from 2011 to 2019 and served as representing the hotel and lodging, food and bev- Professional Services team,” said President in 2016. erage, and retail segments of the hospitality and Josh Kolbeck, senior director, travel and industry at local, multi-state, fed- NOC and business operations, Zaeefjou Sally Reynolds is now chief operating officer at eral, and international government levels. Professional Services, Christie. “Both are seasoned attractions company Spider Entertainment. “Keith is a great addition to our public affairs sales and business professionals with years of experi- The U.K.-based company develops, designs, team,” said John Hallenbeck, vice president and ence, and they will be a great asset to the growing delivers and operates home entertainment ven- executive director, IAAPA North America. “As we Professional Services team. There is no ‘one-size-fits- tures. It declared Reynolds as the company’s first continue to educate lawmakers and regulators to all’ solution for maintaining an organization’s AV sys- major recruit since it began operations. Her role will gain their support on issues critical to our industry, tem, and their varied expertise gained in prior roles cover both the attractions industry Keith will lead the team and guide our strategic will prove invaluable as we seek to tailor our services and the strategy services division. efforts. His association background and vast pub- to each customer’s unique needs and budget — Reynolds has previously been lic affairs experience at all levels of government, whether our partner has a new Christie display solu- CEO at Silverstone Heritage, the coupled with his collaborative approach will be key tion or one that’s been serving them for years.” charity which runs the Silverstone assets as he serves our members in North America.” Godfrey is new to Christie, with previous experi- Interactive Museum for the motor Stephenson has served as a lobbyist for the Ohio ence as director of projection and technical services racing sector, since 2017. Reynolds Council of Retail Merchants, executive vice presi- at a cinema exhibitor, as well as in a variety of sales has also been a non-executive direc- Reynolds dent for the Ohio Hotel and Lodging Association and marketing roles with AV manufacturers. Zaeefjou tor at Willows Activity Farm, the largest farm attrac- and director of state government affairs for the has been with Christie for five years — having served tion in the U.K. She will retain both of these roles in American Resort Development Association. In as a senior manager in its division — and addition to her responsibilities at Spider. his most recent role, Stephenson has served as the possesses 25 years of experience managing sales director of state and local government affairs for the and engineering projects across multiple industries. ITEC Entertainment Corporation announced National Restaurant Association, where he man- Bryce Hershner is joining the company as vice aged a complex portfolio of policy issues in many of Redemption Plus welcomed two additions to president of engineering, North the largest consumer markets in the U.S. its Customer Success Team. America. In his role, Bryce will Stephenson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Kristyn Bruce has returned to Redemption oversee the control system, audio/ Science and Economics from the Ohio State University. Plus as a customer support specialist, handling cus- video, and special effects lines of Reporting directly to Hallenbeck, Stephenson will tomer requests and overseeing merchandising and business across leisure, hospitality, be traveling the US and Canada to address federal design projects. retail and entertainment markets, and state/province affairs with his home base at the "We are looking for 'Swiss Army Knife' employ- while also driving the expansion IAAPA’s headquarters in Orlando, Florida. ees. We all juggle multiple tasks at Redemption into new verticals. Hershner 44 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021

SAFETY, MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS  PPG, Six Flags enter into agreement — page 46 / Water parks increase recruiting efforts — page 48 Castle Park, Western Train Company restore historic carousel AT: Tim Baldwin [email protected] RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Castle Park opened its gates in 1976. Today, the 27-ride amusement park has rides for all ages, but the four champi- onship miniature golf courses have claimed their own share of fame among aficionados. An arcade, water playground and more provide additional offerings for a day of fun. In addition, Castle Park family-friendly ambiance has a lot of history behind still remain. One piece of his- it. Bud Hurlbut, in terms tory is receiving some love. of California theme parks, Currently, the park’s carou- became somewhat of an sel, simply known as Merry- amusement industry leg- Go-Round, is undergoing end. He first found success refurbishment. building miniature trains. “Our Merry-Go-Round is Making his mark at Knott’s an iconic part of Castle Park’s Berry Farm, Hurlbut was the history and preserving it has Castle Park’s Merry-Go-Round has been a part of the park’s lineup since the 1980s. Guests visionary behind that park’s been and always will be a pri- can see all the parts involved in restoring the carousel (inset). COURTESY CASTLE PARK notable Calico Mine Ride and ority,” said General Manager the iconic Timber Mountain Ken Withers. ments in the park,” said Ryan “Even part of the building the Coney Island style. Facial Log Ride. Always a dreamer, “It was really during LoRusso, marketing, Castle in Castle Park is part of the boards and brighter light- Hurlbut wanted a park of his the pandemic when this all Park. “That was an area we same building that was at ing gave it an enhanced own, which led to the cre- started. We shut down in thought would be a great Knott’s Lagoon.” sense of wonder. Over time, ation of Castle Park. California, obviously. We addition. There is a lot of The restoration process Philadelphia Toboggan Co. Like most every facility, really looked for areas of history to the park, and that began this spring. horses were added. Castle Park has grown and opportunity to show we are carousel is an iconic piece of “There were important “It’s not a true Dentzel changed, but the charm and continuing to make improve- our park’s history.” parts inside the carousel — carousel; it has a lot of Western Train Company mainly the bearings — it hands in it from a lot of dif- was called upon to do the res- looked like it was about 10 ferent manufacturers,” said toration. The company pur- years of wear. The carou- Marquez. “But Bud Hurlbut chased Hurlbut’s train busi- sel was ‘rocking’ back and somewhere between the ness in 2011 and continues to forth,” said Marquez. “The 1980s and ‘90s retrofitted it service his trains, as well as biggest part of the project into what it is today.” offer miniature replicas. is taking the carousel apart Three rows of animals “They had historical- and putting it back together. feature a of rab- ly worked on our trains,” It takes a lot of manpower. bits, bears, ostriches, pigs, said LoRusso. “This is the Especially with a historic car- deer, cats, a lion, a tiger and first time we have had them ousel like this, we’re trying to a goat. Of the 30 horses, 18 additionally work on the keep everything intact. We’re are jumpers. There are also carousel.” trying to be as careful as we two chariots. “This was the first carou- can with it.” Prior to operating at sel [Hurlbut] saw at Knott’s Merry-Go-Round is Knott’s Berry Farm, the car- Lagoon. It was moved to reported to have originated ousel had an earlier home at Castle Park by Bud and in the early 1900s, howev- Hersheypark. his team in the ‘80s,” said er, Hurlbut made modifi- “Some of the components A wooden framework structure stabilizes the carousel during Anthony Marquez, market- cations. In 1927, new parts renovation procedures. COURTESY CASTLE PARK ing, Western Train Company. were added to bring it into 4See CAROUSEL, page 45 August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 45 CAROUSEL Continued from page 44 have been moved for safe- ty. We don’t want to [dam- age] any animals; some of them we cannot remake. We have moved them to a safe spot outside the park,” said Marquez. “But everything is being done inside the park. The carousel is still up in the building. [Work] has been really good.” With loving care comes the unfortunate necessity of a beloved attraction being closed temporarily. “When we reopened in Bud Hurlbut is seen with the carousel that he operated at both Knott’s Berry Farm and Castle Park (above). Visitors will note April, we had signage in front the removal of several horses for the restoration to take place (below). COURTESY CASTLE PARK of the Merry-Go-Round say- ing it was undergoing refur- but sometime this summer bishment, but we still pro- is a target both entities feel vided a photo op. That was is achievable. a way for us to get the guests Castle Park is owned by engaged and see where we . were and where we end up,” “Castle Park was built by said LoRusso. Bud Hurlbut, so it was his Owing to wanting to do park from the ground up,” it right, there is not a defini- noted Marquez. “Every ride tive date yet to the reopening … the , the airplane of Merry-Go-Round. Both ride … was built by Bud.” Castle Park and Western As more rides have Train Co. are hopeful that come along, the dedication the completion will be soon- to history is still keeping the er rather than later. Early fall past fresh and relevant to be is a comfortable assumption, enjoyed. 46 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 PPG, Six Flags Entertainment enter into SAFETY MARKET PLACE a five-year preferred supplier agreement AT: Pam Sherborne [email protected]

PLH Enterprises, LLC PITTSBURGH, Pa. — PPG, dba a Fortune 500 global manufac- The Hoffman Consulting Group turer of paints and specialty Serving the Amusement Industry materials, announced at the 464 Mississippi Ave. end of June a five-year pre- Palm Harbor, Fla. 34683-5216 ferred paint supplier agree- Six Flags Entertain- (419) 607-0431 ment with ment Corporation. email: [email protected] According to PPG offi- www.thehoffmancg.com cials, the paint products of- · Safety & Security · OperatiOnS · fered through this agreement · riSk & criSiS ManageMent · will help create brand consis- · induStry defenSe · tency and protect Six Flags’ most famous skyline attrac- tions, coasters, offices and more. These include Georgia Scorcher and Monster Man- sion at Six Flags Over Geor- gia, Austell, Georgia; Polter- geist at , San Antonio, Texas; and the iconic Oil Derrick at Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington. In announcing this new agreement, PPG said they were excited that Six Flags has entrusted PPG to protect and beautify countless surfaces. "This agreement - strates that PPG can provide to Six Flags as a trusted paint and Through a new five-year preferred paint agreement with Six coatings manufacturer," said Flags Entertainment Corp., PPG will supply paint products Buddy Allen, PPG corporate and coatings to some of Six Flags' most famous attractions accounts manager, architectural such as the steel Oil Derrick at Six Flags Over Texas. COURTESY PPG coatings. "We are elated to have earned Six Flags’ business and provide coatings that will en- hance the visitor experience." Allen said the company is excited to share its 135-year history of reliable coatings and products expertise with the visions Six Flags officials have undertaken. Stephanie Borges, Six Flags vice president of stra- tegic marketing and partner- ships, said during the an- nouncement, “We are excited to welcome PPG as Six Flags’ stand up to the park’s millions products; PPG TRUEFINISH preferred paint partner and of annual visitors, constant products and various PPG we look forward to enhancing sun exposure to minimize col- DELFLEET products. our parks with their superior or fading and paint chipping." "Colorants added to these PPG paint.” One of the paint products to base paints may increase the Allen said PPG will use be used as part of the agreement VOC level significantly depend- a variety of its products de- is PPG PERMANIZER paint. ing on color choice," Allen said. pending on the structures to The product’s 100% acrylic for- Allen said PPG's current be painted. mula provides a premium, long- number of staff is ready and "For example, a ride that lasting finish with a durable prepared to work with Six Flags. involves water will require film, and super adhesion and "Six Flags strives to pro- specialty coatings that can protection from ultraviolet light vide the best overall experience help repel moisture, while still (UV), dirt and moisture. for its visitors, and that means providing vibrant color and Other products expect- using products that are vibrant, long-term durability," he said. ed to be used include: PPG durable and capable of with- "A popular attraction like Six AMERLOCK2 coatings with standing diverse weather con- Flags Over Texas’ Oil Derrick, low volatile organic com- ditions and general wear and Keep our amusement park industry strong! a 300-foot-tall steel structure pounds (VOC); PPG PSX tear from the parks’ millions of Buy products and services from these suppliers. that looks like a real oil well, 700 products; PPG PSX 800 annual visitors," Allen said. will require coatings that can coatings; PPG FASTDRY 35 •ppgpaints.com August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 47

Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International, Ltd. P.O. Box 92366 • Nashville, Tenn. 37209 Phone: (714) 425-5747 • Fax: (714) 276-9666 Mary Jane Brewer • [email protected] www.aimsintl.org Holly Coston, (714) 697-6654, [email protected] Safety as a core value As the amusement industry con- ity, for your organization and for our unmasked faces of the guests who have holds safety as a core value in their tinues to recover from a year like industry, as a whole. so missed the rides and attractions that business. We are continually reviewing, no other, and even though COVID-19 In our ever-changing world, where have brought their families together revising and adding to our curriculum continues to hamper the operations of technological are continu- for decades to make lasting memories, to keep up with and support the core many amusement industry businesses ously being made that push the bound- we must keep our eyes on what’s most values of our stake holders. across the globe, safety remains not aries beyond what has been done in important: the safety of our guests and To that end, we are proud to only our number one priority, but a the past to make amusement attrac- employees. Rides that sat dormant announce that the AIMS International core value of our industry. What, you tions more and more exciting, the for a year or more must be inspected Safety Seminar will be hosted in- may ask, is the difference? amusement industry has taken on the and possibly even re-commissioned. person in Galveston, Texas, on January Priorities shift. Depending on responsibility of holding itself account- Annual maintenance that was deferred 10-14, 2021. During the seminar we the current environment, challenges able for the safety of its guests and must be performed to the manufac- will be offering a new certification pro- and even trends businesses are fac- employees; for keeping safety as a turer’s specifications. SOPs must be gram specifically designed for safety ing, they can — and will — change core value. updated to include new safety and and security professionals working in their priorities to fit the most press- For decades we have banded sanitation procedures mandated by the amusement industry. ing issues of the moment. Priorities together as an industry and put aside health organizations. Operators must The new Certified Amusement are meant to address the short-term differences with our business com- be re-trained to ensure new proto- Safety & Security Associate (CASSA) needs of the organization. Core petitors to make it possible for our cols are learned and existing ones are and the Certified Amusement Safety values, on the other hand, do not best and brightest minds, no mat- reviewed. Midways, queues, signage, & Security Professional (CASSP) cer- change. They stay constant no matter ter by whom they are employed, to parking lots, walkways, fences, ride tifications will be supported by the the current climate of the business. work together to develop standards perimeters and all other areas which new Academy of Amusement Risk Core values can be seen as the very and to create best practices that are accessed regularly by guests and Management, Safety & Security fabric of the organization — they are demand that safety remain a core employees must be properly inspected (AARMSS) which will be hosted at the what form the foundation on which value of our industry. and maintained to ensure their safety. next AIMS International Safety Seminar. the company’s work is performed. The future is bright for the amuse- AIMS International stands ready More information will be available on For this reason, it is extremely ment industry. As we make our way to assist and to provide and the AIMS website soon, so please stay important that safety should be seen through this dark period and are certification opportunities to everyone tuned. To learn more about what AIMS as a core value, as well as a top prior- finally seeing the excited, shining and working in this great industry who has to offer, please visit aimsintl.org. Space for this AIMS page is provided courtesy of Amusement Today as a corporate partner of AIMS Intl. Content is provided by AT & AIMS. 48 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 Water park officials ramp up recruiting, training efforts for season

AT: Pam Sherborne school systems were out, our [email protected] staffing increased alleviating our issues." UNITED STATES — Kunau said they typically Many water park officials train 200-plus lifeguards for across the country apparently the park for the season. have learned the art of the "It took us two additional pivot this year. Opening their weeks to get to this volume facilities while COVID-19 pan- versus the previous two years," demic protocols were still in Kunau said. place and, then, later, as they As they begin to plan for were being eased, required the 2022 season, Kunau said they stay flexible and fluid. they are considering several And, then, along with factors such as a minimum businesses across the board and wage increase and more devel- across the U.S. began opening opment in the areas of recruit- all at the same time, the crunch ing and retention. of the labor shortage hit. That "We continue to focus on shortage, of course, included creating a culture at the park certified lifeguards. where employees want to be," After speaking with sev- he said. "We offer employees eral water park officials across free tickets and season passes the country, however, it seems based upon working a certain many were able to task their number of hours. We host teams to get hiring up and train- The management team at Splashdown Beach Waterpark (above left) began early working holiday cookouts and create ing going early. As the commu- closely with local schools to promote job openings there which definitely helped the park to events like Sundae Sunday, nity pools continued struggling get fully staffed for the 2021 season. COURTESY SPLASHDOWN BEACH WATERPARK where employees can create to find more lifeguards, many their own ice cream creations." water park officials who had in front of a possible impend- positions last year, which has a continual task." Lee Hovis, operations initially been worried found ing challenge, Chafatelli said helped us reduce the number When Island H2O Live, manager, Tolomato Commu- they could get or at least almost they also increased advertising of lifeguards needed." Kissimmee, Florida, opened nity Development District, get fully staffed. and boosted starting wages to Forson also said they for 2021, officials there found Ponte Vedra, Florida, has had The Courier Journal news help attract applicants. raised lifeguard pay a couple they were unexpectedly busy, a little bit of a different experi- agency in St. Louis, Missouri, As a result, Chafatelli re- of years ago to help combat which increased demand so ence this season. reported earlier in the summer ported mid-July they had se- other employers in the area. that they were open seven "We have been affected by about the closure of commu- cured 132 lifeguards. In a typi- They also created events solely days a week rather than the staff shortages for lifeguards, nity pools but found the area's cal season, they may employ for their employees to keep three to four they had an- as well as other positions such water parks were able to get up to 135. them employed. ticipated. With school still in as food service and event fully staffed. One of the main "In our experiences and "We have seen some chal- session, it was a challenge on staff," Hovis said. "We have reasons for this difference was discussions with other parks, lenge due to more seasonal weekdays to have all the staff reduced food and beverage that water parks in the area one of the hardest positions businesses coming back to positions filled. hours, but we have not had to were able to offer in-house life- we are having difficulty se- life, but no major challenges," "A few solutions we devel- limit any operating hours for guard certifications. curing are maintenance tech- he said. "We have noticed the oped were opening sections of the pools and water parks. To A spokesman for the nicians," he said. "The lack younger generation is less in- the park later in the day, rotat- help compensate for shortages Aquatics for Collinsville Parks of technical training and clined to work a lot of hours ing staff, and closing less used we provided more lifeguard and Recreation Department maintenance experience is a per week so working to get ex- areas," said Jim Kunau, gen- reported to the local news problem. I am not sure if this tra days off for people has been eral manager. "Once the local 4See STAFF, page 49 agency they were able to give is correlated to the pandemic the classes. The biggest chal- or is a result of less people lenge there was finding space going into trade schools and for training. more people going for a four- A spokesperson for Rag- year degree. Hopefully, the ing Rivers, Grafton, Mis- worst of the staffing shortage souri, was quoted as saying, is behind us with continued "We were worried, but we vaccinations and unemploy- have staff and we're operating ment benefits scheduled to great." end in September." Other water parks also Ryan Forson, manag- found themselves with enough ing director, staff, including lifeguards, to Waterparks, said his staff is keep afloat. already working on retention "In early spring, when we events to host during the off were seeing signs of a con- season in hopes of bringing stricting workforce due to much of the current staff back the pandemic and extended in 2022. unemployment benefits, our Like Chafatelli, the Ha- management team was work- waiian Falls team worked ing closely with all the local hard and early. schools to promote our job "We have not been affect- openings," said Andrew Cha- ed thus far by the lifeguard fatelli, COO, Splashdown shortage," Forson said. "Our Beach Waterpark, Fishkill, team worked hard to get re- Officials at Island H2O Live were able to ramp up the number of staff at the facility for New York. turn staff plugged in. We also 2021. There were challenges at the beginning of the season because it was busier than In addition to staying out implemented slide attendant anticipated. COURTESY H20 LIVE August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 49

LJM team inspects Pennsylvania SAFETY amusement rides at several facilities MARKET PLACE

LJM and Associates, Inc. provided its inspection services to Hersheypark. Pictured are LJM team members (l to r): Amanda Mercado, Lewis Merz, Rob Gavel and Troy Blackwell. COURTESY LJM & ASSOCIATES INC.

LJM's John Ott inspects a at Ligonier, Pennsylvania's Soak Zone. COURTESY LJM & ASSOCIATES INC.

Amanda Mercado of LJM ascends for a better look at an Idlewild attraction in Ligonier, Whitney Westphal & Troy Blackwell Pennsylvania. of LJM look over the interior of a COURTESY LJM & attraction. ASSOCIATES INC. COURTESY LJM & ASSOCIATES INC. STAFF Continued from page 48 training classes to help supply more lifeguards." Beyond the shortage, Ho- vis also has found the lack of availability of the hired staff. Like Forson, he said it looks like one of the trends for 2021 is that staff members do not want to work as many hours as previous years, thus creat- ing more schedule holes. Hawaiian Falls Waterparks Managing Director Ryan Forson In previous years, Hovis said its parks were not affected this year by the labor said they typically employ shortage. They were fortunately able to end up with a high between 80 to 100 lifeguards. retention of former employees. COURTESY HAWAIIAN FALLS But after an expansion to the water parks this year, they petition for jobs. Everywhere I ty. Because of a lack of workers, had anticipated needing 120 go, businesses are hiring." the water park opened June 12 to 130 lifeguards. Hovis said his staff will instead. The type of labor need- "We currently have 100," be holding monthly lifeguard ed was not specified. Hovis said. classes in the fall. , Do- Hovis sees several things "We also are developing swell, Virginia, opened as happening contributing to the an employee incentive for re- planned on May 22, but offi- lifeguard shortage. ferring staff members," he said. cials there delayed the open- "I think the pandemic has Some of the nation's water ing of the Water impacted the shortage, but I parks did report a later opening Park until June 19. Officials believe it goes further," he said. this year than had been antici- there had stepped up their re- "There seems to be less life- pated. For example ' cruiting and were offering a guard classes being offered re- , Charlotte, starting wage of $15 an hour gionally, less applicants desir- , had set an for lifeguards. Keep our amusement park industry strong! ing to become lifeguards and initial opening date as May 29 And there were certainly Buy products and services from these suppliers. a tremendous amount of com- along with the rest of the facili- others. 50 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021 BREAKING NEWS Baynum Painting joins Life Floor's CLASSIFIEDS Registered Aquatic Partnership program NEWPORT, Ky. — Baynum Painting announced it is joining AUCTION Life Floor's Registered Aquatic Partnership program. Life Floor provides a unique safety surfacing solution and is the first and only product certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 50 for use in aquatics recreation. In addition to being recognized as Certified Installers, Baynum will continue to work with Life Floor in delivering service and value to its customers across the aquatics community. "Expanding Baynum’s offerings to include the highest quality safety flooring in the market aligns perfectly with our services," said Walt Bowser, vice president of Baynum Painting. "Our team of specialists are already doing ground-up water park slide and aquatic feature installations, total renovations of existing fiber- glass slides, steel corrosion remediation and prevention, and now we’re installing Life Floor on and around these same structures to COURTESY help them look fantastic while improving site safety measures.” BAYNUM PAINTING Roller Coaster Museum unveils new additions to ACE, Thrill Seekers United PLAINVIEW, Texas — The second was the first and a time lapse of the con- Dozens of ride and theme coaster car designed by Dana struction are available at roll- park enthusiasts descend- Morgan and Steve Okamoto ercoastermuseum.com. ed on the National Roller for the West Coaster at Pacific The museum continues Coaster Museum and Park on the pier in Santa to acquire priceless pieces FOR SALE Archives (NRCMA) for the Monica, California. The car of history. It recently took Fourth of July holiday to was donated by . possession of a car from the • Visa Floor Pickup Mini-Scooter (6 cars)..$49,000 explore the museum collec- The group also saw muse- former Rocky Springs Jack • 25-meter Moser Tower (never used)...$349,000 tion and, for the first time, um exhibits fabricated with Rabbit coaster in Lancaster, see the 10,000-square-foot the help of several manu- Pennsylvania, where it was • Chance (T/M)....$199,000 Mark Moore wing. facturing partners. The most in operation from 1918- • ARM Happy Viking Himalaya....$79,000 In addition, the group recent addition was a track 1927. In addition to the Jack • Chance Double Decker...... $299,000 was also honored to see and train display of the 1938 Rabbit car, the museum • Moser 8.6m Spring Ride...... $69,000 the unveiling of two new, Rollo Coaster from Idlewild recently received a collection historically significant ride and Soak Zone designed by of antique wooden coaster • (T/M)....$299,000 vehicles the influenced the Skyline Attractions and con- brake handles and a model of • Wave Swinger (T/M).....$249,000 theme park experience. structed by Great Coasters the Phoenix wooden coaster, • ARM Rock Star (T/M)...... $399,000 The first was a Loch Ness International (GCII). The which recently underwent • KMG Freak Out (T/M).....$399,000 Monster Arrow ride vehicle impressive 12-foot-tall and a three-year restoration by donated by Busch Gardens 30-foot-long display joins model builder Dave Rouse • Wacky Worm...... $99,000 Williamsburg. The Loch a track and train display of Arlington, Texas. The • .....$349,000 Ness Monster was the first of the Cobb and Rosser- model was originally built Call Len or Earl roller coaster with interlock- designed Texas Cyclone as by ACE member John Hunt (908) 526-8009 • FAX: (908) 526-4535 ing loops and was the impe- well as a display of the 1977 and was donated to the www.Rides4U.com tus of the first ever American Schwartzkopf Super Dooper NRCMA by Dayton, Ohio, Coaster Enthusiast’s (ACE) Looper from Hersheypark. resident Beth Remhoff. Coaster Con 43 years ago. Photos of the installations •rollercoastermuseum.org

An Arrow vehicle from Loch Ness Monster formerly of Busch Gardens Williamsburg and a Morgan lead car from Pacific Park were unveiled recently as the latest additions to the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives. COURTESY NRCMA August 2021 AMUSEMENT TODAY 51 52 AMUSEMENT TODAY August 2021