© TM Your Amusement Industry NEWS Leader! Vol. 17 • Issue 3 JUNE 2013 Towers to roller coasters, parks roll out record setters in first wave of new ride openings

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US POSTAGE US PRSRT STD PRSRT 2 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013 NEWSTALK OPINIONS CARTOON LETTERS AT CONTACTS EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] CARTOON: Bubba Flint USA Today founder remembered The nation’s newspaper industry lost a great visionary on April 19 when Al Neu- harth died at the age of 89. Neuharth will best be remembered for his launch of USA Today in 1982, a move that would forever change the way American newspapers Slade would look and present it’s daily content to readers. Under his direction he would guide parent company Gannett from revenues of $200 million to more than $3 billion, making it the nation’s largest newspaper company. USA Today was cutting edge with breezy, easy-to- comprehend articles, attention-grabbing graphics and stories that often didn’t require readers to turn the page. Sections were denoted by colors. The entire section of the back page of the news section had a weather map of the United States. The news section contained a state-by-state roundup of headlines from across the nation. Since our beginning in 1997, Amusement Today continues to use some of these established trends in EDITORIAL: Andrew Mellor, [email protected] the look and news format we present to our readers. It was the late Bruce Neal, (Mr. Six Flags as he is Destined for the history books remembered) that strongly encouraged us to use the In all walks of life things the Pleasure Beach when I was starting out in “Today” in our name. As AT grew to have more color ‘come and go’ and this is cer- the industry, I remember doing a few days on options at our printer (every page is now in color) we tainly true of the amusement the Gold Mine and it had been something of also now use colors to highlight our different sections. and theme park industry where a landmark attraction in the centre of the park Most recently, AT has our reporter team presenting our attractions and facilities are for all that time. version of important industry headline briefs: FastTrack often replaced once they’ve But naturally times change and things by Scott Rutherford, NewsSplash by Jeffrey Seifert and been on a park for a certain move on and having entertained millions of amount of time and something visitors over the years it was time for some- Midway Lights by Pam Sherborne. Amusement Today Mellor new is required. thing new, although the same building has continues to be the only amusement industry Of course some rides are in situ a lot longer been used for the new ride, as has the original publication to feature a monthly opinion page with than others; indeed there are many examples Gold Mine track. Some key elements remain, multiple columns and editorial cartoon from the to be found that have been operating for sev- therefore, albeit totally unrecognisable in their talented Bubba Flint, longtime cartoonist for the local eral decades, one or two for even longer, and new guise. DFW newpaper market. it is always sad to see a long-serving attraction And what a great job the Pleasure Beach Neuharth changed the world of newspapers in so removed from a park. and all those involved in the creation of the many ways. Those of us that have the “ink” in our blood I was reminded of just such a situation attraction have done. The Wallace and Gromit are thankful for all he did for this great news medium. recently when attending the opening of the stories are hugely popular with both adults and —Gary Slade new Thrill-O-Matic ride at Blackpool Pleasure children and the detail which has gone into the Beach (BPB) here in the U.K. The new attrac- attraction is there for all to see, right down to tion, themed on the adventures of the hugely the smallest of themed props. It’s something popular Wallace and Gromit characters, has of a coup for BPB to have created the world’s Gary Slade is the founder and publisher of Amusement replaced the Gold Mine ride which closed first Wallace and Gromit themed ride and it’s a Today. His love for amusement parks began at age six when he in 2011 after serving the park for 40 years. great addition to the park which is sure to hit first visited Pontchartrain Beach Amusement Park and Six Flags Over Texas. His long newspaper career helped lead to Indeed, during my time as a ride attendant at the spot with visitors young and old. the launch of AT in 1997. AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF Gary Slade, Founder Tim Baldwin Sammy Piccola Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Editorial Accounting / Circulation (817) 460-7220 [email protected] (817) 460-7220 [email protected] [email protected] Deliveries Member of: Pam Sherborne 2012 E. Randol Mill Rd., Suite 203 IAAPA, AIMS International, PAPA, Stacey Childress / Childress Media Editorial Sue Nichols Arlington, Texas 76011 NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, WWA, TTIA, Web & Graphic Design [email protected] Advertising NAARSO and IISF [email protected] (615) 662-0252 Subscription rates are: 1 year (14 issues) $75 in the USA; $100 elsewhere; 2 years (28 issues) $140/$180; Scott Rutherford [email protected] 3 years (42 issues) $200/$250. Send check or money order (U.S. funds only, drawn on a U.S. bank) to John Robinson / W.H.R. Inc. Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005-5427. Your cancelled check is your receipt. Editorial Please allow up to six weeks for your subscription request to be processed and the first issue mailed. Daily E-mail Newsletter [email protected] Bubba Flint [email protected] Cartoonist Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected] Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Presort Standard Postage (Permit No. 2069) pre-paid at Fort Worth, Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper and its related websites are copyrighted and trademarked Editorial / Special Projects by Amusement Today 2013, with all rights reserved. [email protected] POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas Contributors: Ron Gustafson, Dean Lamanna, Andrew Mellor, Richard Munch, Janice Witherow, WHR Inc. 76005-5427. June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013 THIS MONTH IN HISTORY MINUTE •1904: On June 29, George Kes- Presented by sler purchased a large area of land in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York, paying over $1million 2 DRILL for property that included Luna COMPILED: Janice Witherow Park, which had opened the year before. While he denied that the Mary Niven, Disney California Adventure Park deal was a move against the park, As Vice President of Dis- he did purchase the entire stock ney California Adventure of the Sea Beach Land Company, Park and Guest Services including the Luna Park site. He at the Disneyland Resort suggested that he had closed the www.RollerCoasterMuseum.org in Anaheim, Calif., Mary deal as an investment, as Luna Niven literally feels the Park’s lease ran through 1915. magic every day she steps Many also believe that Dreamland’s William Reynolds was also in- foot in her “work” place. volved, to possibly take over the park, but that was never proven. In her role, Mary oversees the daily operation and •1908: On opening day in early June, a man was nearly killed when overall guest satisfaction riding Lagoon’s Park popular Scenic Railway, in Farmington, Utah. at the park … something The Ogden newspaper recounted how Logan Balderston was seated she does with astute ob- in one of the cars which had begun its downward descent. When the servation and an obvious car started making a turn Balderston was thrown from the car to the passion. Most recently, ground about 40 feet below. His leg was broken, a rib was also frac- she led the park’s major Mary Niven, Disneyland Resort, has spent 13 years with the tured and his heart displaced about two inches. No one was sure ex- expansion with the addition company and most recently she led the park’s major expan- actly how he had fallen out, but it is likely that it happened so suddenly of Buena Vista Street and sion with the addition of Buena Vista Street and the ultra- that no one knows just how it occurred. He was taken to a hospital in the ultra-popular Cars Land; popular Cars Land; plus the renovation of the park’s main Salt Lake City where the doctors thought he might not recover. Within plus the renovation of the entrance. COURTESY DISNEYLAND RESORT days, he was actually improving, based on follow-up reports. park’s main entrance. Mary serves on several boards •1908: Due to the result of two separate accidents on the Royal I always need help with … and is often noted for being a keen innovator Gorge roller coaster at White City, in Chicago, Illinois, Building Com- Patience. with a generous spirit. missioner Joseph Downey requested a full investigation into both in- cidents on June 20. Both accidents had resulted in the deaths of the If I could invite one famous person to dinner, riders, and Downey was seeking an opinion from the administration’s it would be … Title counsel’s office as to the city’s power to control all such devices in the Oprah Winfrey. Vice President of Disney many Chicago amusement parks. It is considered the first time local California Adventure Park and authorities began to concentrate on the safety of park rides, particu- My favorite time of day is … Guest Services at the Disneyland larly the roller coasters. Walking through the Park just after sunrise when Resort. it is pristine and ready for our guests. •1922: A monument to the late Frederic Thompson was erected in Number of years in the indus- the unlikely location of Woodlawn Cemetery, in Brooklyn, New York, The time period I would most like to go back try in early June. Thompson was the creator of Luna Park, in Coney Is- and live in is … 13. land (with Elmer Dundy), and Manhattan’s Hippodrome. The monu- Niven I wouldn’t; I like to learn from the past but no ment, intended to perpetuate the spirit and creative genius of Thomp- need to go back there. Best thing about the industry son, was dedicated to his memory June 6. Other Coney Island greats Amazing talented people with equally amazing are also buried locally, including William Mangels and George Tilyou. The Disney character that best describes my hearts. personality is … •1932: A devastating fire caused nearly $150,000 in damage to the Tinker Bell. Favorite amusement ride Liberty Pier, in Savin Rock, West Haven, Connecticut. The June 11 Radiator Springs Racers not just because it is fire virtually wiped out the entire pier, its rides and concessions. Mara- The household chore I really don’t mind doing in my park. It combines great storytelling with thon dancers had to run from the ballroom, as the flames consumed is … thrills that the whole family can enjoy. buildings and other structures. The Red Devil Coaster, one of a hand- Washing dishes. ful of coasters built over water, went up in a flames, and was never If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry, rebuilt. It is still considered the most destructive fire in the history of My favorite store for shopping is … I would be … Savin Rock, the Coney Island of Connecticut. Any store that allows you to shop online! A teacher. •1963: On June 18 Six Flags Over Texas opened the first modern- It’s summer! My favorite thing to take on a Biggest challenge facing our industry day log flume. Built by Arrow Development at a cost of $300,000, picnic is … Our ability to leverage technology to enhance El Aserradero features eight-foot hollowed out logs holding up to A great bottle of wine. our experiences while not losing our ability to six passengers. Once aboard the fiberglass log, guests float around a personally connect with our guests. curving flume. The finale consists of a plunge down a 44 foot incline The sport I enjoy watching the most is … culminating with a tremendous splash that splatters the riders with Hockey. The thing I like most about amusement/water water. The ride was an immediate success and log flumes have since

park season is … become staples at amusement and theme parks throughout the world. To me, the ideal vacation is … The joy and excitement on children’s faces just —Compiled by Richard Munch, NRCMA and Jeffrey Seifert, AT Anywhere and anytime I can get my kids and as their arrival to the park. Their anticipation of their families all together. the day reminds me why we do what we do. TM Growing up, my favorite TV show was … P.O. Box 5427 All-time favorite meal I Dream of Jeannie. Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 5-time Award Winner My grandmother’s enchiladas. (817) 460-7220 The web site I find myself on most often is … Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397) The first thing I do in the morning is … Facebook. Walk my Bichon Frise Jean Paul. Find us on Facebook facebook.com/amusementtoday Three things on my “bucket list” are … What is more important … knowledge or imagination? 1. Visit Africa. 2. Learn how to play the piano. 3. Take a painting class. Imagination. Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/amusementtoday Choose one: steak or seafood The last movie I saw in the theater was … Seafood. Iron Man 3. Subscribe to our YouTube channel Get a free QR Code scanner for your phone youtube.com/amusementtoday by visting www.mobiletag.com. June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5 INTERNATIONAL PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS SUPPLIERS 2013 Asian Attractions Expo heads to Singapore STORY: Andrew Mellor [email protected] MARINA BAY SANDS, Singapore — The 2013 Asian Attractions Expo (AAE), the Asia-Pacific region’s premier international attractions in- dustry event, moves to Singa- pore this year and will be held from June 4-7. Organized by IAAPA, the event will be held at the Sands Expo and Convention Cen- tre at Marina Bay Sands Re- sort and the trade show (June 5-7) will once again showcase products and services from more than 250 companies from 30 countries. Together they will utilize a floor space of over 6,000 square meters and in total, more than 5,000 industry professionals, both visitors and exhibitors, are ex- pected to attend. “This year, nearly 10 per- cent of the companies on the trade show floor are exhibiting for the first time — an indica- This year’s Asian Attractions Expo event will take place at the spectacular Sands Expo and tion of the continued growth Convention Center (shown above) at Marina Bay Sands Resort in Singapore. Below, the show of the show and the industry floor at the AAE will once again accommodate suppliers and manufacturers of products and in Asia,” said Paul Noland, services from around the world. COURTESY IAAPA / SHOW FLOOR COURTESY MIKE TSANG president and CEO of IAAPA. For the first time in the history of the AAE, the Open- ing Ceremony and Leadership Breakfast will take place with- in the IAAPA Theatre inside the exhibition hall, allowing event participants easy and immediate access to the show floor. Exhibitor Listing The event will also feature Page 6 a significant education con- ference from June 4-7, which facility appealing to families, will incorporate presentations maximizing travelling exhib- from industry leaders such as its, building long-term sup- Tom Mehrmann, chief execu- plier partnerships, what’s new multi-attraction Marine Life bour Family Theme Parks. And prior to this year’s tive of Ocean Park Corp., the in Asia for 2013 and more. Park at Resorts World Sentosa, Universal Studios Singapore event, IAAPA announced that multi-day IAAPA Institute New facility tours and while other event destinations will also open exclusively next year’s AAE will take place for Attractions Managers and networking opportunities will will include Legoland Malay- for AAE participants. A post at the China National Conven- a day-long IAAPA Safety In- also be on offer to attendees. sia, Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, event tour to Bali Safari and tion Center (CNCC) in Beijing, stitute. Sessions will cover The event will kick-off with the Little Big Club and Lat’s Marine Park from June 8-10 is from June 17-20, 2014. subjects including making a an Opening Night at the new, Place, owned by Puteri Har- also available. 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013 Asian Attractions Expo Singapore • June 4-7, 2013 • Exhibitor Listing

3DME Photo Solutions...... 1935 Guangzhou Shunhong Entertainment Equipments Co. Ltd...... 1733 Prime Play by Whitewater...... 1125 ABC RIDES SWITZERLAND...... 1137 Guzzi Eugenio...... 108 Pro Forma Advisors LLC...... 1713 Action Horizons Inc...... 457 HAFEMA Water Rides GmbH...... 547 Prominent Technology Enterprise Ltd, Funovation...... 1818 AECOM...... 2027 Hangzhou Trains Equipment Co. Ltd...... 2032 ProSlide Technology, Inc...... 1518 Aerodium Ltd...... 1239 Hankook Leisure...... 810 PT. Rejo Megah Makmur...... 435 Aerophile S.A.S...... 610 Haystack Dryers Limited...... 830 Ptarmigan Integration...... 116 AET/Amusement & Edutainment Technologies...... 942 Heinen Import & Export (Heinimex) Corp...... 133 QubicaAMF Bowling Products...... 2130 Alterface S.A...... 1012 Henan Hengtaihua Amusement Equipment Co., Ltd...... 337 RDC/Ride Development Co...... 1717 American Locker Security Systems, Inc...... 1238 Herborner Pumps...... 410 Reka Setia Playground Sdn Bhd...... 1111 Amusement Today...... IAAPA Central Hopkins Rides...... 1123 Rides and Fun Srl...... 511 Antonio Zamperla SPA...... 607 Hot Games...... 1846 Rodeo Ride Amusement Co. Ltd...... 1920 Aoqi Inflatables Limited...... 1807 Huaxia Amusement Co. Ltd...... 2131 S&S Worldwide, Inc...... 407 Aquakita...... 510 Huss Park Attractions GmbH...... 318 Sacoa Playcard System...... 1711 Arihant Industrial Corp. Ltd...... 1214 Hytechnology Inc...... 219 Sally Corporation...... 630 Art Attack...... 1820 I.E. Park S.r.l./Amusement Rides & SOLI Bumper Cars...... 1223 Sanderson Group International Pty Ltd...... 621 Asia Amusement Machine Co. Ltd...... 1833 IAAPA Bookstore...... 107 Sartori Int’l Group...... 150 atlantics GmbH...... 438 IAAPA Central...... 119 SBF Srl...... 922 Attractions Audio Visual Ltd...... 411 IAAPA Exhibit Sales Office...... 113 Sela Cars s.r.l...... 106 Attraktion!GmbH...... 1626 Ice Magic International Ltd...... 557 Semnox Debit Card System...... 1141 AUXEL SRL...... 514 IdeAttack, Inc...... 926 Severn Lamb...... 1210 B&B Exporting Ltd...... 211 Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industr...... 240 Shanghai Leaders Investment Management Company Limited...... 147 Barco...... 1747 Industrial Frigo SRL...... 543 Shengjing Chuangzhu...... 236 Beijing Jiuhua Amusement Rides Manufacturing Co...... 939 Intamin Amusement Rides Int. Corp. Est...... 527 Shenyang Chuangqi Amusement Equipment Co., Ltd...... 931 Beijing Shibaolai Amusement Equipment Co. Ltd...... 815 INTERCARD INC...... 646 Shenzhen Red Style Tourism Design & Construction Ltd...... 319 BERG Toys...... 550 Interlink LG Ltd...... 242 Showdoh Inc...... 747 Bertazzon 3B Srl...... 126 International Play Company, Inc...... 1215 Showtime Entertainment Productions...... 921 Billings Productions, Inc...... 751 InterPark Magazine...... 1338 SimEx - Iwerks Entertainment...... 1727 Birket Engineering, Inc...... 916 IREC Beijing Co., Ltd...... 537 Simtec Systems GmbH...... 223 Bob’s Space Racers, Inc...... 834 irTactical Asia...... 1731 Simulator Makine Produksiyon Ltd...... 615 Bolliger & Mabillard Consulting Engineers, Inc...... 215 Ist Co. Ltd...... 2132 Simuline Inc...... 1026 Bombay Amusement Ride (P) Limited...... 335 Ital International, LLC...... 1316 Simworx Limited...... 247 Brown Entertainment...... 756 J & J Amusements, Inc...... 534 Skafos International Limited...... 515 Brunswick Bowling & Billiards Corporation...... 1817 Jack Rouse Associates...... 913 SkyZip Engineering...... 1932 Bumper Boats, Inc...... 1707 Jacobs Engineering UK Ltd...... 938 Subway International B.V...... 919 Buzzpark Oyun Parklari Ekipmanlari Ins. Tur.San.ve Tic. Ltd. Sti...... 447 Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc...... 130 Suzhou Fwu-Long Amusement Equipment Co., Ltd...... 1314 CENTAMAN, INC...... 446 Jora Vision bv...... 930 Swiss Rides AG...... 346 Centennial Woods LLC...... 914 Joymax Technology Inc...... 1931 Syndicate Graphic Technologies (Div. of Syndicate Group)...... 1340 ChairkiD GmbH...... 835 KB Creative Advisors, Inc...... 1330 Tank Mobile Kiosks Limited...... 551 Chance Rides...... 415 KCC Entertainment Design...... 634 Technical Park S.N.C...... 142 Cheer Amusement Equipment Corporation...... 1719 KGCIA...... 1036 Tecway – Mecpower...... 822 Chengdu Tailong Amusement Industry Co., Ltd...... 1510 Kingsmen Exhibits Pte Ltd...... 1006 Tejix...... 1240 China Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (CAAPA).. 757 Kodak (Hong Kong) Limited...... 439 The Juice Films...... 826 CL Corporation...... 237 Lagotronics Projects B.V...... 614 The Producers Group...... 334 Cloward H2O...... 1219 LAI Games Sales, Inc...... 1811 Theme Builders Philippines, Inc...... 618 Cogan S.R.L...... 1218 Laserforce International...... 419 Themed Entertainment Association (TEA)...... 317 Comfy Edutainment Centers...... 1236 Laservision Mega-Media PTE LTD...... 347 Themetech Culture and Creative...... 1835 Concept International Design Ltd...... 935 LCI Productions LTD...... 136 Theming and Animatronics Industries S.A...... 818 Cosmic Animation Entertainment Sdn Bhd...... 1335 Leading Animation & Visual Effects Design Co. Ltd...... 2030 Thinkwell...... 127 Delta Strike Laser Tag...... 451 LEC Worldwide...... 1723 Tianjin Brother Tourist Train Co. Ltd...... 910 DigiPhoto Entertainment Imaging...... 443 Leisure Activities Co., LTD...... 315 Tippmann Sports LLC...... 1830 Dippin’ Dots International, LLC...... 940 Lockers.Com Pty Ltd...... 131 Trans-Force Ltd...... 1334 Dominic Fun Rides PVT LTD...... 1234 Lo-Q plc...... 649 Triotech...... 519 Dotto S.r.l...... 507 Mack Rides GmbH & Co. KG...... 1526 Triotech...... 421 Dreampark International...... 351 Magic Memories...... 251 TRUBLUE Auto Belays /ZipStop Zip Line Brake...... 532 Dynamic Attractions Ltd...... 1506 Martin & Vleminckx Rides LLC...... 911 UK Trade and Investment...... 1927 Dynamic Motion Rides GmbH...... 842 MAURER Rides GmbH...... 838 Universal Space Amusement (HK) Ltd...... 806 ECA2...... 814 MediaMation, Inc...... 2035 Uremet Corp...... 230 eibe Produktion + Vertrieb GmbH & Co...... 140 Merooj Trampoline Park...... 1912 Van Egdom B.V...... 538 Electrosonic Audio-Visual Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd...... 1231 Mich Playground Co., Ltd...... 746 Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V...... 1227 Elephant Sculpture Art Company Ltd...... 1543 Mirage Entertainment, Inc...... 1314 VEQTOR...... 531 Embed International Pty. Ltd...... 1815 Modern Masters, Inc...... 1715 VGS...... 839 Emotion Media Factory Laserland GmbH...... 1530 Mondial World of Rides...... 811 VIM Co., Ltd...... 1612 Empex Watertoys...... 110 Moser’s Rides S.r.l...... 627 VIROBUILD...... 1310 Entertainment Resource GmbH...... 650 MP Group...... 207 Vlocker Pty Ltd...... 433 EOS Rides...... 1823 MSKY CO., LTD...... 1735 Vortex Aquatic Structures International Inc...... 906 ETF Ride Systems...... 536 Murphy’s Waves Ltd...... 1318 Walltopia...... 1342 Exponent Challenge Technology Asia Pte Ltd...... 338 Namco Bandai Games Inc...... 1426 Water Decor Indonesia (WDI)...... 556 Extreme Engineering Australasia...... 1546 Namco Bandai Games Inc...... 635 Water Technology, Inc...... 418 Fabbri Group...... 1207 Neptune-Benson...... 430 Waterplay Solutions Corp...... 307 Facto Edizioni S.r.l...... 1746 Niceberg Studios...... 647 Waterworks International...... 1910 Falcon’s Treehouse, LLC...... 1618 nWave Pictures S.A...... 427 Wave Loch, Inc...... 1020 Forrec Ltd...... 1115 Ocean Amusement Machine Co., Ltd...... 516 Wavesurfer - AFP Technology...... 819 Foto Master Ltd...... 1542 OCT Vision Inc...... 546 WhiteWater West Industries Ltd...... 1021 Fotosmile Australia Pty Ltd...... 1217 Okamoto Mfg. Co., Ltd...... 132 World Waterpark Association...... 343 FullDome.Pro...... 1606 OmniTicket Network (Singapore) Pte Ltd...... 1211 Wow World Of Watersports...... 1415 FUNA...... 120 Ontario Science Centre-Science North...... 235 XTRAICE...... 1235 Funovation, Inc...... 1816 OpenAire, Inc...... 1133 Xtrem Aventures...... 1918 Game Art (Hong Kong) Limited...... 918 OY C.E. Lindgren AB...... 341 Yuehua Token Company...... 336 Game Plus Ltd...... 314 Pacific Surf Designs, Inc...... 2031 Zebec, Inc...... 1127 Game Time International (GTI)...... 2033 Park World Magazine...... 640 Zhengzhou Wanle Amusement Equipment Co. Ltd...... 139 Gary Goddard Entertainment...... 1307 Park World Recreation Sdn Bhd...... 1819 Zhengzhou Wolong Amusement Equipment Co. Ltd...... 310 Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc...... 831 Pax Company Ltd...... 234 Zhongshan Guang Yang Amusement Equipment Co., Ltd...... 934 Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbH...... 350 Pharos Controls...... 1547 Zhongshan Junye Amusement Facility Supply Co. Ltd...... 137 GHESA Ingenieria y Tecnologia, S.A ( BR Of Dubai)...... 311 Picsolve Inc...... 1827 Zhongshan Kingbarth Animation and Amusement Equipment Co. Global Attractions Ltd...... 651 Pictureworks Pte Ltd...... 1143 Ltd...... 533 G-Look Amusement Machine Co., Ltd...... 227 Playfun Culture & Technology Co. Ltd...... 243 Zhongshan Luck Amusement Co. Ltd...... 330 Golden Horse Amusement Equipment Co. Ltd...... 331 Playtime LLC...... 1832 ZhuZhou CSR Special Equipment Technology Co. Ltd...... 2127 Golden Manhong Electronic...... 1646 Polin...... 643 Zierer GmbH...... 323 Gosetto S.r.l...... 141 Polysoft Surfaces...... 1814 Zigong Sanhe Robot Technology Co. Ltd...... 1812 Great Coasters International, Inc...... 1531 Precision Dynamics Corp...... 1535 Zodd Design USA...... 1042 Guangzhou Dalang Water Amusement Park Equipment Co. Ltd.... 231 Premier Rides, Inc...... 1107 Zone Laser Tag, Inc...... 837 Guangzhou Haisan Entertainment Technology Co. Ltd...... 246 Premierworld Technology Limited...... 541 zoOceanarium Group...... 2129 Guangzhou Sealy Electronic Technology Co. Ltd...... 1319 Preston & Barbieri S.r.l...... 327 June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 Goddard Group, S&S/Sansei team up for new Lotte World attraction SEOUL, Korea — Lotte topher Smith and Phil Men- World’s aggressive expan- dez, both formerly designers sion continues as the park at Walt Disney Imagineering. announced its newest addi- There, the two men helped to tion, a family drop ride called create some of the most be- “Brother Moon & Sister Sun’s loved attractions and charac- Tall Tale”, to be designed by ters found at Disney’s theme Hollywood entertainment de- parks. sign firm the Goddard Group. Sang Han, attraction pro- Hardware for the new at- ducer for Lotte World, says of traction is being provided by the new ride “Like our other Utah-based S&S/Sansei. The recent attractions, Brother ride was slated to take its first Moon and Sister Sun’s Tall riders in early May. Tale will take immersive sto- Based upon a popular rytelling to levels never be- Korean fairy tale in which a fore seen in Korea. As guests brother and sister are chased return to Lotte World for our into the sky by a ferocious ti- 25th Anniversary in 2014, we ger, riders will experience know they’ll be thrilled with firsthand the story’s climactic the incredible arsenal of new moments as they are dangled top-quality experiences we’ve and dropped just inches away created for them.” from the tiger’s reach. The popular South Korean “Tall Tale gives us the theme park has recently en- chance to let guests step into joyed some of its highest atten- the world of a beloved local The Goddard Group and S&S/Sansei combined forces to produce the new family drop ride dance since it opened in 1989, fairy tale, much in the same — Brother Moon & Sister Sun’s Tall Tale — for Korea’s Lotte World. Based upon a popular and in turn has been rolling out way we were able to bring the Korean fairy tale in which a brother and sister are chased into the sky by a ferocious ti- a number of new attractions in world of the friendly Korean ger, riders will experience firsthand the story’s climactic moments as they are dangled and the last few months including ogres to life in our Underland dropped just inches away from the tiger’s reach. the Jumping Fish family ride, project” said Taylor Jeffs, di- COURTESY THE GODDARD GROUP “Do You Speak Beluga?” inter- rector of design for the God- online, immersing guests in theme park medium can do of “Tall Tale”, the Goddard active theater, as well as an en- dard Group. He adds “In an fully-realized fantasy worlds better than any other.” Group relied on the talents of tirely-new themed zone called age where the whole world and stories is the one thing the To create the unique world longtime collaborators Chris- “Underland”.

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SCHAAPWEG 18 6063 BA VLODROP THE NETHERLANDS TEL +31 (0)475 409222 FAX +31 (0)475 402115 WWW.VEKOMA.COM 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013 Zamperla enjoying many worldwide projects in 2013

STORY: Andrew Mellor Star. [email protected] Zamperla’s spectacular VICENZA, Italy — Italian Air Race attraction contin- ride manufacturer Zamperla ues to prove a popular choice has revealed a raft of new ride among park owners around installations for 2013 which the world and 2013 will see encompass deliveries to cus- several new examples in- tomers throughout the world. stalled. At Dreamworld in In addition to a wide Australia the Pandemonium- range of projects in the U.S., Kung Fu Panda themed Air Zamperla’s 2013 ride open- Race 6.4 has opened, while ings will include many others another Air Race 6.4 will also in countries around Europe, make its debut at the Al Za- the Middle East, Asia and wraa Park in Iraq. This will Australia, confirming the com- be accompanied at the same pany once again as one of the venue by a selection of other worldwide industry’s most rides from the Italian compa- prolific suppliers of rides and ny, namely a Vertical Swing, attractions. Z Force tower ride, Happy Among this year’s ride Swing, Galleon, Jump Around projects are a number of roller and Fire Brigade. coasters, including a 710 meter An eagle themed Air Race (2,329 feet) Mine Train coaster will also be one of the new at- for the Walk Water Park in tractions this year at Tivoli Co- India and a 530 meter (1,739 penhagen in Denmark, accom- feet) Gravity Moto Coaster panied by a Jumping Tower, for Window of the World in while at Plopsaland in Bel- China. A Volare coaster and gium, a Disk’O Coaster will be Junior Twister coaster will new to visitors. Finally, Lise- also make their debuts at Fla- berg in Sweden has installed mingoland in the U.K., where a Magic Bikes, Jump Around a Magic Bikes ride will also be and Flying Tigers from Zam- among the park’s new attrac- perla for the 2013 season. tions. Dreamworld in Australia has Another roller coaster, this opened the Pandemonium time a Speedy Coaster, will be - Kung Fu Panda themed one of several Zamperla rides Air Race 6.4 (shown above) opening at Etnaland in Italy from Italy’s Zamperla. At this year. This will be joined right, the new Gravity Moto by six other attractions from Coaster at Window of the the company in the shape of World in China features this a Mega Disk’O 40, Demolition unique and thrilling layout. Derby, Samba Tower, Mini Jet, COURTESY DREAMWORLD Rio Grande train and Jumping AND ZAMPERLA U.K.’s Pleasurewood Hills introduces four new rides STORY: Andrew Mellor velopments at the park, gen- [email protected] eral manager Alexis Camelin, said: “It’s been my goal since LOWESTOFT, England being appointed here two/ — Pleasurewood Hills theme three years ago, to return Plea- park in the south east of Eng- surewood Hills to a theme land has introduced four new park that’s as good as it was rides in 2013 as part of a £3.5 in its heyday. With the in- million (U.S. $5.4 million) vestment into new rides and investment pledge by own- lots of tins of paint, I believe ers Looping Holding Group we’ve achieved just that and (LHG). more for 2013.” And he add- The new rides for this ed: “We look forward to see- year include the mine themed ing lots of new faces and old Hobs Pit, a scare inducing ex- faces returning to experience perience in an old mine setting Pleasurewood Hills, just like which has been developed it used to be and even better.” in-house, the Pleasurewood Hobs Pit will provide a scare experience in an old mine themed setting. The new rides join estab- Hills Paddlers, marking a re- COURTESY PLEASUREWOOD HILLS lished favourites such as the turn of pedalos to the park, by Vekoma. across Europe, took over in tower, the Pleasurewood Pony Wipeout roller coaster (a Ve- and two second-hand attrac- The new additions join a 2011. Last year, five new addi- Rail, a family fun ride, the La- koma Boomerang), the Timber tions, Woodie’s Tea Party, a number of other attractions tions were opened, including ser Labyrinth, an indoor laser Falls log flume, the Sky Hooks traditional family tea cup ride that have been added to the the Jolly Roger, a 40 meter (131 game, and the Illusionist Mag- Chairoplanes and many oth- made by SBF, and Moby Dick, park since LHG, which owns foot) drop tower, The Light- ic Show in the Castle Theatre. ers in the park’s growing se- a themed children’s ride built a total of seven attractions house, a children’s shoot-up- Commenting on the de- lection of attractions. June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9

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rz_MR-12-0358_Marketing-Strategie_Anzeigen_EURO_Prof_208x297_4c.indd 1 10.04.13 12:13 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013 Polin-supplied Gorizont Aquapark set to open in Russia Ten waterslides, spa pools, and three-level spa complex featured

ROSTOV-ON-DON, Rus- sia — A new waterpark de- tion, which began construc- signed and installed by Polin tion in December, will cover Waterslides & Pool Systems more than 27,000 square me- will open in May at the Horizon ters (290,625 square feet), with Megacenter, a mall in Rostov- more than 6,000 square meters on-Don, a port city on the Don (64,583 square feet) devoted to River. the aquatic attractions. Owner Polin, headquartered in NGO Gorizont LLC is invest- Turkey, operates an office in ing 1.393 billion rubles (U.S. Krasnador, Russia. That region- $45 million) into the all-season al location is making it easy for complex, which will be able to Polin to be on-site and oversee accommodate up to 1,800 peo- the complex’s construction. Po- ple. lin is installing some of its most Among the facilities that popular rides at the new facil- Polin is incorporating into the ity. Each of these waterslides facility are 10 waterslides, spa is constructed using Polin’s ex- pools, a three-level spa complex clusive Resin Transfer Molding and a swimming pool for train- (RTM) technology — giving the ing, water aerobics and games. company’s products a shiny, Guests eager for an adren- appealing interior and exte- alin rush during their visit can rior that is especially attractive indulge in some of Polin’s most when combined with Polin’s popular thrill rides. Natural Light and Special Pat- —Jeffrey Seifert tern Effects. The Megacenter Gorizont Aquapark will join a variety Construction on the Horizon of other entertainment ameni- Megacenter indoor Goriz- ties already offered at the gi- ont Aquapark is in full swing ant Horizon mall complex (also as seen with these slide tow- known as the Gorizont), the ers supplied by Polin Water- largest mall in Southern Rus- slides & Pool Systems. Work sia. Current offerings include a on one of the smaller pool multiplex cinema, a family en- areas can also be seen. The tertainment complex, a bowling new waterpark in Russia was alley and a fitness center with a expected to open just as AT 25-meter swimming pool. was going to press. The new waterpark addi- COURTESY POLIN

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rz_MR-12-0358_Marketing-Strategie_Anzeigen_EURO_Prof_208x297_4c.indd 2 10.04.13 12:13 June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 INTERNATIONAL BRIEFS Tejix opens new Tokyo office and practical. they used for writing songs. MARNE-LA-VALLEE, France — Tejix, a theme The museum will also house a Swedish Music park design and consultant, recently opened a new Abba museum to open in Stockholm Hall of Fame and an exhibition chronicling the his- office in Tokyo, Japan. This new base will enable Tejix STOCKHOLM, Sweden — The first permanent tory of Swedish popular music. to better support clients in South East Asia with a local museum dedicated to Swedish pop group Abba is to team of experts committed to quality and service. about to open in Stockholm. Thorpe Park now offers free Wi-Fi Henry Corrado founded Tejix in 2011 to provide Backed by former member Bjorn Ulvaeus, the SURREY, England — Thorpe Park introduced technology-centered consultancy complemented by museum features some of the band’s glitzy stage free Wi-Fi for all its visitors from on May 13, 2013. in-depth artistic and operational knowledge to the costumes, instruments and other mementos. Visitors The internet service is provided by The Cloud. leading theme park operators. Corrado has more than will also be able to sing Abba songs alongside life- The deal between Merlin Entertainment and The two decades of experience developing and install- size holograms of the group. Cloud allows park guests to use wireless on their ing some of the most visited attractions in European Many of the museum’s exhibits were previously mobile devices. The Cloud has also provided free theme parks. With a transcultural team including spe- on display as part of the Abbaworld exhibition that wireless to Merlin’s other attractions, the London cialists in the fields of storytelling, technical design, toured Europe and Australia between 2009 and 2011, Eye and Alton Towers. operations, and quality, Tejix offers full design, con- including a stint at London’s Earl’s Court. There will “We know that when visitors come to Thorpe sulting and construction services for the theme park also be new items that the former members have do- Park, they want to get online and share their experi- industry as well as turnkey attraction products. nated from their personal collections.. ences – whether that’s uploading photos, checking “Tejix is about craftsmanship and attention to de- The Stockholm museum also features a 1970s in or simply using our app to plan their visit. Mobile tail, so Japan is a very natural choice for us,” said Cor- disco dance floor for visitors to practice their moves; is now key to making the most of a trip to the Park rado. “We’ll assemble systems for the Asian market a space where they can audition to be the “fifth” and therefore so is mobile internet,” said Jason Wills, from our base near Tokyo, while strengthening our member of the band; and offers the opportunity to marketing director at Thorpe Park. “The free Wi-Fi ties with Japanese parks.” sit inside the helicopter that featured on the Arrival service is available across the park and we hope this Tejix’s goal is to help theme park owners maintain album cover. Among the other exhibits are a room will encourage people to make the most of their trip the upward spiral of uncompromising quality and documenting how the band met in the 1960s and a and ultimately have a great day out at Thorpe Park.” true showmanship with ideas that are both creative recreation of a cottage on the island of Viggso that 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013 Maurer Rides roller coasters awarded TÜV certification

Stefan Kasper (right), MUNICH, Germany ­— the coveted TÜV Certificate to Manager of the TÜV Süd Maurer Rides reached a major Ralf Reifferscheidt, the busi- certifying authority, pres- milestone on March 15, 2013 ness unit director of Munich- ents the TÜV Certificate to when its roller coaster divi- based Maurer Rides. Ralf Reifferscheidt, business sion was awarded TÜV certi- This award distinguishes unit director of the Munich- fication. The manager of the one of the few roller coaster based company. TÜV Süd certifying author- manufacturers that conducts COURTESY MAURER RIDES ity, Stefan Kasper, presented development, calculation, de- sign, production, assembly and commissioning complete- ly in-house — a fundamental advantage for the safety of roller coasters and 100 percent compliance with the standards and customer requirements as well as ensures the highest quality demands worldwide.

Maurer has made sig- nificant advances thanks to investments in production as well as in quality and the supply chain. One objective was to improve process safety throughout the supply chain as well as the customer service sectors. Maurer has further improved the quality man- agement system that has been verified through audits of the complete amusement rides business sector. Details of the audits in- cluded: •Description of the pro- cesses and the interfaces throughout the supply chain. •Optimization of all rele- vant procedural and operating instructions. •Training of all employ- ees. •Regular internal audits in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001. •Permanent further exter- nal monitoring of the process- es by TÜV Süd. Maurer is already prepar- ing for the next major audit, which will take place in April 2014 and will focus on project management, assembly and commissioning. SUBSCRIBE to Amusement Today (817) 460-7220 June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13 PARKS & ATTRACTIONS RIDES ENTERTAINMENT REVENUE SUPPLIERS Knoebels opens new Stratos Fear drop tower Ride is tallest ever produced by ARM and Larson Intl. STORY: Scott Rutherford [email protected] ELYSBURG, Pa. — Knoe- bels Amusement Resort re- cently welcomed the first guests aboard the park’s new- est thrill ride, Stratos Fear. The new drop tower ride debuted on April 27, opening day of Knoebels’ 2013 season. Standing 148 feet above the midway, StratosFear is the tallest attraction at Knoe- bels as well as the tallest Su- First day riders en- per Shot ride of its kind in the joy the thrilling new state of Pennsylvania. Stratos Stratos Fear, a Super Fear accommodates 12 guests Shot drop tower in a circular gondola. After from ARM and being secured by individual Larson Intl., during over-the-shoulder restraints, opening weekend at the gondola begins a slow, Knoebels Resort. nerve-wracking ascent. On the COURTESY KNOEBELS way up, guests are treated to to protect them from periodic was placed on a raised ped- impressive views of the sur- flooding the park sometime estal above flood levels,” said rounding countryside as well experiences. Knoebel. “We also opted to Knoebels’ Twister and Flying AT spoke with Dick Knoe- spend the extra money to in- Turns roller coasters, which bel about how guests were stall and waterproof the main are situated adjacent to the reacting to his park’s newest motor.” new attraction. After a brief thrill ride. “Stratos Fear has Brian Knoebel explains pause 14 stories above the been quite well received. Brian the park’s unique ride selec- ground, the gondola is sud- (Knoebel) did a great job in tion process. “Our family was denly released. Riders are landscaping the area. I select- on a business/vacation trip treated to several moments of ed ARM as they are an Ameri- and several members of the weightlessness during the 47- can firm and have a good track fifth generation of the Knoebel mph plunge. As the gondola record with this ride. At my family (ages 13 and younger) nears the bottom, the brak- request they also were able to rode an ARM tower over and ing system engages, smoothly add an additional eight feet to over. They told their parents bringing everyone to a stop. the tower to make it the tallest ‘We need one of these!’ What Stratos Fear is known in one they have built in Penn- better focus group could you industry terms as a Super Shot. sylvania. We’re quite pleased have? For the safety of our The ride was manufactured by with it. The expressions on the guests, we were also pleased Ohio-based ARM and Texas- faces of riders tells us our visi- to be able to purchase an aux- based Larson International. tors are as well. The LED light iliary winch to bring them Stratos Fear, the new Super Shot tower at Knoebels, is out- Knoebels requested a number package is also spectacular!” down safely in the event of a fitted with thousands of LED lights from Denny’s Electronics of custom features for its new- The LED lgihts were pro- stoppage. that light up the park like never before. The ride’s 148-foot est ride including relocating vided by Denny’s Electronics “Mike Gill and his staff height was custom for Knoebels and is the tallest tower to crucial electrical components of Nokomis, Fla. at ARM were great to work date from ARM and Larson, suppliers of the ride. well above the ground so as “The main control panel with,” added Knoebel. COURTESY KNOEBELS

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• abc rides switzerland • Cogan Kiddie Rides • Moser Rides • Used Rides & Games • Wattman Trains Nashville Zoo Train www.intermarkridegroup.com Voodoo Interactive Raft, abc rides Hoopla, Moser Rides Wattman Mini Express TEL 615.370.9625 FAX 615.370.8852 14 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013 Kings Dominion begins PTC carousel restoration STORY: Scott Rutherford [email protected] DOSWELL, Va. — During the recent winter, workers at Kings Dominion were busy with more than just erecting new rides; they were also lav- ishing plenty of TLC on some of the park’s existing attrac- tions. Once such recipient of this attention was Kings Do- minion’s historic antique Car- ousel. This ornate four-row ma- chine, which was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Co. in 1917, features 66 horses and two chariots. The focus for the first part of the multi- phase restoration was the 15 stationary horses that line the Sonny Naylor of Richmond-based Naylor Finishes details one of the original hand-carved steeds from Kings Dominion’s his- platform’s outermost perim- toric Carousel (PTC #44). The focus for the first part of this multi-phase restoration was on the 15 stationary horses that line eter. The remaining horses, the platform’s outermost perimeter. COURTESY KINGS DOMINION all jumpers as well as the two partnered with another lo- seph Aroldi and installed at original Auchy friction drive, sel for its 1975 reintroduction. chariots, will be restored dur- cal business owner, Sonny Riverside Park in Agawam, the horses were in need of res- The total cost to bring the ing subsequent phases of the Naylor of Naylor Finishes in Mass where it operated until toration. Park employees first Carousel to Kings Dominion, project. Richmond, to repaint and re- 1936. From there it was sold to stripped years of paint from including the restoration, was AT toured the ride this furbish 15 of the Carousel’s 66 Roger Williams Park in Provi- the horses and found that $483,667. spring as KD’s Public Rela- horses this year. I watched in dence, R.I.. where it ran until they were being held together This latest restoration tions Manager Gene Petriello awe as Sonny used such fine 1973. by as many as 16-20 layers project will ensure that Kings detailed the carousel’s resto- attention to detail while re- According to a recent re- of paint. The first job was to Dominion’s beautiful Carou- ration. “We were busy during painting and refurbishing the port in The Carousel News stabilize the integrity of the sel will be around for many the off-season outside of the horses. The horses restored & Trader, the Carousel was horses with new dowels and generations to come. Kudos bigger, better Planet Snoopy, for this season line the outside purchased by Taft Broadcast- glue, followed by the typical to Cedar Fair for working to as we began a multi-year proj- row on the Carousel.” ing and arrived at Kings Do- restorer’s art, including sand- keep this shining example of ect to restore the horses on our Originally, the Carousel minion in December of 1973. ing, painting, etc. Work con- amusement industry history historic Carousel,” explained was sold by the Philadelphia Though it arrived in good tinued for fourteen months to alive and well. Petriello. “Kings Dominion Toboggan Company to Jo- working order, including the restore and prepare the carou- Harold Chance Award presented to the Saint Louis Zoo, Emerson Zooline Railroad SAINT LOUIS, Mo. — The old Chance Award for Excel- the Saint Louis Zoo purchased Chance Rides, C.P. Hunting- their dedication to the Chance Saint Louis Zoo is celebrating lence in Train Operation to the the 27th locomotive ever pro- ton trains. And the trains are products and the example the 50th year of the Zooline St. Louis Zoo president, Dr. duced at Chance Rides. By the still built to the quality stan- they set for all other train op- Railroad. On April 27th, Lar- Jeffrey Bonner. following year they had also dards instilled in the company erators in the market. Thus, ry Breitenstein, from Chance Harold Chance founded purchased numbers 28 and 29 by Harold more than 50 years the Harold Chance Award for Rides was on hand for their Chance Rides in 1961 and for the operation of their rail- ago. Excellence was created. celebration. At the event Larry started producing the C.P. road. Fifty years later the Saint Chance Rides chose to •www.chancerides.com presented the inaugural Har- Huntington trains. In 1963, Louis Zoo is still operating honor the Saint Louis Zoo for

The inaugural Harold Chance Award for Excellence in Train Operation was presented to The Saint Louis Zoo’s Zooline Railroad. The Zooline Railroad is celebrating its 50th year of operation with C.P. Huntington engines no. 27, 28 and 29. COURTESY CHANCE RIDES June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15

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Tilt-A-Whirl TM 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013 Cedar Point’s new GateKeeper gives entrance a complete makeover STORY: Tim Baldwin [email protected] SANDUSKY, Ohio — Blockbuster roller coasters are nothing new to Cedar Point. The famed amusement park has built up a reputation of introducing record-breaking coasters over the past few de- cades, expanding one of the largest amusement parks in the world into a virtual land of giants. Visitors to Cedar Point experience one of the globe’s greatest theme park experi- This panorama view gives a look at the entire loutout of the new GateKeeper coaster at Cedar Point. ences as they arrive at the Lake AT/GARY SLADE Erie peninsula upon which the park resides. Crossing the Decker adds, “Many guests we’ve done at causeway out into the waters, come to our park to ride attrac- the front gate, guests are confronted with tions as a form of escapism by opening up perhaps the most spectacular challenging their fears.” the plaza, the roller coaster skyline in exis- The queue entrance stands new build- tence. This season, it changes beautifully decorated with ings and the once again. a series of blue curves and a signs, com- GateKeeper, the newest dramatic logo. From the ride’s bined with Hildebrant wing coaster from Switzer- opening, many guests remark the keyholes land’s Bolliger and Mabillard at how well GateKeeper has and a great roller coaster flying (B&M), opened on May 11 opened up the beach. Previ- through — it’s a great one-two and soars over the park’s new ously, the park’s bobsled ride combination. I think our guests entrance. The wing coaster is — Disaster Transport — had are going to be bowled over. B&M’s latest genre of roller operated where the new coast- They are not expecting to see coaster in which riders are can- er’s station stands. It’s large this revolutionized front gate.” tilevered beyond the sides of enclosed structure blocked the Mampe adds his commen- the track with nothing above Cedar Point’s new Gate- view of the Lake Erie beach, dations to the Point as well, the riders’ heads and nothing Keeper is another scream which has roots as one of the saying, “The front gate was a below their feet. To date, B&M machines from B&M as seen original draws to Cedar Point real collaborative effort. They has manufactured just six such above. At left, the Keyhole well over a century ago. came to B&M and this is the so- creations. Cedar Point’s in- elements stand high above Matt Ouimet, CEO for lution we came up with. When stallation is the tallest, longest the park’s new entrance Cedar Fair, you arrive, you know you’ve and fastest of this new breed plaza. Below, coaster fans explains, come to the premier coaster of ride, and the fifth to open are sure to find plenty of “What’s great park.” worldwide. ride merchandise to choose about Gate- Had GateKeeper been Bob Mampe, of B&M’s from. Keeper is it placed anywhere in the gar- North Amer- AT/GARY SLADE adds not only gantuan facility, it surely ica office, a new attrac- would have been a crowd says, “Cedar tion, particu- Ouimet pleaser, but as the park’s new Fair wanted larly a great signature piece to engage ar- something coaster to a line-up of already riving guests, it is orchestrated that would be great coasters, but it allows quite wonderfully. Mampe an icon at the us to revisit the front gate. notes the consideration taken There were two ideas behind for nearby homes that neigh- front of the Mampe park, so that GateKeeper. One was to take bor Cedar Point. “We have a brought its own set of chal- more advantage of Lake Erie. method of sound dampening lenges. It caused us to think a I thought there was an oppor- in the track.” Home owners are little outside the box.” tunity for people to come here sure to note the eerie quietness Rob Decker, corporate vice and appreciate the Lake and of the coaster in operation. Of president of the beach here. They clearly did course, that doesn’t account for planning and that with this design.” Disaster the screams. design for Ce- Transport and the iconic Space The stats and layout of the dar Fair and Spiral were closed following ride boast some hefty num- chief architect the summer season and demol- bers. Standing at 170 feet tall for the ride, ished to make way for the new with a drop of 164 feet, it is says, “Gate- project to begin last fall. B&M’s tallest wing coaster to The true genius of Gate- date. The ride incorporates six Keeper is the Decker next in the Keeper is its placement. Situ- inversions, with the first being line of scream machines and ated at the front of the park right off the lift with a huge was created to dial up the fear soaring over a totally new re- dive drop, which is becoming factor by placing seats out onto designed entrance, the coaster somewhat of a signature move an outrigger support. This is a makes a statement to all who for this style of ride. liberating moment for the hard have come to the park for a day Riders disengage the lift core rider to not have the track of thrills. John Hildebrant, vice chain and immediately enter in the way of your view, but a president and general man- a rotation maneuver flipping frightening and vulnerable ap- ager at Cedar Point, remarks, them upside down as the enter pearing position for many.” “The combination of what 4See GATEKEEPER, page 17 June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17 by flipping right over the park the interior negative spaces. A ment: “Installation with B&M GATEKEEPER entrance, slicing through two block brake placed here allows is always smooth. They build FAST FACTS Continued from page 16 keyhole structures built spe- GateKeeper to be the first wing fantastic coasters that are reli- the first plunge. A large Im- cifically by B&M for this ride. coaster to operate with three able, they’re always running — Name/Park melmann maneuver follows, It’s a wow for every spectator. trains. A tight spiral close to the they’re just great rides.” GateKeeper/Cedar Point and riders then climb into a A dive loop sends the train into ground and last dip bring each Long time fans of Cedar Sandusky, Ohio nicely placed straight drop giv- the return and home stretch, train up onto the brake run. To- Point will be immediately ing GateKeeper what many this time letting the coaster’s tal track length is 4,164 feet. struck by the new entrance, What coaster enthusiasts described final inversion gracefully inter- Another cool feature of not just with GateKeeper’s Wing coaster, placing as “good pacing” and not just act with the two keyhole struc- the new coaster is lighting on presence, but with bright LED riders on the sides of the one inversion after the other. tures, but here utilizing their the train for those special night signage, new buildings and track with nothing above After a corkscrew flip, Gate- outer perimeter rather than rides. Lights are placed on each updated facilities. Improved or below; coaster is incorporated into park’s Keeper earns its namesake title “wing,” as well as the “eyes” Guest Services and Season new entrance plaza on the front car of each train. Pass buildings are major im- To keep everything run- provements as well as all new Height/Length/Inversions ning smoothly and the hourly ticket booths, entrance points, 170 feet tall/4,164 feet capacity in check, B&M once and aesthetically updated rest- long/six inversions again contracted with Mary- rooms. Landscaping and new land-based ConsignLLC to signage also complete the area. Drop/Speed produce the ride’s complex According to Hildebrandt, 164 feet/ 67 mph safety system. Consign techni- “We wanted to give our guests cians were still on site during at the front gate a whole new Ride Time/Capacity the ride’s opening weekend experience with new landscap- 2:40/1,710 pph making sure the ride ran as de- ing, including a lot of grass. It signed. adds a lot to it.” He smiles, “We Trains “The price tag for Gate- tried to make a statement — 3 trains, 32 riders per train Keeper and this is the world’s best amuse- Cost the front gate ment park. This is a park that $25-30 million, including is somewhere celebrates roller coasters. What new entrance Consign provided the between 25 better way to do that than walk control system for Gate- to 30 million under a coaster?” Ouimet con- Safety Control System Keeper, a system so dollars,” says curs, “I think the arrival state- Consign, LLC complex it can keep up Brian With- ment to the greatest amuse- Millersville, Maryland with locked lapbars, dis- erow, Cedar Witherow ment park in the world needs patches and even the Fair’s chief to be the greatest arrival, and I Designer & Manufacturer weather conditions. financial officer. He goes on think we’ve got that.” Bolliger & Mabillard AT/GARY SLADE to praise the park’s invest- Monthey, Switzerland 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013 Destination theme park resorts keeping new attractions in public’s eye Disney parks kicking off ‘Monstrous Summer’ with 24 hours of magic on both coasts ANAHEIM, Calif. and fully animated Mike Wazows- Walt Disney World Resort LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — ki, the loveable green-bodied, and Disneyland Resort will Walt Disney World Resort and one-eyed monster who joins launch a Monstrous Sum- Disneyland Resort will launch best pal James P. Sullivan (Sul- mer by keeping three theme a Monstrous Summer by keep- ley) in the prequel to Mon- parks open for 24 hours ing three theme parks open for sters, Inc., this summer as col- nonstop on Memorial Day 24 hours nonstop on Memorial lege students with hopes of Weekend. Hearlding the Day Weekend, the traditional becoming Scarers. launch is the projection of a start of the family travel sea- Walt Disney World Presi- 180-foot-tall, fully animated son. dent George Kalogridis joined Mike Wazowski, the love- The Magic Kingdom Park Mike to share the news of able green-bodied, one- in Florida and Disneyland the first-ever, three-park All- eyed monster, onto Epcot’s Park and Disney California Nighter. “This summer, Dis- iconic Spaceship Earth. Adventure Park in California ney Parks are bursting with COURTESY EPCOT will stay open from 6 a.m., a monstrous lineup of new May 24 to 6 a.m., May 25, thrills, shows and happen- Dream Come True” day pa- party the night away at both nia Adventure will find Mon- 2013, local time marking the ings,” said Kalogridis. “Guests rade — complete with pomp parks with special entertain- strous photo opportunities beginning of a summer of fun can start Memorial Day Week- and circumstance — and make ment, including a Monsters with new Monsters University inspired by the upcoming Dis- end with a 24-hour-marathon appearances in Tomorrow- University “TLT Monstrous” “Dorms” in Hollywood Land ney/Pixar comedy adventure of memory-making as three land. Guests also will find ex- Dance Club and Star Wars and a new Monsters Universi- Monsters University. parks stay open all day and tra entertainment throughout characters in Tomorrowland, ty float leading the Pixar Play The fun of a 24-hour Dis- all night to celebrate the bi- the day and night, including and late-night Character Pa- Parade. ney park “All-Nighter” called coastal kick-off of a Monstrous characters in their pajamas in jama Party in Mickey’s Toon- All three parks will fea- for an equally epic announce- Summer at Disney Parks.” Town Square during the late town at Disneyland. The new ture limited-edition specialty ment, and the huge sphere of In Florida, the Magic King- night and early morning, and Fantasy Faire Royal Theatre merchandise and food and Spaceship Earth was trans- dom will feature a Monsters late-night dance parties in and at Disneyland will become a beverage offerings plus other formed from Disney Parks University theme where Mike around the courtyard of Cin- Royal Dance Hall late at night surprises throughout the en- icon to Disney/Pixar “Eye- and Sulley will be the Grand derella Castle. with a live band and dancing, tire day. con,” becoming a 180-foot-tall, Marshals of the “Celebrate a In California, guests can and guests of Disney Califor- 4See DISNEY, page 19 Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley will come to life at Universal Studios Orlando in 2014 ORLANDO, Fla. — Building on the global Universal’s creative team is working closely phenomenon that is The Wizarding World of with Warner Bros. and the production design Harry Potter, Universal Orlando Resort and team from the Harry Potter films — just as it did Warner Bros. Entertainment announced an ex- for Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. pansion of historic proportion with the entire- “I’m so pleased that The Wizarding World ly new themed environment, The Wizarding of Harry Potter has proved so popular to date, World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley. and I’m sure that the attention to detail in creat- Slated to debut in 2014, the world’s first cen- ing the new Diagon Alley area will make this an trally themed, multi-park experience expands even better experience,” said Harry Potter cre- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter across ator J.K. Rowling. both Universal Orlando theme parks and allows “We are continuing the journey and add- Universal’s creative team to bring an unparal- ing an entirely new level of adventure,” said leled vision to this unique project. The new area Tom Williams, chairman of Universal Parks & will bring to life some of the experiences and Resorts. “And we are bringing the same drive, places found in and around London in the Harry commitment, enthusiasm and innovation to this Potter books and films, offering brand-new ad- project as we did to the first.” ventures for fans and theme park guests from “We are thrilled to offer the legions of fans around the world. the opportunity to embark on this new journey Diagon Alley and ‘London’ will be located and experience Diagon Alley as it was brought within the Universal Studios Florida theme to life in the books and films,” said Brad Globe, park, which is adjacent to Universal’s Islands of president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. Adventure, where guests now experience Hog- “Our vision is to create two amazing theme warts and Hogsmeade. The new area within park experiences that combine into one, com- Universal Studios will be just as expansive, im- plete, magical journey,” said Alice Norsworthy, mersive and authentic as the existing themed executive vice president, marketing and sales for environment. Universal Orlando Resort. And — just like in the books and films — The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — guests will be able to travel between ‘London’ Hogsmeade opened at Universal’s Islands of and Hogsmeade aboard the Hogwarts Express Adventure in June 2010 as a fully immersive steam train, which will travel on an elevated Harry Potter themed environment — bring- track connecting the two Potter areas within ing to life the bestselling books by J.K. Rowling USO. and the blockbuster feature films from Warner Work on the new area is already underway. Bros. Since that time, it has become a global phe- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley will When complete, it will feature shops, a res- nomenon, entertaining millions of people from come to life at Universal Orlando Resort in 2014. Diagon taurant and an innovative, marquee attraction around the world. Visitors to The Wizarding Alley and ‘London’ will be located within Universal Studios based on Gringotts bank (a steel roller coaster World of Harry Potter are swept into the adven- Florida. Guests will travel between ‘London’ and the existing experience) – all directly inspired by the fiction tures of Harry Potter. They can tour Hogwarts Hogsmeade at Universal’s Islands of Adventure aboard the and films. castle, shop in Hogsmeade and dine at the Three Hogwarts Express railroad. Diagon Alley and ‘London’ will More details on The Wizarding World of Broomsticks. They can soar above Hogwarts feature shops, a restaurant and a marquee roller coaster-like Harry Potter – Diagon Alley will be released with Harry, be chosen by a wand at Ollivanders, attraction based on Gringotts bank. over time. sample Butterbeer and much more. COURTESY UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT To bring Diagon Alley and ‘London’ to life, June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19 New roller coaster, renovations AMUSEMENT greet visitors to The Funplex MARKET PLACE Spinning coaster supplied by Visa/Rides 4U

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. — The Funplex, located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey is thrilled to kick off the summer season with numerous must-see reno- vations, revamped attractions and new rides that its more than 500,000 annual guests are sure to enjoy. Guests that visit the center will be greeted by many updates and chang- es including a bolder, bigger and more brazen Lazer Run- ner Battlefield, state-of-the-art XD Theatre and a brand new twisting turning roller coaster. A new 4D simulator ride from Trio-Tech allows guests Above, The Funplex added this steel coaster from Visa to enter a world where 3-D Group/Rides 4U. Below, a interactive 4D simular ride from stereoscopic graphics take Trio-Tech gives guests a thrilling challenge. them on an incredible, multi- COURTESY THE FUNPLEX sensory adventure unlike any other. Guests can choose from multi-level and multi-player interactive adventures. The 4D ride experience also fea- tures winner/loser scoring so players can keep track of their wins. The theatre allows play- ers to conquer their opponents with the world’s fastest tar- geting system complete with a totally convex screen that delivers 360 degrees of pure gaming reality. Also recently opened, is the bolder, bigger Lazer Run- ner Battlefield, from Art Fx Studios. Already one of the around every darkened curve, the Visa Group and Rides 4U. center’s most popular attrac- twist and corner. Players can Featuring six stories of roar- tions, the new Lazer Run- zap their opponents during a ing, soaring dips, twists amd ner Battlefield allows players five minute battle in space that turns, the new FunCoaster to experience the challenge challenges both their wit and takes guests on a thrilling min- and excitement of a futuris- their will. ute and a half ride. Riders of tic space lazer tag arena with The biggest excitement for the new coaster climb 50 feet more room, higher ramps, 2013 is a new spinning mouse- into the air and then twist and bigger platforms and extreme like roller coaster, named Fun- turn their way into a maze of backlights to light their way Coaster that is supplied by breath-taking maneuvers.

tinue to enjoy the exciting new throughout the Walt Disney DISNEY offerings of Cars Land and World Resort this summer Continued from page 18 Buena Vista Street at Disney such as an interactive “Pirates The All-Nighter is just California Adventure. Adventure” game at Magic the beginning of the fun. In Walt Disney World Mon- Kingdom, the newly re-imag- California, vacationers at strous Summer includes new ined Test Track at Epcot, the The Happiest Place on Earth offerings and popular favor- new Disney Junior show, fea- will see how Disneyland Re- ites in all four parks. This is the turing Sofia The First and Doc sort “Just Got Happier” with first summer for New Fantasy- McStuffins, as new additions great new attractions such as land, which has received rave at Disney’s Hollywood Stu- the “Mickey and the Magical reviews from guests since its dios, plus Wilderness Explor- Map” stage show. It is also December grand opening as ers at Disney’s Animal King- the first summer for guests to the largest expansion in Magic dom that will bring families experience the new Fantasy Kingdom history. Guests also together in exciting new ways. Keep our amusement park industry strong! Faire with Disney Princesses will find new, engaging of- Buy products and services from these suppliers. at Disneyland, and they con- ferings for the entire family 20 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013 Wisconsin Dells rolls out new attractions for summer season First of a kind at- (Visa); XD Dark Ride Interac- in a nose dive into 700 feet of tive Theatre (TrioTech); 5-D underground darkness whip- tractions make Interactive Shooting Game ping on a 90 degree turn, then (Amazing Interactives, LTD); resurfaces and inverts into a evolutionary leap an all new NASCAR Simula- 360 degree upside down roll STORY: Eva A. Neterowicz tor (Bill Donaldson); Kiddie then plunges back again into Special to Amusement Today Bumper Boats (Bumper Boats, the deep subterranean. Hav- Inc.); a Vortex Spinning Tun- ing fully completed 1,400 feet WISCONSIN DELLS, nel GEP Productions); Atomic of underground track, it then Wis. — When tourists come to Rush (Creative Works, Inc.) again thrusts into a 110-degree the Dells this year, they need and another first of its kind in over-banked curve at speeds think big. Amusement rides the state of Wisconsin: the Sky of 70 mph. Hades 360 travels and attractions in the Wiscon- Tykes children’s rope course 4,746 feet, nearly one-third of sin Dells open with a blast this (Ropes Courses, Inc.). that in a black sub-terror and Memorial Day as a world class “As the Dells’ largest in- is a gargantuan hell vortex of portfolio of entertainment is door water and theme park, force. launched. Unprecedented ex- we’re constantly striving to It dominates the list of pansion and a strong sched- provide our guests with new the best theme park rides and ule of new thrills are setting a and unique attractions to de- hammers down a physically high standard for amazement liver a beyond expectations and psychologically thrill- and gripping excitement in the experience,” says Travis Nel- ing experience. To accom- Dells. A furious new upside son, spokesperson for Kala- plish this, Laskaris installed down roller coaster, a jet pro- hari Resorts. “Our hope is that $500,000 in the new Timber- pulsion water ski show, first they come back again soon to liner train (also from Gravity of its kind swim-up bars and see the latest new attraction Group) which delivers deft ropes courses, an enormous we’ll have in store for them as articulation, rotation and pre- wildlife park, mystery boats At the famed Tommy Bartlett Show, The Flyboard thrusts we’re always looking for ways cise pivoting to allow for the and top shelf amusements the show performer 30 feet into the air. During this high- to make their next stay even extreme pitching and gravity await Dells fans in 2013. powered rocket ride, the performer demostrates flips, spins better.” pulls the coaster endures. Here is a sampling of and somersaults before diving straight down into the water Says Laskaris, “The park what’s new at the Dells for the to perform dolphin-like moves. Mt. Olympus has been receiving a number 2013 summer season. COURTESY TOMMY BARTLETT SHOW Water and Theme Park: of noise complaints lately. I cited to be able to have the commodate 83 guests. These Hades 360 investigated what was caus- Tommy Bartlett Show: Flyboard as part of our 2013 attractions are in addition to Nick Laskaris, owner ing the problem and the best I The Flyboard show. This will be something the new three high impact wa- of Mt. Olympus, has built could come up with was that The iconic Tommy Bart- that the visitors to the Dells terslides (ProSlide) that load his reputation on launching Hades himself was starting to lett Show enters its 61st year have never seen before. It has guests in capsules above roof “firsts”: the first in the world awaken.” with a new mix of extreme wa- never been featured in any level propelling them into to develop elevated wooden ter skiing, flaming ski ramps, professional water ski show in high speed drops and loops at go-kart tracks, the world’s lon- Timbavati Wildlife Park: roaring speed boats, three-lev- the state of Wisconsin.” speeds up to 25 mph. Together gest underground tunnel roll- Grand Re-Opening el human pyramids, champion they have set a new standard er coaster, the first 90-degree More than a 2-year build- water skiers, stunt aerials and Kalahari Resorts: Wisconsin’s for the creation of an all im- banking on a wooden coaster, ing effort is crowned this year sensational live stage enter- first Swim-Up Bar and Chil- mersive experience. and now reinforces his legacy as Timbavati Wildlife Park re- tainment. This year’s spectac- dren’s Rope Course The Kalahari Indoor with the roll out of Hades 360 opens on a grand scale with ular new entry is the Flyboard, The authentically Afri- Theme Park which features from it’s original design team, the largest and widest combi- a revolutionary new extreme can-themed Kalahari Resorts, 100,000 square feet of in- The Gravity Group. nation of wild animal experi- sport which turns a jet ski into home to one of America’s larg- door amusements has now Climbing up a 162 foot in- ences in the state of Wisconsin. a pair of high-powered rocket est indoor waterparks and the added high-tech Lazer Maze cline to the top drop point at Timbavati has undergone jet boots that lets the show largest resort-based conven- (Creative Works, Inc.); a pen- a staggering height of 134 feet, a magical transformation from performer fly 30 ft in the air or tion center in Wisconsin has dulum swinging Dance 360 Hades 360 hurls straight down 4See DELLS, page 21 plunge head first through the now added sensational ame- waves! Invented in 2011, the nities to its indoor waterpark Flyboard bolts onto the pow- and indoor theme park. erful motor of a jet ski, then Owner Todd Nelson has routes the resulting water jet built Wisconsin’s first and through a Kevlar hose that only indoor/ outdoor swim- connects to a pair of hydro up bar and hot water whirl- force jet boots and hand-held pool. Called the Mud Hut, stabilizers. At full throttle the it features a dynamic audio performer propels up to 30 system and state-of-the-art feet in the air demonstrating video technology, a first-class flips, spins and somersaults, LED lighting display and a then dives straight down head full-service bar with 12 in- first into the water thrusting water stools all set in a 1,000 and breaching up and down square foot hot water whirl- through the waves like a hu- pool which can accommodate man dolphin. Simply put, this 110 guests. Specialty drinks Kalahari Resort has added a multiple selection of new resort is an exploding hydro teched, are served in enormous grogs. additions, waterslides and other attractions for the 2013 sea- dive bombing Iron Man on For kids and families, Kalahari son. Adults will find this new swim-up bar (above) a popular steroids! has added an adjacent hot tub resting place, while the kids now have their own children’s Tommy Bartlett President that starts inside and makes rope course (right) shown here from Ropes Courses, Inc. Tom Diehl says, “We are ex- its way outdoors and can ac- COURTESY KALAHARI RESORT June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21

DELLS Continued from page 20 its previous five-acre loca- tion into a new 55-acre prop- erty and has morphed into a unique blend of Jurassic Park and Out of Africa with plen- ty of fascinating adventures thrown in. Featuring a breathless diversity of wild animal ad- ventures, the look of the park bears a striking resemblance to many parts of Africa even as the landscaping, stone work, multiple waterfalls and open woods is reminiscent of the Jurassic age. The new set- ting is home to a bonanza of Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park has turned to The Grav- After a two-year building effort, Timbavati Wildlife Park has exotic animals and is a virtual ity Group to make it’s Hades coaster more thrilling. Now opened on 55-acres that features a blend of both Jurassic jungle nirvana of interactive featuring a 360-degree upside down roll and a 110-degree Park and Africa. At Timbavati, hand feeding and petting of adventures unique to Wis- overbanked curve, the coaster is now dubbed: Hades 360. the animals is not only allowed but is encouraged, as seen consin. Every section of the COURTESY MT. OLYMPUS here, at the giraffe area. park is designed to give visi- COURTESY TIMBAVATI WILDLIFE PARK tors a chance to see astonish- cougars, camels, kangaroos, up to the train to be hand fed. Alice and I are constructing a the cause of the eerie unex- ing wildlife and their natural zebras, giraffes, antelopes, os- Hand feeding and petting quality operation which has plained mystery. This year behavior up-close. Timbavati triches, pygmy zebus and oth- the animals is not only allowed taken two years to build. For new clues are unearthed in a offers the full wildlife expe- er genetically important and but encouraged. Feeding gi- us Timbavati is a lifetime com- second expedition to the site rience with wildlife shows, unusual species live together raffes is the signature -attrac mitment and an accumula- to solve the deepest secret of animal nursery, zoo, camel comfortably. Lions and ti- tion and animal feed is avail- tion of our life’s work and is the Dells. Led by a team of sci- rides, pig racing, personalized gers can be observed through able for purchase throughout unique to any other wildlife entists, the visitor is invited to photos, gift shop, and go kart floor-to-ceiling glass win- the park. An exceptional pet- experience in Wisconsin.” walk the dark cavernous gulch tracks with animals surround- dows. Visitors may take a self- ting zoo and separate petting in search of “Buried Secrets”, ing riders on every lap — all guided walking tour through station feature rare collections Dells Boat Tours: this year’s enigmatic theme. on the same property! the park or board an original of hand-raised animals. As Lost Voyage Chaper 2 Bring your own flashlight as No need for a trip to the vintage train purchased from master expansion plans are Ever been on an after-dark the unexpected may occur. sub-Sahara, exotic animals are the Old Fort Dells which now fully completed the facility river boat ride going to a for- Lost Voyage Chapter 2 now in the Dells. Enormous functions on a new track and will be open year round. gotten gorge and once there, is a production of Dells Boat white and orange-striped ti- makes frequent stops at open Owner and park creator disembarking and walking on Tours, one of Wisconsin Dells gers and cubs, lions, lemurs, savannas where animals come Mark Schoebel says, “My wife foot into a pitch black forbid- most historic and long run- den canyon? ning attractions with more Do you like uncoiling a than 150 years of operation. labyrinth of mysterious rid- Explains owner and general dles, cryptic messages, strange manager Dan Gavinski, “It is disappearances, mayhem, an- the next chapter in our deep- cient codes, and scientific ex- ening mystery to solve the cavation? clues as to why the boat dis- Do you fear tight caverns appeared back in 1943 and at night? why it has reappeared in Cold Will you follow the lure of Water Canyon. There will be black water and night explora- more artifacts discovered to tion? solve the mystery.” Those are the questions With its long history and asked as visitors board the its incredible portfolio of new newest Lost Voyage nighttime and expanded attractions, it’s boat adventure by Dells Boat easy to see why Wisconsin Tours. New for 2013 is the Dells is a premier year-round latest chapter in the intrigue travel destination. of what happened to the lost boat Badger. Editor’s note: Eva M. Ne- According to legend, in terowicz is the author of the One of the most unique at- the summer of 1943 the Badger books, “The Tragedy of Tibet”, tractions in the Dells is the disappeared on the dark rush- and “Tibet: The Endurance of Dells Boat Tours and their ing waters of the Wisconsin a National Ideal” and has been newly launched Lost Voy- River during a lightning storm a member of the nationally rec- age Chapter 2. Here guests and vanished in a green mist ognized Washington Indepen- embark on a boat journey near Cold Water Canyon, a dent Writers organization and a that takes them past a team location that according to Na- contributing editor to Hispanic of scientists (above), along tive American lore is haunted Magazine. She has written nu- unspoiled waterways (above and visitors are prohibited. merous articles on the Wisconsin right) and through rock This ancient gorge is home to Dells and is the owner of her own formations giving a feel of a paranormal forces and Native public relations/ government af- ghostly cavern. American spirits that may be fairs business. COURTESY DELLS BOAT TOURS June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25

AMUSEMENT RIDES MANUFACTURERS

via dell’Artigianato n. 198 – 45030 Calto (Rovigo) - Italy Ph. +39 0425 805452 / Fax. +39 0425 808112 www.fabbrigroup.com / [email protected] 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013 June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27 On State Fair of Texas grounds Summer Adventures at Fair Park becomes a reality in May STORY: Pam Sherborne [email protected] DALLAS, Texas — After Fireworks, tower light up sky four years of planning, design- ing, saving and negotiating, FAST FACTS Summer Adventures at Fair Park opened to the public on Top o’ Texas May 4. Observation Tower And, with the exception Summer Adventures of the park’s focal attraction at Fair Park not quite ready to take riders 500 feet into the sky over Fair Total Height Park, park officials were very 500 feet pleased with the kick-off. And, (New world record for really, they were pleased any- Free sunscreen stations are tallest amusement ride) way. available for guests at Sum- “As a 35-year veteran of mer Adventures. Ride Duration the amusement industry, I am AT/GARY SLADE 4 minutes, 30 seconds; extremely proud of this park,” including a five-second said Rusty Fitzgerald, Summer we are very proud of Summer stop at the top Adventures general manager Adventures in Fair Park. We as well as the the senior vice are over-delivering on fun, Cabin/Capacity president of operations for the food, and education. It is a 55 feet in diameter; State Fair of Texas. “Our goal family destination that offers 100 passenger seating/ was to bring a new entertain- something for everyone with 13 rides per hour ment destination to Dallas and easy access to mass transit - at an incredible value.” LED Lights FAST FACTS Summer Adventures 1.4 million programmable opened for a special recep- LED lights that can be tion Friday evening, May 3. synchronized with the Summer Adventures Spokesperson Sally Wamre Midway light show at Fair Park said there were an estimated Dallas, Texas 2,000 invited guests, media, Manufacturer and local officials attending. Intamin Ltd, Operational Hours The response from attendees Glen Burnie, Md. Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. was very positive, she said, Saturdays and Sundays and the fireworks display Ride Installer through June 2 seemed to be a hit. I.L.C. Construction, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The next day the park Seattle, Wash. opened to the public. Signs June 7 to Aug. 18 were posted on the outside LED Lights Supplier Monday through Thursday of the gates letting everyone Rides 4U/Maxtron 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. know that the tower was not Somerville, N.J. Friday and Saturday yet opened. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. “We received no com- Cost Sunday plaints about it,” she said. $12 million 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. “The park has a wide assort- AT / GARY SLADE —Summer Adventures ment of entertainment options Admission and, in addition to the Top ‘o $29.95; Texas Tower, there are plenty by the second weekend. feet and six inches. tember after which all those $24.95/ages 65 and older of amenities to enjoy and keep Being billed as the tallest Fitzgerald said he has not owned by the fair will be and children from 3 years folks happy.” amusement ride in the world, been up on the tower and it is dismantled and taken back to of age until they are The park touts 50 rides, the $12 million attraction was quite a ride. where they are parked for the 48 inches tall; children games and attractions. There installed by I.L.C. Construc- “You can see for 50 miles off-season. age two and under are are 32 rides, with the fair own- tion and is donned with 1.4 on a clear day,” he said. Alan Putter, Amusement free ing nine of them, the Intamin million LED programmable Other rides on the midway Management International, • Ltd. manufactured observa- lights. The lighting package, are individually owned by who brought in the Sky Coast- Admission includes all tion tower, a Dopplemayr which came from Rides 4U carnival owners and indepen- er and the Turbo Bungy and rides, shows and entrance Texas Skyway, Denzel carou- and his supplier Maxtron. Len dent ride operators. Fitzgerald who also operates the Sur- to the Children’s Aquari- sel, Arrow log ride, a Huss Pi- Soled told AT this is the larg- said he negotiated deals with frider (Flow Rider) for the um at rate Ship, Mack Love Bug, an est package he has ever sold at each ride owner, saying, “I ba- fair, said he was impressed Fair Park, Texas Discovery Air Show and Kiddie Swing, Rides 4U, and the lights can be sically bought their rides out with the level of experience Gardens and the Swan both from SBF Visa Group and synced with a fair produced for the season.” and knowledge in the outdoor Boats on the Lagoon brokered by Rides 4U, and the light show on the midway. He selected them indi- amusement business the ride (Skycoaster is not in- Surfrider by Flowrider. The new attraction has a vidually, wanting to make owners at Summer Adven- cluded) Officials were still con- 55-foot diameter cabin able to sure the ride package on the tures represents. ducting required weight-bear- hold 100 passengers as it rises grounds complimented each “They brought in a great Information ing tests of the Top ‘o Texas vertically at a speed of 6.5 feet other and offered an entire array of rides and ride own- (214) 421-8715 observation tower and were per second while rotating one family experience. All rides ers,” he said. “Everything we www.fairparkfun.com very optimistic that the tower foot per second. The shaft of that are there now will stay for heard over the weekend was —Summer Adventures would be open to the public the enormous structure is 10 the State Fair of Texas in Sep- 4See ADVENTURES, page 28 28 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013 •Wings of Wonder, Steve •Reel McKoy’s musical ADVENTURES Martin’s avian experience; group; Continued from page 27 •Reef Riders BMX Bike •Ollie the Tree Man, 12- that all the guests were very Show by Big Time Actions- foot tall mystical tree. pleased with the value they ports; Summer Adventures has got from park. They have re- •Island of Dogs and Cats also provided a putting green, ally built a beautiful park.” by Lou McCammon; a large sand area for those to Putter said attendances •Giant Sing Along, an try their hands in building for the Saturday and Sunday area with 16 mics for guests to sandcastles, and another large opening was a little thin, but put their own twist on Karoke; play area to build structures he got the feeling that was by •Tropical Trains, a minia- from plastic blocks. design. ture village created around a Admission into Summer “It really seemed like a miniature train track; Adventures also gives at- soft opening to me,” he said. •Caribana Carnival, a tal- tendees free admission into “It just seemed that officials ented performance troupe; the museums on the grounds. really wanted to make sure •Captain Kids Theater They include the African everything was operating as it with Master Puppeteer John American Museum, the Chil- should.” Hardman; dren’s Aquarium at Fair Park; Aside from the rides, the •Calypso Steel, a musical Texas Discovery Gardens; the park offers other attractions group providing tropical tune; planetarium; and the Natural and entertainment. These in- •Beach Bums, a 60s musi- Science Museum. clude: cal group; There are ample food and drink concessions as well as a sit-down restaurant. There are Summer Adventures in Fair Park Ride List plenty of shade areas for fami- The first 9 rides are owned by the State Fair of Texas lies to relax. 1. Top o’ Texas, manufactured by Intamin, being operated Officials have also made by Mike Demas, Demas Enterprises available to guests the rental 2. Texas Skyway, Dopplemayr, operated by Mike Demas, of Airstream trailers and Ca- Demas Enterprises banas for special get-togethers 3. Carousel, Denzel, operated by Kary Barnett and parties. 4. Log Flume, Arrow Dev., operated by Kary Barnett “We have three Air- 5. Pirate Ship, Huss, operated by Steve Eden, Lone Star streams and 18 cabanas avail- Entertainment able,” Rusty said. “They are 6. Love Bug, Mack Rides, operated by Maury Haworth, right there on the midway in- Haworth Family Shows side the gates.” 7. Air Show, SBF Visa Group/Rides 4U, operated by Mike Fitzgerald said the fair Demas, Demas Enterprieses Above two photos: Guests at Summer Adventures in Fair purchased the Airstreams and 8. Kiddie Swing, SBF Visa Group/Rides 4U, operated by Park enjoy rides on the old favorite bummer cars and the cabanas for Summer Adven- Patrick Sheridan, Alamo Amusements new favorite Surfrider. In bottom two photos the Windstorm tures. They will be dismantled 9. Surfrider, Flow Rider, operated by Alan Putter, AMI coaster is always a thrill before taking time to cool off on the 10. Bubble House, produced in-house, Doug Mortenson, and moved before the fair. shaded midway. 2010 Amusements Inc. The Fair Park Esplanade AT/GARY SLADE 11. Bumper Cars, Reverchon, Patrick Sheridan, Alamo fountains offer visitors shows Amusements set to music. In all, 272 water 12. Samba Balloons, Zamperla, Patrick Sheridan, Alamo jets spray some 100 feet into Amusements the air at times. More than 13. Sky Coaster, Skycoaster Alan Putter, AMI 170 white lights lining the jets, 14. Turbo Bungy, Euro Bungy, Alan Putter, AMI 15. Rock It, KMG, Mike Demas, Demas Enterprises pool and surrounding build- 16. Scary Park, Pretzel Amusement Ride Company, Kary ings, will create special effects Barnett to the musical numbers. 17. Star Ship, Wisdom Industries, Kyle Wisdom Bob Minick, Minick and 18. Tornado, Wisdom Industries, Kyle Wisdom Associates, a local design firm, 19. Western Mouse, Desjume, Maury Haworth, Prime Pacific did design work for Summer 20. Baja Buggies, Zamperla, Mike Neighbors, Ride Time LLC Adventures. His wife, local 21. Windstorm, SDC, Steve Vander Vorste, SJ Entertainment artist Lottie Minick was com- 22. Jumping Jumbos, Larson Intl., Steve Vander Vorste, SJ missioned to do massive Pin Entertainment Wheel art. Lottie Minick is in 23. Flipper, Huss, Steve Vander Vorste, SJ Entertainment charge of the State Fair of Tex- 24. Viper, Wisdom, Nick Pelino, Showtime Rides as’ sculpture exhibit during 25. Beatle Bobs, Wisdom, Nick Pelino, Showtime Rides 26. Jungle Twist, Wisdom, Nick Pelino, Showtime Rides fair time. 27. Texas Star, SDC, Tom and Mary Talley, Talley Amuse- Summer Adventures in ments Fair Park operated weekends 28. Wave Swinger, Barbieri, Tom and Mary Talley, Talley during May, beginning full Amusements time operations June 7. 29. Wet Boat, Allan Herschell, Tom and Mary Talley, Talley Dallas Area Rapid tran- Amusements sit light rail service drops off 30. Dragons, Amtech, Tom and Mary Talley, Talley Amuse- riders at the Fair Park Station ments where trams provide a short 31. Farm Tractors, Dalton, Tom and Mary Talley, Talley ride to all of the museums and Amusements the entrance to Summer Ad- 32. Kiddie Bumper Cars, Barbieri, Tom and Mary Talley, Tal- ley Amusements ventures. 33. Jump Cycle, Hampton, Tom and Mary Talley, Talley Fitzgerald said no season Amusements passes were offered this year. 34. Swan Boats, manufactured in-house, Tim Thibodeaux Whether that will happen for Source: Summer Adventures in Fair Park 2014 hasn’t been decided. June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29

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www.intaminworldwide.com [email protected] 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013

2013 EVENTS

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GoldenTicketAwards.com June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31 WATERPARKS & RESORTS INDOOR FACILITIES AQUATIC CENTERS RECREATION SUPPLIERS MAILBAG Sahara Sam’s expansion ready to open Readers reply to WEST BERLIN, N.J. — foot wave pool from Aquatic for families making tough May issue editorial Sahara Sam’s Oasis is ex- Development Group. economic decisions, we will panding again. The opening The project also includes continue to deliver a good Hi Gary, of Sahara Sam’s latest expan- an 8,000-square foot building value to our loyal guests. As Thanks for remembering sion project, a two-acre out- addition featuring new kitch- a family run business we be- George Millay and mention- door waterpark, was set to en facilities, restrooms, ex- lieve in the strong resilience ing the Wet ‘n Wild team in make a Memorial Day week- panded party facilities, and of the South Jersey econo- your editorial (AT May page end debut. a recently opened 350 foot my.” 2). It was and still is a great The $6.5 million dollar long bodyslide from ProSlide Sahara Sam’s Oasis In- dren’s play zone from Emer- group of people. Countless outdoor expansion features called The Nile Mile. door and Outdoor Water ald Fix; the Wipeout Tiki Bar; great times and memories. the Blue Lagoon, a 25 meter Company Chairman, Park of West Berlin, New Jer- sand volleyball courts and the The only one I am still not in leisure pool from Mainline Sam Girlya, notes: “Despite a sey was founded in March of Rip & Roll, a 12,000-square contact with is Walt [Hawry- Pools; Splish-Splash, a chil- slow economy and concerns 2009. lak]. Best regards, Ron Sutula, General Manager, Great Wolf Resorts announces largest resort-wide expansion in history Schlitterbahn Galveston MADISON, Wis. — Just lows guests to pick up and go Island Waterpark in time for summer vacation with a meal that’s as focused [email protected] planning, Great Wolf Resorts, on value as it is on taste at Editor’s note: If anyone has Inc., is adding more new at- the resorts in Grand Mound, a working email address or phone tractions and guest experi- Wash., Grapevine, Texas and for Walt Hawrylak, please pass ences to its indoor waterpark Concord, N.C. The Great Wolf it onto Ron at the email address resorts than ever before. With Lodge in Grapevine, Texas, listed above. this multimillion dollar in- features a the brand new out- • vestment, guests visiting any door Grill that offers an All- Hi Gary! of the 11 Great Wolf Lodge American bar and grill dining I finally had a chance to properties this year will dis- experience, overlooking the stay still and read through this cover something new, from outdoor pool – but comfort- month’s Amusement Today. waterslides and dining, to ably in the shade. Thanks so much for the nice shopping and interactive at- Breakfast from Dunkin’ editorial on Hurricane Harbor. tractions. tunnel that stretches outside way through a forest filled Donuts will soon join the This park has needed some “We are focused on pro- the resort and then back in, with woodland creatures, Lodges in Concord, N.C., aesthetic and maintenance viding fun-filled experiences culminating in a final splash. glowing golf balls and howls Williamsburg, Va. and Tra- love for quite some time and for the entire family in the wa- Ten Paw Alley bowling is of delight. verse City, Mich. The Lodge we’re all so happy that it’s terpark and throughout the coming to Traverse City, com- The Great Wolf Kids in Grand Mound, Wash. will getting done. entire resort,” said Tim Black, debut the Wake up with Wiley Our maintenance director plete with balls that are perfect Store will open at the resorts chief operating officer, Great (and Friends) character break- for that park is phenomenal for little hands. The six-lane al- in Grand Mound, Wash.; Ma- Wolf Resorts. “This year our fast buffet. and really has a “can do” at- ley, with a “no rental shoes al- son, Ohio; Williamsburg, Va; guests will find something The resorts in the Pocono titude that is contagious and lowed” policy will soon debut Concord, N.C.; and the Po- new at each of our properties. Mountains, Pa., Williams- appreciated. As you said in at the resort. The resort is also cono Mountains, Pa. in May. Our goal is to create memo- burg, Va., and Traverse City, your write up, this should be expanding Scooops Kid Spa, The shopping experience will rable vacations for guests of Mich., will receive the exclu- a banner year for the park. where young girls can enjoy feature “Creation Stations” so They deserve it and the rec- all ages and these brand-wide even more ice cream-themed children can stuff their own sive new Great Wolf Lodge ognition. additions are great examples manicure and pedicure ser- Great Wolf Kids character to Cabin Comfort Collection Thanks again! of how we do just that.” vices in the sweet place that is take home. Guests will also mattresses, new sleeper sofas Sharon Parker Traverse City, Mich. will all their own. be able to decorate “like me” and carpet in all of the guest Communications Manager offer a brand new way to get The Howl at the Moon shirts — one to wear and one suites. There are 3,000 new Six Flags Over Texas & wet. The River Canyon Run Glow Golf experience, is ex- to share with their new stuffed televisions that will be added Hurricane Harbor takes parties of three to four panding to Grand Mound, friend. across the brand along with [email protected] people at a time sliding and Wash. and Mason, Ohio in A new “Hungry as a Wolf” energy-saving automatic ther- winding down a long indoor May. Families will putt their family-style dining option al- mostats in guest suites. 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013

Disney, USA Wet ‘n Wild, USA Chimelong, China Water Cube, China

Six Flags, USA Holiday World, USA Yas Waterworld, UAE Wild Wadi, UAE

SeaWorld, USA Great Wolf Lodge, USA Siam Park, Spain Center Parcs, United Kingdom

That’s what you need to differentiate your park, attract new customers and drive more repeat visits. And that’s why virtually every major waterpark in the world trusts their iconic attractions to only MOST IMPACT. ProSlide.

Their trust is well-founded. ProSlide rides are ranked #1 by waterpark BIGGEST THRILLS. guests worldwide and have won more Best Water Ride Awards than all other rides combined. BEST RIDE PERFORMANCE. See for yourself: proslide.com/rides

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Disney, USA Wet ‘n Wild, USA Chimelong, China Water Cube, China

Six Flags, USA Holiday World, USA Yas Waterworld, UAE Wild Wadi, UAE

SeaWorld, USA Great Wolf Lodge, USA Siam Park, Spain Center Parcs, United Kingdom

That’s what you need to differentiate your park, attract new customers and drive more repeat visits. And that’s why virtually every major waterpark in the world trusts their iconic attractions to only MOST IMPACT. ProSlide.

Their trust is well-founded. ProSlide rides are ranked #1 by waterpark BIGGEST THRILLS. guests worldwide and have won more Best Water Ride Awards than all other rides combined. BEST RIDE PERFORMANCE. See for yourself: proslide.com/rides

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34 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013 NEWSPAPER EMPLOYEE IN GOOD STANDING

B.NEWS JEFFREYDEREK SHAW L. SEIFERTSPLASH COMPILED:EDITORIALEDITORIAL Jeffrey L. Seifert, [email protected]

Aquapark Holdings LLC, the company that MEDIAMEDIAand the park is expected to open for the summer saddled with debt. CREDENTIALCREDENTIAL acquired Wild River County in North Little Rock, VALID2014VALID season. The waterpark will replace the city’s • Ark., in January, has invested $1 million dollars in THROUGHTHROUGH48-year-old20122010 pool. Plans for the new facility call for Buccaneer Bay Waterpark in Waveland, Miss., renovations. With just a few months to open, no a traditional lap swimming pool along with a slide will reopen for the 2013 season — after having new attractions were added to the park, but a num- tower, lazy river, and children’s play area along with been closed for seven seasons. Buccaneer State GARY SLADE ber of improvements were made including a newPUBLISHER, shade AMUSEMENT structures, TODAY tables and lounge chairs. Park’s structures, waterpark and all the support handicap accessible bridge near the wave pool, re- • facilities were destroyed in 2005 by Hurricane Ka- surfacing and refurbishing all the slides with bright With the largest and newest waterparks con- trina. The State Park has been reopened in phases new colors and new landscaping. The company centrated in the eastern half of the continent, West- over the past three years, with the third phase in- does plan to add new attractions for the upcoming ern Australia doesn’t want to get left behind. A new cluding a wave pool, waterslide, wading pool and seasons. AUS $70 million (U.S. $71.7 million) waterpark, to concession area. Prior to the destruction, it was the • be known as Outback Splash, will be built in stages Mississippi’s most popular day-use park, attracting An old pool in east Bakersfield, Calif., will be over the next 10 years just outside the city of Perth, more than 500,000 visitors each year. Rebuilding making a big splash this summer. In March, the Western Australia. The waterpark will be added Buccaneer State Park cost $20 million with most of city council unanimously approved $200,000 in tax to the 34-year-old Maze Fun Park in Bullsbrook, the money coming from FEMA. revenue to fund a new spray park at Siemon Park. a northeastern suburb. The AUS $1.5 million first • The spray park will replace a swimming pool that stage will include a three-story waterslide complex The Huffington Posttravel blog named its was drained and shut down years ago. If construc- with tube and flume slides; a waterplay structure choice for America’s top seven theme parks and tion goes on as planned, the spray park could be with tipping bucket and interactive water play fea- only one waterpark was on the list — perennial opened to the public as soon as August. tures; and a toddler’s area with shallow pools and Golden Ticket Award winner Schlitterbahn Water- • toddler slides. The first phase is being constructed park Resort in New Braunfels, Texas. The developers of Cowabunga Bay, under con- with the help of an AUS $250,000 grant from the • struction in Henderson, Nevada, just outside of Las Federal Government and is expected to open in Although open for less than four months, Abu Vegas have pushed back the park’s opening until December. The waterpark is scheduled to operate Dhabi’s Yas WaterWorld won the Middle East At- 2014. The park has had a few setbacks such as the from October to April — the waterpark season for traction of the Year award from the World Travel late delivery of construction materials and the unex- the southern hemisphere. Phase two will include an Times. The newly-opened watertpark was up pected discovery of a layer of caliche under the sur- additional AUS $35 million for nine additional wa- against a number of popular attractions such as Fer- face of the soil. Co-developer Shane Huish said the terslides, a lazy river, and food and beverage out- rari World, Wild Wadi Waterpark and Ski Dubai. park could be fully operational mid-August, but the lets. • park would probably not turn a profit if it were to • Splash Adventure Waterpark in Brimingham, open at the end of the season. “I’d liken it to open- Wet ‘n’ Wild Sydney has had to deal with Ala., will add a Sea Lion show to its list of attrac- ing a Christmas tree lot Dec. 24,” said Huish. He did some wet and wild weather that has put the project tions. Trained Sea Lions will put on a display of sing- his best to assure the residents of Las Vegas that behind schedule, but the developer, Village Road- ing, dancing, acrobatics and other fun hijinks. Oper- the project will continue. This is a dynamite proj- show, is determined to get the park open by De- ated by Squalus, Inc., an organization that provides ect, and there’s no way we’re walking away from cember. Currently, about 200 workers and 20 ma- homes for beached sea lions unable to return to it,” said Huish. chines are working dusk to dawn, six days a week. If the wild, the troop features animals from both Cali- • there are any more delays, the contractors will seek fornia and the Patagonia region of South America. Malibu Grand Prix, an FEC in Norcross, Ga., is permission from local authorities to work on Sun- Entertaining as well as educational, the show will adding a waterpark. Buccaneer Cove, which will be days in order to get caught up. The AUS $115 mil- teach guests about the plight of the sea lions and completed in three phases, expects to have phase lion park will feature 42 slides and attractions, and is what we, as humans, can do to live in harmony with one ready for Memorial Day weekend. That first expected to attract 900,000 visitors a year. and ensure the survival of these majestic creatures. phase will consist of seven slides, wet tunnels, spray • The new saltwater show will run daily from May 24 loop, an interactive aqua dome and spray cannons, Washtenaw County residents can look forward to July 21. along with cabanas and an eating area. The second to $8.5 million in improvements to Independence • and third phases have yet to be determined. Lake County Park including a new Blue Heron Bay It’s been over a year and a half since Wild Riv- • splashpark in Webster Township, Mich. and an im- ers Waterpark was forced to closed when the land- The new Huron Aquatic Center in Huron, proved Rolling Hills Waterpark in Ypsilanti. The new owners decided to build apartments. Not wanting S.D., has faced some delays owing to a late spring, Blue Heron splashpark has three separate areas for to lose the park, in July 2012 the Orange County but fortunately, construction crews were ahead of toddlers, families and tweens, as well as a new two- Board of Commissioners approved a 25-year, $30 schedule before worked stopped for winter. The story waterslide with two flumes. The splashpark’s million lease on a parcel of county-owned land park is still expected to open the end of May al- attractions are built on a porous surface so there in the city of Temecula, with the expectation that though some areas may still be fenced off as crews will not be any standing water. As a result the park’s construction would begin in October and the park work on landscaping. The center was paid for with attendants will not have to be trained as lifeguards. would open in May of 2014. It’s been almost a year city funds, grants and donations. WhiteWater West Rolling Hills Waterpark received a new three-story and construction has still not started. The develop- of Canada is supplying a number of slides including waterslide with three different flumes, as well as a er told the city financing is still not secure and no a Master Blaster. new entry and rebuilt bathhouse. The county in- date has been set for the start of construction. Tem- • vested $8.5 million to build the new spraypark and ecula Mayor Mike Naggar says he is not concerned New York’s Darien Lake Waterpark received improve the existing waterpark. Washtenaw County about the delay and feels Wild Rivers Temecula can the 2012 Platinum International Aquatic Safety planners hope the improvements change the way still open in 2014 provided construction begins by Award from Jeff Ellis & Associates, an aquatic the people use the park system. the fall. He said he understands that financing for safety and risk management consultant. The awards • projects is difficult to come by, and setbacks are not are based on multiple random audits throughout In April, a bankruptcy judge approved the uncommon. the year including hidden video surveillance of life- sale of Snö Mountain and Snö Cove Waterpark • guards. The Aquatic Safety Award recognizes fa- in Scranton, Pa., to an investment group for $5.12 Waterparks in Wildwood, N.J., could be al- cilities that consistently exceed industry standards million. A Philadelphia-based investment firm pur- lowed to provide alcoholic beverages. If a new or- in risk management and exemplify aquatic safety chased what was originally Montage Mountain in dinance is approved a waterpark area management excellence. 2006 for $5.1 million, then invested another $15 plan must be submitted to the city’s Alcohol Bev- • million into the resort. The resort earned enough erage Control Board, and the plan must demon- In April, the voters of Owensville, Mo., ap- money for day-to-day operations but was never strate “that alcoholic beverages shall be served in a proved, by a nearly two-thirds majority, a $1.65 able pay down its debt. The new owners feel that controlled, dignified, and upscale manner. This plan million bond to construct a waterpark. Work on the potential is there for the ski area and waterpark shall emphasize the culture of family fun, and shall the project will begin following the 2013 season to make money now that the resort is no longer mandate strict supervision by management.” June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013 June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013

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WWASHOW.Org June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 BUSINESS REVENUE PEOPLE SAFETY SUPPLIERS Themed entertainment company’s IPO raises $702 million SeaWorld’s march of the penguins makes waves on Wall Street STORY: Dean Lamanna its senior secured term loan B Special to Amusement Today SEE RELATED STORY facility. ORLANDO, Fla. — April PAGES 40 & 41 SeaWorld also used ap- proved exceptionally spring- proximately $46.3 million of like for SeaWorld Entertain- Group L.P. offered and sold the IPO’s net proceeds to make ment, Inc., when its penguins 19.9 million shares of common a one-time payment to an af- marched on Wall Street. stock, including 3.9 million filiate of Blackstone in connec- The theme park and shares that were offered and tion with the termination of a themed entertainment compa- sold by the selling stockhold- management advisory agree- ny, headquartered in Orlando ers pursuant to the full exer- ment. and owned by New York City- cise of the underwriters’ over- In choosing an IPO for based Blackstone Group L.P., allotment option. SeaWorld, Blackstone reject- raised $702 million in a very The offering raised pro- ed takeover bids from Apollo successful initial public offer- ceeds to SeaWorld of $253.8 Global Management, LLC, ing (IPO) on April 18. million, after deductions were and Onex Corporation. Black- Prior to this windfall, made for underwriting dis- stone acquired SeaWorld from SeaWorld reportedly had ex- counts and commissions. Sea- beer giant Anheuser-Busch In- pected IPO results of $500-600 World will not receive any of Bev SA for $2.3 billion in De- million. the proceeds from the sale of cember 2009. On April 24, SeaWorld the shares sold by the selling Goldman, Sachs & Co. (trading on the New York stockholders. and J.P. Morgan acted as joint Stock Exchange under the SeaWorld used a portion bookrunning managers and as ticker SEAS) announced the of the net proceeds to the com- representatives of the under- closing of its IPO of 29.9 mil- pany from the IPO to redeem writers in the IPO. Citigroup, lion shares of common stock $140 million in aggregate prin- BofA Merrill Lynch, Barclays at a price to the public of $27 cipal amount of the 11 percent and Wells Fargo Securities per share — valuing the com- senior notes due in 2016 and were also bookrunners in the pany at more than $3 million. issued by its subsidiary, Sea- offering, while Blackstone Capital Markets, Lazard Capi- Shares had gained over 20 per- World Parks & Entertainment, One of SeaWorld’s wild, winged charges waddled royally tal Markets, Macquarie Capi- cent since the IPO by the time Inc., at a redemption price of and reigned supreme at the New York Stock Exchange in tal, KeyBanc Capital Markets, of this official announcement. 111 percent, plus accrued and April. COURTESY SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT SeaWorld issued and sold unpaid interest thereof. The Nomura, Drexel Hamilton, 10 million shares of common company will use a portion of LLC and Ramirez & Co. Inc. Inc. is best known for its 11 Gardens and Sesame Place stock and selling stockholders the net proceeds from the of- acted as co-managers. U.S. theme parks and attrac- brands. affiliated with The Blackstone fering to repay $37 million of SeaWorld Entertainment tions and includes the Busch

SeaWorld designs new conservation-minded cup to interact with Coca-Cola ORLANDO, Fla. — In conjunction with SeaWorld Orlan- sponsible by choosing to reuse. do’s epic new attraction Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin Plus, SeaWorld will donate $1.00 from each Cup That that opened Memorial Day weekend, SeaWorld has created Cares purchase to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conserva- the Cup That Cares — a new reusable cup program with a tion Fund, a not-for-profit foundation that helps protect wild- twist of technology. The innovative, interactive cup was de- life around the world. signed specifically to connect with Coca-Cola Freestyle bever- Technology embedded in the Cup That Cares calculates age dispensers in the new realm. the amount of CO2 each guest saves from entering the atmo- The new Cup That Cares engages guests in a personalized sphere when they choose to reuse the cup for refills at Coca- manner to reuse materials and reduce their carbon footprint. Cola Freestyle machines inAntarctica: Empire of the Penguin. An RFID chip embedded in each Cup That Cares interacts Each refill with a reusable cup prevents the emission of ap- with software at Coca-Cola Freestyle dispensers to calculate proximately 27 grams of CO2. and tell guests how they are being more environmentally re-

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Stirring excitement with new attractions, impressive IPO SeaWorld Entertainment CEO Jim Atchison rides tide of success STORY: Dean Lamanna market almost anywhere in Special to Amusement Today the world, and it would be just ORLANDO, Fla. — These as exciting to that locale as it is are agreeably wild times for here. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. What sets SeaWorld’s cor- Following a boffo initial porate culture apart? public offering in April (see We have a strong ethic story on page 39), the now- around animal welfare and publicly traded company has conservation that has endured — among a number of major for decades. We’ve attended 2013 season offerings — intro- to over 20,000 ill, orphaned or duced Antarctica: Empire of injured animals in our compa- ny’s history, and I can’t think the Penguin, a revolutionary In addition to of another entity on this plan- ride/show attraction that rep- many thou- et that has that kind of a stat resents the largest expansion sands of ani- sheet. I’m proud of the brave in its Orlando flagship park’s mals under his men and women on our team history, and in June will open care, SeaWorld who work to care for those ani- Aquatica San Diego water- Entertainment, mals with the sole objective of park, the 11th park in its chain. Inc., President getting them back out into the These are just two of the many and CEO Jim wild. major new 2013 offering across Atchison is We’ve also done an enor- the company’s properties, responsible for mous amount of pioneering which include Busch Gardens the 22,000-plus work in the science of artificial parks in Tampa and Williams- employees who insemination. We have terrific burg, Va., and Sesame Place in welcomed 24 breeding programs that have Langhorne, Pa. million guests given us enormous genetic Leading the charge is Jim to the compa- diversity in our animal collec- Atchison, SeaWorld’s 47-year- ny’s properties tion. This work has allowed us old president and CEO, who across the U.S. to help others who are conser- worked his way up through last year. vation-minded with their spe- from a car-parker, grounds COURTESY maintenance worker and ride SEAWORLD cies survival projects. operator at Busch Gardens ENTERTAINMENT Internally, we have a cul- Tampa to his 2003-07 manage- ture that remains connected to ment of SeaWorld Orlando successful IPO. Have you had we do. How might the overseas the very essence of the guest and finally his current berth as a chance to catch your breath? In the wake of the IPO, market fit into your big pic- experience — and that’s partly SeaWorld Entertainment’s top It’s been quite an endur- what is SeaWorld Entertain- ture? because the vast majority of executive ance test. We filed our first ver- ment’s first priority? It’s an intriguing opportu- our corporate team has back- Since the sion of our prospectus back in It remains the same as it nity — and one we’re perhaps grounds involving years in company’s late December and worked on was before. And that’s really an very well-positioned to pur- the parks. I myself wore a uni- acquisition it for weeks before that. So if intense, unrelenting focus on sue. We have big-format parks form and a nametag, carried a by the private you back up the clock to last the guest experience. There’s like SeaWorld and Busch Gar- pan and broom and picked up equity firm November through April 19th, nothing more important to us dens, and medium-format trash for many years every day Blackstone it’s been a long haul, for sure. than that, along with the safety parks like Aquatica, our wa- in our parks. We have a very Group L.P. But it’s exciting and we’re de- and welfare of our guests, ani- terpark with animals in it. We active, engaged style, and I do from Anheus- Atchison lighted with the outcome. I mals and employees. Deliver- even have a boutique park for- my best to know by name ev- er-Busch In- have gotten back to my desk ing on that promise every day mat, Discovery Cove, which ery employee I can meet. Bev SA in late 2009, Atchison, and found my wife and kids is what has made us, and our is a little like the Rolex of the Mainstream media have who holds an M.B.A. from the again. (laughs) IPO, successful. theme park business, with a noted that the animal rights University of South Florida, What were your expecta- Are there any new or re- several hundred-dollar-a-day group People for the Ethi- has bolstered and expanded tions were heading into the newed corporate goals you’ll admission. So we have a num- cal Treatment of Animals SeaWorld’s brand offerings IPO in April? be pursuing? ber of different-sized concepts (PETA) has bought a stake in and has even branched into In my decades of experi- I’ve always felt that telling to work with for opportuni- SeaWorld Entertainment and television production and li- ence with our company, I’ve our story outside of our parks ties internationally, especially may try to influence company censed merchandising. The gained an understanding of was a great opportunity. As where branded Western assets decision-making. Will you Jersey City, N.J., native, a mar- the power of our brands and with the wonderfully success- like SeaWorld may be attrac- reach out to PETA in any way? ried father of three young chil- how loved they are. I’ve al- ful Saturday morning televi- tive as anchor tenants in key What we will do is the dren, is also a member of the ways known we had a great sion show we produce, Sea developments. same thing we do for every board of directors of the Sea- story to tell and I was excited Rescue, now in its third season We also have an advan- shareholder who buys a share World & Busch Gardens Con- to share it along the way, so on ABC, and our download- tage in that the SeaWorld in this company, and that is do servation Fund and Hubbs- I’m not surprised by the inter- able game app called Turtle premise is nature-based and our best to provide a unique, SeaWorld Research Institute. est in it. It’s not a well-kept se- Trek that’s based on new turtle animal-related at its core. As compelling experience in the Still constrained to some cret: After more than 50 years, attractions in our parks, we such, our brands don’t require highest quality fashion and in degree by the “quiet period” people know us. It’s not a well- continue to build our brand a lot of on-ramp in terms of ex- a way that delivers the best re- mandated by the IPO, Atchi- kept secret: people knew us. and develop new lines of busi- plaining our storyline or who turns for our shareholders. So son availed himself to AT for a Everybody I’ve met has a story ness. This has been an ambi- a character is, or why a char- whether it’s PETA or anyone free-ranging update. of visiting one of our parks. tion of ours; we’ve done some acter should be relevant to a else, we don’t distinguish and I’ve had a good handle on how good work and have still got foreign market. We could put we’re really just focused on the Congratulations on your we’re differentiated in what more to do. our Shamu show in a foreign 4See ATCHISON, page 41 June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41

ATCHISON Continued from page 40 business itself — not the pub- licity around an organization like that and what their objec- tives are. What new and upcoming attractions and developments at SeaWorld’s parks excite you the most this year? I’m most excited about Antarctica: Empire of the Pen- guin, which opening May 24 here at SeaWorld Orlando. This new realm within the park SeaWorld’s Jim Atchison is particularly enthused about two new attractions debuting this season at the company’s parks: encompasses 56,000 square “Madagascar Live! Operation: Vacation,” a stage show based on the popular animated DreamWorks SKG films, at Busch feet of buildings and almost Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld San Diego; and Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, a multimedia ride spectacular at SeaWorld four acres, with culinary and Orlando. COURTESY SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, MARLON SCOTT merchandising component. The ride moves you through I’m also delighted with your parks? reading guest comments from and humbling responsibil- a series of rooms, media and our new “Madagascar Live! We feel this is an impor- all of our parks, and I see ap- ity. Within our company, we special effects on a one-of-a- Operation: Vacation” stage tant initiative. When you look preciation reflected over and have the same kind of regard kind, trackless, non-sequential show at our Tampa and San at the proliferation of serious over again that we’ve set a new and reverence for the animals ride vehicle that can take doz- Diego parks. The film charac- allergies throughout the U.S., standard for allergy-friendly as we do for our employees. ens of different paths. Using ters are a great fit for us, and it’s daunting, and if you’re environments. Our culinary I celebrate great milestones, media and special effects, it it’s all original content. Dream- the parents of a child with sig- teams have done a terrific job such the thousandth sea tur- follows the story of a penguin Works Animation SKG Stu- nificant allergy challenges, it’s and we’re very proud of that. tle we released last year. That character named Puck from a dios has been a great partner awfully scary — and you’ve Aside from the fact that we would could rescue, reha- hatchling to an adolescent to and we couldn’t be happier to got to be vigilant. So we’ve SeaWorld celebrates animals bilitate and release so many of a grownup. You then exit the have that equity in our parks partnered with the Food Al- in a unique way, how else this endangered species was a vehicle inside our 30-degree right now. lergy & Anaphylaxis Network do you feel connected with huge milestone — an emotion- live penguin habitat. No pun What has moved you to to develop best-in-class menu them? al day in our company. intended, but it’s just the cool- introduce menu items for items, signage and communi- We have 67,000 animals It’s certainly not just a job; est attraction ever. visitors with food allergies in cations. I’m a real stickler for under our care, and it’s a big it’s in our blood. 42 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013

www.aimsintl.org

Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International, Ltd. • 3026 S. Orange • Santa Ana, Calif. 92707 Phone: (714) 425-5747 • Fax: (714) 276-9666 • E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.aimsintl.org Getting to know your newest AIMS president Roger Berry included tooling and fixtures for aircraft and tank Seminar, this year held at the DoubleTree by Hilton AIMS president and helmets for the armed services. In 1967, a corpora- Orlando at SeaWorld, January 12-17, 2014. Ralph S. Alberts Co. tion was formed, and so began the supply of non- With so many new sessions and tracks, includ- technical sales representative metallic fixtures and pallets for conveyor lines. In ing various design sessions, an entire carnival track [email protected] 1978, a new aspect of the operation developed and new sessions on observation wheels, a grow- with the manufacture of replacement foam parts ing segment of our industry, along with many re- As a member of AIMS for 16 for amusement rides. The Ryde Hyde X3 ride pad- turning favorite sessions from our member man- years, it is with great pleasure that Berry ding system was developed and trademarked by ufacturers, this will surely be our best event yet. I now serve as the AIMS president. Ralph S. Alberts is just one example. Discounted preregistration has already begun at Along with a very esteemed board of industry I am also a member of IAAPA, participating aimsintl.org. You won’t want to miss it! professionals, our renewed vision for the AIMS or- in both the Safety and the Manufacturers & Sup- As AIMS continues to move forward, we will ganization is one of quality and growth. With two pliers Committees in addition to being a member also take advantage of some unique partnering new board members joining us, we will also look of ASTM International, Chairman of F24.10, and opportunities, including a newly formed partner- to them for new ideas to assist us with this vision. on the ASTM F24 Executive Committee. Being in- ship with ASTM to develop the next generation AIMS is, and always has been, about servicing our volved with these organizations is a great compli- of amusement industry professionals. Our AIMS members and the future will focus on the value we ment to my role with AIMS. certification has traditionally, and will continue to, bring to them, in turn achieving our ultimate goal Like so many others in our industry, volun- focus on those that are already in the industry. of a safe experience at our parks and facilities for teerism is something I am deeply committed to. It Now in conjunction with ASTM, we will also offer everyone. is truly the hallmark of the AIMS organization and I opportunities for students to learn not only in the My 20-year history in the amusement industry hope that if you are not involved, you will consider classroom at our safety seminar, but through men- includes 16 of the most recent years with the Ralph it. As a completely self-funded, not for profit orga- toring relationships, to become the future leaders S. Alberts Company as a technical sales represen- nization, everyone can make a difference by simply of our industry. This is a great opportunity for our tative in the United States and Europe. encouraging colleagues, vendors and partners to seasoned professionals to “give back”. Alberts is housed in a 80,000-square-foot fa- support AIMS though membership and sponsor- Lastly, I would love to hear from you as to how cility with departments and capabilities including ship. There are so many opportunities at AIMS. we can continue to make AIMS the best that it can injection molding, foam molding, hand casting, liq- Please contact Kelly Bernish at kellyb@aimsintl. be. Please drop me an email at [email protected]. uid resin casting, rigid/high-density flexible foam org for more details on how you can volunteer. I would love to hear from you! molding, roto casting & thermal plastic rubber The other hallmark of AIMS is our annual Safety casting. Established in 1963, their first products

AIMS Education Committee meets The AIMS Education Committee members (left) recently met in Orlan- do to discuss various topics and the 2014 AIMS Safety Seminar, set for January 12-17 in Orlando. At right, committe members are front row l to r: Scooter Mangold, Holly Coston, Patty Beazley, Michael Vartorella, Ed Zakar and Victor Danau. Back row, l to r: Roger Berry, C.W. Craven, Barry Schiable, John Riggleman, and Randy Wilke. Not pictured are Kelly Bernish and Heather Earl. COURTESY AIMS

Space for this AIMS page is provided courtesy of Amusement Today as a corporate partner of AIMS Intl. Content is provided by AT & AIMS. Please direct comments to [email protected] June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 43 Coney Island’s would-be savior Horace Bullard dies at 75 CONEY legal. Bullard received just $1 very sad.” MAILBAG ISLAND, in damages and his dreams to Ironically, Coney Island’s N.Y. — Hor- rebuild Coney Island began to celebrated rebirth did not in- Remembering Millay and the Wet ‘n Wild team ace Bullard, fade. clude Bullard. In 2010, he was Hi Gary, a New York “Horace Bullard gambled diagnosed with the disease Thanks for remembering George Millay and mentioning the Wet ‘n Wild team in your editorial (AT May page 2). It was and City busi- with everything he had on that eventually ended his life. still is a great group of people. Countless great times and memo- nessman who bringing Coney Island back, Still, he should be remem- ries. The only one I am still not in contact with is Walt [Hawrylak]. dreamed of Bullard but he kept running into road- bered for his passion to restore Best regards, returning Co- blocks, and we just didn’t have one of America’s most beloved Ron Sutula, General Manager, ney Island to the magical place enough force to overcome the playgrounds. Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark it was during his youth, died opposition,” said Ralph Per- Bullard was buried on [email protected] April 9, 2013 after losing his fetto, a Coney Island native, April 12 next to his parents in Editor’s note: If anyone has a working email address or phone battle with Lou Gehrig’s Dis- Democratic district leader, Woodlawn Cemetery in the for Walt Hawrylak, please pass it onto Ron at the email address ease. He was 75. and ally to Bullard. “It was Bronx. listed above. Born in Harlem, Bullard spent many years of his child- hood sneaking off to enjoy Co- ney Island. He was saddened by the eventual decline of the area and after amassing a for- tune with his Kansas Fried Chicken fast food chain loca- tions, he began to purchase various Coney Island proper- ties in the late 1970s in hopes of spurring a revitalization of the amusement zone. Along with the iconic Shore Theater on Surf and Stillwell avenues, he acquired the plot that was home to the 1925-built Thunderbolt roller coaster. His grand dream was to bring to Coney Island an Atlantic City-style hotel and casino and rebuild legendary Steeplechase Park, which had closed in 1964. According to reports, WHO and WHY NYC Mayor Ed Koch granted REAMUSEMENT? the necessary permits but Bul- lard’s backers pulled out of the deal because of the eco- Are your workloads continuing to increase nomic downturn in the late and staffing at a minimum? 80s. Bullard worked to secure new financing but eventually REAMUSEMENT is the quality choice for you. We will be lost out to Mayor Rudy Gi- your partner in completing maintenance “rehabs,” uliani who wanted to bring minor league baseball to the renovations, or new construction. property at West 16th Street and Surf Avenue. To make Our goal is to provide quality maintenance of your trains, ride units, and this happen, Giuliani ordered structures to minimize the turnaround time to ensure your guests have the the pre-dawn demolition of maximum entertainment experience. the Thunderbolt, a move a federal court later declared il- Our Services Rebuild ride units per manufacturer’s specifications • Rebuild ride units to meet all codes and certifications • Fiberglass repairs • Carpentry repairs • Repainting • Inside storage • Welding if discovered after NDT testing • Refurbish flat ride components and ride units • NDT inspections for the ride units per the manufacturer’s specifications • Assist with on-site set up if Event maintenance staff needs assistance • General contractor and/or assist with construction projects • Ride erection needs Information Now 13101310 West West Fourth Fourth Street Street Contact:Contact: Available Mansfield,Mansfield, OHOH 44906 44906 JackJack Falfas Falfas | |(419) (419) 202-7876 202-7876 [email protected]@gmail.com @ Office:Office: (567) (567) 247-8204 247-8204 GaryGary Gast Gast | (567)| (567) 247-8204 247-8204 [email protected]@reamusement.com Golden Fax:Fax: (419) (419) 529-4288 529-4288 RandyRandy Payne Payne | (567)| (567) 247-8204 247-8204 Ticket Awards.com www.reamusement.com 44 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013

NEW JERSEY AMUSEMENT ASSOCIATION SUPERSTORM SANDY Restore, Rebuild and Reopen

NJAA’s 54th Annual Dinner Dance another success More than 250 turn out to hear Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno give keynote speech

POINT PLESANT Executive Director Kim Sa- BEACH, N.J. — On Monday, marelli. May 13, the NJAA held its As the association does 54th Annual Dinner Dance at each year at the annual din- the beautiful Clark’s Landing ner dance, NJAA members Yacht Club in Point Plesant celebrated each others beach, N.J. achievements, celebrated The NJAA chose New the amusement industry Jersey State Governor, Chris and celebrated with all the Christie, to be the honoree leaders from the state and this year for his outstanding amusement industry. commitment to the tourism The NJAA also honored industry and for his unwaver- the men and women who ing dedication and constant serve as First Responders efforts during our recovery and the association was able Seen at the NJAA dinner Dance, from left to right, are: NJAA’s Kimberle and James Sa- operations after Superstorm to give back to the commu- marelli; Pier Pressure’s Amanda Kacperowski and Sara Brillant; First Responder recipient, Sandy. nities by awarding more than Richard Dziadosz, Oacean Beach Volunteer Fire Department and NJAA President John Although the Governor $25,000 from the NJAA 1st Maurer. PHOTOS COURTESY NJAA had a last minute conflict in Responders Volunteer Relief his schedule, he sent the Lt. Fund. Governor, Kim Guadagno, in “The NJAA member his place. Although NJAA at- facilties damaged or de- tendees may have felt a tinge stroyed by Superstorm San- of disappointment that the dy have moved well into the Governor couldn’t be there, rebuilding stage, and look Lt. Guadagno can brighten a to the future with an even room with her spirit and pres- brighter outlook than 180 ence. days ago.’ said Samarelli. “She is a huge cheer- “The resilience by the amuse- leader for our industry and ment industry builds on the delivered a wonderful key- generational memories this note speech. Those in at- industry creates every sum- tendance were pumped and mer season, and our future excited to hear that a new lies in our hands as we move Above left, New Jersey Lt. Governor and Secretary of State Kim Guadagno visits with marketing campaign is in quickly toward the Summer Jack Morey, Morey’s Piers during the NJAA Dinner Dance. Above right, Robert Sinnott, the works —’NJ Stronger Season of 2013. A great eve- Silverton Fire Department, accepts an award from the NJAA First Responders Relief Fund. than the Storm’.” said NJAA ning was enjoyed by all!” PHOTOS COURTESY NJAA

Weeks Marine removes Casino Pier’s Star Jet roller coaster from Atlantic Ocean Seven SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. — Casino Pier, ing surf. Since then, the twisted and broken months the popular oceanfront amusement park ride has served as constant reminder of the after being whose boardwalk and pier was heavily dam- storm’s fury. The haunting, iconic image ap- pushed into aged by October 2012’s Hurricane Sandy, peared on countless news programs and oth- the ocean by hired Weeks Marine to remove the Star Jet er media sources around the world. Superstorm roller coaster from the Atlantic Ocean. On Tuesday, May 14, 2013, the first phase Sandy, the The compact family coaster, which was of the project — removal of the Jet Star and Star Jet is designed and built by E&F Miler Industries, the other related debris in the water began. being re- opened on Casino Pier in 2002. On the eve- Weeks Marine worked around the clock on moved from ning of October 29, 2012, the massive storm the removal until it was complete. The entire the ocean. ripped a 50-foot section of the pier apart, project took several days. AT FILE sending it and the coaster into the crash-

Space for this NJAA Superstorm Sandy page is provided courtesy of Amusement Today as a corporate partner with the NJAA. Please direct comments to: [email protected] June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 45 CONTINUING COVERAGE | SUPERSTORM SANDY NJAA’s Kim Samarelli leads storm recovery, weathers challenges STORY: Dean Lamanna that served 300 meals a day to coaster is out of the water so Special to Amusement Today first responders, utility work- we can focus on the future. ers and neighbors in need. (Editor’s note: dismantling of the SEASIDE HEIGHTS, AT caught up with Sa- partly submerged Star Jet roller N.J. — Fueled by the Atlan- marelli for a pre-season prog- coaster began in mid-May, see tic Ocean, Superstorm Sandy ress report. AT,page 44.) roared ashore last October and From what surprising created a monumental mess What is your measure of places have you received of- for residents and amusement the Jersey shore’s post-storm fers of assistance? operators along much of the recovery? The New England Associ- New Jersey coast. It would When you look at where ation of Amusement Parks and take a recovery effort led by we were six months ago, there’s Attractions has generously Garden State natives with salt- been moderate progress made. done fundraising for us. Mer- water running through their Businesses are working dili- lin Entertainments Group, the veins, and a resolve founded gently every day to get things Madame Tussauds people, has on summertime tradition, to operational. Some towns are offered volunteers and help NJAA Executive Director Kim Samarelli (right) welcomed meet the ensuing challenges. in a superior position because with cleanup. We also have New Jersey Lt. Governor and Secretary of State Kim Guad- they had a little less damage; a gentleman in Point Pleas- agno, one of the organization’s supporters, to NJAA’s 54th some are lagging because they ant Beach who is building the Annual Dinner Dance in Point Pleasant Beach, N.J., on May had more damage. Central and world’s tallest sandcastle for 13. COURTESY NJAA northern New Jersey are strug- completion in June, and he’s gling the most. new normal. you characterize his contribu- seeking donations for Home- Memorial Day Weekend is The Expo is also a financial tions? town Heroes, an organization our traditional kick-off target, engine for NJAA and promotes Gov. Christie is one of our that helps families severely im- One of those intrepid na- and some amusement opera- our organization’s growth, so strongest cheerleaders — a pacted by the storm. tives is Kimberle Rolle Sa- tors opened as early as Easter it was important to our viabil- natural and heartfelt advocate As a resident of Seaside marelli, executive director of Weekend, but it seems that the ity to be able to have it. for shore amusements. We’ve Heights, how has your own New Jersey Amusement As- beginning of this year’s sum- Where does the most had a lot of cooperation from family managed? sociation (NJAA). Born and mer season will be July 4th al- work remain to be done? his cabinet and a very good My house is a total loss — raised in Seaside Heights, most across the board. While businesses are mov- working relationship with all wrecked inside from floor to where NJAA is based and Which park operator’s ing forward, there are still is- of his teams. Gov. Christie sees ceiling. I’ve been fighting as which took a direct hit from handling of this situation has sues with homes. We need the value that we add to the much as anybody the insur- the hurricane, the married impressed you the most? beds for heads: residences New Jersey economy. ances company battles; they mother of two has been tasked Keansburg Amuse- must be rebuilt and repaired How helpful has IAAPA only want to pay a fraction of with tending the post-storm ment Park, which has a rich, so tourists can come back and been — especially with Wild- the cost to rebuild. It forces needs of the 200-member or- 100-plus-year tradition and stay — whether it’s a relative’s wood, N.J.-based amusement people into legal action. It ganization while dealing with was heavily damaged, really house or a rental. Homeown- operator Will Morey in place could take another 18 months the loss of her own home and moved to the forefront in re- ers need help, and I’m not sure as the organization’s chair? to resolve my own situation, coordinating relief with the covery. It cleaned up and went how quickly it’s coming. We’ve been blessed to if the flood maps that are cur- International Association of quickly and bought new rides, Have there been any en- have Will Morey as IAAPA rently being redrawn will even Amusement Parks and Attrac- and it really has turned lemons vironmental or regulatory chair during this time. IAAPA make rebuilding a reasonable tions (IAAPA), as well as vari- in lemonade. hurdles in the course of re- was on the phone with me the option. ous state and local agencies. Of course, some operators, building piers, boardwalks day after the storm and has We ended up living in Samarelli, who earned such as Casino Pier in Seaside and other amusement infra- been 100 percent supportive Toms River with friends who B.S. and M.B.A. degrees from Heights, haven’t had the ben- structure? with everything. They sent a were generous enough to take Georgian Court University in efit of starting over on a solid, Not in the localities where ground team here in Decem- in my husband, two children nearby Lakewood, N.J., hails flat surface like Keansburg. NJAA has member parks, ber, just a couple weeks after and nanny for four months. from a family steeped in Jer- Casino Pier has had to rip ev- fortunately. Point Pleasant’s the convention (in Orlando), We finally found a rental in sey shore amusements. As a erything down and rebuild boardwalk and railings are and we all toured the hard- Toms River and moved into it little girl with blond pigtails, from new pilings on up. Still, done. And Seaside Heights is est-hit areas we were allowed in March. she helped her grandmother the pier has made amazing coming right along, but they to enter. IAAPA is sending How did you balance with a beach umbrella and leaps. have a bigger boardwalk to another team in late June to your personal situation and chair rental business while How important was redo. document our progress and your duties for NJAA? running errands on the board- NJAA’s annual East Coast We’re lucky to have see where further help may be You take it by hour by walk for her grandfather and Expo in Atlantic City last Feb- worked with all of our state of- needed. hour, day by day — and expect dad, who operated Skil-O and ruary, and what was accom- ficials and department heads How have you felt about nothing. And nothing can sur- other games. As an adult, she plished? to move processes through. media coverage? prise you. (laughs) That’s the opened her own local busi- Most important was that Agreements were made early We have come to terms best approach to have. They ness, Seashore Delights, a we still had an industry to to help our members rebuild with the fact that we’re in a say time heals all wounds, but sweets shop in Lavallette, and come back to after the storm. quickly while keeping safety long-term recovery; the media there are big wounds to heal. joined the NJAA staff in 2007. But it wasn’t just about buy- in the forefront. Efficient pro- have not. They constantly fo- There have been days where I In addition to assisting ing; it was an emotional event cedures for engineering and cus on the roller coaster in the just wanted to throw the bed- NJAA members and keeping for everybody to see each other electrical reviews were ar- water at Casino Pier, damaged cover over my head, or just them informed post-Sandy, — and to be inspired by stories ranged beforehand. The state buildings… they don’t show a say, “I want to go home.” It’s Samarelli jumped into action of rebuilding and how to pre- also staffed up after the storm lot of the rebuilding. I get calls about adjusting to a new real- in her devastated community. pare for the 2013 season. Be- because it could foresee that from our partners in the south- ity, a new world. Together with her husband cause it’s definitely a ‘new Jer- there would be issues with all ern part of the state complain- I grew up in the busi- James, who was director of sey shore,’ as I’ve heard people of New Jersey’s industries. ing, “The media aren’t saying ness of fun. And I think that’s the Office of Emergency Man- describe it. That’s not a new In May, NJAA honored that we’re open.” There’s been what’s given me my resilience agement for Seaside Heights slogan in the making, as far as Gov. Chris Christie for fa- too much focus on the nega- to get through this storm. and the town’s fire chief until I know, but it has become the cilitating tourism recovery ef- tive because it sells. I and oth- he left those posts in January, marketing approach for our forts in the state. How would ers can’t wait until the roller she helped open a commissary 46 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013

Region As of Change from MARKETWATCH (U.S.) 05/13/13 year ago East Coast $3.866 -$0.189 Prices Prices 52 Weeks RIDING THE Company One Month Ago 05/17/13 High Low Midwest $3.909 $0.012 Gulf Coast $3.739 -$0.176 MARKET Cedar Fair L.P. $40.72 $43.97 $40.81 $25.00 Mountain $3.822 -$0.182 MGM Mirage $12.86 $15.34 $15.95 $8.83 West Coast $3.883 -$0.309

Six Flags Ent. Corp. $72.21 $79.09 $79.65 $43.13 DIESEL PRICES California $4.042 -$0.307 CBS Corp. $46.30 $51.53 $51.54 $29.81 Walt Disney Co. $60.55 $66.58 $67.89 $41.25 TOP 7 MOST TRADED On 05/20/13 $1 USD = CURRENCIES 0.7787 EURO Apollo Global Mgt. LLC $25.44 $27.34 $28.14 $10.42 0.5491 GBP (British Pound) Blackstone Group $21.10 $23.45 $23.65 $11.12 103.19 JPY (Japanese Yen) Village Roadshow $4.97 $5.25 $5.46 $2.85 0.97.18 CHF (Swiss Franc) NBC Universal $23.59 $23.46 $23.90 $18.02 1.0265 AUD (Australian Dollar) CURRENCY Seaworld Entertainment Inc. N/A $38.88 $39.33 $30.26 1.0278 CAD (Canadian Dollar)

PEOPLE WATCH

Walt Bowser joins Millennium Elastomers Airlines Center for the Levy Restaurants commercial design and construction opportunities for Millennium Elastomers (ME) has operation, retail supervisor at Six Flags OTL, which creates of one-of-a-kind water features, rock- announced that Walter Bowser has Great America in Gurnee, Ill., near Chi- work and themed environments. joined the Gardena, Calif.-based com- cago, and guest arrival area manager at Before joining OTL, Olson oversaw teams and in- pany as vice president of Amusement Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach. dividuals responsible for the construction of more than Products. Bowser has long history in At Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas, he will 1,000 projects, including well-known exhibits at the Lou- the amusement industry working for Six develop and implement a food and isville Zoo, San Diego Zoo and National Aquarium. Many Flags in various capacities for 21 years. beverage program that will feature of those projects received “Best New Exhibit” and “Ex- Millennium Elastomers is the one both premium selections and traditional Watts hibit of the Year” honors from the Association of Zoos of the largest urethane processors in Bowser theme park fare, including specialized and Aquariums. North America with facilities strategi- treats. In addition, Watts will manage retail operations “We’re extremely pleased to welcome Brian to our cally located across the United States. for the property with a focus on beach attire and souvenir team,” said Hugh Hughes, OTL president. “His experi- Bowser can be reached at walter.bowser@melastomers. merchandise. ence and knowledge in themed entertainment venues com, or at (800) 421-1180 makes him an excellent fit for OTL. He also has a proven Sally Corp. names new Technical Services Dir. track record of achieving high client satisfaction while ex- Wet ‘n Wild Las Vegas expands team John Stegall, 11-year veteran at ecuting numerous high profile, award-winning projects.” Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas has solidified its management Sally Corporation, has been promoted team with the additions of Chris Hicks as revenue man- to the position of technical services di- Hersheypark employee wins safety award ager and Matthew Watts as resale manager. Both bring rector for the dark ride and animatron- Laura Woodburn, Director of Ride Operations at extensive operations, ticketing, concessions, retail and ics design/build company. In his new Hersheypark, was awarded “Person of the Year” by the systems experience in the water park and amusement in- position, he will play a greater role in National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials dustry and large-scale operations to the $50 million Las the design and specification of Sally (NAARSO) at the 26th annual seminar held in Pigeon Vegas waterpark with more than 25 slides and attractions. projects, assuming responsibility for Forge, Tenn. Hicks’ success as admissions man- laying out ride infrastructure require- Stegall Woodburn was recognized for her work in helping ager at sister park Wet ‘n’ Wild Phoenix ments, and procurement of all control, to develop the NAARSO operations certification syllabus, led to his promotion and position at Wet audio, lighting, special effects and interactive devices, in classes and testing procedures. ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas. He previously served addition to managing the in-house electronics produc- Woodburn began her career with Hersheypark in as operations supervisor at two Cedar tion team. 1988 as a seasonal rides employee. Her full-time career Fair Entertainment Co. parks, Califor- Stegall has an extensive technical and supervisory began in 1996 and, over the years, she has been director nia’s Great America in Santa Clara and background. Prior to joining Sally Corp., he served in the of Guest Services & Ticketing and Entertainment. Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio; and at- U.S. Navy as a technical manager and supervisor in sup- tractions operations area manager for Hicks port of aircraft carrier USS Roosevelt and air wing elec- Wyatt Design adds staff, more planned Hard Rock Park (also called Freestyle tronics operations, retiring as a chief petty officer. Wyatt Design Group a multi-disciplinary design Music Park) in Myrtle Beach, So. Car. “John has done a fine job leading the department studio that specializes in entertainment, exhibitions, at- At Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas, Hicks will oversee ticket over the years,” says Sally CEO John Wood. “With the tractions and leisure destinations is in expansion mode. sales and the front gate, including guest services, season departure of our previous technical director, he and his Fresh on the heels of recent staff additions earlier this pass processing, and rentals for cabanas, tubes and lock- team have absorbed new responsibilities, handling the year, Wyatt Design Group is actively recruiting for two ers. He also will configure, set up and maintain ticket- tasks with outstanding professionalism.” new permanent positions to join the expert team of de- ing software systems, serve as the IT liaison to Wet ‘n’ signers, architects and project managers. The studio is Wild Las Vegas parent, Village Roadshow Limited/Village Brian Olson joins Outside The Lines team also seeking project-based temporary staff as well to Roadshow Theme Parks, and supervise office staff and California-based Outside the Lines, a worldwide de- meet the sudden demand. group sales ticket sales, fulfillment and accounts receiv- sign and construction company of themed environments, Recently, new hires Nancy Emerson as project direc- ables. announced that Brian Olson has joined its business de- tor and Mark Spencer as area development and plan- Watts was concessions manager at Dallas’ American velopment team. Olson will be responsible for securing ning, joined the company in February 2013.

COMING UP: BONUS SECTION ON

SLA Reserve your ad today! Continued from page 41 (817) 460-7220 June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 47 48 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013 June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 49 MIDWAY CARNIVALS STATE FAIRS REVENUE SUPPLIERS Washington State Fair mixing old and new with arrival of new looping inversion coaster STORY: Pam Sherborne [email protected] PUYALLUP, Washington — The Washington State Fair, Puyallup, is mixing the old with the new this year – a new name, the revival of an old coaster and the installation of a brand new coaster. FAST FACTS A new looping inver- sion roller coaster arrived on Park the fairgrounds in April and Washington State Fair was still sitting in crates the Puyallup, Washington first of May. But, according to fair spokesperson Karen Coaster LaFlamme, the new coaster is Unnamed steel looping expected to be up by July with roller coaster to be August being the month for introduced during test runs. September 2013 fair The new coaster as well as the newly renovated classic Size and Stats wooden coaster will debut at Dimensions: the 2013 edition of the fair set 180.4 feet by 66 feet for Sept. 6-22. Height: 62.3 feet The new ride, made by Track length: 1,772 feet Italian manufacturer Top Maximum speed: 50 mph Fun, is about 62 feet high and Maximum G-Force: +5.8 reaches a maximum speed of G 50 mph. Its maximum G-force is plus-5.8, comparable to the Trains force felt in a Formula One Three trains with three race car during heavy brak- cars per train, 12 riders ing, according to a fair news per train release. It seats 36 riders and Fairgoers at this year’s Washington State Fair, Puyallup, will be greeted to a newly reno- runs two trains simultane- vated wooden roller coaster classic and a new looping inversion coaster. The fair is set for Previous Locations ously. Sept. 6-22. COURTESY WASHINGTON STATE FAIR Santa’s Village, The fair will spend more amusement park refurbished about $250,000 over the last er. Dundee, Ill. than $1 million on the coaster. the ride in 2005. four years to restore. (See AT, The wooden coaster had (1998- 2005) Exact construction and instal- Then, in 2011, it was sold May 2013, pages 34 and 35.) a maximum speed of 38 mph • lation costs have yet to be de- to the L.A. County Fair, Po- The old coaster continued to before its renovation. It will L.A. County Fair termined. mona, Calif. run during the annual 17-day be speed-tested this summer Ponoma, Calif. A naming contest is un- “As it turned out, it really fall fair; sections of deteriorat- after the final work is finished, (2011) derway for the new coaster. didn’t fit into their footprint ed wood were replaced during LaFlamme said. LaFlamme said they were ex- so they only used it for one the offseason months. One of the most notable Supplier pected to cut off entries May year,” LaFlamme said. “It fits Karen LaFlamme, spokes- features of the new ride is an Top Fun 8 and then announce the new right into our footprint of 180 woman for the fair, said both inclined loop, tilted at about Castelnovo Bariano, name at the first of June. feet by about 70 feet. And, it rides will offer fun for differ- an 80-degree angle. The new Veneto, Italy The looping coaster was was just the right time to add ent breeds of thrill seekers. coaster will add depth to one originally installed at Santa’s a more modern coaster.” LaFlamme said the fair of the most popular aspects of —Washington State Fair Village Amusement Park, The fair’s wooden coaster board for years has discussed the fair. Dundee, Ill., in 1998. The was built in 1935. It has cost having a more modern coast- Factory wholesale pricing! • Over 100 designs available! • Made in the USA

Toll Free: (800) 395-9980 • email: [email protected] • www.sippersbydesign.com 50 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013 Fair foodies will find Playworld Unlimited hoping for the 31 new foods at best after crazy spring weather STORY: Pam Sherborne 2013 Calgary Stampede [email protected] WARREN, Mich. — CALGARY, Alta. — This July 5-14, the Calgary Stam- Springtime weather for Play- pede takes its regular midway food offering and double world Unlimited has been tu- deep fries it, wraps it in bacon and puts it on a stick. multuous. With 31 tasty new treats there is something for every- The show started its sea- one no matter how many calories you want to consume. son at the first of May primar- Deep fried delicacies like double bacon wrapped ily doing fundraising events corndogs, deep fried bubblegum and even deep fried close to home, which is Alma, butter will have you craving something on a stick; perhaps Mich. banana bacon ears, chip dogs, chocolate bacon apples, or even an egg roll. International culinary cuisine includes India inspired Naaco TNT and cochinita pibil from Mexico along with a Ukrainian favorite with a Stampede flair, double smoked bacon wrapped cheese perogie skewers. There are also such treats like chocolate dipped ja- lapenos, chocolate cinnamon bear fudge and B52 fudge which takes Baileys, tops it with Grand Marnier and then smothers it with Kahlua (all in fudge form). “There is something new for every Stampede foodie, “In one week we expe- from delightful international flavors like flautas de pollo rienced four seasons,” said to downright daring offerings like pickle shooters,” said Joyce Brady, who along with James Radke, operations manager, midway program- her husband, Jeff, owns the ming. “After nearly doubling our Centennial list of new show. “It was 80 degrees when Here is a nighttime midway aerial of Playworld Unlimited. foods, this year’s spread is not for the faint of heart.” it started and by the end of the The show added several new rides for the 2013 season in- Also new this year, 18 amazing food trucks will cruise week, it was 30 degrees. We cluding a second Mulligan wheel, a second Dartron Cliff onto Stampede Park for the inaugural Calgary Stam- had rain, storms, and hail and Hanger, and two brand new SBF Visa Group rides through pede Food Truck Rally July 11-13. On each of these three then it turned cold. We didn’t Rides 4-U, the Flying Puppy and Little Ship. nights, six unique food trucks will roll into the agriculture have the snowfall like they COURTESY PLAYWORLD UNLIMITED zone from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. where guests can purchase a did further north so that was Brady’s added to their 38-40- splitting with him to form nibble from each of these mobile favorites. good.” ride arsenal. They purchased their own carnival. —Pam Sherborne She said the events they two brand new SBF/Visa There is a church fund- play in the spring rely heavily Group rides from Rides 4U. raiser they have been working on the funds raised. Those two rides are the Flying for over 25 years. “For the most part, these Puppy and the little ship ride. “My daughter, Amanda, organizations are desperate They also purchased a is 26 years old and she was for these funds,” she said. “It second Mulligan Wheel and with us at nine months when breaks my heart when the a second Dartron Cliffhanger. we played that date for the weather is bad and people These rides were purchased first time,” she said. can’t come out. Sometimes through private sales. Joyce and Jeff Brady have these weekends are the only The show plays about two children who both work shot they have to raise mon- 37 dates in a 28-week sea- on the show. Amanda is the ey.” son. Some dates were moved assistant manager. Their son, Playworld’s first event for around but none added for the Kyle, 23, works mostly with the 2013 season was in Wyo- 2013 season. the state fairs they do such as ming, Mich. It was a fundrais- Joyce Brady is a third gen- Minnesota, Wisconsin, Texas, er for senior citizen shut-ins. eration in the industry. She and Florida. They were playing a Warren met Jeff Brady on the midway. Brady said they are a ride Woods Tower Booster Club He was working summers company. Most of the food is Among the 31 new foods at this year’s Calgary (Alta.) date when interviewed by with concessions. owned by her brother-in-law, Stampede, July 5-14, are the Deep Fried Bubble Gum, Amusement Today. “Basically, he had a sum- Scott Bradd. Paul Gagne also B52 Fudge, and Chocolate Dipped Jalapenos. The The show’s larger events mer job on the midway,” she books food with them. Deep Fried Bubble Gum is made from a puffy marsh normally start up after Memo- said. The games are owned by mellow infused with bubble gum, dipped in pastry bat- rial Day when the fair dates After they married, they her brother, Bob Cook, and ter and deep fried. . begin. worked for a time on her fa- Clarence Taylor and Mike COURTESY CALGARY STAMPEDE For the 2013 season, the ther’s show, but ended up Curry.

Through the smiles, the seasons & the miles – Financing everything for the outdoor amusement industry since 2000. Prairie Financial Paul Muller [email protected] A division of Mark Walker Wade Muller [email protected] prairiefinancialinc.com [email protected] 816-554-3863 June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 51 52 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013

midwaylights COMPILED: Pam Sherborne, [email protected]

The North Dakota State Fair, Minot, will be • Guide to refund all fees collected. getting more than $3.4 million in state funds to help Fairfield County Fair manager Dave Benson is • with expenses related to the 2011 flood. sitting back at a familiar desk in the manager’s office Nearly 80,000 people attended the Clark Coun- Two legislative bills signed by North Dakota at the fairgrounds in Lancaster, Ohio. ty Fair and Rodeo in Logandale, Utah, last month, Gov. Jack Dalrymple last month provide $2.75 mil- “It was something they asked me to resume af- a 25 percent increase over the attendance in 2012, lion for repairs to asphalt and a gravel parking lot ter my wife passed away,” Benson said. “I loved be- said Kevin Willard, fair manager. and $674,361 to pay expenses not covered by the ing the fair manager, and I don’t think they wanted There were no major problems at this year’s Federal Emergency Management Agency for the me just sitting around after she passed away. After event and Willard attributed the substantial increase flood fight and recovery. talking to my children, we all agreed that it some- in attendance to the “outstanding weather we had Between the floodwaters and dike-related thing I should do.” compared to the cold and rain last year.” truck traffic on the fairgrounds, the asphalt on the Benson retired as fair manager in March 2012 “This wasn’t our best year attendance-wise but fairgrounds took a beating, Fair Manager Renae after serving in the position for 18 years. Stepping it was right up there at the top,” Willard said. Korslien said. The state appropriation was some- in as fair manager for the 2012 season was fair trea- • what less than the $3.5 million requested to fully surer Jim Marcinko. Marcinko had been in that po- With a still struggling economy, fair deals are fund the estimated repair cost. sition for eight years before being named manager. finding their way onto fairgrounds in big ways. Of- “But this is wonderful. We are very, very grate- He will now assume his old position. ficials at the Wisconsin State Fair, West Allis, set for ful,” Korslien said. • Aug. 1-11, announced several including a half-price She is hopeful to get most of the repair done by The annual Spring Fair in Puyallup, Wash., April fair admission deal that began May 1 and will run the start of the 2013 North Dakota State Fair on July 18-21, greeted 102,090 guests, in spite of typical through June 30. 19 and runs through July 27. spring weather in the Pacific Northwest. Crowds This new promotion offers a $5 fair admission • ignored the intermittent rain at the state’s seventh ticket that can be purchased at Wisconsin Bank Mu- The board of directors of the Alameda County largest fair. tual bank offices. There are 70 locations statewide. Fair Association has selected Jerome Hoban as the “It is extremely satisfying to see that the va- Discounted vouchers may be purchased from par- fair’s new chief executive officer. He replaces Rick riety we offer our guests at the Spring Fair by far ticipating Wisconsin Sentry, Trig’s and Festival Food Pickering, who left the Alameda County Fair in De- outweighs the weather,” said Kent Hojem, fair stores, and may be obtained online. cember 2012 to accept the general manager posi- CEO. “We developed this event as a celebration to Ride and game ticket sheets are also on sale, tion at the California State Fair. spring, and it has become a tradition in the Pacific with $25 paying a voucher for a 50-ticket sheet, an- Hoban has been the chief executive officer for Northwest.” other 50 percent savings. This savings is also being the Orange County Fair and earlier served as its The Spring Fair started in 1900, and is part of offered through June 30. vice president, operations. He has worked at the the Washington State Fair. This was the 8th largest The $15 “Fair Play” three-day pass is back, that Orange County Fair for over 20 years in the areas of attendance in the Spring Fair’s 24-year history. is three admission tickets for $5 each, and a new fair management and facility operations. His experi- • $12 Fast Track Bargain Bundle has been added to ence includes master planning, facility maintenance, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has an- the list of savings. marketing, sales, community relations, sponsorships nounced it is seeking to permanently halt a Slovakia- The Bargain Bundle includes two fair admission and competitive exhibits. based operation from scamming small businesses tickets and one Fair Deals Bargain Book, which fea- “It is a great privilege to be asked to lead the and nonprofit organizations into collectively paying tures deals and discounts from 62 Fair partners and Alameda County Fair team,” Hoban was quoted as millions of dollars to be listed in an online exhibitors’ offers hundreds of dollars in savings. saying last month. “The organization has a great directory called FAIR Guide. There are several deals scheduled to end July reputation in the fair industry and in its community. After reviewing complaints filed by organiza- 31 as well as those that will go throughout the fair. I’m looking forward to being part of the fair’s long tions, the FTC secured a temporary restraining or- • history and tradition.” der and asset freeze on the defendants, Construct A proposal to move the Canyon County Fair Planning is currently underway for the 101st Al- Data Publishers, which allegedly sent mailings to from its current location in Caldwell, Idaho, to an ameda County Fair. retailers, associations, and other businesses who area near north Nampa is being scrutinized by a co- • typically attend tradeshows. The mailings mention alition of agricultural groups because of its potential An early morning fire on April 29 at the Wash- a specific tradeshow or exhibition and ask the re- impact on farmland. ington County Fairgrounds, Marietta, Ohio, en- cipient to check the accuracy of information for the The fair board purchased an 80-acre site in the gulfed the fair’s Poultry Building. exhibitors’ directory for the show. northeast corner of Canyon County in 2009 and The Marietta Fire Department, Warren Volun- The American Society of Association Executives plans to build a new $40 million fair site there. teer Fire Department and Devola Volunteer Fire charged in its complaint to the FTC that the publish- The proposed site is in the middle of about 95 Company responded to the fire around 6:20 a.m. ers’ form suggests that the parties have a preexist- square miles of farmland, said George Crookham, Most of the building, which housed the weekly River ing business relationship with the named tradeshow chairman of the Coalition for Agriculture’s Future, City Farmers Market on Saturdays, was aflame by and that the directory listing is related to the recipi- which includes 25 of the area’s largest agribusiness- the time Marietta firefighters arrived on scene, said ent’s participation in it. Buried in the fine print on es and ag-related associations and companies. Chief C.W. Durham. the form is a statement that by signing and return- Crookham said he’s more concerned about the No one was injured in the blaze. ing the form, the recipient agrees to pay Construct commercial development that he believes would in- • Data/FAIR Guide $1,717 per year for three years. evitably occur around the site. Fairgoers at the Webster County Fair, Fort According to the FTC’s investigation, after the “Just think about the loss of farmland that Dodge, Iowa, will notice some significant changes form is signed and returned to the defendants, Con- would result from doing that,” said Crookham, CEO to both the fairgrounds and events during the fair struct Data/FAIR Guide sends an invoice demand- of Crookham Co., a major vegetable seed producer. this year. ing payment to a Slovakian bank account. “Those CAF Executive Director Roger Batt said the A new fair board has taken over operations of who challenge the invoice are told the order cannot group will carefully scrutinize details of the proposal the grounds and members are planning a number be canceled,” the FTC said. “Late payments follow, and satellite imagery of the site before determin- of activities for the Webster County Fair, July 10-14. with late fees added, and some organizations pay ing whether to support or oppose the fairgrounds In recent years, the fair was limited to mostly just to end the harassment.” move. 4-H and FFA activities, but the board is planning to The FTC said Construct Data/FAIR Guide Canyon County Fair Board Chairman Tim Low- host events that will bring the community back to moved from Austria to Slovakia in 2008 after being ber said the main reason for the proposal is a lack the Webster County Fair. sued by Austrian authorities for deceptive practices. of room for growth at the current location. He also On the schedule for this year’s fair are a BMX To settle the Austrian case, the defendants agreed said that he and other board members also would stunt show, trailer races, figure eight races, a pre- to stop soliciting businesses in the European Union. be opposed to the area around the new site being sentation by the Pella Wildlife Co. and attractions The FTC is now seeking to permanently stop the commercialized. such as a climbing wall, giant slide and mechanical defendants from soliciting tradeshow exhibitors in bull. the United States and require Construct Data/FAIR June 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 53 54 AMUSEMENT TODAY June 2013 MIDWAY OC Fair board announces interim CEO COSTA MESA, Calif. — According to information provided by the MARKET PLACE After meeting for nearly two O.C. Fairgrounds, Lofstrom also worked for hours in closed session last the L.A. County Fair and the National Orange month, the Orange County Fair Show in San Bernardino. He is a former presi- board announced that Doug dent of the Western Fairs Assn. and was rec- Gull Wing Industries Lofstrom has taken over as in- ognized in 2007 in that organization’s Hall of Working with the Carnival Industry since 1989 terim chief executive. Fame. Contact us at: Lofstrom replaces interim Lofstrom Board Chairman Doug La Belle said the www.gull-wing.com CEO Jerome Hoban, who an- board is pleased that Lofstrom will return until nounced that he was leaving for a new job as a permanent CEO is chosen. head of the Alameda County Fair (see Midway “He brings with him years of experience, Lights, page 52) in Pleasanton. with not only this organization but with the Pack-Man 175 kw or 250 kw Quiet Power–Tractor or Lofstrom, 63, of Newport Beach, worked fair industry in general,” La Belle was quoted Trailer Mounted for the O.C. Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa as saying. “This is a great opportunity to move for nearly 10 years, last serving as vice presi- forward. Doug’s going to come in and he’ll pro- dent of events. In that capacity, he oversaw vide for a very smooth transition in that pro-

309 N.E. 1st Street P.O. Box 128 Alta, IA 51002 planning and project management, marketing, cess.” GFlex 400 Amp Toll Free: 800-838-1482 Fax: 712-200-1936 event sales and public safety. Lofstrom will serve the fairgrounds “as He retired in 2011. much as needed,” La Belle said. Tennessee Fair to salute the honeybee LEBANON, Tenn. — Of- and information is provided ficials at the Wilson County on the dangers of insecti- Fair announced in May that cides. the honeybee would be the But the Wilson County agricultural commodity for Beekeepers are active all its 2013 event set for Aug. 16- year, as the largest chapter in 24. the Tennessee Beekeepers As- “We’re working to spread sociation with 238 members. that knowledge on how im- The association sched- portant bees are to our agri- ules periodic beginner train- cultural base,’’ said Wilson ing sessions for new bee- County Beekeepers’ Presi- keepers. The next one will be dent Carey Mitchell when Oct. 15-17 and much of the an amazing part of nature making the announcement. growth has come from those and that expanded to the role The fair attracts thou- sessions. they play in pollination.’’ sands of visitors. In 2012, This will be the third year Amusements of Ameri- even with several days of rain the fair has designated an ag- ca provides the midway for and cold, the fair drew over ricultural commodity. the Wilson County Fair with 525,000 people. Bee enthusi- “Part of the fair’s mis- about 50 rides. asts see this as an opportuni- sion is to promote agriculture The fair with its agricul- ty to get the message to a lot and that goes beyond the tural competitions, musi- of people. show ring, but to give a bet- cal entertainment, pageants, The Wilson County Bee- ter understanding of where grounds entertainment such keepers Association of Mid- food comes from,’’ Wilson as racing pigs, sheep dog dleFrederiksen Tennessee 1/7x3 has b/w been 3/14/02 a County 11:22 Fair AM PresidentPage 1 Hale demonstrations, and rooster fixture at the Wilson County Moss said. “The honeybee crowing contest is the largest Fair with displays and pro- was a natural when we start- fair in the state of Tennessee. grams each year. Live bee- ed thinking about it, with the —Pam Sherborne hives are on display as well, production of honey that’s “The #1 Leading Slide Manufacturer in America” FREDERIKSEN “World’s Largest 5 Lane, One Trailer Slide - 108 Ft.” INDUSTRIES, INC. 5212 St. Paul St. • Financing and Leasing Available • Trades Considered Tampa, Florida 33619 • Order Slide Bags or “New Rain” Bags (813) 628-4545 • 6 New Slides In Stock FAX (813) 621-3679 • Have 20 Used Rides www.funslide.com • 90 Ft. Fiberglass Slide • 65 Ft. Fiberglass Slide

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