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Vol. 14, Issue 1 APRIL 2010 $5.00 San Antonio’s Kiddie Park saved! Brain Surge Pam Sherborne Amusement Today New Chance Morgan ride There is a little acre in debuts at Mall of America San Antonio, Texas, that has Scott Rutherford caused some big news among inventor Bill Kitchen, fea- Amusement Today those in the community and tures eight sweeps radiat- has spread throughout the ing from a central column. amusement industry. The first park model At the end of each sweep That news ­— the reopen- of Chance Morgan’s new is a two-seat gondola with ing of San Antonio’s oldest Unicoaster flat ride was over-the-shoulder restraints. , Kiddie Park. unveiled March 20, 2010 at Sixteen riders per cycle use a The significance — it is one of Nickelodeon Universe inside lever between the seat pairs the oldest kiddie parks in the Minnesota’s sprawling Mall to control the forward/back- U.S. of America. ward flipping motion of the It opened in 1925 and This intriguing new inter- individual gondolas as they many San Antonio natives active attraction, inspired by travel around an undulating 4See MALL, page 3 remember their first visit to AT PHOTOS / GARY SLADE a concept from SkyCoaster the small park as children. Above, Ashley Weaver, owner and GM of Kiddie Park in But, over the years, as often San Antonio, proudly shows off the park’s new entrance. happens, small parks such as this one fall into despair. If it Below, Kid Steam hand cars were added new this season weren’t for the dream of Rad with the reopening of the historic kiddie park. and Ashley Weaver, that small part of the amusement indus- try might be no more. They are now the new owners. “We used to ride by that park all the time,” said Ashley Weaver. “My husband remem- bers going there as a boy. We used think of all the possibili- ties there. When it came up for sale, we decided to buy it.” The couple took owner- ship of the facility, only for children under 12 years of age, PHOTO COURTESY MOA in August, 2009. They kept the BrainSurge, the first example of Chance Morgan’s new facility open during the fall, Unicoaster flat ride, opened to rave reviews on March all along doing improvements, 20 at the Mall of America’s Nickelodeon Universe. 4See KIDDIE, page 3 INTERNATIONAL AMUSEMENTPARKS WATERPARKS BUSINESS MIDWAY/CLASSIFIEDS SEE PAGES 5-8 SEE PAGES 9-13 SEE PAGES 14-18 SEE PAGES 19-24 SEE PAGES 23-31 Dated material.Dated

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Gary Slade Founder and Publisher [email protected]

Kiddie Park reopens

Located just a few blocks from the site of the former Playland Amusement Park, north of downtown San Antonio, Kiddie Park has a long rich history, one that has outlived its neighbor down the road. Dating back to 1925, Kiddie Park is Texas’ oldest operating park, and it is not only a San Antonio favorite, but is a part of the local culture and area’s history. Why you ask? Because generations of San Antonio families have made the trip to this simple, laid back, one-acre parcel to make their first ride on a carousel, ferris wheel, or umbrella ride a must do. Go- ing to Kiddie Park is like watching time stand still. It continues to operate the old classics and in doing so has the old-time charm to go with it. When Kiddie Park closed during the summer season last year, its future looked bleak. The property was showing its age, Scott Rutherford its safety record was starting to become a concern among local fandom and it wasn’t a fun and festive place children under 12 Preservation: material or memory? years were enjoying. That’s when Rad and Ashley Weaver stepped in and did Well, the long-awaited spring season actual structure the King enjoyed all what was right for the local community. They saved Kiddie Park is finally upon us and I guess it’s time for those years ago. While they can spend by acquiring the entire property from its former owner. They me to dust off my Preservation Soapbox their money on whatever they choose spent long tireless hours cleaning up the facility. They rebuilt and climb up for a sermon. (the reported price tag was $35,000 for rides that were in need of maintaince, they painted, they added This time it’s about Bay Beach the rights and a total of nearly $3 million new fencing and landscaping, they added a new office and Amusement Park in Greenbay, Wisconsin, to complete the project), I find myself restroom facility, and they gave the park a San Antonio limestone and their “purchase and relocation” of wondering if they were aware of other rock entrance that would make any person calling Texas home the famous 1915 vintage John Miller- Rutherford candidates that were in much better proud to walk through. Kiddie Park was back and better than designed/Harry Baker-built Zippin shape for relocation? ever. Pippin wooden roller coaster from the Mid- Chief among these are the Miracle Strip While Ashley serves as the park’s general manger, and is South Fairgrounds aka Libertyland in Memphis, Starliner (recently rebuilt and in excellent con- there to oversee the day to day operations, she did the right Tenn. dition at ’s recently-closed Cypress thing by surrounding herself with many qualified people on her While I applaud their efforts to save a classic Gardens); Geauga Lake’s wonderful Big Dipper; staff. She may not have had any previous park experience, but wooden roller coaster from oblivion, my concern or even the Americana Screechin’ Eagle. All she did have the one thing that one cannot overlook: she and over this one is: Just what are they preserving? three are proven rides that deserve to saved. her husband cared enough about this park, about the children It’s a known fact that the late Elvis Presley Dare I say that all three are far more entertaining who visited it, and their local community to borrow the money was fond of renting out the park and privately coasters than the now-gone Pippin, which has needed that would ultimately allow it to reopen. riding the Pippin (that’s what the coaster was now been completely demolished. At a time when our industry has seen far too many tradition- called in the pre-Libertyland days). He reported- Whatever the outcome of this saga, the al parks close for various reasons, this is certainly the feel good ly took a spin with daughter Lisa Marie six days building of the new ride is a plus for all parties. story our amusement industry has been long overdue to read before his death. On the surface, it seems like a Though the lights went out in Memphis for the about. marketable PR coup for Bay Beach to claim that world’s second oldest roller coaster, it’s a safe Amusement Today salutes Rad and Ashley Weaver for saving Elvis’ beloved coaster will reopen in Wisconsin bet that the Badger State’s Zippin Pippin 2.0 a San Antonio instution and ensuring that a whole new genera- in 2011. But will it be, really? will most likely be one that Elvis could not have tion of visitors will have their stories to tell in the future. According to various reports, Bay Beach resisted. is purchasing the idea of and rights to rebuild Amen. —Gary Slade the Pippin instead of physically relocating the

AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF ADDRESS, SUBSCRIPTION, POSTMASTER INFORMATION Mailing Address Deliveries Gary Slade Sammy Piccola P.O. Box 5427 2012 E. Randol Mill Rd, Suite 203 Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Accounting / Circulation Arlington, Texas 76011 (817) 460-7220 AWARD WINNER [email protected] Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 1997 • 1999 • 2000 • 2002 • 2004 • • [email protected] Member of: EDITORIAL (817) 460-7220 Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397) IAAPA, AIMS International, PAPA, ADVERTISING NEWSPAPER PRODUCTION NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, WWA and IALEI Tim Baldwin Subscription rates are: 1 year (14 issues) $50 in the USA; $70 elsewhere; 2 years Sue Nichols Stacey Childress / Affinity Communications [email protected] (28 issues) $90/$130; 3 years (42 issues) $130/$190. Send check or money order (615) 662-0252 Graphic Design (U.S. funds only, drawn on a U.S. bank) to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, P.O. Box 238 Scott Rutherford [email protected] Texas 76005-5427. Your cancelled check is your receipt. Please allow up to six weeks Pegram, Tenn. 37143 [email protected] for your subscription request to be processed and the first issue mailed. [email protected] Terry Lind / TLCreative Design Pam Sherborne Website Design & Maintenance Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement (615) 221-5149 Beth Jenkins [email protected] Today Inc., P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Presort Standard Postage (Permit [email protected] (615) 794-7288 No. 2069) pre-paid at Fort Worth, Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper and its 2040 Belmont Circle John Robinson / W.H.R. Inc. related Web sites are copyrighted and trademarked by Amusement Today 2010, with Bubba Flint Franklin, Tenn. 37069 Daily E-mail Newsletter all rights reserved. [email protected] [email protected] Cartoonist [email protected] POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Contributors: B Derek Shaw, Mary Wade Burnside, Dan Feicht, Andrew Mellor, Janice Witherow, WHR Inc. Arlington, Texas 76005-5427. April 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3 KIDDIE Continued from page 1 bringing the existing rides up to codes and up-to-date. They disassembled the old coaster, but kept the remaining origi- nal rides. Then, they closed around the Christmas holidays and through the month of January. They made a real push to get most of the remaining renova- tions and construction com- plete. The grand opening was held March 8. “I think the most excit- ing part of this has been the great response we have gotten from everyone,” she said. “It has been wonderful and very fun.” The Weavers have con- structed a new office and new restrooms, the latter equipped with a sink and toilet just kid’s size. They have revitalized the concession stand and added a PHOTOS COURTESY MOA local favorite Double Dave’s Pizza Works. The stand also The first park model of Chance Morgan’s Unicoaster allows serves the regular fare such 16 riders to use a central lever to electrically control the as hot dogs, popcorn, cotton forward/backward flipping motion of their gondolas. candy, small corn dogs, Blue platform. Minimum passenger Bell ice cream, sodas, nachos MALL height is just 48 inches. and candy inside an old-fash- Continued from page 1 Amusement Today spoke ioned jar. with Chance Morgan’s Angus The have new landscap- track at 35 mph. Ride time is Jenkins during the ride’s ing and new fencing. There 120 seconds per cycle. grand opening. “Our newest used to be two entrances into The Unicoaster has ride was very well received by the park and now there is just been appropriately dubbed the general public who ven- one. And, that one has been BrainSurge at MOA, which is tured out to give it a try at remade with San Antonio line- based on the Nick television Mall of America,” said Jenkins. stone columns and iron gates. network’s game show of the “We had an open dialogue There are nine rides same name. The ride sports an and worked very closely with including a 1918 Herschel attractive illumination pack- Nickelodeon to transform the Spellman carousel. There is age that utilizes power-saving Unicoaster into their vision a Ferris Wheel. There are the LED lights. In the center of of the BrainSurge. We are all 1925 rides: a car ride, airplane machine is a giant model of a very happy with the result. ride, boat ride, bus ride, horse- brain that glows and flashes, The custom decorations and drawn carriage ride, helicopter sending ‘signals to the riders.’ lighting effects unique to the and flying saucer ride, and a When the new ride pre- BrainSurge turned out very new Jet Steam hand car ride. miered at MOA’s Nickelodeon well. It’s a true interactive The Weavers have no for- Universe, 16 of the nation’s attraction in that riders can mal experience in the amuse- smartest kids were the first choose use the control lever ment park business, but Ashley to try it out. The youngsters to make it either gentle or Weaver said she feels they will AT PHOTOS / GARY SLADE were all members of Mensa, extremely intense.” be able to give it a good shot. Top to bottom: New signage, and a remolded concession the organization open to any- When asked about future Her husband is in charge of stand, are just part of the improvements to San Antonio’s one who scores in the top two versions of the ride and what new business development Kiddie Park this year. Originally opened in 1925, the park percent on an accepted, stan- other options are available, for McComb Enterprises so he continues to operate such classics as the boats, Herschell dardized intelligence test. Jenkins confirmed there are used to business management. Spillman Carousel and the helicopters/flying saucers. Co-creator Bill Kitchen presently three or four par- The Weavers have partnered said, “We were looking for ties seriously interested in with Brent Conger, who will so far.” demand, park staff has been a way to reinvent the roller acquiring their own version also be the general manager. Birthday parties have busy building and painting coaster but on a smaller foot- of the Unicoaster. “It’s a ride Weaver, herself, has visited always been a big part of the more picnic tables, just in time print. The Unicoaster gives that can be customized to just many amusement parks over business at Kiddie Park and for spring break riders all of the thrills of a about whatever the customer the years and now that she has that is not changing. In fact, The park’s operating hours looping wants,” he added. “We can a three-year-old, Cecelia, she Weaver said she feels it is a are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., every at a fraction of the space and offer a smaller version with knows what she would like growth component. day of the week. Admission is price.” just four sweeps seating eight for her own child. “We had 30 birthday par- free, with a separate cost for Requiring approximately riders, or double the existing “Cecelia has been my main ties last weekend,” she said. each ride. An unlimited ride the same amount of real estate number of sweeps to sixteen market research,” Weaver “We had 1,250 people in this pass is offered for $12, except as a Scrambler or Tilt-a-Whirl, with a capacity of 32 riders.” said. “She has given me advice park on Saturday. And, that for Bargain Wednesdays when the new ride stands 18-feet-tall •www.chancemorgan. about candy and some other has been pretty consistent.” that price drops to $10. and requires diameter clear- com. things. She has been right-on To keep up with the ance of only 56 feet including 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2010

Best thing about the industry Three items on my bedside table are … You can be in a room with Nobel Prize winners, and still Alarm clock, lamp and phone. everyone wants to talk to the roller coaster guy! The worst movie I have ever sat through would have to Favorite amusement ride be … Compiled by Janice Witherow I honestly do not have a favorite ride, but a man in my I’ve had a few movies disappoint me, but I honestly can’t position probably shouldn’t name one even if he did. remember the last really bad movie I sat through. Bob Dean Leisure Labs LLC If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry, I would Ten years ago, I was … be … Starting my own business. Trying to build or turn around some other type of busi- As President of Leisure Labs LLC, ness. I can’t stand being around people who … Sarasota, Florida, Bob Dean is a master Lack integrity or provide poor service. specialist in ride representation and The thing I like most about amusement/water park consulting for the amusement season is … I wish I was better at … industry. After several years in the retail Visiting parks that are in full swing. I love to watch the Being patient. I have to work at it all the time. and institutional securities business, Bob little kids. From the minute they hit the parking lot they changed his career path entirely and are completely out of their minds with joy. The longest I have ever gone without sleep is … joined Omni Films International in 1987, Dean 48 hours. Additional details are on a strict need-to-know followed by a stint with Iwerks My first car was … basis. Entertainment (which shortly A Vega. After several months, it became “The Vagrant.” thereafter purchased Omni Films). Bob then fulfilled a This was an early lesson in product quality that sticks On my last birthday, I … lifelong dream in 2000 when he started his own business, with me to this day. Played it very low-key with my family. and he hasn’t looked back since. A true professional with a creative gift, Bob’s pleasant approach makes a lasting A recent life-changing moment for me was … My most prized possession is … impression. Finally living my dream of owning and running a busi- My home. ness. Title Favorite fast food President, but that doesn’t have much meaning in such a Favorite midnight snack Quiznos. I’m a regular at my local shop, and I go out of small organization. Hershey bar. my way to find them when I’m traveling.

Number of years in the industry My perfect day is spent … When I say Jay Leno, you say … 23 great years. Hanging outdoors with my family. Johnny Carson. For me, he will always be synonymous with The Tonight Show. Biggest challenge facing our industry Favorite form of exercise Debt for sure, but building and holding park attendance Right now it’s tennis. I picked up golf at 25, Ju Jitsu at 41 gains seems to be very challenging and the holy grail of To suggest a candidate for the Two-Minute Drill and tennis at 53. Maybe I’ll try MMA or ballroom danc- feature, contact columnist Janice Witherow at jwith- growth. ing when I’m 60. We’ll see. [email protected] or (419) 357-3520. April 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5 INTERNATIONAL www.AmusementToday.com PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLIERS BRIEF Stingray a ‘flying coaster’ sensation Andrew Mellor Master French chef Amusement Today Paul Bocuse makes impression at The first Stingray coaster to be built by Dutch man- Liseberg Park ufacturer Vekoma Rides Manufacturing has enjoyed a Master French chef Paul successful initial few months Bocuse recently joined the of operation at the Suzhou ranks of numerous sports Giant Wheel Park in Suzhou, stars and music celebrities China. to become the first chef – Opened in July last year, and the first person from the Stingray is designed to France – to take his place offer “the ultimate flying in Liseberg Park's Walk of coaster experience,” with rid- Fame. ers enjoying a face-down fly- Paul Bocuse, who has ing sensation parallel to the been called the chef of track. The ride utilizes two, chefs, is a living legend eight-seater trains with pas- in gastronomic circles. The sengers seated in two rows of Vekoma’s new Stingray 84-year-old celebrity vis- four. The seat designs feature at Suzhou Giant Wheel ited Liseberg on Feb. 12 a large opening angle between Park, in Suzhou, China, has to make his handprints at the upper and lower body and proved a popular attrac- Liseberg’s Walk of Fame. a slightly curved back sup- tion since its July debut. The chef pressed his hands port, enabling an optimal fly- PHOTOS COURTESY VEKOMA firmly into the cement and ing position and a good sight completed the process by forward, combined with maxi- at 32.4 meters (106 feet) in signing his autograph. mum safety and comfort for height, the lift height is 31.6 When his signature turned riders. meters (104 feet) and the maxi- out slightly off-center it Once the ride sequence mum speed reached is 76 kph became clear that Paul begins, passengers are taken (47 mph). Ride time comes Bocuse is a perfectionist. from the station up a verti- in at 63 seconds and hourly Many famous names cal lift, and rather than being capacity is approximately 525 can already be seen at tilted forward while in the sta- riders. Liseberg’s Walk of Fame, tion, are tilted forwards dur- The Stingray is a second including those of Michael ing the lift, thus providing a generation Flying Dutchman Jackson, Tina Turner, Paul spectacular view over the rest and incorporates the original McCartney and Whitney of the park. In addition to this features and design philoso- Houston. unique feature, the Stingray phies of the first generation “It’s a big honour for has other special elements too, ride, but with major improve- Liseberg and all our res- including an outside loop, a ments to the restraint system, taurants to welcome double horizontal loop and tilting device and ride control a legend such as Paul a 180 degree roll, all expe- issues including fault diagnos- Bocuse. He has made an rienced while riders lie face tics. enormous contribution to down. “With the Stingray we the restaurant world and The compact design of the have created a new generation we are very pleased he ride means it covers a foot- flying coaster that is afford- has come to visit,” said print of just 37.2 meters by 56.6 able, compact, fast and excit- Thomas Sjöstrand, CEO of meters (122 feet by 186 feet) ing!” commented Vekoma Liseberg's Restaurant AB. and has a track length of 362 account manager Charlotte meters (1,187 feet). Standing van Etten. 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2010 Europarks dissolved - IAAPA Europe steps in Andrew Mellor safety reporting system and resources at its disposal and Amusement Today European safety standards to with a dedicated, fully staffed FAST FACTS subjects such as VAT, leisure office in Brussels will be just Europarks, the federation park accessibility, fair compe- as effective in representing the IAAPA Europe of European park associations, tition, human resources and industry’s interests in Europe Andreas Veilstrup was dissolved in November training. associations, Dawson pointed as Europarks has been.” Andersen, last year following confirma- The membership of out that there was no longer For IAAPA Europe, Executive Director tion from IAAPA Europe that Europarks was made up of any reason for Europarks to Executive Director Andreas Square de Meeus 38/40, all the functions previously industry associations from dif- exist since the development of Veilstrup Andersen said: B-1000 Brussels, Belgium carried out by Europarks ferent European countries, in IAAPA Europe with an office “After Europarks’ decision Phone: (32) 2 401 61 61 would be continued under its addition to individual attrac- based in Brussels. to dissolve the association Fax: (32) 2 401 68 68 stewardship. tion venues where a nation- “In the past couple of years in November last year, we Email: [email protected] Founded in 1981 by the al association did not exist. IAAPA has built up a major have pooled the resources Web: www.iaapa.org/ U.K. association BALPPA and Appropriately, the last per- European presence and has and continued the activities europe Germany’s VDFU, Europarks son to hold the position of begun campaigning on similar of Europarks in Brussels. And was established as a lobbying President of the organization issues to those of Europarks,” the overall goal with IAAPA group to represent the amuse- was a representative of one he said. “The risk of confu- Europe’s presence in Brussels established a Government ment park industry within the of the founding associations, sion with two organizations is to create one, strong voice Relations committee with rep- European parliament. During BALPPA Chief Executive Colin representing the interests of for the attractions industry. resentatives from all the major that time it has been active in Dawson, who played a key role all the attractions in Europe “With the dissolution European associations. This many different areas relating in bringing about the dissolu- was likely to cause future dif- of Europarks, a new forum committee basically replaces to wide ranging cross-nation- tion of Europarks. Explaining ficulties in ensuring a clear for the national associations the Europarks council and al issues, from the devel- the background to the deci- voice was delivering key mes- in Europe was needed and oversees all our government opment of a European ride sion, voted on by all member sages. IAAPA has excellent from January 1, 2010, we have relations activities in Europe.” targets families and teens Andrew Mellor Amusement Today April 1st will mark the opening of the 35th season at Gardaland, in northern Italy, and this year the park is reach- ing out in particular to families and teenagers with two new attractions and some tempting ticket options. New entertainment at the park includes Inferis: face to face with fear!, the first “hell themed horror house” to be Italian park Gardaland presented in Italy. The walk- is targeting families and Gröna Lund adding through attraction offers up teenagers with its new 15 obscure sets featuring live attractions for 2010, childrens coaster in 2010 actors ready to send shiv- including Inferis – a new ers down the spines of even This year it is the tots’ turn to get a new attraction at horror house. the most fearless visitor as Sweden’s Gröna Lund. Tuff-Tuff Tåget (the Choo-Choo they walk along a 150 meter Train) is Gröna Lund’s sixth coaster and will be the first step IMAGES COURTESY GARDALAND (492 foot) path within a total in the roller coaster careers of small children. Supplied by attraction area of 1,000 square Mr. Krabs and Sheldon J. Gardaland and the Zamperla, the 262-foot-long coaster’s eight-car train has no meters (10,764 square feet). Plankton. Aquarium will be offered, height requirement, so parents and adults can bring along Designed strictly for guests The multi-sensory adven- as will “convenient” season small children for their very first ride. over 14-years-of-age, Inferis ture incorporates a variety of tickets. Benefits will also be “Tuff-Tuff Tåget is big news for all small children, and it promises flames, swamps, special effects, in addition to available to those purchas- also constitutes an essential part of our work to create attrac- poisonous fog and numer- the 3D element of the film, ing tickets via the park’s tions to suit every guest – from the smallest to the bravest,” ous other special effects – and including wind, odors, light website, to guests staying at explains Jan Roy, president of Gröna Lund’s Tivoli. plenty of fun for Gardaland games, water splashes, vibra- the Gardaland Hotel Resort The coaster is currently under construction, but is right guests. tions, leg ticklers and seat and to those booking a stay on track to debut April 24 when Gröna Lund opens its Another new feature for movements. through the park’s tour opera- gates for the season. Tuff-Tuff Tåget is being placed next to 2010 will be SpongeBob 4-D As well as the new attrac- tor, Incoming Gardaland. Cirkuskarusellen (the Old Carousel) just inside the main in the Time Voyagers the- tions, Gardaland is also hoping entrance, replacing an old outdoor café. atre which will provide a 4D to tempt visitors with a range EXTRA! EXTRA! “Roller coasters have always been firm favourites YOUR DESKTOP EDITION! film experience courtesy of of flexible new ticket options with our visitors – they’re a real amusement park classic. Nickelodeon. Between waves which the park believes will Naturally, we’re very excited to be able to offer a choice and bizarre marine creatures, cater to the diverse needs of FREE of six here at Gröna Lund now - that’s three more than in viewers will experience a cap- all types of customers. For 2006,” said Peter Osbeck, Gröna Lund’s rides manager. tivating tale set in the legend- 2010 discounted tickets will “Tuff-Tuff Tåget will be the small children’s introduction to NEWS ary Bikini Bottom city, whose be available for families of the world of roller coasters, and then they have five more to EVERY DAY citizens also include Patrick three, four and five people, Sign up at grow into.” Star, Squidward Tentacles, combined tickets for visits to www.AmusementToday.com April 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2010 April 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 AMUSEMENT PARKS www.AmusementToday.com FEC’S ATTRACTIONS RESORTS ENTERTAINMENT SUPPLIERS From Rocky Mountain Construction and Ride Centerline BRIEF Innovative new track design introduced for Texas Giant New version of Gary Slade Zippin Pippin to Amusement Today An AT exclusive! roll again in Wis. Make no doubt about it, Fred Grubb the Texas Giant’s $10 million Bay Beach Amusement makeover is now officially discusses new Park in Green Bay, Wis. underway at Six Flags Over finalized a $35,000 deal on Texas. March 18 to purchase the Texas Giant During a press introduc- rights and design of the tion on March 3, the Arlington, Why was Rocky Zippin Pippin wooden roller Texas park debuted the new- Mountain Construction coaster from the Mid-South Fairgrounds aka Libertyland est in track design for the tra- selected as the lead sup- in Memphis, Tenn. ditional wooden coaster with plier to deliver a new The historic John Miller- the unveiling of Iron Horse Texas Giant? designed/Harry Baker-built Coaster track [a Six Flags “We were selected for Pippin (Libertyland added name/term]. The steel I-Box several reasons. Six Flags the 'Zippin') originally design, that will now serve Six Flags Over Texas wanted to rehab the ride opened in 1915 but was as the track for the legendary Park President Steve and create moved a short distance in coaster, is the result of three Martindale, left, and Rocky something 1923 to the site where it years of engineering by Rocky Mountain Construction new and operated until Oct. 2005. Mountain Construction and President, Fred Grubb, exciting. Since the original ride Ride Centerline. point to the new I-Box Our track has been completely razed, The Chinchillian Red track design is innova- Amusement Today asked painted track is not bent or tive, revo- (shown at right) currently Green Bay Director of Parks, rolled, but is cut, then weld- lutionary Grubb Recreation & Forestry ed together in 40 to 53-foot being installed on the and the Department Bill Landvatter lengths before being bolted to park’s Texas Giant. The ride Texas Giant will be the who would be building the the Texas Giant’s wooden sup- will reopen in 2011. first coaster to have our new ride and just how much port structure. The new track AT PHOTOS / GARY SLADE new track system. Also, would be salvaged from the design does not use any wood compared with traditional now-demolished coaster on the track bed, nor does it er will also be faster, reaching a leader in the amusement wood tracks, the mainte- in Memphis. "I don’t want use any track bolts. A newly speeds of 65 mph. industry, for installing inno- nance costs of our new steel to comment on who will engineered galvanized ledger “This ride is going to take vative products and new track will be significantly be involved in the design design that the track bolts to the entire industry by storm,” designs.” said Fred Grubb, less. A smoother and faster or building of the coaster acts as the spine/backbone for said Steve Martindale, Six president of Rocky Mountain ride will also be achieved until we have finalized con- the steel railed track. Weight Flags Over Texas park presi- Construction. “The selection with this new track.” tracts," said Landvatter. "We of the new track is said to be dent. “Six Flags has built a of our steel I-Box coaster track will be reconstructing the about the same as the for- reputation for developing on the new Texas Giant is How does the new ride with all new lumber mer 9-ply wooden track com- steel tracking system and expect to use different original ride concepts and the just another chapter in their trains. We have acquired plete with steel track and track Texas Giant will be our crow- 50-year history and one we are work, and how is it manu- the old [PTC] trains, other bolts. ing jewel.” proud to be a part of.” factured? signage and materials and The park also announced Construction of the super The ride is also expect- “The I Box track sys- expect to find creative ways that when the new Texas hybrid coaster will be done by ed to use magnetic brak- tem [Iron Horse Coaster to utilize them." Gaint opens in spring 2011, Rocky Mountain Construction ing and will feature three track] is fabricated by start- Construction of the new it will stand 153 feet tall, 10 Group of Hayden, Idaho. newly-designed trains from ing with flat steel plates $3 million coaster is expect- feet taller than it is now, fea- Engineering is by Ride Gerstlauer Amusement Rides cut into specific shapes ed to begin this summer ture a 79-degree first drop Centerline, based in Hyde GmbH in Muensterhausen, provided by engineer Alan with a planned opening in and will incorporate numer- Park, Utah. Germany. The trains will fea- Schilke (Ride Centerline) spring 2011. ous 95-degree banked turns “Six Flags Over Texas has ture urethane wheels. 4See GRUBB, page 10 throughout the ride. The coast- a long rich history, of being 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2010 GRUBB and with whom did you work Tell us a brief history International. In 2001, myself with to develop it? FAST FACTS about yourself and Rocky Continued from page 9 and Suanne Dedmon estab- “It’s been in development Mountain Construction. lished RMC and began build- and is then welded together for the past three years, and Rocky Mountain “Rocky Mountain ing steel and wooden coasters, creating 3D shapes. The track I’ve worked with engineer Construction Group Construction was established water parks and other amuse- rails are shaped the same as Alan Schilke (RCL) and the Owners: in 2001 by myself and Suanne ment park attractions. the current wood track so that Six Flags engineering staff.” Fred Grubb and Dedmon. I have been in the “RMC has built and been we can place this track on Suanne Dedmon construction industry for more involved in the rehab and existing coasters. The same Who owns the rights to P.O. Box 2848 than 30 years. I began building construction of several more cars can be used as well. the technology? Hayden, Idaho 83835 custom homes and specialty wooden coaster projects and [AT has already reported on “Fred Grubb and Alan Office: (208) 772-8181 zoo exhibits. For the past 15 has now developed a revolu- AmusementToday.com that Schilke have a patent pending Fax: (208) 772-8383 years, I have been involved in tionary steel track for wooden the Texas Giant will receive a on the technology.” E-mail: [email protected] the construction of all types of coasters that is currently being new design of coaster trains Web Site: www.rocky theme park attractions. installed on the Texas Giant. from Germany’s Gerstlauer.] Can the Texas Giant’s mtnconstruction.com “I have built many exhib- After rebuilding many wood “The track is manufactured current wooden structure its for various facilities such tracks, we recognized the in RMC’s shops in Hayden, support the additions of all as the Woodland Park Zoo in need for a track that required the steel, or will the structure we see to the coaster’s current Seattle, The National Zoo and less maintenance. As wood Idaho using automated weld- layout and profile? ers to ensure quality control. have to be beefed up? Smithsonian in Washington coasters continue to get larger, “Yes, the current structure “The profile is changed D.C. After building a white faster and taller, traditional The track is then painted and significantly. The drop hill is trucked to Texas. Other coaster can support the new track as it water raft ride for Silverwood wood tracks cannot withstand weighs close to the same as the steeper [79 degrees] and the Theme Park in North Idaho, the forces exerted upon them. parts are fabricated in Idaho, lift hill will be higher by 10 trucked to Texas for galvaniz- traditional wood track [9-ply, I then turned my focus to the This new steel track technolo- plus track steel and track bolt feet [153 feet]. Banking is 95 construction and design of gy requires very little mainte- ing and then delivered to the degrees.” job site.” combined weight] and actu- theme park attractions. nance and makes wood coast- ally ties the wood structure “After building two wood- ers a cost effective ride that together.” What will the finished en coasters for Silverwood will last for many years.” How long has this tech- product feel like to ride? nology been in development Theme Park, I then went to —Gary Slade How much change will “Smoother and faster.” work for Custom Coasters April 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2010

AMUSEMENT SeaWorld San Antonio debuts MARKET PLACE new Azul: Lure of the Sea show SeaWorld San Antonio has taken animal and human interaction to a new level with the premiere of a spec- tacular new show, Azul: Lure of the Sea, which made it ‘s debut on March 12. Azul succeeds Viva! at the Texas marine life park’s 3,000-seat Beluga Stadium and includes colorful new costumes and scenic ele- ments, original music, enhanced sound and LED lighting along with a cast of 22 high divers, synchronized swimmers, aerialists, bungee artists and animal trainers. But the real stars of the show will be acrobatic Pacific white-sided dolphins and graceful beluga whales. Joining them for the spec- AT PHOTOS / GARY SLADE tacle will be beautiful birds Azul: Lure of the Sea at SeaWorld San Antonio features including brightly hued new scenic elements, enhanced sound and lights, syn- macaws and sun conures. chronized swimmers and high divers, all decked out in “Our lively new spec- bright and colorful costumes seen here. tacle focuses on a curious ‘tourist’ who is transport- miered the totally new and “It’s a show with every- ed to a land of strange and exciting Viva! in 2001. It cre- thing you can imagine – mystical air, land and sea ated a popular new wave of humor, drama and especially creatures,” said Dan Decker, SeaWorld entertainment that amazing animal and human SeaWorld San Antonio’s we’re taking to new depths connections,” Decker said. executive vice president and heights.” “Every member of the fam- and general manager. “We Azul introduces the tour- ily will find something to believe our guests will truly ist to the audience in a comi- really like in ‘Azul.’” enjoy the sights and sounds cal pre-show routine, Decker SeaWorld San Antonio of this great adventure, just added, so it’s important not opened for the 2010 season as they did when we pre- to miss anything. Feb. 27. Six Flags Great America becomes first theme park to offer MagiQuest Six Flags Great America has confirmed to solve problems and make great memories,” that the MagiQuest, popular live-action said Denise Weston, director of imagination interactive game developed to bring families at MagiQuest. “The beauty of MagiQuest is together and move children from the couch that kids are engaged, challenged, learning to physical play, will debut at at the Illinois and most importantly having fun.” themer in 2010. MagiQuest opens this spring in the Players are immersed in an 8,000-square- County Fair area at Six Flags Great America. foot fantasyland powered by a “magical” Also new in 2010, the Little Dipper, a historic wand. The wireless remote technology wooden roller coaster formerly of Kiddieland unlocks more than 80 special effects allowing Amusement Park and Glow in the Park the player to navigate the levels of the game. Parade, a new nighttime illuminated parade Each player, called a Magi, gathers coins, with Cirque Du Soleil-style music and more powers and befriends pixies in their quest to than 60 performers. defeat the Dragon and save the Princess. “We are thrilled to be adding MagiQuest Co-inventor Denise Weston, a mother to our lineup of new additions to the park and trained psychologist, sought to create a for the 2010 season,” said Six Flags Great game that would stimulate the mind of chil- America park president Hank Salemi. “We dren and promote teamwork, strategic think- are the first theme park to launch an interac- ing and family bonding in a fun yet educa- tive educational family attraction of this type tional platform. “MagiQuest is a perfect way and are confident our guests will enjoy this Keep our amusement park industry strong! to combine physical play and computer play new attraction the whole family can experi- Buy products and services from these suppliers. while kids or the entire family work together ence together.” April 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13 details latest expansion Disney executives released include four of your favorite themed eatery. Meanwhile, new details in early February princesses, said Jay Rasulo, in the new Under the Sea: on exciting additions coming senior executive vice presi- Journey of the Little Mermaid to Walt Disney World Resort dent and chief financial officer attraction, Ariel and all her in Orlando, Fla. This ambi- of The Walt Disney Company. friends will entertain in a ride- tious three-year construction “Guests will meet and interact through adventure featuring project will result in the largest with the princesses in their favorite songs from the popu- expansion in Magic Kingdom very fairy tale worlds. They lar animated feature. history. will be immersed in the sights, After visiting the prin- “As Walt Disney envi- sound and magic that make cesses, guests will enjoy a sioned, our theme parks are each princess story so memo- newly expanded area centered places ‘where the parents and rable.” around Dumbo, the most pop- the children could have fun For the first time, visitors ular ride in Fantasyland. The together.’ When guests ride will be able to step into their big top comes to Dumbo’s It’s A Small World with their favorite Disney fairy tales to Flying Circus with a magi- children and grandchildren, have more magical and immer- cal flight high above brand- they remember their own sive encounters with Disney new circus grounds, twice the Disney visits and dream and princesses. Each princess will size of the classic attraction, make a new shared memory. have her own themed village complete with a new twist on The heart of Disney magic is within Fantasyland Forest. waiting in line. in Fantasyland where prin- At Dreams Come True While the first phase of the cesses and fairies gather, and with Cinderella, guests can RENDERING COURTESY WDW RESORT Fantasyland expansion will be Cinderella’s Golden Carousel meet Cinderella face to face in open to Walt Disney World Top: Dumbo’s Flying Circus will be home to an attrac- runs every day of the year,” her country chateau, share a guests in 2012, there’s plenty said Al Weiss, president of dance or train to be one of her tion twice the size of the original and interactive queue. more in store. Rasulo added, worldwide operations for Walt Royal Knights. At A Birthday Above: Artist’s rendering of Magic Kingdom expansion. “Someday when our vision of Disney Parks and Resorts. “So Surprise for Sleeping Beauty, in the surprise celebration. The new district will also Fantasyland is fully realized, you can imagine how excited it is party time inside the Briar And an enchanted mirror will invite parkgoers to the Be Our guests will be able to meet we are to break ground and Rose Cottage, nestled in a lush, transport guests from Belle’s Guest Restaurant, one of three Tinkerbelle and her friends begin the Magic Kingdom’s forest setting. The three good father’s cottage to Beast’s enchanted dining rooms inside in Pixie Hollow. They’ll be re-imagining of Fantasyland.” fairies give Aurora the Sweet castle for an enchanting sto- Beast’s castle. And just outside shrunk to the size of a pixie “We are in fact doubling 16 party she never received, rytelling performance during the castle in Belle’s Village will and play among towering the size of Fantasyland to and everyone’s invited to join Enchanted Tales with Belle. be Gaston’s Tavern, another blades of grass and flowers.” Disney expansion includes more than just Magic Kingdom The massive Fantasyland Wonder will sail four and ect involving ESPN and the project is not the only expan- five night cruises to Nassau, Disney sports complex, the sion in store for the Florida Key West and Castaway Cay. leading multi-sport venue segment of the Disney empire. In the summer of 2011, the in the nation, aims to create A wave of new ships, enter- Disney Wonder will sail for immersive and entertaining tainment and activities at the first time to Alaska, with sports experiences for athletes, sea are all part of a relaunch seven-night cruises calling on coaches and fans by incorpo- intended to bring together the Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau rating signature elements of world’s top family destination and Ketchikan. ESPN in ways that will con- with the worldwide leader in nect athletes and coaches with sports. Disney Cruise Line expand- their favorite ESPN programs, ing fleet personalities and elements. A magical makeover (2011 and 2012) Guests will discover a for Castaway Cay (2010) The Walt Disney Company new welcome center, a digital Castaway Cay, Disney’s is expanding its cruise vaca- center where video captured private island paradise in tion business by adding two by 56 high-definition robotic the Bahamas, is getting new ships, Disney Dream and and handheld cameras across an extra dose of pixie dust. Disney Fantasy, to set sail in the 220-acre sports campus is Enhancements include an 2011 and 2012, respectively. edited for display on 40 video expanded family beach, a Two decks taller than the exist- screens and two “jumbotrons” floating water platform featur- The Disney Dream offers ing Disney Magic and Disney throughout the complex as ing two twisting waterslides, Wonder, the new 1,250-pas- part of a veritable Wide World the debut of AquaDuck, two fresh-water play areas, a senger liners will more than of SportsCenter, and the new new teen retreat and 20 new the first-ever shipboard double the passenger capacity ESPN Wide World of Sports private rental cabanas. The water coaster, a Master for Disney Cruise Line. Now Grill. additions are scheduled to be Blaster from Whitewater. under construction, the Disney Meanwhile, behind the complete by summer 2010. Dream will offer magical inno- scenes, technical staff will con- IMAGES COURTESY DISNEY vations, engaging children’s tinue work in the Innovation New Sailings for spaces, family entertainment Lab to develop ground-break- Disney Magic and and Mediterranean cruises. for 10 and 11-night cruises, and immersive experiences. ing ESPN on-air products – Disney Wonder (2010-11) Book-ending the summer with three new ports of call using the action throughout In 2010, the Disney Magic season of 12-night Northern – Tunis in northern Africa, ESPN Wide World the complex as a real-world will sail to Europe for an European capitals cruises, the the island nation of Marta, of Sports Complex relaunch testing environment. unprecedented five-month Disney Magic will once again and Ajaccio, Corsica. In the (2010) season of Northern European return to the Mediterranean summer of 2010, the Disney A re-imagining proj- 14 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2010 WATERPARKS www.AmusementToday.com AQUATIC CENTERS INDOOR FACILITIES RESORTS REVENUE SUPPLIERS BRIEF Radisson Hotel Albuquerque ProSlide unveils New Mexico gets its first indoor waterpark new 'world's first' The Radisson Hotel waterslides at three Albuquerque recently debuted Great Wolf resorts its 30,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, which opened to the public on March 12. Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. The waterpark’s five pool unveiled its first of three features include: a 63,895-gal- new waterslides of the lon lazy river and double slide new year. The Triple Twist, plunge pool; a 298-foot-long which opened March 4 at raft slide and 237-foot-long Great Wolf Lodge at Kings tube slide; a 32,235-gallon kids’ Island, is a first-of-its-kind- activity pool; a 12,577-gal- in-the-world slide. New lon wading pool with play slides at two other resort structure for younger chil- locations opened at the end dren; an 8,690-gallon indoor/ of March. outdoor adult whirlpool spa; Supplied by Canada's a 57,230-gallon WhiteWater ProSlide Technology, the West dual FlowRider; and a Triple Twist is a five-story waterplay structure featur- ProSlide Tantrum featur- ing a 55-gallon dump bucket, ing a high speed drop into PHOTO COURTESY RADISSON HOTEL three basketball hoops, water- a huge funnel, followed The Radisson Hotel Albuquerque’s new 30,000-square-foot indoor waterpark features falls, spray features, and inner by twists and turns, and numerous body/tube/raft slides, lazy river, WhiteWater West dual FlowRider and water- tubes. two more funnels. Great play structure. The hotel and waterpark Wolf Lodge in Kansas City facility also features Arcadia, Delgado Tin Works; and Old state of New Mexico who has Hotel and Waterpark. “We opened its version of The an FEC with a 50-game video Town Gifts & Sundries retail waited so long for this type are also pleased to note that, Triple Twist on March 12, arcade that includes Art! outlet. of featured attraction for fun during these trying economic with Great Wolf Lodge Attack, paint your own pot- “It is wonderful that we family entertainment rain or times, we’ve brought 60 new in the Pocono Mountains tery; create your own Cuddly can bring this indoor water- shine” said Jim Metzger, gen- jobs to the Albuquerque com- scheduled to open Double Critter studio; Tully’s Deli; park to Albuquerque and the eral manager of the Radisson 4See RADISSON, page 18 Barrel Drop on March 26. The new Pocono Mountains attraction – ProSlides new TantrumAlley – will be the first indoor waterslide ProSlide water coaster of its kind in the world. The six-story adventure rising at Iowa’s Lost Island starts with a high speed drop into a huge funnel, Construction is on sched- Rocket has many attributes a 450-degree turn into a ule at Waterloo, Iowa’s Lost of a roller coaster. Utilizing a dark vortex tunnel, and Island for the waterpark’s combination of water lubrica- then a second funnel. All 10th anniversary season and tion, downhill and uphill grav- three new waterslides will the introduction of a ProSlide ity and ProSlide’s proprietary include lighting and special HydroMagnetic Rocket water HydroMagnetic technology, effects to enhance the rider coaster. Sporting the exotic riders experience the accelera- experience. name of Wailua Kapua, which tion of the ascent followed by “We’re proud to con- translates to purple Hawaiian the exhilarating speeds of the river dragon, the 990-foot-long tinue leading the water- downhill drops. PHOTO COURTESY PROSLIDE park industry in new ride attraction will be The Lost Island ride will the largest ride addition in the also feature one of the first A ProSlide Hydro-Magnetic Rocket water coaster will mark innovations, like being the the 10th anniversary season of Iowa’s Lost Island in 2010. first in the world to have waterpark’s history. ride-up conveyors. Instead of The Triple Twist,” said Tim Though challenged by the a series of stairs leading up water rides like the ProSlide we’re really going to hit it this Black, executive vice presi- cold winter weather and heavy to the beginning of the ride, Tornado, CannonBowl, spring with a heavy market- dent of operations. “This Iowa winds, ProSlide crews guests will board the four-per- OctopusRacer, and Dark ing plan touting the 10-year is only the start of a really have been working tirelessly son rafts at the bottom of the Mammoth. anniversary to try to reach out big year for Great Wolf to have the ride ready for the first hill and ride the conveyor “Having this major, major further than we have in the Lodge, and we’re excited new season, which begins in up to the top. addition to the park, and the past,” said Eric Bertch, Lost to unveil these first pieces June. Lost Island also features fact that we do try to keep Island’s general manager. of the puzzle just in time The HydroMagnetic other award-winning ProSlide everything new to the guests, for spring break.” HAVE WATERPARKS NEWS OF INTEREST? EMAIL IT TO US AT: [email protected] April 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2010 Cowabunga Bay, Utah Cowabunga Bay,

They’ll stay and play all day! Exciting hands-on adventures for the entire family.

Wild Wadi, Dubai Wet ’n’ Wild, Arizona Hersheypark, Pennsylvania Ocean World, Korea

The Waterpark Company [email protected] • Tel: +1 604 273 1068 • www.whitewaterwest.com April 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17 Atlantis Resort, Bahamas

Defying Gravity Voted best waterpark ride for 10 years!

Wet’n’Wild, Arizona Wet’n’Wild, Arizona Ocean World, Korea Atlantis Resort, Dubai dueling uphill watercoaster The Waterpark Company [email protected] • Tel: +1 604 273 1068 • www.whitewaterwest.com Master Blaster® is a federally registered trademark of Water Ride Concepts, Inc. and is covered by the following U.S. Patents: #5,213,547; #5,011,134; #5,230,662; #5,453,054; and # 5,779,553. Worldwide patents pending. 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2010 RADISSON our local economy with the Continued from page 14 contracting of several groups Santa’s Village adding waterplay representing more than 2,000 munity with more anticipat- hotel room nights in 2010.” A new winter-themed ed.” The new facility was interactive waterplay structure “This is a great attrac- designed by the consulting – HO-HO-H2O – manufac- tion for the property to bring team of Cities Edge Architects, tured by Canada’s WhiteWater in not only local customers, a national hotel, resort and West Industries, will highlight but leisure guests and week- waterpark design firm and the summer fun at Santa’s end groups from all over the Ramaker & Associates. Village, Salem, N.H. Southwest,” added Director of Ramaker & Associates per- The family-owned-and- Sales and Marketing, Arthur formed the aquatic, mechani- operated theme park antici- ‘Coop’ Cooper, “As a matter cal, electrical and plumbing pates spending $900,000 to pur- of fact, we have already seen engineering design for the chase and install HO-HO-H2O positive economic impact on facility. within sight of Route 2, across from the Evergreen Motel, explained Communications MIOX Technology manages RENDERING COURTESY SANTA’S VILLAGE Director Bruce Hicks. HO-HO-H2O, a winter-themed waterplay will open in 2010 This 6,400-square-foot water quality at Radisson attraction will feature a shal- at Santa’s Village in Salem, N.H. low eight-inch-deep wading lows on the successful intro- “The summer of 2009 was MIOX Corporation, a that may exist in distribution pool in which youngsters can duction of the Penguin Splash our first complete season in leader in safe water disinfec- pipelines; reduced formation play and splash, along with at the end of the 2008 summer which the Penguin Splash tion, has been awarded the of chlorinated by-products; ladders and slides on which season. Originally planned as was open, and it was tremen- service contract to provide and a better swim experience they can be adventurous, plus a quick cooling-off spot, the dously popular,” said Hicks. aquatic sanitation for the through elimination of the eye water cannons and water jets. shallow Splash pad with pul- “We had to stock towels and new indoor waterpark at the and skin irritation typical of Excavation has already begun, sating water jets turned out to flip-flops to sell in our shops; Radisson Hotel Albuquerque. many pools and spas. and installation is scheduled be a major draw, with young- people weren’t prepared, but The contract includes manag- “By partnering with in May. sters of all ages getting soak- they will be this summer.” ing water quality and cleanli- MIOX, we have found a The new water feature fol- ing wet. ness for the waterpark’s major highly effective water sanita- water attractions. tion technology that ensures The MIOX SmartStart lease the safest and most enjoy- Six Flags New England expands waterpark program includes a mixed oxi- able environment possible for Officials at Six Flags New wavepool designed specifi- personal lockers, refrigerators, dant on-site generation system, guests and employees,” said England’s Hurricane Harbor cally for little ones; a 150-foot- a flat screen TV and a personal training, remote monitoring Jim Metzger, general manag- recently announcing a new long interactive lazy river wait staff. Also new for the and on-site preventive main- er of the Radisson. “With the attraction for 2010 – Mr. Six’s with dumping coconuts, rain 2010 season is Johnny Rockets tenance services. The mixed SmartStart program, we have Splash Island. Based on Six curtains and squirting effects restaurant located next to Mr. oxidant technology in use at the peace of mind of know- Flags’ popular mascot, Mr. to keep young swimmers Six’s Splash Island. the Radisson Albuquerque ing MIOX’s job is to keep our Six’s Splash Island will open cool in the hot New England “Mr. Six has become an offers better control to prevent solution tank full, while also to the public on May 28 with sun. The fun continues with iconic character at Six Flags recreational water illnesses; ensuring peak performance 16,000 square feet of drench- water bubblers and fountains and we are excited to have the ensure removal of biofouling from the MIOX system.” ing thrills and relaxation for throughout the area. Parents first Mr. Six’s Splash Island,” the family. can relax in style with ten new said Larry Litton, Six Flags Mr. Six’s Splash Island will luxury cabanas set poolside New England’s park presi- boast a 30,0000-gallon shaded and offering lounge chairs, dent. “Hurricane Harbor is a huge draw in the New England region and with the addition of Mr. Six’s Splash Island we are solidifying our commitment to providing a wide array of fun, affordable family entertainment.” Along with Six Flags own designers providing conceptu- al design and project manage- ment, major suppliers for the Hurricane Harbor expansion include: Glynn Geotechnical Engineering (project engi- neers); Murphy’s Waves LTD (primary layout design, wave equipment; Family Fun Pools (water movement hydraulics, fiberglass river channel walls); and Funtraptions, Inc. (interac- tive pool and river features). Hurricane Harbor opens for the 2010 season on May 28. AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM April 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19 BUSINESS www.AmusementToday.com REVENUE PEOPLE RESORTS AIMS INTL. SUPPLIERS BRIEF Ride safety training highlights NJAA Meeting Bondholders and Mary Wade Burnside Assn. executive director (NAARSO) or Amusement Amusement Today Kimberle R. Samarelli. “It Industry Manufacturers Six Flags reach never existed before.” & Suppliers International proposal to end The New Jersey Enforcement will begin (AIMS). During the 15th Amusement Assn.’s Annual sometime later this year, Annual East Coast Expo, held bankruptcy East Coast Expo, held Feb. Samarelli said, and there will at Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic 24-25, was a little busier than be a two-year phase-in peri- City, attendees were able to get Bondholders led by usual this year, because time for all parks to have certified od. The training had to be NAARSO training, Samarelli Stark Investments will and effort had to be spent on maintenance technicians. either through the National said. take control of Six Flags ride safety training after the “It’s a new regulation,” Association of Amusement About 350 people attend- Inc. under a proposal state passed a new law calling said New Jersey Amusement Ride Safety Officials 4See NJAA, page 23 announced on March 19 that would allow the theme park operator to PAPA members discuss ride safety classes, legislation emerge from bankruptcy. Mary Wade Burnside amusement industry. These state sales tax, but he wants to Six Flags attorney Paul Amusement Today included supporting a uni- expand it to realize $550 mil- Harner of Paul, Hastings, form back-to-school date lion more. In my mind, that’s Janofsky & Walker said Members of the after Labor Day and opposed a tax increase.” that under the proposal, Pennsylvania Amusement Gov. Ed Rendell’s new sales In Rendell’s proposal, the the Stark group will invest Parks Assn. (PAPA) will con- tax plan, said president-elect sales tax would be decreased $725 million in new equity tinue to subsidize its annu- Barry Kumpf of Lakemont from 6 percent to 4 percent. in Six Flags. al ride safety seminar even Park in Altoona, Pa. However, the list of things Under the proposal, though the group has been one of the competing semi- Plus, members also dis- taxed would be expanded to bondholders will borrow losing money on the classes. nars picked up ‘Pennsylvania cussed the state’s amusement include 74 more items, includ- $1.1 billion. The funds That decision was made dur- Ride Safety Seminar,’ and tax, “But we are always fight- ing many amusement-related will be used pay off credi- ing the association’s annual now there is some confusion,” ing that battle,” Kumpf said. products. tors and provide working spring meeting, held March Chubb said. “It’s not imposed equally “He is going to realize capital after the company 1 and 2 at Hershey Lodge in About 100 people attend among all participants. It’s a more money from that sales emerges from bankruptcy. Hershey, Pa. the seminar and get 24 hours municipality tax, and some tax,” Quinn said. Management will have “This year, we ran a of training. Although ways to municipalities choose not to PAPA has joined together warrants and options deficit of $3,300,” said Gary make the seminar more profit- implement it. with other affected entities to worth up to 15 percent Chubb, senior director for able were discussed, no con- “For instance, Logan fight the proposal. of the company's equity. maintenance at Hersheypark clusions were drawn, Chubb Township (where Altoona is “We have a coalition of The rest will be owned by and a PAPA past president. said. located) chooses to implement tourism entities that are much the group led by Stark. “We’ve thought about raising “We just know that a 9 percent amusement tax. bigger than we are, with all The proposed settlement fees. We’ve thought about get- we’ll have another seminar But there may be other parks the Chambers of Commerce must be documented and ting additional sponsorships. in November, location to be in close proximity whose gov- fighting and lobbying against is then subject to approval There are so many offerings of determined,” he said. erning body, whether it’s a the change in tax,” Quinn said. by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge ride seminars that we’ve dis- The PAPA board of direc- city, township or borough, “The coalition of tourism enti- Christopher Sontchi. cussed the possibility of send- tors meets twice a year, once chooses not to implement a ties are people like ourselves Bloomberg According to ing letters to inspectors urging during the spring meeting tax. So they would have some – ski areas, campgrounds and News , Six Flags Chief them to attend our training and again during the summer advantage.” other groups. We work with Executive Mark Shapiro seminar.” meeting, which this year will As for Rendell’s proposed visitors bureaus and cham- and Chief Financial Officer A few years ago, the group be held July 19 and 20 at Great sales tax, Andy Quinn, the bers of commerce and doing Jeffrey Speed will remain changed the name of the Wolf Lodge in Scotrun, Pa., in director of community rela- a grassroots campaign to keep under the proposed set- classes from the Pennsylvania the Poconos. tions at Kennywood Park in the sales tax as it is.” tlement. Senior managers, Ride Safety Seminar to PACE, During the March 1 board West Mifflin, Pa., and PAPA’s As for the uniform back- including Shapiro and which stands for Parks and meeting, members discussed legislative committee chair, to-school date, PAPA supports Speed, signed four-year Carnivals Education. several legislative issues that said the governor “backhand- that date as the Tuesday after contracts with Six Flags “When we did that, then can affect the Pennsylvania edly proposed it as a cut in the 4See PAPA, page 24 last year. 20 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2010 PEOPLE WATCH Quassy promotes three veteran staff members Riding the Market Three veteran members of the Quassy Amusement Park staff have been promoted, the Middlebury, Conn. park has announced. presented by Bryan T. Pope, The Pope Firm “This is a solid team that has been in place for a number of years,” Stock Prices 52 weeks noted park owners George Frantzis II and Eric Anderson. “They have Company Name 03/18/10 High Low continually cultivated group sales and generated new business even STOCK EXCHANGE: NYSE, OTC BB*, NASDAQ**, SYDNEY ASX*** during these challenging economic times.” Cedar Fair L.P. FUN $12.02 $13.56 $6.03 Audrey Brown, office manager, has been named MGM Mirage MGM $11.91 $14.25 $2.28 director of outreach programs for schools and scouts. Six Flags, Inc. SIXFQ** $0.112 $0.59 $0.58 She has been with Quassy for 10 years and took CBS Corp. CBS $14.37 $14.94 $3.65 over as office manager in 2007. While continuing to Walt Disney Co. DIS $33.78 $33.84 $17.08 oversee the day-to-day operations of the park’s main Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. WOLF** $2.87 $3.95 $1.71 office, Brown is now responsible for further develop- Landry’s Restaurants LNY $20.92 $22.21 $4.18 ment of outreach programs for schools and scout This information is believed to be Blackstone Group BX $14.50 $17.22 $5.76 groups. Brown accurate, but is not guaranteed. Village Roadshow VLRDY*** $10.378 $10.379 $2.807 Adrienne Wilson, assistant office manager, is Returns provided do not include NBC Universal GE $18.19 $18.40 $9.26 the new director of sales for educational school reinvestment or dividends. fieldtrips. Wilson is in her third year with the park and will complement Brown’s efforts in coordinating educational fieldtrips. She is a recent graduate of the Region As of Change from ON-HIGHWAY TOP 7 MOST TRADED University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts (U.S.) 3/15/10 year ago $$$ CURRENCIES DIESEL PRICES degree in communication processes. East Coast 2.948 0.855 On 03/18/10 $1 USD = “Our free educational programs are second Midwest 2.895 0.930 0.72655 EURO to none,” Frantzis said. “The park is introducing Wilson Gulf Coast 2.897 0.924 0.65353 GBP (British Pound) an extensive hands-on project approved by the 90.44930 JPY (Japanese Yen) American Association of Physics Teachers this year, and thus far it has Rocky Mountain 2.923 0.935 drawn a lot of attention. Audrey and Adrienne have the expertise to West Coast 3.005 0.914 1.05375 CHF (Swiss Franc) fully utilize all of our educational programs in the communities we California 3.065 1.016 1.08455 AUD (Australian Dollar) serve.” Prices per gallon; Information provided by U.S. Department of Energy 1.01135 CAD (Canadian Dollar) Tracy Johnson, corporate events coordinator, has been promoted to sales director for themed and BRYAN T. POPE Attorney at Law community service outings. A member of the park’s THE Defending the amusement industry for over 25 years sales staff for the past six years, she will continue to promote corporate events while taking on new chal- POPE 519 I-30, PMB 218 lenges. ROCKWALL, TEXAS 75087 “We have seen a dramatic spike in themed out- PHONE: (972) 771-4411 • FAX: (972) 771-0041 FIRM E-MAIL: [email protected] ings over the past few years, and Tracy has been at Johnson the center of those efforts,” Anderson asserted. “We have branched out not only with themed outings such as Gospel Days, but community service fundraisers have had some profound impact on the use of our catered outing facilities.” Woosher Straw offers unique

Pacific Park CEO Mary Ann Powell appointed to board advertising opportunities for parks Special Olympics Southern California has appointed Mary Ann Powell, CEO and general manager of Pacific Park in Santa Monica, The Woosher spinning Calif. and located on the Santa Monica Pier, as the newest member of its straw has been causing quite a board of directors. Powell recently assumed the position and has begun stir since it was launched just the 3-year term. a few years ago. It has been Powell is past-chairman of the board of the Santa Monica highlighted as a top ten inno- Convention and Visitors Bureau and is now an officer, currently serv- vation along with products ing as secretary. She also serves on the board of directors of the Santa like the Rubik’s Cube and the Monica Chamber of Commerce. Dyson vacuum cleaner, and it “We are fortunate to have someone of Mary Ann’s caliber and was featured on the Discover professional background joining us on the board,” said Patrick Channel internationally. It was McClenahan, chairman of the board of directors of Special Olympics also selected to be in the finale Southern California. “Her business acumen coupled with her compas- of the Sky 1 prime time show sion for others will be a genuine asset to the organization.” The Big Idea, a show similar PHOTO COURTESY DB PROMOTIONS Powell has spent more than 12 years taking Pacific Park on the American Inventor to , and it The Woosher Spinning Straw offers a unique ability to be Santa Monica Pier to new heights and has led the way for 14 new featured on the BBC. amusement rides and attractions. Its function is simple; used as a duel advertising platform. the inner globe spins as the Flushed Away in Pepsi serving Explorer, Power Rangers, Bob Michael Mack joins IAAPA Europe Advisory Board consumer drinks through the Odeon cinemas. Some of the the Builder, and also for The Michael Mack, member of Europa-Park´s management, has been Woosher, causing the printed others promotions have been Rainforest Café, The London appointed to the International Association of Amusement Parks and images inside to spin as fast as for the European Football Aquarium and many more. Attractions (IAAPA) Europe Advisory Board. you drink. It is the only drink- Championships with Coca- The product has design Michael Mack, who is a board member of the ing straw that is an interactive Cola as well as many other registration and patent pro- German Association of Amusement Parks (VDFU) advertising banner. promotions with them. The tection in the majority of the since 2008, has willingly accepted his new task to also The product’s unique abil- other main buyers have been world. Patents cover 28 coun- act on a European level from now on. The IAAPA ity to be used as a duel adver- Europe Advisory Board is responsible for all European PepsiCo, Nestea, Mountain tries, with the USA, Canada, issues of IAAPA. Michael Mack has been appointed tising platform makes it the Dew, and Fanta. Australia, China and others ideal way to promote brands The Woosher has also been already granted. to the board due to the fact that he not only represents Mack the leading theme park in Germany, Europa-Park in or jointly promote with a designed as a retail item and For further details, contact Rust, which is also among the worlds leading theme parks, but also the partner. Past examples have has been used by Disney and Bill Welch, DB Promotions at management of the manufacturing company Mack Rides in Waldkirch/ been Disney for the release of Hit Entertainment with licenc- (434) 223-7891 or visit their Germany. Treasure Planet with Coca-Cola, es like Disney Cars, Winnie Web site at: www.dbpromo- DreamWorks for the release of EMAIL news briefs TO: [email protected] the Pooh, Princess, Dora the tions.com. April 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21 Innovative Leisure assist centers after wall recall Climbing wall specialist Innovative Following a thorough investiga- “This situation has obviously caused Leisure has come to the assistance of tion, MSA is planning to discontinue serious problems for operators of climbing numerous climbing centers, local authori- the Redpoint descender and in doing so walls, climbing centrers and other ven- ties and other operators of climbing walls stated in a further stop use notice update ues,” said Innovative Leisure Managing following the “stop use” notice issued by of Dec. 4, 2009, that it will be “effectively Director Phil Pickersgill. “In the U.K., the manufacturer MSA Redpoint on their exiting the recreational market for climb- the Health and Safety Executive has also clutch auto-belay descender. ing wall auto-belay systems.” issued a prohibition notice in addition U.S. company MSA North America These recent incidents, the stop notice to the manufacturer’s stop use notice so issued a stop use notice for all such and MSA’s subsequent decision to dis- operators are now looking for an alterna- descenders on Oct. 14, 2009, with a sub- continue the product involved has inevi- tive system to enable them to keep oper- sequent stop use notice update on Nov. tably created problems for many opera- ating. In many cases the operator does 3, 2009, regardless of the date the unit tors, with those affected now searching not have staff suitably qualified to use was manufactured or last factory ser- for an alternative, replacement system. manual belays and so their operation has viced. This course of action followed two As a result, Innovative Leisure has been effectively ground to a halt. Auto-belays PHOTO COURTESY incidents involving the failure of two inundated with inquiries and requests are essential for many operators offer- INNOVATIVE LEISURE separate Redpoint descender auto-belays, for assistance and, with many years of ing an introduction to climbing and for Climbing wall operators a controlled descent device designed spe- experience in both operating and supply- events such as kids’ parties where staff are turning to Innovative cifically for the challenge course (ropes ing hydraulic auto-belay systems to cus- costs, and ratios to guests, have to be Leisure for their prod- courses), climbing wall and climbing tomers throughout the U.K. and Europe, commercially viable. ucts after a recall of MSA gym industry. The two incidents involved backed by U.S. manufacturer Spectrum Additional information can be found climbers experiencing rapid rates of Sports International, is offering a proven at www.innovativeleisure.co.uk. Redpoint’s clutch auto- descent resulting in injuries. alternative to the Redpoint descender. belay descender.

SeaWorld Orlando update Investigations continue in SeaWorld trainer’s death Pam Sherborne staff and independent marine “We don’t do routines Amusement Today SEE RELATED EDITORIAL mammal experts. There are no with the killer whales any CARTOON...PAGE 2 details to share at this point, more like we used to,” Ann In mid-March the con- but we will make our findings Marie Rondinelli, the park’s tinuing saga of Tilikum, the known in due course.” marketing office manager, 30-year-old orca which was traumatic injuries and drown- One of the performanc- was quoted as saying in The responsible for the tragic death ing” after Tilikum, the 12,000- es during the orca shows at Niagara Falls Review. of a SeaWorld, Orlando, Fla., pound orca that has sired mul- SeaWorld has trainers coming Nancy Chan, Six Flags trainer Feb. 24, was no where tiple calves since arriving at up out of the water on the Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo, near coming to an end. SeaWorld, pulled Brancheau nose of the orcas, then diving Calif., said that park has one In fact, SeaWorld admin- into the water. into the water. orca, a 17-year-old female istrators declined even to dis- Investigations on the exact However, Tilikum was not named Shouka. It is their poli- cuss the park’s crisis manage- way it happened and perhaps a “water-work” animal, i.e., cy that trainers not go in-water ment plan because the park why was still pending in mid- trainers were forbidden from with Shouka. was still very much in it. It March. The incident was cap- swimming with him because “We have standard operat- could be a very long before tured on surveillance tapes at of his massive size and his- ing procedures and safety pro- park officials will be able to sit SeaWorld, which were hand- tory (Tilikum had been linked tocols in place and those poli- down and assess how every- ed over to Orange County to two other deaths while cies are continually reviewed thing was handled. Sheriff’s officials. According to in captivity), according to a and, if necessary, modified,” Yet, they are continuing state laws, those tapes will be story from OrlandoSentinel. Chan said. “Our trainers do to handle it, fielding ques- made public once the investi- com, the online version of the not go in-water with Shouka tions from local and interna- gation is concluded. However, local Orlando newspaper. He and that remains our policy.” tional news agencies, as well Brancheau’s family, along did participate by performing When news of the trag- as animal activist groups and with the support of SeaWorld, tricks on command, including edy hit Six Flags Discovery the patrons that are still very was gearing up last month for splashing the audience with Kingdom, Chan said it hit much wanting to see the orca a legal battle to prevent that his tail. hard. shows. video footage from appearing SeaWorld has pulled “This was an unspeakable The Feb. 24 death of Dawn online or on television. Tilikum from all shows until tragedy and for our staff, obvi- Brancheau following a show SeaWorld suspended its AT FILE PHOTO investigations are over. ously, this was a very per- performed by several of the “Shamu Believe” show for Around the world, other sonal loss, since the trainer Since the accidental death park’s orcas including Tilikum, three days following the trag- marine life parks declined to community is very small and or killer whales as they are edy, but re-initiated it again of a whale trainer at specifically address the inci- tight knit,” she said. “We fol- known, was still being inves- on Feb. 27. SeaWorld also sus- SeaWorld Orlando on Feb. dent at SeaWorld, but did give lowed our standard policy of tigated in mid-March by local pended the practice of train- 24, trainers have not been their policies regarding their not commenting on incidenc- Orange County authorities, by ers performing in-pool with allowed back in the water trainers being in-pool with es at other facilities and sim- OSHA (Occupational Health the animals and that suspen- with the orcas. orcas. For example, when ply issued a brief statement and Safety Administration) sion was to continue until Marineland Niagara Falls extending our condolences to and, internally, by SeaWorld the investigations concluded. tion with killer whales,” said was contacted by a reporter, the staff and family of the staff and independent marine Then, SeaWorld plans to make Fred Jacobs, vice president of a company spokeswoman SeaWorld trainer.” mammal experts. a determination whether that communications, SeaWorld stated they had stopped per- The Sea World park, Cause of death was deter- becomes a permanent policy. Parks & Entertainment, on formances with trainers and located along Australia’s Gold mined shortly after the acci- “We have initiated a thor- March 12. “This review is whales 12 years ago when the Coast, Sydney, and not affili- dent by the Orange County ough review of all of the pro- being conducted by a team park opened its viewing facil- ated with the U.S. SeaWorld, Sheriff’s Office as “multiple cedures that guide our interac- that includes both our own ity called Friendship Cove. doesn’t house any orcas. 22 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2010

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 AIMS seeks volunteer instructors AIMS works with many organizations

AIMS is seeking instructor assistance in the following areas for the next AIMS Safety Seminar to be held at the to provide latest in safety information Orlando Convention Center from November 13-18, 2010. Instructors are needed for: Air and Water Quality; To provide the very latest in safety Nondestructive testing (NDT) is a means Hydraulic and Pneumatics; Electrical; Fall Protection; Confined bulletins and regulations to its students of determining the quality of a part without Spaces; Generators; FEC; ADA and Carnival related classes. during the annual safety seminar, AIMS causing physical harm to that part. ASNT If you are interested in helping to teach in any of these International works with various organiza- helps to create a safer world by serving the subject areas please contact either: tions that provide codes and standards that NDT professionals and promoting the dif- Patty Beazley at [email protected] or are used in the amusement industry. They ferent NDT technologies through publish- Gina Claassen at [email protected]. include: ing, certification, research and conferences. All NDT inspectors must be certified in AIMS introduces new American Welding accordance with SNT-TC-1A which outlines Society (AWS) the educational level and experience as well inspectors certification program AWS, founded in 1919, has a goal to as other qualifications needed to obtain spe- advance the science, technology and appli- cific levels of expertise. Mark Moore require not only a written cation of welding and related joining dis- Different levels of NDT certification Uremet Corp. exam, but may also include ciplines. AWS issues different code books include Level I, II and III with most field AIMS president practical and oral examina- relating to different aspects of welding and work being done by the Level II. ASNT [email protected] tions. which would directly be used in the manu- directly certifies Level III candidates through The new inspector cer- facturing and repair of welds on amusement a series of tests. Different methods of NDT For almost 40 years, tification will be offered for rides and devices. can be used at different times during the the first time this November AIMS International and its These codes include AWS D1.1, fabrication and/or operation of an amuse- at the annual AIMS Safety predecessor “Structural Welding Code-Steel”, AWS D1.2, ment ride or device to help insure that it AREA have Seminar in Orlando Florida. “Structural Welding Code-Aluminum”, and meets quality specifications. been proud The seminar will be held in ASW D1.3, “Structural Welding Code-Sheet •www.asnt.org to provide conjunction with the 2010 Steel.” Each of these code books outlines the only IAAPA Attractions Expo quality of acceptable welds and welder ASTM International worldwide and will provide candidates certification with a unique opportunity to qualification testing guidelines. ASTM International is one of the largest program for Moore train with front line techni- AWS also provides different certifica- voluntary standards development organiza- maintenance cians and operators, while tion programs such as the Certified Welding tions in the world. First started in 1898, this and operations. During also being able to visit ride Inspector (CWI) program. These programs association is responsible for the develop- the past decade, AIMS manufacturers and suppli- have been a major contributor to the overall ment and issuing of different standards that International has adminis- ers exhibiting at the four-day quality of welds in the amusement indus- directly affect the amusement industry. tered more than 1,000 certifi- trade show. try. These standards fall under the respon- cation tests, and its certifica- AIMS International is •www.aws.org sibility of F24 and cover such topics as tion program has expanded dedicated to providing the operations, maintenance, design, manufac- to include waterpark opera- most comprehensive certifi- National Fire turing, and quality assurance programs. tions, online courses for cation and examination pro- Protection Association All amusement ride and device standards recertification and an accred- cess available in the amuse- The National Fire Protection Association are published in an annual book titled vol- itation program for in-house ment industry; its certifica- (NFPA), established in 1896, is an interna- ume 15.07, “General Products, Chemical training programs. Now tion program is designed to tional organization with a mission to reduce Specialties, and End Use Products.” It is AIMS is adding an inspector test the knowledge of indi- the worldwide burden of fire and other available through ASTM’s Web site. certification program which viduals working in various hazards on the quality of life. This is done The amusement ride standards are also will allow AIMS to provide a fields throughout the amuse- through advocating consensus codes and available in a separate virtual compilation complete array of high qual- ment industry. As a pro- standards, research, training, and educa- titled ASTM Standards on Amusement Rides ity training in all the major fessional, achieving AIMS tion. and Devices: 8th Edition (English, Spanish certification demonstrates areas of the amusement There are more than 75,000 members and French editions). For additional infor- their dedication to safety, industry. worldwide who are responsible for 300 codes mation, please visit http://www.astm.org/ The inspector certifica- and their knowledge of gen- and standards. One of the most widely used DEMO/rides.html. tion program will include 40 eral activities and technolo- of these codes is NFPA 70, the National Membership is $75 annually for indi- hours of specialized instruc- gies that are an integral part Electric Code. This code outlines the design viduals with two meetings a year devoted tion which will include gen- of their daily amusement and use parameters of electrical circuits. to the writing of amusement ride and device eral courses in wood and steel ride safety program. Those coaster inspection and facili- individuals who achieve the All persons doing electrical work in standards. All AIMS members are encour- ties inspection. It will also highest levels of certification the amusement industry should be familiar aged to be active in ASTM. include specific courses such are as valued professionals with the different aspects of this code. For additional information on standards as fasteners and bearings who are recognized for their •www.NFPA.org or membership contact our ASTM technical and non-destructive testing years of experience, and their committee director, Len Morrissey at lmor- and individual ASTM stan- dedication and service in the American Society of [email protected] or (610) 832-9719. dards. The certification will amusement industry. Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) •www.astm.org

Space for this AIMS page is provided courtesy of Amusement Today as a corporate partner of AIMS Intl. Content is provided by AT & AIMS. Please direct comments to [email protected] April 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23 has become the second after and the cost of operating a ride rial change and they don’t need the operator do, how does the NJAA Massachusetts to require the goes way down when you use to go to the DCA if the change operator operate the ride, who Continued from page 19 training and certification of LED lighting.” is approved by the ride manu- to call in case of emergency,” maintenance workers. But the Department of facturer. But they want to see Zucker said. ed the meeting, Samarelli said, Another topic covered in Community Affairs wants to any third-party LED lighting The ride safety semi- and 60 vendors operated more this seminar was how amuse- make sure that a ride is not fixtures that are appended to nars made up the bulk of than 100 booths. ment parks should handle changed structurally when rides.” the Expo, Samarelli said. The Designated amusement changing the LED lights on a these retrofittings take place. The third major item cov- association’s annual meet- park employees must have 32 ride and when making such “What they did was put ered in the seminar was the ing is held at the International hours of training within two changes would require approv- out a flow chart which will tells filling out of safety sheets, a Assn. of Amusement Park years, she added. al from the state. operators how that takes place one-time process in which the and Attractions convention in “We run 16 to 20 hours “Many parks are putting and what criteria they need to operator goes through the man- November, and a dinner/dance CEU – continuing education up LED lights, in many cases, use to determine if they need to ual and prepares a sheet that will be held May 10 at the Ram’s units,” she said. “That’s what retrofitting rides,” Zucker said. get DCA approval. If the change features some “essential safety Head Inn in Absecon, N.J. they have to have, and then “It’s greener technology to use is like for like, that’s not a mate- information, such as what does after they pass the test, they are certified.” Larry Zucker, the associa- tion’s legal counsel, noted that two ride safety seminars were held. He led the first one, which was on the topic of signage. “In the past, operators have called me and asked, ‘What are all the signs we need?’” Zucker said. “When you went through the state regulations, the signage requirements were spread out all over the place. Regulations were not in one central location that was easily accessible. “For example, height requirements. Where it talks about height requirements is in one section and weight require- ments are in another section. The requirements were all spread out and too easy to miss unless you took a comprehensive view of all the regulations.” So Zucker pulled together all the information and present- ed to attendees a memo “that laid them out in logical flow, where everything is located in the regulations,” he said. “I also talked about how safety is a shared responsibil- ity,” he added. “I really like that theme. It emphasizes the need for parents and children and guests to do their part, that safety is a partnership. Signage is the operator telling the patron to act responsibly. It tells parents to keep an eye on their children and don’t let them out of sight. Operators and employees can’t do everything.” After Zucker’s signage seminar, another ride work- shop was presented by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, presenting an annual review of regulations as well as new enforcement pol- icies. “We have a unique sys- tem in New Jersey,” Zucker said. “The Department of Community Affairs has engi- neers that review the design of all rides. Before they come into the state, they have full- time inspectors that inspect all rides. We don’t have a system of third-party inspection in New Jersey.” The state, Zucker said, 24 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2010 PAPA posal that would require any that would be incredibly Gateway Ticketing announces Continued from page 19 restaurants or eating estab- tough. It’s just another layer lishments that gross more of government bureaucracy than $500,000 a year to list all that we don’t need at this 2010 User Group meeting dates Labor Day, not only to help ingredients of food items in a time. If you ask, we will give Following the success of its 2009 User Group meeting, attendance, but also to keep visible place. you the ingredients. We just Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc., has announced that the 2010 park workforces from leav- For instance, at don’t want to be required to User Group meeting will be hosted by California Academy of ing before the summer sea- Kennywood, Quinn said, this post them.” Sciences in San Francisco Aug. 23 – 27, 2010. son is over. would affect some stands In addition to the board “We’re really excited that California Academy of Sciences is “We get a tremendous but not others, although all meeting, members also hosting the 2010 meeting,” said Cheryl Hillen, customer service amount of folks the week food providers are in-house. attended a breakfast on manager at Gateway Ticketing Systems and organizer of the before Labor Day, but 95 Because the food establish- March 2 that featured speak- event. “They’re a great customer and the facility is spectacular. percent of schools have gone ments do not have menus, ers Charlie Bray, president The 2009 meeting was a huge success and we know this year back to school,” said Chubb ingredients would have to be and CEO of the International will continue in that tradition.” of Hersheypark. listed on a signboard. Assn. of Amusement Parks “As a partner of Gateway Ticketing Systems and a newer He estimated that about “We’re not opposed to it, and Attractions, and John member of the user community, the California Academy of 50 percent of the summer but we’re not rushing to have Dillabaugh, the director of Sciences is proud to collaborate and host this year’s Galaxy workforce employees attend it done,” he said. “We would the Pennsylvania Bureau User Conference,” said Kim Le, director of I.T. at California school. have to coat the back wall (of of Ride and Measurement Academy of Sciences. “We look forward to Galaxy’s product Another legislative item each stand) with menu items. Standards with the enhancements and the exchange of ideas as we all strive to discussed during the meet- It’s not something we really Department of Agriculture, advance our ticketing solutions.” ing, Quinn said, was a pro- want, but it’s not something Kumpf said. The annual User Group meeting focuses on Gateway cus- tomers and gives them an opportunity to share their experiences with each other. Gateway also uses this meeting to provide the AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM attendees with the latest information and enhancements about AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM Galaxy, the company’s flagship product. April 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25 MIDWAY www.AmusementToday.com CARNIVALS FAIRS FESTIVALS REVENUE SUPPLIERS BRIEF Tennessee State Fair alive again, set for Sept. 10-19 Strawberry Festival Pam Sherborne was held on land owned by Nashville. name Tennessee State Fair, according to Amusement Today The city is in the process of deciding the Chrysty Fortner, Rockhouse Partners’ on par at mid-fair Rockhouse Partners, Nashville, best uses for the land. director of fairs and festivals. Fortner Tenn., and North American Midway But, in the meantime, Rockhouse had been the director of marketing and The Strawberry Entertainment (NAME) announced a Partners, a technology-based entertain- communications for the “old” Tennessee Festival, Plant City, Fla., partnership last month that brings the ment agency focused on sponsorship State Fair. was up 15 percent across Tennessee State Fair back to life. creation activation, and measurement “We’re working diligently with our the board mid-fair and with The fair, it seemed in all likeli- for the music and sports industries, creative team to brand this fair and a lot of fair left, Paul Davis, hood, had met its demise last fall when along with NAME, will lease the state redesign the logo,” Fortner said. “With fair general manager, hoped Nashville Mayor Karl Dean decided it fairgrounds property for the 2010 event, the decision only occurring yesterday that would remain. wasn’t to the city’s benefit to continue set for Sept. 10-19. Last year, it was held (March 9), we’re moving at lightning Davis told AT at press to support the annual event. Although Sept. 11-20. speed, but yes, we will continue calling time that the event, which called a state fair, the Tennessee event The event will continue to use the 4See TENN, page 29 ran March 4-14, started out with a few cool days, but the weather improved after Carnival Profile that and had been very good. Butler Amusements continues growth in west coast operations “We are expecting rain Pam Sherborne over the next couple of Amusement Today days,” Davis said, March 10. “But, we hope to close at least on par with 2009.” Earl “Butch” Butler, Butler Attendance at last Amusements, Fairfield, Calif., year’s fair was about wasn’t born into the outdoor 557,000. amusement industry. Not far away, an But, after unusual cold and rainy being there weather February this year for more than dropped attendance at the 40 years, he Florida State Fair, Tampa, is successful, Feb. 4-15, by 25 percent to continues to an unaudited total of about grow and has 354,000. added anoth- Butler “But, so far, our fair is er generation, really going great,” Davis his family, into the business. said. He remains optimistic and is Belle City Amusements, very much looking forward to Deltona, Fla., provided the a prosperous 2010. midway for the fair. The “I’m gung-ho for 2010,” show fielded about 90 rides he said. “I think it will be a including several new ones very strong year. If we get the to the Strawberry Festival, weather, we will do great.” such as Zamperla’s Disko, He has done everything PHOTO COURTESY BUTLER AMUSEMENTS Remix (Tivoli), Inversion and more to make sure that Butler Amusements, Fairfield, Calif., added about 16 rides to its arsenal in 2009 and has (KMG), and the Avalanche is true. He has 35 fairs and plans for more enhancements as 2010 goes on. (Mack). 69 events on the books this This was the 75th annual year, said Andrea Owen, who He purchased 16 rides in for renovations. He expects “It is 60 feet across the top Strawberry Festival. Look works in one of his offices and 2009, as well as seven tractors to receive delivery on a brand and will be equipped with for complete fair coverage helps with coordinating book- and six buses. He took two new entrance sometime at the LED lighting,” he said. “It will in the May issue. ings. Scramblers to Eli Bridge Co. end of this month (April). 4See BUTLER, page 26

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Toll Free: (800) 395-9980 • email: Ldsippers@aolcom • www.sippersbydesign.com 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2010 BUTLER Ranch. They were Zamperla’s and families to take advantage Continued from page 25 Lolli Swing; Umbrella Jeep, of the event. MIDWAY Zamperla; Bumper cars, Because of those changes, MARKET PLACE be remarkable.” Majestic; Dinos Elephant, three of Butler’s other fairs also Butler grew up in Austin, Zamperla; Balloon Samba, will change dates to accom- Minnesota, in a family that Zamperla; and Wisdom’s modate that move. Those owned and operated a gro- Dragon Wagon. fairs are: the Solano Co. Fair, cery store business. His father, Other than the 2009 ride Vallejo, Calif., will run June George “Bud” Butler pur- purchases, Butler has many 23-27 in 2010, compared to chased a small game and began other reasons to be optimistic July 22-26, 2009; the Stanislaus booking it into small commu- in 2010. Here are some: Co. Fair, Turlock, Calif., will nity events. Butler said he was •He has already signed run July 16-25 compared to 13 years old at the time. one new fair this year, the San July 31-August 9, 2009; and “He bought a few more Mateo (Calif.) Co. Exposition Redwood Empire Fair, Ukiah, games, then purchased an and Fair, set for June 12-20, set for Aug. umbrella ride from Aerial 2010. Another change on the Affiliates,” Butler said. “He •Another new event was Butler midway involves his ended up taking it out to the Chandler (Ariz.) Ostrich game concessionaires. Those California because, at that time, Festival. That festival ran concessionaires have been hit you couldn’t operate a ride in March 12-14, 2010, at which a by the downturn in economy. the winter in Minnesota.” record gross was set. “People are not spending That ride turned out to be •He played the Garden the money to play games as very successful. Then, in 1967, Grove (Calif.) Strawberry much,” Butler said. “Games his dad called and asked him if Festival for the first time last are disappearing.” wanted to partner with him on year and set a record gross So, instead of paying a a ride. It was a Swinging Gym there. That festival will run privilege, some of his conces- manufactured by Amusements this year May 28-31. sionaires that book onto his Unlimited. Butler had been •Butler plays a six-week shows will pay 25 percent. running the grocery story spot in San Jose, Calif. It is a “If I have a game con- fulltime by himself, picking holiday event downtown San cessionaire paying me a $400 up business knowledge and Jose called Winter Wonderland. privilege and they make $500, skills. He set up 22 rides there this well they aren’t grossing very Butler took a leap of faith, year and set a gross there. much,” he said. “Those con- sold his business, sold his •He now has two winter cessionaires with the percent- house and moved his young quarters, one in Santa Nella age variety games are also family to California. Calif., and the other about 15 being given the chance to put “That ride, as it turned miles south. That latter loca- up other types of games. It is out, was banned because of tion was purchased in 2008. hard for a patron to figure out the number of ride accidents,” It encompasses 20 acres and what game to play because Butler said. is being managed by Mike they may walk the midway Yet, the success it led to is Cintori. The Santa Nella winter and pass six or seven of the history. quarters location is managed same type games.” Last year hasn’t been the by Bill Redford. Redford was In March, Butler had only large ride purchase year an art major and is responsible already tried this at the for Butler. For example, Butler for painting the rides. Riverside Co. Fair and Date purchased 13 rides in 1990, 16 •Jerry and Susan Hill Festival in February and hoped in 1991, and 10 in 2001. joined his show last year with he would be able to implement His 2009 ride purchase their cookhouse. Butler said this change for the remainder included: that has been a great addition. of 2010. •WindSurfer by Wisdom, And, the list could go on Principal administra- a ride he bought brand new; and on. He normally runs tors in Butler’s show include: •Moonwalk, by Pat Boyle, about four units during the Tami (his daughter) and Ron brand new; fair-heavy part of the season, Quint, in charge of trucking; •U-Toob funhouse, Pat breaking up into as many as Kelley Butler (his daughter) Boyle, brand new; six or seven during the spring. office; Kris (his daughter) and •Nitro by Zamperla, from This year, he did reduce the Mick Brajavich, who runs a a park in Massachusetts; number of dates that one of unit; Jill (his daughter) and •Orbiter, Tivoli from Fun his units will do. He normally Lance Moyer, runs a unit; Forest, Seattle, Wash.; sends a unit to Oregon and Cecil Rhodes, runs a unit; Rich HI VOLUME FUNNEL CAKE COOKER •Musik Express, S.D.I., Washington for about 40 dates. Byrum, in charge of booking; • All High Grade Stainless Steel from Fun Forest; Those dates have been reduced Tom Shobaken, in charge of the Construction • 180 Cakes per hour (Up to $900 •Jet Spin, F.D.C., from Fun to eight for 2010. Beaverton, Ore., office, han- per hour Gross Profit!) Forest; “It just became more dling insurance, legal matters, • AGA Approved Thermostat & Hi Limit Safety •Three rides from John expensive to operate that route etc., (“I grew up with Tom. • 145,000 BTU Burner, LP or Vetrus, Salem, Ore.: the Turbo compared to the money we He lived across the street. His Natural Gas • Temperature Range of 250-400 Force, Zamperla, a sky lift and were taking in,” he said. name is the first one I remem- Degrees a 12-lane slide. The sky lift Some changes to his ber.”); Jimmy Hall, assistant • Dimensions 42” L X 24” W X 34” High is a stationary ride that will route in 2010 are due to the unit manager, and, as a certi- • Stainless Steel Molds, Tongs and be a permanent fixture at the California State Fair deciding fied ride inspector works with R.L. Mueller National Distributing Drain Rack available Evergreen State Fair, Monroe, to play July 14-Aug. 1 this year the state, has worked with • Made with pride in the U.S.A. St. Louis, MO 63135 Wash. He has a 10-year contract instead of its traditional dates Butler in helping to look at (800) 222-7033 • HAPPY JACK FUNNEL CAKE & www.rlmueller.com CORN DOG BATTER also available. there. The slide will be a per- of mid-August through the some of the state’s laws; Tom manent fixture at the California first of September. The 2009 Yentsch, lays out most of the State Fair, Sacramento. dates were Aug. 21-Sept. 7. lots; Billy Truax, ride supervi- Keep our carnival and fair industry strong! •Six rides from the defunct Fair officials hoped this would sor, and Mary Rhodes, Karla Buy products and services from these suppliers. Michael Jackson’s Neverland allow more school students Kinfel and Sally Shaffer, office. April 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27 Reithoffer Shows - still going strong B. Derek Shaw set-up and tear-down. “Ricky when possible. Unfortunately Amusement Today is evolving into a valuable Americans don’t want to use showman on the Reithoffer their own two hands and stay Rick Reithoffer feels 2009 Shows and brother Matthew on the road. was a decent year for his is right on his heels.” What positions Reithoffer show, despite the economy. Some foreign help was Shows at or near the top of The biggest ride that was utilized this season, mostly 4 added to Reithoffer Shows, from Mexico. Rick says they See REITHOFFER, page 28 Inc. was a Zamperla Sky are hard workers, sending A view of Reithoffer’s Flyer, a 100-plus-foot swing money back home, however midway setup as seen ride. Their ride operated, as with unemployment so high at the York Fair. an independent attraction, at in the U.S., Reithoffer Shows PHOTO COURTESY the two-week Minnesota State wanted to use local people, B. DEREK SHAW Fair this summer, exceeding expectations. “It was a great operation,” said Rick. The Sky Flyer normally is part of the “I personally think this ride is a winner!” blue unit. CORKY POWERS, POWERS GREAT AMERICAN MIDWAY The midway operator also took possession of a Wisdom Himalaya. He and his broth- er Pat ordered the metallic : orange ride some time back, Purchased by taking delivery at the Perry, A. D. Toler Ga. fair. “Victor tried to talk Crystal Beach me out of the colors. We are Amusements : thrilled with that ride.” It is part of Reithoffer’s orange unit. The show has made a huge www.ARMrides.com Your guests commitment to going green. —and your profits— This is evident with midway, concession and ride lighting, will soar! using halites (halogen) and L.E.D. lighting. There were many refurbs in both units this season including the Tidal Wave, Tug Boats, Crazy Bus, Demolition Derby (in the blue unit) and Zipper and Tilt-A-Whirl (in the orange unit). However the Gentle Giant Ferris Wheel is the star re-do. All the sweeps were cleaned and painted. All the lights were stripped off and replaced with 52,000 LED lights. The lighting package can now run basically with a lamp cord. “The only thing we don’t have, is a payment book,” quipped Rick about this refurb. He continued, “I’m still blown away about how gorgeous it is and how it is the focal point on the midway.” For the York, Pa. Fair, Reithoffer did a complete new layout with the Wheel being at the front of the ride mid- way. This is all part of a big- VERTIGO MODELS & STATISTICS ger plan being instituted by v100-ft. Portable Model v80-ft. Portable Model All Models Feature: Mike Froelich, York Fair gen- with 53-ft Retractable with 53-ft Retractable vDyna-Brake® eral manager. “York is evolv- Trailer Trailer Safety System ing into a brand new modern v140-ft. Park Model v80-ft. Park Model Provided by midway. Mike is doing a mar- Photos: Dan Feicht / [email protected] Velocity Magnetics velous job on what the York v24 Passenger Capacity v16 Passenger Capacity vLED Lighting (Optional) Fair is going to be – he’s not Space Requirements (All Models): done yet.” 50-ft. Ground Space Footprint / 80-ft. Operational Diameter Even Rick’s college-age sons were part of the team A.R.M. INC. • 1506 FERNWOOD ROAD • WINTERSVILLE, OHIO 43953 this summer. Both Ricky and ERIC BATES Cell: 412.916.9210 • MIKE GILL Cell: 740.632.6815 • Office: 740.264.6599 Matthew are involved with email: [email protected] email: [email protected] the management along with 28 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2010 Second KMG Monster delivered to Switzerland The latest KMG giant transportable swing ride named “Monster” (model XXL) was expected to be deliv- ered to showman H.P. Maier, in Switzerland last month. The ride was to be approved by the German Tuv before delivery. P.M. Theunisz, KMG sales manager, said this was Maier’s ninth KMG ride since 1992, when he bought the Discovery. “At the moment, Maier owns a Fire Ball and an Inversion,” Theunisz said. “He is aiming for a spot at the PHOTO COURTESY KMG Munich Oktoberfest 2010 with This is KMG’s second the Monster and, therefore, he Monster ride. It was deliv- adapted the ride design a little ered to Switzerland show- bit so it has the blue squares man H.P Maier. on the towers which look like the German Bayern flag.” This is the second XXL The Monster holds 20 per- model for KMG and the sons per ride cycle, swings 148 third is under construction feet high (45 meters) and has for Belgium showman Jack a footprint of 42 by 59 feet (13 Dotremont. by 18 meters). The ride is mounted on —Pam Sherborne three semi-trailers and can be set up without a crane (six REITHOFFER hours and four persons). Continued from page 27 Standard features include all stainless steel fences, wire- the midway scene, is their less remote control for set up wide selection of attractions hydraulics, stainless steel elec- and ability to secure rides no trical cabinets, full (power) one else has. Pat Reithoffer, LED lighting package, inte- Sr. was an innovator in the grated Hofman Sound system, business, bringing many rides many logo’s with LED light- to America, many times two – ing and more. three years ahead of the com- petition. “We want to continue RIDE LIQUIDATION ★ NEWLY RELISTED FOR 2010 in that vein,” says Rick. “The ★ competition is going to have AFFORDABLE PRICES HIGH-QUALITY RIDES to try and catch us.” IN SEARCH OF NEW HOMES His father infected him with the ride bug, visiting the CYPRESS GARDENS CALL FOR European ride manufacturers PRICES! direct. Today the manufactur- 221 Evans Way, Suite E WINTER HAVEN, FLORIDA Somerville, NJ 08876 ers ask questions of Rick, seek- (908) 526-8009 ing his input. www.rides4U.com Rick feels the fair industry is somewhat recession-proof. People still want to visit their local fairs. “We are still one of WOODEN ROLLER COASTER SPINNING COASTER HANG GLIDERS the best values for great fam- (PTC) (Zamperla/2005) (Chance/1980) ily entertainment at an afford- able price.” SOLD EXTRA! EXTRA! 100 Park Glen YOUR DESKTOP EDITION! Nashville, TN 37204 (615) 383-3986 RED BARON BUMPER CARS DOUBLE-DECKER CAROUSEL PONY CARTS www.italintl.com (Chance/1980) (VISA/2004) (Chance/2004) (Chance/1980) FREE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PRICES PLEASE CONTACT NEWS YOUR SALES EVERY DAY REPRESENTATIVE Sign up at WATER COASTER SLIDES SPINNING RAPIDS MINI-SHOT TOWER (Whitewater/2004) (Whitewater/2004) (Zamperla/2003) www.AmusementToday.com April 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29 TENN make announcements on that portion in the coming weeks. Continued from page 25 “The event represents a North American Midway ourselves the Tennessee State tremendous opportunity in Entertainment along Fair and tennessestatefair. terms of Tennessee heritage, with Rockhouse Partners, org will remain the Web site music, education, and agricul- Nashville, are bringing address.” ture,” Fortner said. “The vision As far as where the event for the Tennessee State Fair is a the Tennessee State Fair, will be held in 2011, Fortner partner-driven approach with Nashville, back in 2010. only said: “We are entering a renewed focus on children’s Here is a photo of the into a lease for property begin- programs, live music, and pos- NAME midway ning August 31, 2010 through itive initiatives like green ener- during the 2009 event. Sept. 22nd, 2010. Of course, gy. Also look for exciting social PHOTO COURTESY NAME our plans are to use this suc- media and digital integration cessful 2010 event as a spring- into this years’ outreach.” board to the continuation into 2011 and beyond.” North American Midway Entertainment is also looking forward to another Tennessee State Fair. “North American Midway Entertainment is extremely excited to revive and continue delivering the best in midway entertainment to the Tennessee State Fair in 2010,” said Mike Williams, CEO North American Midway Entertainment. Williams said NAME has worked diligently with Rockhouse Partners and Tennessee Farm Bureau to con- tinue “this great event with the best-in-class family and community entertainment and education.” “In 2009, North American Midway Entertainment and the State Fair of Tennessee pro- vided a new and prestige State Fair experience for fairgoers,” said Amber Swedgan, director of media and communications, NAME. “In return, we were flooded with positive feedback and praise. In 2010, we are looking to take that experience to an even higher level with the renewed community focus and enthusiastic leadership of our combined team.” And, organizers plan to continue the agricultural com- ponent. “We are committed to continuing the 104 year old traditions and competitions,” Fortner said. “Youth in agricul- ture is very important to all of us.” Rockhouse Partners will meet with the 2009 Livestock Advisory Committee to begin planning that part of the event. The group plans to enhance charitable giving and commu- nity-focused social responsi- bility. Along those lines, the State Fair of Tennessee will work with the Tennessee Farm Bureau in setting up a 501(c) (3) organization to engage the community and manage all charitable activities. Rockhouse Partners are in the planning stages of a music/concert series and will 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2010

SBF/VISA VISA Sky Loop Dog Ride

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SBF/VISA Wild Raft SBF/VISA Super Loop KMG Inversion SBF/VISA Surf’s Up

KMG Freak Out

“LED Lites from Rides 4U are phenomenal, flawless and trouble free. We leave the lights on our Ferris wheel all night as a billboard for our Visit Us park. Our lights even make the early morning traffic reports now.” On The Web: John Arie — Fun Spot Action Park — Orlando, Fla. www.Rides4U.com

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Smokey Mountain Silkini’s Frozen Alive Amusements Inc. needs Ride Help - In All Departments Person inside 5,000lb block of ice Ride Superintendent - For Green Unit broadcasts on radio. Custom-built truck, CCTV, PA system, steps, venti- Electrician - For Green Unit lation, refrigeration, cables, etc. Price Contact: $37,500. Brian (Beaver) Bitner (919) 272-5627 Also, Silkini’s Underwater Ordeal Billy Clark - (863) 738-1689 Two people broadcast on radio un- Winter Quarters Now Open! derwater in 10,000 gal. truck mounted (843) 362-0022 TFN glass-front tank. Underwater CCTV, PA system, diving gear, pumps, EQUIPMENT WANTED cables, etc. Price $42,500. Spin out T/M (Huss)...... $299,000 LOOPING COASTER Twister/ Maverick (Moser)...... $599,000 1998 TM Chance Gondola Wheel SLIDES Both attractions never on carnival or $410,000 - Completely rebuilt July Drop Tower T/M (ARM)...... $299,000 Wanted used 90+ft. slides, fairs. Promote opening date of fair Launch Loop Shuttle Coaster 2009. All eight motors and gearboxes portability not needed. or still date, then operate as grind Rio Grande (Zamperla)...... $19,000 are made to 100% / over 6,000 new Arrow Dynamics all steel with LED lights, new electrical wiring, new shows. Includes advice from Silkini G-Force 4, 56’ high x 635’ long who created and toured Frozen Alive Crazy Dance (Fabbri)...... $325,000 PIC drive. All updates. FUNHOUSES Built 1977, Excellent condition in Wanted used “Carnival Funhouses”, & Underwater Ordeal for 45 years. Scooter 1800 T/M (Majestic).....$224,000 mobility not necessary Pick up Frozen Alive in Reno, NV - Indiana. $200,000 Please call Gene Dean: (978) 375-2542 Underwater Ordeal in Tampa, FL or For photos and details: Crazy Bus T/M (Zamperla)...... $99,000 or e-mail [email protected] Contact Sunny (612) 332-5600 deliver for extra charge. [email protected] Tornado T/M (Wisdom)...... $99,000 22 Other Rides TFN Drop Tower (Moser)...... $89,000 2 Bob Space Racers Real buyers only! No secrets given www.funspotpark.com Vertical Water Race Games out! BINGO / BEANO Angola, Indiana Americana Carousel 28’ (Chance)....$119,000 1 14-player, 1 12-player park models in mint condition. wanted for Bangor State Fair, Bangor, Info at: [email protected] Traffic Jam T/M (SBF)...... $219,000 Maine 7/30-8/8 and Skowhegan Fair, or 1989 Orbiter T/M...... $205,000 Retiring - Priced to Sell! Skowhegan, Maine 8/12-8/21. Call (775) 762-8350 GAMES FOR SALE Truck Stop (Zamperla)...... $18,000 Great price. Call (718) 266-8384 or Gene Dean - Fiesta Shows (718) 614-0597 Sea Ray T/M (Mulligan)...... $249,000 (978) 375-2542 1. SKEE BALLS For Sale: Waterslide molds from Canned Spiel Repeaters 2. CLAW MACHINES Kamikazi T/M (Fabbri)...... $149,000 Great for game booths and ride queue reputable company. Four complete JUN 3. STACKERS Mini Rocking Tug T/M (Zamperla)...... $49,000 systems ready for production with lines. Complete with 24-watt amp 4. SPORTS ARENAS and weather-tight speaker. Up to four Dizzy Dragon (Sellner)...... $54,000 two additional systems available. 5. AIR HOCKEY TABLES 2-minute custom sayings or one self- Power Surge T/M (Zamperla).....$349,000 AMUSEMENT TODAY repeating custom canned spiel. 6. POOL TABLES Please contact [email protected] CLASSIFIEDS 7. VIDEO GAMES MAY YOUR USED RIDE $350 - Go to www.ACsound.net for Call Len or John more information or call Anthony at QUARTERTIME AMUSEMENTS (908) 526-8009 CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE (865) 742-1394 MAY FAX: (908) 526-4535 Call Michael: (410) 358-8311 DEADLINES AMUSEMENT TODAY’S Classified pages close the 10th of month prior to the issue date. Rates: •Regular classified ad– $20 minimum up to 30 words; $1 per additional word. •Display classified ad­–$50 per column inch. A 1-point rule will appear around ad. •Company logos, screens and reverses also are available on display ads upon request.

AT CLASSIFIEDS YOUR USED RIDE MARKETPLACE

P.O. Box 5427 Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 • (817) 460-7220 Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397) • We accept: 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2010