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TM & ©2014 , Inc. AT ’s Annual Park Christmas Spotlight: Pages 6-7, 17-20 December 2014 | Vol. 18 • Issue 9 www.amusementtoday.com Dated material. material. Dated SUBSCRIBE TODAY! NEWSPAPER

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US POSTAGE US PRSRT STD PRSRT 2 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014 NEWSTALK Wheel of a view CARTOON: Bubba Flint During the recently concluded 34th annual World Waterpark Association Symposium & Trade Show at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, convention attendees (including the AT staff) had the opportunity to experience the new High Roller observation wheel on The Strip. Slade Certified by Guinness World Records as the largest attraction of its type, the High Roller stands 550 tall, features 28 cabins that can accommodate up to 40 guests each, and makes approximately one full revolution every 30 minutes. The new wheel debuted on March 31 of this year and is owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment. Caesars did an outstanding job locating this skyline- changing attraction at the back of its Flamingo and Quad hotel properties and adjacent to the Las Vegas Monorail, which shuttles visitors between casinos. The High Roller over- looks a 300,000-square-foot entertainment district that was carved out of a former service alley between the two hotels. The new area, called The Linq, incorporates the best ele- ments of and Universal CityWalk — fitting, since former executives of those companies helped envision and currently manage it. The Linq has a nice assortment of shops and restaurants EDITORIAL: Andrew Mellor, [email protected] that work well together and as part of the High Roller setting. Passion gets results The ride itself is smooth and fun, and it offers brand-new I think most of us have a unique rides, many of which operate indoors at perspectives on the city. Congratulations to Caesars for a passion for something in life, the venue. It’s a stunning collection. job well done. We wish you all the best as you head in to the and within the amusement and At Dreamland much work is being carried busy holiday season and prepare for the always impressive Las theme park industry there are out to bring the traditional seaside park back Vegas New Year’s fireworks show! plenty of individuals who are to its former glory. The plan is to operate it as a HOLIDAY DEADLINES / NOTICES truly passionate about what commercial venture with older rides and attrac- Due to the annual holiday mail rush, Amusement Today they do and the things they set tions and as I reported in AT recently, the cen- would like to remind advertisers wishing to place ads in the Mellor out to achieve. terpiece of the park, the Scenic Railway, is now January 2015 issue that all ad art will be due by Dec. 5, 2014. For some it will be creat- undergoing restoration work which will see the The January issue, featuring AT’s annual Spotlight on Safety ing a brand new attraction, or maybe theming ride back in operation for the park’s reopening as well as a complete recap from the IAAPA trade show floor, a ride or facility that blows people away when next year. Indeed, the start of the work on the will print and mail prior to the Christmas holiday break. they see it for the first time. For others, it might Scenic Railway means that the opening of the • be dedicating themselves to a particular cause, world’s first of thrilling historic Amusement Today’s new 2015 Media Planner and Calen- like those who restore old rides so they are not rides is on target. dar is now available at amusementtoday.com, or you may call lost for ever, or others who work – usually vol- There is clearly a lot to be done at Dreamland untarily – to ensure the history of the industry to reach that goal and numerous people are (817) 460-7220 x1 to request a mailed copy. is kept alive, maybe in museums, archives or in involved in the project, including many who • other ways. have volunteered their time over many years So that the staff of Amusement Today can enjoy time at Here in the UK where I live, two places that to push it forward to where it is today. Those home with family and friends during this holiday season, the AT currently stand out in this area of the attractions people have passionately believed in bringing offices will be closed beginning Monday December 22, 2014 industry are the Dingles Fairground Heritage the park back to life and it will be a magical and will reopen on Monday, January 5, 2015. Centre, in Devon, and Dreamland Amusement moment when the opening ceremony takes The entire staff of Amusement Today wishes everyone in Park in Kent. The former has done a fantastic place and the first rides are taken. the amusement industry a safe and happy holiday season, job, with the help of many volunteers, of sav- So credit to all those whose passion for a and we say “Thank You” to all for your continued support! ing and restoring a huge range of travelling cause, whatever it may be, brings such impres- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! fairground equipment, including complete and sive results.

AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF Gary Slade, Founder Dean Lamanna Sammy Piccola Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Editorial Accounting / Circulation [email protected] [email protected] (817) 460-7220 [email protected] Deliveries Member of: Amanda Childress/ Childress Media Pam Sherborne 2012 E. Randol Mill Rd., Suite 203 IAAPA, AIMS International, PAPA, Graphic Design Editorial Sue Nichols Arlington, 76011 NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, WWA, TTIA, [email protected] [email protected] Advertising NAARSO and IISF (615) 662-0252 Subscription rates (U.S. & International) are: 1 year (14 issues) $50; 2 years (28 issues) $100; 3 years (42 John Robinson / W.H.R. Inc. Scott Rutherford [email protected] issues) $150. Send check or money order (U.S. funds only, drawn on a U.S. bank) to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005-5427. Your cancelled check is your receipt. Please allow up to six Daily E-mail Newsletter Editorial weeks for your subscription request to be processed and the first issue mailed. [email protected] [email protected] Bubba Flint Cartoonist Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Tim Baldwin Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected] Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Presort Standard Postage (Permit No. 2069) pre-paid at Fort Worth, Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper and its related websites are copyrighted and trademarked Editorial Editorial / Special Projects by Amusement Today 2013, with all rights reserved. [email protected] [email protected] POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas Contributors: Dan Feicht, Andrew Mellor, Richard Munch, B. Derek Shaw, Janice Witherow 76005-5427. December 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3 THIS MONTH MINUTE IN HISTORY Presented by the National Rollercoaster Museum 2 DRILL COMPILED: Richard Munch COMPILED: Janice Witherow Ron Hubner, •1904: Frank Melville announced in mid-December that a new park was to be opened between Passaic and Paterson (actually located in The only job Ron Hubner has ever known has Clifton), . The new operation would become Fairyland, been at Valleyfair where he started his amuse- built on the former Olympia baseball field. The five acre park was the ment career at age 15 as a parking lot atten- work of Melville and J.J. Schultheiser, and was the first amusement dant. Thirty-five years later, Ron is still enjoy- park to open in northern New Jersey. It debuted on May 27, 1905 and ing the excitement and atmosphere of the contained an extensive collection of rides, including a Figure Eight midway as director of merchandise and games , Circle Swing, and other attractions. While the for the Minnesota amusement park. Ron met owners expected to open other Fairyland parks across the Northeast, his wife at the park and their two children have the national recession hurt businesses and the park would close after both held summer jobs at Valleyfair. When the 1908 season. Ironically Palisades Amusement Park in Cliffside he is not working, Ron is usually planning or Park, New Jersey, would quickly take up the slack, only eight miles dreaming of his next vacation! east of Fairyland.

Title •1907: After a massive summer fire in 1907 destroyed most of the Director of Merchandise and Games. original Steeplechase Park, in , New York, the owner announced plans on December 28, to rebuild the park at a cost of $1 Number of years in the industry million. George C. Tilyou, who was going up against the two other competing giants on the island, Luna Park and Dreamland, discussed 35. the improvements with the New York Times. He stated that the new park would have a glass enclosed pavilion, with a structure built of Best thing about the industry steel and concrete. The new fireproof Steeplechase opened in 1908 We sell fun for a living! There are not a lot of with the extraordinary Pavilion of Fun as its centerpiece. The famous careers that give you that opportunity. Steeplechase horse ride would encircle the building, bringing back the signature ride lost in the earlier fire. The park would last another Favorite amusement ride You are going on a safari. What three 57 seasons, closing after the 1964 season. The Beast at . things would you take with you? This one’s easy … Good shoes for walking, •1917: H. F. MacGarvie, representing the organization that was If I wasn’t working in the amusement indus- sunscreen to protect my head, and most im- planning a World’s in The Bronx, New York, announced in mid- try, I would be … portantly a nice hotel room. I’m not sleeping December that the unique project was in the process of being con- A much better golfer. in a tent with a bunch of wild animals around. structed and would open in May, 1918. Located south of West Farms Square, between The Bronx River and the New York and Boston Rail- Biggest challenge facing The best pizza I ever tasted would have to road right of way, The Bronx International Exposition of Science, our industry be … Arts and Industries opened on June 29, 1918. As an international fair, it fell short with only a limited representation of foreign countries, Staffing looks like it is going A deep-dish in Chicago. (Sorry New York.) but would continue as an amusement park after 1919, under the new to be difficult going forward. name — Starlight Park. It contained a roller coaster, all the typical We really have to make sure Favorite childhood book rides associated with an amusement park, as well as a large swimming that we separate ourselves Hubner “Where the Wild Things Are” and now I get pool. from the pack and make sure to work at the park where the Wild Thing is. that we are the employer of choice in our area. 1990: William L. Cobb, the celebrated wood coaster designer and The person I would most like to be stuck in engineer passed away on December 17, in Dallas, Texas, at the age The thing I like most about amusement/wa- an elevator with is … of 73. Born in 1917, Cobb would go on to design several important ter park season is … Any good elevator repairman would be per- major coasters during the 1970s and 1980s, including the at Opening Day. Other than Christmas, it’s my fect. Adventureland Park in Iowa; Judge Roy Scream at Over favorite day of the year. Texas; the Riverside Park Cyclone and Le Monstre at La Ronde in Favorite game show Montreal, Canada. He founded William Cobb & Associates in 1948, Favorite holiday food I’m old school, Jeopardy is still the best. which undertook much of the engineering related to his consult- Christmas ham or pumpkin pie. (Let’s be hon- ing work with both building construction and amusement rides. He est, is there really a bad holiday food.) It’s a Friday night. Where would we typi- was possibly most famous for his work with Astroworld, in Houston, cally find you? Texas, with the creation of the (with Donald Rosser), The best thing about living in Minnesota is … Date night with my wife. which would eventually elevate him to legendary status in the indus- Warm weather vacations in the winter. try. At the time, the Cyclone in New York was in danger of being de- molished, but had proven too costly to relocate, so a new and larger In 10 years, I would like to be … model was erected in Texas. Ironically, in a twist of fate, the Texas Take your pick: hot tea or hot chocolate? Alive. Cyclone was unceremoniously demolished in 2006, while the original Hot tea, served cold without the tea. Cyclone, approaching its 89th season, still operates on Surf Avenue When I say snow, you say … in Coney Island. The first thing I do when I get to my office “Hello” to my travel agent. is … Turn the lights on. My favorite sport to play is … golf. I’m pretty sure that I am the It’s December. My favorite holiday song is … only person in Minnesota that would not list P.O. Box 5427 5-time Award Winner “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by Will Ferrell and Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 hockey. (817) 460-7220 Zooey Deschanel in the movie Elf. Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397) When I look out my front yard I see … The neatest place I have seen a sunrise is … Find us on Facebook A lot of yard work that I neglected over the facebook.com/amusementtoday In a hot air balloon. For my 28th birthday my summer. wife took me out for an early morning flight. If I could do one thing over from yesterday, Follow us on Twitter At home, my television is most often set to … it would be … twitter.com/amusementtoday ESPN. Although since I’ve turned 50, I have Nothing. I would rather move forward and this strange attraction to re-runs of “Matlock” not look back. and “Murder She Wrote.” Subscribe to our YouTube channel Get a free QR Code scanner for your phone youtube.com/amusementtoday by visting www.mobiletag.com. 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014

18th ANNUAL HOLIDAY COOKING GUIDE

Jason McClure Neal Thurman Six Flags Fiesta Texas Vice President & General Manager Park President Below is my wife’s (Kim) Below is my family recipe for cheese recipe for Sweet Potato Cas- grits, something we make every holiday serole. season. Ingredients: 1 (40 oz.) can sweet potatoes •Place in a greased casserole Cheese Grits (yams) drained dish. 3/4 cup sugar Serves 4-6 people. 1/2 stick margarine, softened •Mix brown sugar, flour, 1/3 1 tbsp vanilla cup melted margarine and Step 1 – Prepare the day before then chill over night. 2 eggs pecans together. Heat 2 cups of milk until steaming. Add 1/2 cup of hominy 1/2 tsp cinnamon grits and cook until thick. Stir and remove from heat. Add 1 cup brown sugar •Sprinkle over the sweet 1/4 lb. of butter and 1 cup of sharp grated cheddar cheese. 1/3 cup flour potatoes. Season with red pepper and salt. Add 1 lightly beaten egg 1/3 cup margarine and chill overnight. 1 cup chopped pecans •Bake at 350 degrees for one hour. Step 2 – Day of meal. •Mix sweet potatoes, sugar, Cover and cook in oven for 1 hour at 350 degrees. Remove softened 1/2 stick margarine, cover after the first 30 minutes in the oven. Serve warm and vanilla, eggs, and cinnamon enjoy! with mixer.

Joann V. Cortez Great Wolf Lodge Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District Grapevine, Texas Communications Director Here is a super easy to Grilled Shrimp and Farro prepare and delicious recipe Salad a friend shared with me that my entire family looks for- 4 shrimp, thawed and peeled 2. Grill for 2 minutes per side, ward to each holiday season! cake pan with Graham 2 tsp. canola oil or until fully cooked but still crackers. 1/4 tsp. salt and pepper mix moist — remove from grill Christmas Cherry Cheese 3 oz. cooked farro and reserve. Surprise Whip first three ingredients 4 cherry tomatoes together to a smooth con- 1 oz. kalamata olives, cut in 3. Place all salad ingredients, 1 large container of whipped sistency and spoon over the half, pitted except dressing and cook cream cheese Graham crackers. 2 oz. sliced english cucumber shrimp in mixing bowl. 1 small container of Cool 1/4 oz. fresh mint Whip Top with cherry pie filling. 2 oz. crumbled feta cheese 4. Stir dressing well, the ladle 1 small container of marsh- 2 oz. red wine vinaigrette over salad. Gently toss salad mallow cream Chill and serve in small pud- together to combine. 1 large can of cherry pie fill- ding dishes. 1. Coat shrimp evenly with ing oil, then season with salt and 5. Serve immediately. 1 box of Graham crackers Enjoy the smiles! pepper mix evenly on both sides. Line the bottom of a glass December 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014 INTERNATIONAL  supplying Blackpool Pleasure Beach with Sky Fly ride in 2015 — Page 9 European parks offer seasonal fun and fare STORY: Andrew Mellor [email protected] Christmas and New Year opening continues to be a pop- ular option for parks around the world and European ven- ues are no exception. Here we take a look at just a few of those venues that are offering some festive fun this Christmas. , Gothenburg, Sweden Liseberg’s Christmas mar- ket will create a magical place filled with wonders from differ- ent times and different places. A walk through the park will take guests from a medi- eval village where the king and A Christmas market (above left) is one of the main aspects of Liseberg’s festive opening. Above right, the park will glitter his court are preparing for the midwinter feast, past a tradi- with five million lights during its Christmas opening period.COURTESY LISEBERG tional Christmas market with its candy apples and carolers CHRISTMAS SPOTLIGHT 2014 and over to the park’s snowy Lappland where they will find fires to sit by as they try out a variety of northern delicacies. In the woodland near Lappland, Santa will have his Christmas workshop featuring a magical wishing machine and a gift wrapping machine. Here visitors will be able to write their own wish list and hand it to Santa. Outside the work- shop will be his reindeers and sleigh tours will be on offer. In the Rabbitland kids can ride the , watch the Christmas show and hug the Liseberg rab- bits. A major element of Lise- berg’s Christmas opening, of a young man kidnapped by which in 2013 attracted 532,000 the Snow Queen and his girl- Above, the entertainment visitors, is the five million lights friend’s struggle to save him. at over the that adorn the park and give it It’s a classic tale of good and Christmas season will a special festive atmosphere, evil, but with a twist. include a variety of shows while this year’s show stopper A total of 26 attractions and parades. At right, a will be a new ice show. Inspired around the park will also be by H.C. Andersen’s story about open over the festive period. huge Christmas tree will be the Snow Queen, which also in- a major feature of spired the movie Frozen, Lise- Drayton Manor Theme Park, Gardaland’s Magic Christmas. berg will present Snödrottnin- Tamworth, Staffordshire, U.K. COURTESY GARDALAND gen. With nearly 50 skaters on The hugely popular Thom- the ice, the show tells the story 4See HOLIDAYS, page 7 December 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 HOLIDAYS Continued from page 6 as Land will again play a cen- tral role in Drayton Manor’s Magical Christmas this year which takes place November 22 to December 31. The park will feature fes- tive decorations and music throughout and a total of 21 rides and attractions will be available for visitors to enjoy, while there will also be a chance to meet Father Christmas in his Castle of Dreams. Santa’s rein- deer will be making an appear- ance in the park’s zoo, resting up before they leave for their busiest night of the year on Christmas Eve! In addition to the afore- Visitors to Drayton Manor will be able to enjoy live shows (above left) in Thomas Land with the Fat Controller and his friends. mentioned items, Drayton’s Above right, Thomas Land will play a key role in the park’s Christmas activities. COURTESY DRAYTON MANOR Magical Christmas will also in- clude several other key features. with its partial park opening, in the same area, during the which will be open. show will be El Bosque Encan- Among these will be live shows will feature several themed late afternoon, Prezzemolo will A Christmas Market will tado (The Enchanted Forest) in Thomas Land with the Fat shows as well as a winter pa- magically make it snow. Raft/ be held in the Mediterrània where goblins, wizards and Controller and friends, snow rade, ice rink and go-kart track. slide rides for children and area, inspired by the traditional fairies will show visitors the se- falls at least three times a day in Surrounded by a magical adults will also be among the Christmas markets from central cret shortcut that leads to San- Thomas Land, a Christmas Tree Yuletide atmosphere, Garda- attractions available and a Win- Europe and featuring wooden ta’s home. light show throughout each day land mascot Prezzemolo and ter Parade featuring luxurious stalls offering a host of Christ- and, new for 2014, an ice skat- his friends will welcome guests costumes, Christmas carols and mas treats. An ice sculptor will Gardens ing rink. Fireworks behind the at the entrance of the park to thousands of colorful lights will create amazing figures in ice , Castle of Dreams will also add transport them into a world of also be featured. And at the end and for those who want a bit Christmas in Tivoli opened to the festivities, while the Po- dreams. At Gardaland Theatre of each day, further entertain- more activity, an ice rink will for the first time in 1994, becom- lar Express film will be shown visitors will be able to witness ment will take place in conjunc- be a feature of the México area. ing the driver for tourism in in the park’s 4D Cinema. a compelling fable, a musi- tion with the illumination of a PortAventura will also install a Copenhagen in December and A ticket package of park cal show where the elves from giant Christmas Tree. huge snow tubing slide on the paving the way for a multitude entry and access to the Castle of Santa Claus’ toy factory will For those guests wishing Great Wall of China, specially of activities and smaller Christ- Dreams is being offered, with have to try and save this special to stay at the park, Gardaland designed for children but suit- mas markets in and around every child utilizing this receiv- festivity. A special guest of the Hotel is offering three special able for adults too. Copenhagen. In 2013 the event ing a gift from Father Christmas show will be Pistillo the fanta- packages over the period. As it has done for every lasted seven weeks and had and a Golden Ticket which ad- sist, directly from Italia 1’s TV past Christmas season, the park 982,000 visitors. mits one free child to Drayton program “Colorado.” Port Aventura will present a packed program This year Tivoli’s Christ- Manor during the 2015 season At the Theatre of Mario- Vilaseca, Tarragona, Spain of festive family entertainment. mas season runs from Novem- when accompanied by a paying nettes, the clown Pass Pass will This year’s Christmas sea- Musicals featuring acrobatic ber 15 to January 4, the first adult. A park only-entry ticket entertain guests, while make- son at Port Aventura will take displays and spectacular out- time it has operated until after is also available. up artists will be on hand to place from November 22 to door ice-skating will take place New Year’s Eve which is a pop- A selection of packages offer face painting to younger January 6. Among the spec- alongside performances of live ular time with tourists to see over the festive period is also visitors. The Carrozza di Natale tacular lighting, festive decora- music, filling every corner of Copenhagen. being offered in the park’s (Christmas Coach) will also be tions and the daily shows cre- the park with popular yuletide Up to a million fairy lights 4-star hotel. offering rides around the streets ated specifically for the season, tunes. in trees and on buildings will of Gardaland. guests will also be able to enjoy The China area’s Gran dazzle visitors, as will the smell Gardaland In the West village, adults a host of festive attractions, as Teatro will be the stage for the of Christmas foods, the many Garda, Verona, Italy and children will have a chance well as all the major rides (with Regalo de Navidad (Christmas kilometers of spruce garlands Gardaland Magic Winter, to meet Father Christmas and the exception of the water rides) Present) show, while another and the small, decorative villag- es at Christmas in Tivoli. New in 2014 is a 2,000 square meter Alpine village in the central square which will, as per tra- dition, offer a variety of shops selling gifts, foods and tradi- tional Christmas ornaments and candles. And from Decem- ber 25 to 27 and December 31 to January 4 the Tivoli Fireworks Festival also takes place. Tivoli’s Nordic Christmas Village is situated just inside the main entrance gate, while on passing through the Nimb’s dazzling white façade visi- tors then reach Tivoli’s central square, where a new theme (still a secret at the time of writing) will greet them in 2014. Guests can then enter Quality Street Live entertainment (above left) will again be a major feature of the Christmas season at Port Aventura. Among the attrac- with all its rides and games, tions visitors will be able to enjoy at the park, over the Christmas period, is this snow tubing ride. COURTESY PORTAVENTURA 4See HOLIDAYS, page 8 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014 Huss continues to enjoy success with 2014 project openings Deliveries include first Condor 2G to Happy Valley Beijing and to BREMEN, Germany — German ride man- having been added to the company’s active ufacturer Huss Park Attractions GmbH has an- portfolio of products once again, with revised nounced details of new ride projects for 2014 design elements, it is creating much interest and beyond, with a wide range of installations among theme park operators and visitors. being opened this year and many more con- The Happy Valley model features the fa- firmed for 2015 and into 2016 at parks around miliar 101-foot-tall central tower structure the world. with four main arms. Attached to these are Among the newest attractions now in seven, two-person gondolas that swing out operation is a true classic ride from Huss as they rotate. The ride also features a rescue originally produced as the Pirate Ship which boat design and unique lighting concepts. recently opened at Djurs Sommerland in Nim- A second Huss Condor 2G attraction is tofte, Denmark. The new addition, which is due for opening in 2014/2015 in the Chinese themed as a Viking ship and has been named Shandong Province, while looking further Drageskibet, is from the company’s Classic ahead to 2015, the company also has a num- line and accommodates up to 54 passengers. ber of new rides set to open during the year. With moderate accelerations and motions it is These include a Suspended for an as a genuine family ride. yet unnamed client in the Middle East and an- The first Condor 2G (2nd Generation) attraction from Huss Drageskibet swings riders up to 65 feet in other Top Spin Suspended and a Sky Tower has now opened at Happy Valley Beijing in China and fea- height at a 75 degree angle over a small lake for undisclosed clients in China. tures a rescue boat design and unique lighting concepts. in the newly created Vikingeland area. The For delivery in 2015/16, Huss has also con- Huss Park Attractions GmbH has delivered a classic Pirate ride’s with detailed theming and decoration it firmed contracts for two Top Spin Suspended Ship ride themed as a Viking ship named Drageskibet at is sure to become a popular landmark in this rides, both equipped with a water fountain Djurs Sommerland in Denmark. section of the park. feature, and a Giant Frisbee 40 for China, while COURTESY HUSS A second Pirate Ship is due to open later due for delivery to the Middle East during this this year at Romon World in Ningbo, China. period is a King Kong ride, the sixth version of This particular model will again feature a spe- this family ride to be built and which will, as cial theme, on this occasion reflecting the con- usual, incorporate a variety of special effects cept of Pirates of the Caribbean, and will be to enhance the experience. another excellent example of how the detailed “These many contracts and installations theming of the Pirate Ship rides can create a show we are enjoying continued success unique attraction with outstanding visual im- with our range of attractions throughout the pact, creating a major draw for visitors. The world,” noted Huss Park Attractions CEO attraction is part of a package of four new Mirko J. Schulze. “We are particularly pleased Huss rides operating at the park which also with the interest shown in the Condor 2G, includes a Top Spin Suspended, a Giant Fris- which has justified its reintroduction to our bee 40, both from the Huss thrill ride range, active portfolio of products, and the increased and a Break Dance 4 family ride. demand of our clients for highly themed Huss June also witnessed the opening of the ride attractions with great visual impact. Espe- first Condor 2G (2nd Generation) attraction, cially here we can demonstrate our extensive at Happy Valley Beijing in China. The original experience in creating an outstanding interac- Condor enjoyed much success with 30 exam- tion between reliable technique and excellent ples being sold during the 1980s and ’90s and design.”

At left, Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens has been running a Christmas season since 1994. Above, there will be plenty of shopping opportunities for visitors to Christmas in Tivoli. COURTESY TIVOLI GARDENS

cracker opens on November HOLIDAYS 20 at the Tivoli Concert Hall. Continued from page 7 Tivoli’s artistic director, Pe- and down at the lake area, the ter Bo Bendixen, has choreo- weeping willows on the bank graphed this production of the will be dressed in fairy-lights to Christmas classic, which has create a special ambience. And, sets and costumes designed by of course, Father Christmas will Queen Margrethe of Denmark. be on hand to greet children Performed by Tivoli Ballet The- and listen to their Christmas atre the story has been adapted wishes. and now takes place in Copen- Additionally, the Nut- hagen. December 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 Gerstlauer supplying Blackpool Pleasure Beach with new Red Arrows Sky Force ride for 2015 BLACKPOOL, England — Blackpool Plea- such an exciting project and we know it will sure Beach is reaching for the skies with a new be something unique for thrill-seekers to ex- ride for the 2015 season. The 42-acre amuse- perience.” ment park has joined forces with the world-fa- Managing Director of Blackpool Pleasure mous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Beach, Amanda Thompson OBE, added: “The Arrows, to launch a unique new attraction. Red Arrows are a British institution so it was Preparing for deployment next spring, the a perfect fit for the U.K.’s number one amuse- new ride is a Sky Fly supplied by Germany’s ment park to work with them. They are an Gerstlauer. The ride’s aircraft will provide an amazing sight to see when they are in the skies exhilarating experience like no other at the and I am certain our new ride will give our park. The pride of the Royal Air Force will now guests a unique thrill they will want to experi- be represented on an attraction that allows the ence again and again.” rider to take control of their own plane. Com- Squadron Leader Ruth Shackleton, team plete in Red Arrows livery, the ride will also manager of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic feature its own control tower. To be placed in Team, said: “The Red Arrows have enjoyed a the shadow of the Big One roller coaster The long association with Blackpool and the Plea- 72-foot-high, 12-seat thriller will take guests sure Beach during the team’s 50-year history. on a 360-degree tour of the skies. The new Sky Force ride is a wonderful, and After touchdown, riders can check out a unique, means to continue this relationship dedicated Red Arrows shop, which will fea- and provides an exciting way for people to ture exclusive merchandise and souvenirs de- learn more about the Red Arrows, the Royal signed for Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Air Force and the role the Service plays in pro- Blackpool Pleasure Beach has joined forces with the world- Deputy Managing Director of Blackpool tecting the U.K. The team are also thrilled the famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, to Pleasure Beach, Nick Thompson, said: “We ride will take pride of place adjacent to the Big launch a unique new attraction. A Sky Fly supplied by Ger- cannot wait to launch our new ride for the One. It is also fantastic that the north west of many’s Gerstlauer, the Red Arrows Sky Force will take flight 2015 season. We are the first amusement park England will get to enjoy and play host to a when the British park opens for the 2015 season next spring. in the U.K. to work with the Red Arrows on permanent Red Arrows experience.” COURTESY BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH

Ski Dubai Sally building haunted attraction at Grona Lund in 2015 selects Gateway STOCKHOLM, Sweden — In April 2015, what is be- GILBERTSVILLE, Pa. ing billed as “the worst horror — Gateway Ticketing Sys- experiences of its kind” will tems has announced its se- debut at Gröna Lund. Dubbed lection by Ski Dubai as the House of Nightmares, the new venue’s new ticketing point attraction will be a one-of-a- of sale provider. An iconic kind walk through attraction attraction in the United where visitors pass through Arab Emirates, Ski Dubai is the old dark house filled with an indoor ski resort in the horrific nightmares. Middle East owned by the To develop House of Majid Al Futtaim Group. Nightmares, Gröna Lund In addition to a wintery is teaming up with Florida- mountain-themed setting based , a and five ski runs, includ- leading creator of special ef- ing the world’s first indoor fects and animatronic for over black run, Ski Dubai is 35 years. “Together with Sally home to 24 King and Gen- Corporation, Gröna Lund will too penguins. create one of the worst horror The site’s million plus experiences of its kind,” said annual visitors will enjoy Peter Osbeck, ride manager at an enhanced visitor expe- Gröna Lund.” Sweden’s Gröna Lund is teaming up with Florida-based Sally Corporation to create House of rience with the implemen- Exactly what visitors will Nightmares, a new haunted walk through attraction slated to open next spring. To maintain tation of Gateway’s flag- find in the house’s various the mystery, exactly what visitors will find in the house’s various rooms will not be revealed ship point of sale solution, rooms will not be revealed ahead of time. COURTESY GRONA LUND Galaxy. Skiers will have the ahead of time. Instead, guests which he interpreted his guests’ house near the Stockholm harbor. bringing to life were still lurking option to purchase tickets will have to find their cour- dreams...and nightmares. Unfazed by criticism, he contin- in the dark, infesting the house’s onsite at the venue or on- age to step into the house next The program was very popu- ued his controversial and danger- rooms and hallways. line ahead of time using spring. lar and Dr. Morphio quickly be- ous experiments hidden behind What happened to Dr. Mor- the venue’s eGalaxy Web came a well-known and respected the house’s facade. He docu- phio remains a mystery, but his Store. In addition to front House of Nightmares television personality. But when mented everything on video, and house is still standing. No one gate and consumer online backstory he was at the peak of his career it was rumored that he actually knows what is waiting in there. sales, the venue will also Our dark story begins in came the revelation that shocked managed to create living beings Are you ready to come face-to- employ Galaxy’s Upsell 1953 in New Orleans, Louisiana everyone. It turned out that his out of his patients’ worst night- face with your worst nightmares? module as well as group (USA), where the noted scientist research was profoundly unethi- mares. A couple of years ago, a But be careful – the living night- sales and an integrated Dr. Morphio was conducting re- cal, illegal and inhumane. He had documentary film team, hoping mares might follow you home and business intelligence ap- search into the human subcon- conducted experiments on human to learn the truth about Dr. Mor- invade your dreams...you may plication. scious and the nature of dreams. subjects where with forcible and phio and his terrible experiments, never sleep again! The project, which is It was at a time when television brutal methods he tried to extract arrived at his secluded house. But House of Nightmares is in tandem with Gateway began to take its obvious place the dreams from their conscious- the doctor had vanished without currently under construc- Value Added Reseller, Pro- in people’s living rooms and Dr. ness in order to bring them to life. a trace. Instead, the team found tion and will begin terrify- logic First, is scheduled to Morhpio was already far ahead of Dr. Morphio fled from the something truly horrific. The ru- ing guests when Gröna Lund go live in early 2015. his time. He created a television outraged American population mors were true. The nightmares opens for the 2015 season next program called Dreamland, in and retreated to a secluded old that the doctor had succeeded in April. 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014 December 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 WATER PARKS & RESORTS Castaway Cove adding long awaited WhiteWater AquaLoop for 2015 — Page 15 Attendance sees eight percent jump over 2013 WWA Trade Show brings wave of innovation to Las Vegas STORY: Dean Lamanna products and services in the years, was on hand with a large [email protected] 100,000-square-foot, sold-out catalogue of family-friendly Paris Las Vegas Convention products. The company, in LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The Center, there were numerous fact, got to show off one of 34th annual World Waterpark innovators and standouts. its most recent projects — an Association (WWA) Sympo- Unveiling what was like- elaborate kiddie play structure sium & Trade Show dove head- ly the most talked-about at- at the newly opened, 23-acre long into this fun-filled desert traction in the exhibit hall, Cowabunga Bay water park in city on Oct. 27 — landing with Avalanche Waterslides (ava- nearly Henderson, Nev. — to a splash at the Paris Las Vegas lanchewaterslides.com), in 175 WWA show attendees who Hotel and Casino in the mid- partnership with British Co- opted to tour the property on dle of The Strip. According to lumbia, Canada-based Sky- Oct. 27. WWA officials, it was one of the turtle Technologies Ltd., pre- Another Mexico-based in- organization’s biggest and best sented photos and video of ternational water activity in- shows. SkyCaliber — a prototype free- novator, Aquakita (aquakita. “We know that 2014 wasn’t falling, looping tube slide that com) of Escobedo, Nuevo a perfect season for all our op- has been built at the company’s León, displayed large, colorful Carthage, Mo., headquarters. sections of its edgy, adrenaline- erators, yet we’ve heard from The 34th annual WWA Symposium & Trade Show drew more WWA members all over the Engineering designer pumping slides for a “hands- than 1,600 attendees to the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Ca- world that they have big plans Lance Fisher, president of Sky- on” sales approach — one that sino, an eight percent increase over last year’s event. for the 2015 season and be- turtle and formerly a designer allowed representative Alex AT/GARY SLADE yond,” said Rick Root, presi- with WhiteWater West Indus- Gryzinksi to point out proudly dent of the Overland Park, kets were represented from 25 ing, learning and sharpening tries, said a “nightmare” was the thorough front-and-back Kan.-based organization. countries, including Argentina, existing business know-how the origin of his limits-push- protective coating that im- “They brought their positive Australia, Austria, The Baha- in all key industry areas. No ing, record-breaking concept proves the slides’ durability outlook to the WWA Show in mas, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, less than 80 educational tracks, for SkyCaliber, which drops a against not just water, but all spades and came together with Canada, Columbia, Czech Re- workshops, breakout sessions single passenger in a specially weather. fellow attendees to solve prob- public, El Salvador, Germany, and networking opportunities designed capsule from atop a Overseas water park lems, craft solutions and get Great Britain, Hong Kong, In- — ranging from lifeguard in- 90-foot tower straight down equipment supplier Arihant inspired.” dia, Indonesia, Italy, Korea, struction courses to employee into a 30-foot vertical loop, (arihant.com), of Thane, India, Attracting more than 1,600 Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, training and attraction market- briefly pulling a g-force as high offered catalogues chock-full owners, operators, developers, Thailand, Turkey, the United ing strategy seminars — were as six and a as high as 52 of customizable themed play suppliers and designers, the Arab Emirates and the U.S. offered to the public sector or mph (as of latest testing). structures, body slides, raft four-day event was exception- Not only was attendance tailored to members of WWA “I had been working long courses and wave pools. “We ally well-planned and sched- up, but attendees generally committees. Several keynote days designing a new drop also provide design exper- uled to the hilt. Bracketing were energized. “Engage- addresses by industry experts capsule for Avalanche Wa- tise and installation support, two bustling stretches of trade ment went through the roof rounded out the event’s wealth terslides,” said Fisher, “and I and our equipment adheres to show floor time at the Paris on this year,” said Aleatha Ezra, of informational riches. ended up dreaming about it ASTM quality standards,” said Tuesday, Oct. 28, and Wednes- WWA’s director of park mem- “After operating a water at night. In one dream I was Mangesh Taksale, deputy gen- day, Oct. 29, were additional ber development. “We had park for 40 years, I know it’s standing in my newly designed eral manager. The company hours and days of professional record turnout for our lunch- important to stay current,” said capsule, but for some reason has several leisure specialty di- development seminars and a es and networking events — Kathy Siggers, owner of Wild the drop was straight down. visions and, with over 375 proj- pair of evening social gather- standing-room-only in many Water Adventure Park in Clo- Not wanting to perform a can- ects in 45 countries, has been ings. The latter took place amid of our sessions — and we saw a vis, Calif. “You have to be able nonball down a tube, I reached plying its trade successfully for party atmospherics at the Paris 25 percent increase in attendee to reinvent yourself and stay for the sides of the capsule and 36 years. pool and Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Ve- engagement across all our so- abreast of the latest best prac- held on for my life. But being Brandishing the slogan gas, drawing about 700 guests cial media platforms during tices, and that’s what this show a nightmare, the capsule broke “Join the Splash Park Revo- and 400 guests, respectively. the week. The conversations offers.” off the tower and I plummeted lution!,” Empex Water Toys This year, attendees came were going on everywhere, at Amusement Today wel- down the drop inside of it.” (watertoys.com) showed event from parks large and small, all times.” comed many industry friends, On a less hair-raising note, attendees its skill in both- de public and private, indoor Indeed, perhaps more old and new, at the WWA Jalisco, Mexico-based Fibrart signing water play areas from and outdoor, from all over than ever, the WWA show gathering. Of the 350-plus ex- (fibrart.com.mx), a maker of scratch and extensively mak- the world. Active leisure mar- was an opportunity for listen- hibiting companies presenting waterslides for more than 30 4See WWA, page 12

• • •

12 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014 WWA Continued from page 11 ing over existing ones. With festive, high-color, family- friendly products including water cannons, water rotors, aqua jets, kiddie slides and wa- ter bikes, the Ontario, Canada- based company fabricates its inventory from composite and specialty plastics sealed with a five-coat process utilizing au- tomotive polyurethane and a special multi-coat clear finish. “Interactivity is key to the play- ground,” said Wyeth Tracy, president of Empex, sharing Everlast Climbing’s Kersplash Pool Product (left) and Wyeth vivid photos of installations for Tracy of Empex Water Toys (above) promoted interactivity, clients in Brazil, Greece, Japan while images of Avalanche Waterslides’ looping SkyCali- and Spain, as well as in North ber (right) wowed the floor.COURTESY EVERLAST CLIMBING, America. On a smaller yet no less AVALANCHE WATERSLIDES; (ABOVE) AT/DEAN LAMANNA participatory scale, Torrance- for 25 years. applies exterior coatings that weather threat planning, detec- Fortunately, weather Calif.-based Big Squirt! (big- OpenAire (openaire.com), provide longer-term color and tion and response. “We have is rarely a concern in Palm squirt.com) was on hand with with offices in Ontario, Cana- gloss retention as well as adhe- the world’s largest weather Springs, Calif., where WWA’s its Big Squirt! Water Toy and da, and Cedarburg, Wis., has sion superior to standard ep- network, with 10,000 stations 35th annual Symposium & various park accessories, in- raised the roof on aquatic fa- oxy / urethane coatings. exclusive to Earth Networks- Trade Show will be held Oc- cluding a water-spouting giant cilities even farther. Founded Also combining safety WeatherBug that update every tober 20-23, 2015. The event fill station, a mobile sales cart, a in 1989, the designer, manufac- and aesthetics, and artistry, two seconds,” noted Jesus Fer- will be headquartered at the banner-waving stationary cone turer and installer of aestheti- AquaStar Pool Products ro, senior marketing manager. Renaissance Palm Springs Ho- display and several target- cally designed, energy-efficient (aquastarpoolproducts.com) “We also have the world’s larg- tel, which is connected to the based, multi-player games with retractable roof enclosures and introduced a new pool and est lightning network. It’s all desert resort city’s convention carnival, underwater and Wild operable skylights has com- playground deck concept about getting out the earliest center. West themes. Launched by for- pleted more than 1,000 proj- called Fillable Friends. The possible warning for the poten- •www.waterparks.org mer Hughes Aircraft engineer ects in water parks, resorts and white, prefabricated, mosaic- tial of severe weather.” Joel M. Schafer in his Hermosa community centers around like stencils — available in Beach living room in the late the globe. “Unlike steel fram- angel fish, dolphin, palm tree, 1980s, the award-winning com- ing, our maintenance-free, footprint and other fun and pany has brought new forms of thermally broken aluminum attractive shapes — are set in water fun to millions. framing system stands up to their desired positions before Taking water-based inter- the moisture and chemicals rubberized safety coatings and activity to new heights, Everlast of aquatic atmospheres,” said other surface treatments are Climbing (everlastclimbing. Dave Bolwerk, vice president applied. “When the surround- com) was extolling its easy-to- of sales and marketing. “Our ing surface dries, you can then set-up, indoor / outdoor Kers- installations never need to be fill the stencils with plaster, plash Pool Climbing Wall. The repainted.” pebble, glass beads, concrete or product, available in bright- Unfortunately, the same different colors of the same sur- color and clear panel styles can’t be said of most fiberglass rounding surface coating,” said with ergonomic handhold, is waterslides, which can become company spokesman Jamey made from materials that are heavily oxidized, faded and Clark. “It’s less expensive than UV-, chlorine- and corrosion- chipped after years of use and creating designs with tile and resistant. “The Kersplash Crys- exposure to the elements. Safe a great way to enhance your tal Clear climbing wall comple- Slide Restoration (safeslides. decks and walkways.” ments any aquatic center and com) addressed this problem Stepping into the realm offers visibility to areas behind for WWA show visitors, de- of highly practical safety solu- Arihant’s Mangesh Taksale the wall,” said Sarah Howard, scribing services and products tions for water parks, amuse- (above) discussed his company’s marketing manager, noting designed to bring new life to ment parks, stadiums and array of equipment and services. that units had been installed old equipment and reduce other outdoor venues, Earth AquaStar Pool Products’ new by clients in Florida, Minne- equipment maintenance costs. Networks (earthnetworks. Fillable Friends surface stencils sota and New Mexico. Head- With more than 15 years of com) created convention (left) added a decorative touch quartered in Mendota Heights, experience working for some buzz with WeatherBug — its to decks. Minn., the company has been of the largest water parks in brand of comprehensive se- COURTESY AQUASTAR POOL PROD- servicing the climbing industry North America, the company vere weather intelligence for UCTS; (ABOVE) AT/DEAN LAMANNA December 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13 MEDIA

14 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014 NEWSPAPER EMPLOYEE IN GOOD STANDING WATER PARKS B.NEWS JEFFREYDEREK SHAW L. SEIFERTSPLASH EDITORIALEDITORIAL MARKET PLACE COMPILED: Jeffrey L. Seifert, [email protected]

MEDIAMEDIA Pennsylvania’s Camelback Lodge & als are from companies that have successful CREDENTIALCREDENTIAL Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, in the famous operations in the state of Texas. Dallas-based VALIDVALID Pocono MountainsTHROUGHTHROUGH vacation20122010 area, opened Harvest Family Entertainment, is well-known its doors in October to offer city officials, for operating seven Hawaiian Falls water business owners and members of the media parks in the state. The second proposal is a sneak preview of what will be the largest from Fieldhouse USA, which built and oper- ski in/skiGARY out SLADE indoor waterpark hotel in the ates a huge, indoor, multi-sport facility in U.S., andPUBLISHER, the largest AMUSEMENT indoor TODAY waterpark in the Frisco, Texas. However, the two companies Northeast. may not have to compete against each other. Owners of the half-century old Camelback High-level management ties exist within the Resort, together with development and man- two companies. With the complex proposal agement company Stand Rock Hospitality, calling for multiple facilities, Harvest can build rolled out the red carpet and handed out hard and operate the water park, Fieldhouse USA hats before guiding tours through the 533,000 the athletic complex, and the adventure park square-foot, $163 million Camelback Lodge & could go to either or become a collaborative Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark. effort, or even involve a third party. The city Once complete in March 2015, the eight- has proposed $20 million for the project but story Camelback Lodge will feature 453 guest has not disclosed how the city might finance suites offered in 24 suite configurations rang- the development. ing from loft fireplace suites, one and two The owners of Wet’n’Wild Waterworld in bedroom executive suites, and family suites Anthony, Texas, located 25 miles from El Paso, with bunk beds, gift shops, adult and kids were also interested in submitting a proposal, spas, multiple eateries and three sit-down res- but felt the city’s Request for Proposal (RFP) taurants, including the ski-in/ski-out Trails End was narrowly drawn and specifically written Tavern near the Sullivan Chair Lift. to exclude companies other than Harvest The 170,000 square-foot family adven- Entertainment. Wet’n’Wild also claims they ture center will include the Aquatopia Indoor were caught off guard when the city issued www.BerkConcessionSupply.com Waterpark, which will feature seven pools, the RFP on July 1 with a short, 60-day RFP Our Concession 13 waterslides, and a multitude of thrilling period. After considering those two factors, Sales Reps are ready to take water attractions. Uniquely designed to be plus the fact that Wet’n’Wild Waterworld was your order. unlike any other indoor waterpark in the USA, in the midst of an expansion, the decision was Call & Place your order early! Aquatopia will host a combination of favorites made to not submit a proposal. such as a wave pool, lazy river and Flowrider • surfing simulator, as well as industry-first slides A five-acre splash pad in Martin Luther such as the Venus SlydeTrap, a family raft ride King Park, Buffalo, New York, is now running that combines three waterslide experiences at full tilt. After opening last year, the splash into one slide. The Arcadia Family Adventure pad suffered from low water pressure indicat- Center will offer two levels of themed activi- ing that a leak had developed in a water sup- NEW ties and challenges including more than 100 ply line leading to the park. The city felt that video, interactive and ticket redemption the leak should have been corrected during games, ropes courses and rock climbing for construction as tests showed the system was adults and kids, mini-golf, black light laser tag, only operating at 60 percent efficiency, but bowling and an arts and crafts center. the splash park was opened as planned. At IN-PARK • the end of this season the repairs were made The city of El Paso, Texas, is looking at and the system’s 300 fountain heads were Frederiksen 1/7x3 b/w 3/14/02 11:22 AM Page 1 INTERACTIVE GAMES two proposals for a combination water park, running at 100 percent capacity. The park adventure park and athletic complex on a was then converted for winter use until next 39-acre site owned by the city. Both propos- spring.

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Keep our water park industry strong! Buy products and services from these suppliers. December 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15 Castaway Cove water park to open 2015 season with new AquaLoop WICHITA FALLS, Texas Castaway Cove will open Lemasters said they are — Now that the city of Wichita its season next May with a new hoping for rain this winter, but, Falls found a way of letting the WhiteWater West Industries’ even so, they know how to get water flow into Castaway Cove AquaLoop. water to the park. water park without depleting “There are a lot of water So, up goes the AquaLoop. city water sources, park man- parks in Texas,” said Kent Le- “We will have it open the agement is ready to debut its masters, CEO and president, first of May, 2015,” Lemasters new slide to guests for the 2015 AquaticAmusement Manage- said. “We will break ground season. ment Group (AMG), the com- early next year.” pany that manages the park for The site of the new ride is the city. “But, this will be the already fairly flat, he said, so a FAST FACTS first AquaLoop in Texas.” lot of excavation won’t be nec- The 360-degree looping essary. Name/Park waterslide has been on the Castaway Cove’s Aqua- AquaLoop/ grounds at Castaway Cove, Loop will have a 60 foot tall Castaway Cove stored in crates. Plans were to tower, with a loop height of Wichita Falls, Texas have the new slide up for the 35 feet. When launched from • 2014 season, but the extreme the platform, riders will take Ride drought in that area of Texas a 37-foot free fall before going A 360-degree put the installation on hold. into and around the 360-degree looping water slide At the beginning of this loop. • year, it was unsure whether the Lemasters said they are Height/Speed/ park would open for the 2014 planning a large marketing Height season. That was when the de- campaign to introduce the slide Tower Height: 60 feet cision was made not to install to the community. They plan Loop Height: 35 feet the new slide. to utilize billboards, television, Speed: 40 mph But, city officials contracted radio, direct mail, social media Freefall: 35-feet with a company to haul well and even bus wraps. They plan This is the new attraction for the 2015 season at Castaway • water to the park throughout to reach out to potential patrons Cove water park, Wichita Falls, Texas. The AquaLoop by Supplier the season. Lemasters said the at a distance of a 75-mile radius. WhiteWater West Industries will be up and ready by next WhiteWater West cost of hauling the water was “It will be a very visual at- May. AquaticAmusement Management Group (AMG), who Industries; Richmond, just under $70,000, but that was traction and we want people to manages this city-owned water park, plans an extensive B.C., Canada better than closing the park for see,” he said. marketing campaign to go along with opening this very the season. —Pam Sherborne visual attractions. COURTESY AMG/WHITEWATER WEST

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50 1428 Maple Ave. • Hamilton, OH 45011 • 513.737.9012 • www.TheBigIdeaPeople.com 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014 December 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17 PARKS & CARNIVALS Wildlife World Zoo expanding ride mix — Pages 22 & 23 / Carnival News — Pages 25-30 U.S. parks offering an abundance of holiday celebrations STORY: Pam Sherborne [email protected] Editor’s note: In it’s an- nual Christmas editorial feature, Amusement Today takes a ran- dom look at parks across the U.S., and what they are offering to guests in 2014. And as is tradition, AT lists several first-timers on this year’s Christmas roundup. To have your park or facility included in next year’s roundup, please email [email protected]. From millions of twinkling holiday lights to daily parades, ice sculptures in warm south Texas, a 30-foot tall holiday tree made from and Duplos to a water park transforming into a winter wonderland with daily Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas presents a new Moody Gardens, Galveston, Texas, began its holiday cele- new snow and sledding, amuse- feature this year, Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Pa- bration this year on Nov. 15. It will run through Jan. 3. New ment and theme parks are offer- rade, led by the red-nosed reindeer. This parade is added this year is the exhibition Ice Land: Ice Sculptures featur- ing a medley of holiday enter- to the line-up of musical productions, a five-story Christmas ing SpongeBob SquarePants. A team of 20 professional ice tainment for the 2014 season. tree and more than five million lights. The celebration began sculptures from China carved the sculptures that are being Here is just a sampling of Nov. 1 and will run through Dec. 30. housed in an insulated tent, kept at a chilling nine degrees. what parks across the country COURTESY SILVER DOLLAR CITY COURTESY MOODY GARDENS are offering this Christmas sea- son. CHRISTMAS SPOTLIGHT 2014

Silver Dollar City story special effects Christmas SquarePants. Branson, Mo. Tree on the park’s square. The This new addition to the an- Silver Dollar City lights up towering icon is a centerpiece nual Festival of Lights and other its brightest season with a new and sports over 250,000 colorful holiday attractions at Moody $1 million light parade this year. LED lights while offering a light Gardens, that began Nov. 15 Called Rudolph’s Holly Jolly and sound show synchronized and runs through Jan. 3, boasts Christmas Light Parade, and be- to holiday music. The lighting of this ice exhibition is the only ice ing led by “Rudolph, the most the tree begins at dusk. exhibition on the Gulf of Mexico. famous reindeer of all,” the pa- Silver Dollar City’s holi- Moody Gardens had a team of 20 professional ice carvers rade is debuting on the 50th an- day celebration also features from Harbin, China, to come to niversary of the television spe- two musical productions, over the park and take 900 tons of ice, cial by the same time. 100 craftsmen creating holiday transforming the ice into works The Silver Dollar City holi- items and seasonal food offer- of art ranging from holiday- day celebration — An Old Time ings. Christmas — began Nov. 1 and themed sculptures to a wide When temperatures remain range of scenes featuring the runs through Dec. 30. The Beach Water Park, Mason, Ohio, has been transformed 42 degrees or above, guests may beloved underwater characters The new evening parade into Beach Mountain for this winter season using snow made ride all the park’s coasters and from SpongeBob SquarePants. has Rudolph as the Grand Mar- by SnowMagic Inc., which has a patented Infinite Crystals rides. And because Galveston’s shall. There also are nine musi- Snowmaking (ICS) technology that makes snow in a con- winter temperatures average in cal lighted floats illuminated Moody Gardens the 60s to low 70s for highs to 50s trolled unit and distributes the snow to recreational surfaces with 100,000 ultra bright LED Galveston, Texas for lows, park officials moved in in any direction up to 600 feet. The winter season at the park lights. In addition, it is accom- Santa made a special ap- a 28,000-square-foot insulated began Nov. 21 and will run through March 1. Although not panied by 33 colorful costumed pearance at Moody Gardens in tent structure onto the property actually offering holiday celebrations, this winter wonder- characters. October to announce the debut that is keeping the sculptures land of snow tubing down 400-foot long lanes has extended The parade begins daily fol- of Moody Gardens’ Ice Land: Ice chilled at nine degrees. the Beach Water Park’s season all year. lowing the lighting of the five- Sculptures featuring SpongeBob 4See CHRISTMAS, page 18 COURTESY BEACH WATER PARK

Creating Memories & Profi tability

Intermark Ride Group • abc rides switzerland • Moser Rides • Used Rides & Games • Wattman Trains www.intermarkridegroup.com Moser Rides, FreeStyler Wattman Trains abc rides, Flume TEL 615.370.9625 FAX 615.370.8852 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014 CHRISTMAS AMUSEMENT Continued from page 17 MARKET PLACE Moody Gardens is lighted with more than one million lights as part of its Festival of Lights. Also being offered is ice Aerial Tramway Design & Manufacture skating on the area’s only out- door skating rink, musical enter- tainment and the thrilling Arctic SkyTrans Mfg.,L.L.C. Ice Slide. 106 Burnham Intervale Road Contoocook, N.H. 03229 Hersheypark Phone: (603) 746-4446 Fax: (603) 746-4447 Hershey, Pa. The magic of the holidays Christmas Town, the holiday Christmas celebration at Busch •Specializing in sales & refurbishment of used aerial tramways comes to life at Hersheypark Gardens Tampa, began Nov. 28 and will continue through •Replacement parts for aerial tramways and amusement rides with a variety of activities, musi- Dec. 31, on 23 select dates. The park offers a variety of holi- •New ride control systems and modifications cal productions, shopping, and, day cheer and activities. New this year is that entrance into •Rebuilt used chairlifts - one year guarantee of course, more than 30 rides. the festivities is included in the annual pass. Festivities began Nov. 22 COURTESY BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA (603) 746-4446 Parts and Service and will run through Jan. 1. Jerry Pendleton or Dan Pendleton Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane dons more than two million twinkling lights, the rides, festive decorations, and Hershey’s Product Characters decked out in their holiday best. New for the popular musi- cal productions is a partnership formed between Hersheypark and Hershey Lodge (divisions of Hershey Entertainment & Re- sorts) announced with Emmy award-winning - based entertainment firm RWS and Associates, which has cre- ated the 2014 holiday stage Florida celebrates the holidays weekends in De- productions. Park officials - an cember and ends with a Kids’ New Year special event on nounced the partnership in Dec. 31. Among some of the features of the celebration is October for the musicals being the 30-foot tall Christmas tree made with 270,000 Legos and held at Hershey Lodge and The Duplos. Guests also are able to build their own cre- Music Box Theatre at Hersheyp- ations. COURTESY ark as part of the annual holiday celebrations. reational surfaces in any direc- Christmas Town, has trans- Hersheypark also offers a tion up to 600 feet. It is enabling formed the park into a night- drive-through attraction for the guests at the Beach Mountain to time holiday wonderland of holidays. Called Hershey Sweet slide down 400-foot long tubing wintery surprises and all things Lights, A Holiday Drive-Thru lanes. Christmas. The park’s festivities Spectacular, this attraction -of “As we showed today, The opened Nov. 28 and will contin- fers 600 illuminated and animat- Beach Mountain can make snow ue through Dec. 31, on 23 select ed displays. and maintain snow on a sum- dates. mer day,” said SnowMagic Guests are offered special Beach Water Park president Albert Bronander entertainment, live music, fes- Mason, Ohio who was on-site for the media tive treats, holiday shopping A September 19th ribbon event in September. and over a million twinkling cutting at The Beach Water Park “We work with venues lights all over the park. celebrated an innovative devel- throughout the country from And, beginning this year, opment in recreation: The Beach San Diego to Miami,” he said. Busch Gardens’ Christmas Mountain, a snow tubing and “The Beach Mountain is creating Town is included in the annual snow play destination. Wielding a place where families can enjoy pass. over-sized ribbon-cutting scis- a winter-wonderland of active, sors, VIP guests, some of them outdoor fun without having to Legoland Florida in sandals, hiked onto a mini- spend all day in the car; I think Winter Haven, Fla. glacier in The Beach Mountain people will come back again and Legoland’s annual Christ- snow-play area. again throughout the season.” mas Bricktacular and Kids’ New “We invited business lead- The Beach Mountain Year’s Eve Bash celebrations ers and the media to our snow opened to the public on Nov. kick off the first of December event in September to demon- 21. Since it hasn’t necessarily and runs weekends through the strate the capability of snow- been dubbed a holiday celebra- remainder of the month. making at The Beach Moun- tion, park officials are running From holiday-themed Lego tain,” said Natalie Dunlap, vice The Beach Mountain activities builds and models to fireworks president of marketing. through March 1, creating an displays that light up the night The Beach Mountain is entire other season for the water to snowfall inside the park, working in conjunction with park. Legoland Florida is offering an SnowMagic, Inc., which has a abundance of family-friendly patented Infinite Crystals Snow- Busch Gardens activities. making (ICS) technology that Tampa, Fla. Christmas Bricktacular ac- Keep our amusement park industry strong! makes snow in a controlled unit This year’s holiday celebra- tivities include: Lego Santa and Buy products and services from these suppliers. and distributes the snow to rec- tion at Busch Gardens, called 4See CHRISTMAS, page 20 December 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19

P O BOX 638 • Plainview, Texas 79072 (806) 293-1353 • www.larsonintl.com

Giant Loop

Flying ScootersTM Tilt-A-Whirl TM 20 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014 we felt that Cliff’s Amusement CHRISTMAS Park could do the same and Continued from page 18 offer an experience unlike any Reindeer Models; the Lego 30- other in our market,” said Lance foot tall Christmas Tree that Smith, director of marketing. uses 270,000 forest green Legos It was no easy feat, he said. and Duplos; Lego Model Build “We partnered with a local Activity; Lego Santa Scavenger landscaping company to trans- Hunt, and Lego Santa and Lego form our park with hundreds Toy Soldier Characters. of thousands of lights that we Along with all the special meticulously hung to make the events, the holiday festival also park a beautiful holiday display offers over 50 rides and -attrac like no other,” Smith said. tions. Park officials also converted The park wraps up the the park’s A.R.M./Larson Cliff- month-long celebration with hanger ride into a 120-foot tall Kids’ New Year’s Eve Bash on Christmas tree. The thousands Dec. 31, featuring a Lego brick of lights put on the tree were drop at 7 p.m. midnight KST, synchronized to holiday music. (Kid Standard Time) to bring in The tree was so tall, it could be the New Year. seen for miles around, which helped draw guests. Cliff’s Amusement Park Smith said they had no idea Albuquerque, N.M. what the attendance would be As the 2013 summer season for the first year. It exceeded was coming to a close at Cliff’s expectations so much that park Amusement Park, park officials officials ended up adding- ad saw an opportunity to extend ditional lighting, opening ad- This is the second year for a Magical Christmas at Cliff’s Amusement Park, Albuquerque, park operations into the winter ditional food stands and operat- N.M. Last year, attendance exceeded all expectations and resulted in park officials having by adding a Christmas event to ing additional rides in the areas to open additional sections, as well as up additional food concessions. The festivities began the park. of the park that were going to be Nov. 28 and run throughout December on select dates. “We had seen other amuse- closed for the winter. COURTESY CLIFF’S AMUSEMENT PARK ment parks across the country “Opening additional areas with the higher than expect- Guests are also finding guests along the edge of the have great success by opening of the park, not only alleviated ed attendance, but enhanced thousands of holiday lights and park, and the Christmas Tree for the Christmas season, and the problems we encountered the overall experience for our colorful light ribbons through- Ride where kids fly around a guests,” Smith said. out the park, so hanging around Christmas tree. So, as planning for this sec- after dusk is a good idea. Guests can take a break ond year of holiday festivities Kids can feed Santa’s rein- from the rides and enjoy a got underway, park officials be- deer in the barn, visit Santa at magic show or enjoy Elmer the gan tweaking their 2014 Magi- his home lounging in his big Elf show and the Chris Moose cal Christmas. green chair and decorate home- show, featuring Christmas The park still opened for made gingerbread cookies. songs, all of which run multiple the holiday season on Black Fourteen holiday-themed times daily. Friday, which was Nov. 28 rides are open, including the Six Flags Parks this year, but they decided to Rockin’ Around the Christmas With the addition of Six open only on Fridays and Sat- Tree swings, Santa’s Express Flags Magic Mountain, Valen- urdays the first two weekends Train, The Great Humbug Ad- cia, Calif., and Six Flags Over of December, then expand into venture through Scrooge’s Georgia, Atlanta, there are now Thursday evenings as Christ- House, Santa’s Chimney Drop five Six Flags parks across the mas approaches. to experience how Santa feels country offering Holiday in the The park is operating 15 out when he drops down the chim- Park festivities. All but one Six of the 23 rides on the property. ney and the Skyway Sleigh Flags Over Georgia kicked off Weather constraints and routine Monorail to soar through the celebrations on Nov. 28. The off season maintenance are the tree tops on a sleigh monorail. Georgia park opened for the primary reasons for not operat- The holiday festivities be- holiday season on Nov. 22. ing all rides. gan Nov. 22 and is continuing And, even though Six Flags In addition, park officials until Dec. 21 on select dates. Great Escape, Queensbury, took a section of the park to N.Y., is closed, the adjacent Six build Santa’s workshop, where Santa’s Workshop Flags Great Escape Lodge does guests can visit Santa Claus, North Pole, Colo. celebrate with carolers, shows take pictures, and share their In a charming mountain and other seasonal offerings desires for Christmas morning. town in the Rocky Mountains, through Dec. 28. The is - con those wanting to enjoy the Six Flags Over Texas, Ar- verted once again and acts like lights and sounds of Christmas lington, closes the holiday cel- a beacon bringing guests to the can do so at Santa’s Workshop. ebration on Dec. 30. Six Flags park. And, they can do so at North Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo, Also being provided are Pole, Colo. Calif., Six Flags Magic Moun- many seasonal food and bever- Signature attractions at tain, Six Flags Over Georgia, ages as well as fire-pits through- Santa’s Workshop include the and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, San out the grounds to keep the always-frozen North Pole and Antonio, all close Jan. 4. guests warm. the 1919 Band Organ, which Guests visiting the parks entertains visitors with holiday can expect to view hundreds of Santa’s Village tunes. There are more than 25 thousands of twinkling lights, Jefferson, N.H. rides operating for all ages. sledding on snow, holiday In its 60th year of operation, Highlights include the shows and an array of open Santa’s Village is offering a new small Candy Cane Coaster, a rides and attractions, musical show for the 2014 Christmas 60-foot high , the entertainment and show pro- celebration. The new show is in Peppermint Slide where fami- ductions, hands-on crafts, sea- 3-D and is titled A Tinkerdoodle lies slide around a peppermint sonal foods and holiday shop- Christmas. stick, Santa’s Train which takes ping. December 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21

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IBox Track Patent US 8,590,455 | Topper Track Patent Pending 22 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014 New rides coming to Phoenix Metro attraction Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park gets bigger, wilder STORY: Dean Lamanna sold to zoos. on the property and built barns [email protected] “Back in the 1970s, zoos for the animals and aviaries for weren’t real good at raising an- the birds. In 1982, he bought LITCHFIELD PARK, Ariz. imals,” he said. “The mentality another 10 adjoining acres — — Less than 10 months after at the time was, ‘If it dies, we’ll at which point friends encour- marking its 30th year of op- just import another one.’ Well, aged him to open a zoo. eration with the debut of an suddenly, with the Endan- “They said, “You have all-new, 15-acre safari section, gered Species Act and other more birds and animals out Wildlife World Zoo, Aquari- legislation being passed, it got there than most zoos. People um & Safari Park has broken harder and more expensive to would pay you to see your ground on yet another 15-acre import animals, so zoos turned animals. After 17 or 18 years of parcel that will showcase a to domestic breeders. And I teaching junior high, I was get- mostly steel breed of “animal”: was breeding cranes, swans, ting a little burned out.” family rides. parrots and rare pheasants, Ollson obtained Wildlife World’s $3 mil- among other things.” clearances and a permit, and in lion Safari Park investment Ollson traded some of his 1984, Wildlife World Zoo was earlier this year — the attrac- birds for other animals, such as born. tion’s largest expansion since llamas, kangaroos, camels and its construction and opening of Wildlife World Zoo owner and director Mickey Ollson shows zebras. “I needed more room, Igniting animal passions Arizona’s first public aquari- off his new Chance C.P. Huntington Train. The park has just bro- so I looked at land further out The public attraction be- um in 2008 — was but a warm- ken ground on a $6 million, 15-acre ride expansion for 2015. on the west side of Phoenix gan modestly, opening with up to the $6 million it is lavish- COURTESY WILDLIFE WORLD ZOO, AQUARIUM & SAFARI PARK and, in March of 1974, com- a 1,200-square-foot public ing on its latest growth spurt, through eight acres of tree-dot- raised chickens, parakeets, love pleted the purchase of 30 acres. entrance building housing a which will see the addition of ted plains and affords guests birds, cockatiels and finches. I It was very remote, but it was gift shop and restrooms. This four new rides, several exhibit an up-close look at a variety of had a few tropical fish aquari- in the path of progress.” structure was turned into the buildings and a Mexican food exotic wild animals roaming ums, plus a pet alligator I got The first year, Ollson park’s first indoor exhibit, with café with indoor / outdoor freely within several large ar- when I was about 10 years old planted about 450 shade trees 4See WILDLIFE, page 23 seating. It also will increase eas separated by remote-con- that grew to about four feet af- the developed acreage of the trolled gates. ter six or seven years.” roughly 115-acre property, As Ollson described it, Ollson’s childhood me- which lies on the western edge there isn’t a dull moment dur- nagerie gave way to the call of metropolitan Phoenix, to 95. ing the 10-minute narrated of the teenage wild in high journey. school. He sold his backyard “Passengers see African bird collection, bought a car crested porcupines and meer- and backed away from raising kats,” he said. “They pass Af- critters for a few years — until rican antelope and ostriches, a friend showed him he could cranes, African brown horn- make money raising rabbits “Our new rides section bills and some African storks. and guinea pigs, which were will occupy about half of the As the train comes out of the a growing segment of the pet half-mile of frontage we have African Safari area it comes market. along the new Loop 303 free- around our petting zoo, which While attending college way,” said a very enthusiastic has deer, llamas, pygmy goats as a business and marketing / Mickey Ollson, owner and di- and turkeys, and next to that, advertising major in the early rector of Wildlife World. “Our there’s an exhibit where the 1960s, Ollson signed a contract park is six miles north of Inter- kids can go in and mingle with with pet giant Hartz Mountain state 10, where the 303 has an African spurred tortoises.” Corporation to raise 125 guin- interchange. It’s great visibility ea pigs a week at $1.50 each, for us.” Sloppin’ the hogs and it proved a viable way to The new rides, tentatively Ollson himself, having augment his $1.25/hour in- set to open in November 2015, mingled with critters on a come pumping gas at a service include a family coaster from business level for 40 years, station. ; a 650-foot-long has been something of a Doc- “My friends kidded me Soaring Eagle zip line from Lo- tor Doolittle for most of his about raising the guinea pigs,” gan, Utah-based industry in- life. Growing up in Phoenix he said. “We’d be out at the novator Stan Checketts; a Ver- on adjoining properties owned lake in the afternoon and I had tigo from A.R.M., by his parents and grandpar- to get back home for feeding Inc.; and a ride ents, he received his first pets time, so they’d say, ‘Mick has from , Inc. — a pair of ducks — at age to go slop the hogs.’ But I was Concrete footers for the fam- six from his grandfather, who making damn good money!” ily coaster were being poured also raised chickens and Ger- The ribbing stopped when Oll- as Amusement Today went to man shepherds. Ollson’s dad son had saved enough to buy a press. had a koi pond and a couple of Corvette. Chance also has supplied parakeets, which had already After graduating from Wildlife World’s most recently piqued young Mickey’s inter- Arizona State University in completed improvement — a est in animals. 1965 and settling into his job new 24-gauge C.P. Hunting- “They’d always ask me as a junior high school teacher, ton Train capable of carrying what I wanted for Christmas or Ollson bought five acres in the Ride placement at the park maximizes views of the star ani- 36-40 passengers (it replaced my birthday, and I’d say, ‘Any- Phoenix suburb of Glendale mal attractions for guests. The Skyride (top) glides over the a 16-gauge train built in 1996 thing alive,” he recalled. “My and returned to his hobby of Arabian oryx area, while the Safari Park Tram visits with the by J&R Railroad). Called the ducks had babies. And then raising birds — this time, more Beisa oryx. African Safari Train, it rolls I got some other birds and I exotic species that could be COURTESY WILDLIFE WORLD ZOO, AQUARIUM & SAFARI PARK December 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23 Kings Island adding two rides and other improvements for 2015 season MASON, Ohio — Two new family rides, the larg- est Starbucks store in the Tri- State, and other improvements are all part of Kings Island’s plan for next summer. The first of the new rides is Woodstock Gliders, a clas- sic Flying Scooters ride from Larson International. The ride features eight two-person Wildlife World Zoo has planes that glide freely above varied habitats showcasing the ground. As the planes be- exotic birds and animals, gin to rotate, they will fan out including aquarium reef en- over a large area. Each plane vironments and rocky pools has a stationary rear wing and for marine mammals. a moveable front wing which COURTESY WILDLIFE WORLD allows the guest to control the ZOO, AQUARIUM & SAFARI flight and alter their ride expe- rience from mild to wild. Woodstock Gliders is New for 2015 at Kings Island will be two ride additions at similar to the Flying Eagles, a kid’s area. They include Snoopy’s Space bug- from SkyTrans Mfg., LLC, of popular former Kings Island gies () and Woodstock Eagles (Larson). WILDLIFE Contoocook, N.H. ride that entertained more COURTESY KINGS ISLAND Continued from page 22 “We were the pioneer, than 12 million guests during down while rotating in a cir- to the opposite side near the along with SkyTrans, in get- 18 small aquariums contain- its 32 years of operation from cle. front gate and expanded to ting chairlifts in zoos,” noted ing unusual creatures like an 1972 to 2004. The new rides will be lo- 3,650 square feet, making it Ollson. “Now this kind of ride electric eel, piranhas and small The second new ride is cated next to each other in one of the largest Starbucks is in about 10 zoos in North sharks, when a larger entrance Snoopy’s Space Buggies from the 14-time, award-winning stores in the Midwest. The America, including zoos in building and gift shop were Zamperla, an attraction de- Planet Snoopy kids’ area of seating capacity of 219 will in- Omaha and Tampa.” built in 1988. signed for children of all ages the park. clude a spacious outdoor pa- Wildlife World also has “When we opened our to enjoy with their parents or Starbucks will be relocat- tio that will offer a great view three indoor / outdoor cafés large aquarium five years grandparents. Six four-seat ed from its current location at of the 600,000-gallon Royal throughout the park, in ad- ago, we remodeled the origi- vehicles will bounce up and the end of International Street 4See SNOOPY, page 24 nal building into an animal dition to Dillon’s Restaurant, nursery. And it still has the a Kansas City-style barbe- restrooms,” Ollson said with a cue eatery and bar inside the California’s Great America expanding laugh. aquarium complex. With a 16-gauge train Ollson himself seemed Planet Snoopy with three new rides ride operating successfully surprised at how much his op- SANTA CLARA, Calif. — For 2015, Califor- press. in Wildlife World since 1996, eration, which is accredited by nia’s Great America will expand and rebrand “Great America is known for its thrill rides, 2000 became an important the Zoological Association of the Planet Snoopy kids area. Three new Planet but we pride ourselves on a being a park for year for amusement additions America and today employs 70 Snoopy rides will be introduced and be in place everyone. Enhancing Planet Snoopy and intro- as a from Carousels (including two veterinarians), for opening day in 2015 when Great America ducing three attractions parents can ride with USA (aka San Antonio Roller has grown. begins its 40th season. The entire KidZville area children adds to our inclusive family atmo- Works) was installed and a “I’m extremely grateful for will be transitioned into the expanded Planet sphere,” said Great America Vice President and pontoon boat ride was added the three decades of support Snoopy. General Manager Raul Rehnborg. to the zoo’s Australian section. from our hundreds of thou- The new rides will include Joe Cool’s In 2013, Great America added Gold Strik- “The challenge with put- sands of guests and visiting Gr8Sk8, 500 and Snoopy’s Space Bug- er, which was named the world’s seventh best ting rides in a zoo is to have students each year,” he said. gies. Gr8Sk8 will be an interactive ride atop by Amusement Today’s them provide views of the ani- “They’ve made our tremen- Snoopy’s giant skateboard with the feeling Golden Ticket Awards. 2014 brought the Great mals,” Ollson said. “If you can dous growth and demonstrat- of going off the edge. Peanuts 500 lets racers America Pavilion, an almost 18,000-square-foot place them close to the animals ed commitment to ever-im- slingshot around the race track’s ends, while multi-purpose facility that has become one and your guests can view the proving animal well-being in Snoopy’s Space Buggies will lift astronauts into of the Bay Area premier venues for corporate animals from them, you will a family-friendly environment the air for a gravity defying lunar landing. Ride meetings and catered events, holiday parties really up the attendance and possible.” suppliers had not been named as AT went to and product launches. ridership on your rides.” •www.wildlifeworld.com This approach is especially evident in the integration of Wildlife World’s later ride ad- ditions, including the Skyride (2003), which carries guests over the animal areas, and the Ride (2009), which winds among islands popu- lated by monkeys and exotic birds and travels through an acrylic tunnel inside the aquar- ium — providing “underwa- ter” views of South Pacific reef fish before ascending its 35-foot-tall lift. Both rides were 24 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014

Fan-favorite show dates back to 1992 opening of Fiesta Texas Rockin’ at Rockville closes its doors after two decades STORY: Tim Baldwin [email protected] SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The coming and going of shows in theme parks is cer- tainly common. In fact, most shows are expected to play a couple of years, maybe a few, and then be replaced with oth- er offerings. One would think it is the nature of the entertain- ment departments at parks worldwide. In some rare cases a few exceptions surface. When Fiesta Texas opened in 1992, they immediately built After two decades of enter- a reputation for live entertain- taining guests, the Fiesta ment. The show Rockin’ at Texas Rockin’ at Rockville Rockville became quite well show (shown at right from known and was imitated at 1992) has closed to make numerous parks around the way for a new show in 2015. country. In fact, it won numer- SIX FLAGS FIESTA TEXAS; AT FILE ous industry awards as Best past season, Six Flags Fiesta As far as public reaction, [to close the show], we are very Orchestra, Chicago, Glenn Theme Park Show for many Texas, made a bold decision. McTyre knew there would be excited about the prospect of Miller…that type of thing,” years. It was announced Rockin’ at a lot of both — criticism and bringing something exciting he says. The new show will be Ben McTyre, director of Rockville would not return for excitement. “Surprisingly a lot into the Rockville venue,” he called My Christmas Card to entertainment 2015. of the regulars who come and adds. At this time, the park is You. In addition, the Rockville for Six Flags Amusement Today sat see the shows every year were looking at three or four options Dickens Carolers will now be a Fiesta Texas, down with McTyre and got his very supportive of the deci- for the direction the new show new a cappella show called the left the corpo- thoughts on the move. “It was sion and excited to see some- will take next year. Tinseltones this Christmas. rate offices to a difficult decision to decide thing new coming,” he says, a For 2015, the park will be As the new show is devel- take the reins to close the show,” he says. bit relieved. The park adopted starting from scratch. In the oped, the park will have full of the show “It had been running since the a “graduation” theme as the meantime, the park has opted control on the final product. productions McTyre park opened in 1992. We real- show worked toward its end to use the theater for the up- Outside companies will not in 2006. A fan ize it was an institution here. Labor Day weekend. coming Holiday in the Park be sought. “We do almost all of live music with a commit- “About a month out from For 2015, Fiesta Texas will festival. Previously, a live show of our productions in-house,” ment to finding the best talent, show closing, I got with Jef- be introducing a first-of-its- took place in the Sangerfest smiles McTyre. “It is some- the park continued winning frey Siebert, marketing direc- kind roller coaster from S&S/ Hall since the park thing we are very proud of. awards under McTyre’s direc- tor here, and we did decide Sansei. The location of the at- the Christmas event in 2007. A We have a great team here. We tion. Among them, the park ac- to release to the public that traction in Rockville played live band and eight performers are not planning on doing a quired a hefty count of Golden we would not be bringing into the decision. “We felt with will see an expansion this year nostalgia type show. It will be Ticket Awards. Under his lead- the show back next year. He the new ride and the revital- of a brass band. “A fun show song and dance, and it will be ership, the quality continues to communicated it via press re- ization coming into the area, with a lot of dance and an em- spectacular — very high en- flourish. lease and many media outlets it was time to look at doing phasis on swing type Christ- ergy.” As fall approached this picked it up.” something new. While difficult mas songs. Think Brian Setzer

Other International Street SNOOPY renovations include the Fun- Continued from page 23 nel Cake stand, which will allow guests to see the top- Fountain and Eiffel Tower. pings that are available to top The International Street their fresh-fried funnel cake. Fudge and Candy Shop will Toppings will include warm be renamed Sweet Spot and blueberry and apple toppings, undergo an extensive interior fresh strawberry glaze top- and exterior redesign with ping, and hand-scooped ice new product offerings and the cream. opportunity for guests to ex- Other changes coming to perience watching fudge and the park as part of the 2015 candy being made through plan include an expanded large glass windows. Coca-Cola Marketplace with A new yogurt store, Yo- a deeper selection of healthy gurt Plus, will be located on food options, Coca-Cola Free- International Street in the cur- style Café, and upgrades to rent Starbucks location, offer- the Picnic Grove area with a ing 18 different flavors and new entrance, improved land- an endless combination of scaping around each of the toppings including fresh cut pavilions and remodeled rest- fruits, candy, cereal, nuts, gra- room facilities. nola, and syrups. December 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25 $41 million in total coupon sales recorded 2014 State Fair of Texas knocks off previous records STORY: Pam Sherborne performing comical acts in the [email protected] historic Fair Park Band Shell. DALLAS, Texas — Rank- With records broken ing as the most successful fair across various categories, in the event’s 128-year history, along with a few “firsts” that the 2014 State Fair of Texas, put new records in place for Sept. 26-Oct. 19, generated an the future, 2014 was a whirl- off-the-charts turnout with an wind year for fair officials. estimated $41 million in cou- In fact, a whirlwind pon sales for food and rides. crossed the fairgrounds on The previous record of Oct. 2, during the fair, caus- $37.3 million was set in 2010. ing some damage, but as the “The success of this year’s adage goes, the show must go State Fair of Texas is a testa- on. And, it did. ment to the entire state fair Rusty Fitzgerald, fair di- team, full-time and seasonal rector of operations, said the employees, as well as all of our storm hit sometime in the af- partners who work so hard to ternoon, but it never really make this the best state fair shut the fair down completely. in the country,” said Mitchell “We knew it was coming,” Glieber, president of the State Fitzgerald said. “We had been Ranking as the most successful fair in the event’s 128-year history, the 2014 State Fair of Fair of Texas. watching it. About 25 minutes Texas, Dallas, generated an off-the-charts turnout this year when it ran Sept. 26-Oct. 19. Bringing the traditional before it hit, we already had COURTESY STATE FAIR OF TEXAS lineup of food, festivities and everyone in the buildings par- of public relations, said there family fun, the 2014 State Fair ticipating in activities there were some downed limbs and also threw a few new addi- and all outside operations a stand did blow over. tions into the mix. The “Texas shut down.” “After it blew through, we Sports Legends” exhibit gave The storm came through just went out and started pick- fairgoers the chance to see a with winds between 70 to 80 ing up trash cans and putting special selection of memora- mph, he said. them back in place,” Fitzger- bilia from the Texas Sports “It didn’t damage any ald said. “Other than that, Hall of Fame, showcased in rides. We did have some there was very little damage.” the Hall of State. power outage to one part of Fitzgerald said there were The all-new Wild West Pet the fairgrounds for a while,” 73 rides on the independent Palooza brought big crowds Fitzgerald said. midway this year, about the with its all-star cast of critters Karrisa Shuler, director 4See TEXAS, page 26

The Texas Star, owned by Mary and Tom Talley and manufac- Stacey VanderVorste, left, and sister Stephanie VanderVorste Janousek were enjoying show- tured by S.D.C. ranked as the top ride at the 2014 record- ing off some of the offerings at Janousek’s Texas Steak Out (above) food operation at the setting State Fair of Texas. Seen here beside the wheel is the 2014 State Fair of Texas. Offerings on the menu included the open ear grilled corn, steak on Top O’ Texas Tower, owned by the fair and manufactured by a stick, sliced brisket sandwich, bacon wrapped turkey legs and new this year, a beer trailer. . That ride came in as the fourth top ride this year. AT/GARY SLADE COURTESY STATE FAIR OF TEXAS Factory wholesale pricing! • Over 100 designs available! • Made in the USA

Toll Free: (800) 395-9980 • email: [email protected] • www.sippersbydesign.com 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014 Attendance numbers up at the 2014 North Carolina State Fair RALEIGH, N.C. — The 2014 North Carolina State Fair, which ran Oct. 16-26, ended on a high note this year with 929,748 fairgoers reported, up slightly from 2013’s 927,563. Fair officials were pleased with the results even though no records were set. An overall attendance re- cord was set in 2010 when 1,091,887 people visited the event. The fair offered a vari- ety of entertainment includ- ing headline musical acts, roaming entertainment, and free grounds entertain- ment. There were some new This view of the North Carolina State Fair shows the crowds One of the new rides at North Carolina State Fair was this grounds entertainment this during sunny weather run of the fair. The fair reported no portable Flying Scooter from Larson International Inc./Ma- year including the Neon rain this year, but it did not make for an attendance breaker. jestic Mfg. It is the first portable unit. “Families love it,” Anteaters, a group of qua- Final attendance figures were 929,748, up from last year’s according to Corky Powers of Powers Great American Mid- drupled stilt walkers. 927,563. ways, which again provided the massive midway at the fair. There was also the huge midway provided by Powers PHOTOS COURTESY RON GUSTAFSON Great American Midways. Corky Powers, owner of the show, utilized his large in- ventory of rides and attrac- tions and booked others in from Wade Shows. Powers brought with him his new portable Flying Scooters ride by Larson In- ternational and made porta- ble by Majestic Manufactur- ing. Powers told Amusement Today that “families love” the new portable version. One new fair exhibit this year honored North Caro- lina’s involvement in World War I. Historians in uniform were on hand to answer questions and explain what North Carolina soldiers ex- perienced in the trenches. This exhibit is presented by North Carolina Cultural Re- Powers Great American Midways took delivery of this new Wisdom’s new Stampede was popular at the North Carolina sources and North Carolina KMG Inversion just in time for this year’s North Carolina State Fair. The ride was modeled after the Watkins’ Ram- National Guard. State Fair, held in Raleigh. Rides 4U, Somerville, N.J., repre- page of the 1970s, but with larger capacity and forward —Pam Sherborne sents KMG of the Netherlands in the United States. seating arrangement.

winner of Most Creative at the 2014 State Fair of Texas Top 10 Rides TEXAS 2014 Big Tex Choice Awards. Continued from page 25 1. Texas Star, owned by Mary and Tom Talley, The other Big Tex Choice manufactured by S.D.C. same as in 2013. Those rides Award (for Best Tasting) went to Clint Probst for his Fried 2. Texas Skyway, owned by the State Fair of Texas, were brought in by 15 differ- Gulf Shrimp Boil. manufactured by Dopplemayr ent operators. There were no major changes to the midway. The 2015 State Fair of Tex- 3. Crazy Mouse, S.J. Entertainment as dates are Sept. 25-Oct. 18. (Steve VanderVorste), Reverchon The Texas Star, owned by 4. Top O’ Texas Tower, State Fair of Texas, Intamin Mary and Tom Talley, Talley Amusements, and manufac- 5. Fast Trax Super Slide, Talley Amusements, Fabbri tured by S.D.C., was the top New this year was this 6. Love Bugs, State Fair of Texas, Mack ride at the fair this year. souvenir cup sporting Big 7. Starship 3000, Kyle Brady, Wisdom Manufacturing For the first time in fair Tex’s head. The cup could 8. Pirate Ship, State Fair of Texas, Huss history, one of the Big Tex be purchased, then refilled 9. Log Ride, State Fair of Texas, Arrow Choice Award winners sold at discount prices. 10. Scooter (), Patrick Sheridan, out completely before the end The cup was made by Majestic Manufacturing Inc. of the fair — the Original State Berk Concession Supply. Fair Brew — Funnel Cake Ale, AT/GARY SLADE December 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27 28 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014

CARNIVAL CARNIVALlights MARKET PLACE COMPILED: Pam Sherborne, [email protected]

Organizers say nearly 475,000 people at- The fair, which ran Oct. -12, drew 456,023 tended the South Carolina State Fair this year, visitors. That is up 1.4 percent from 2013’s the second-largest ever. 449,885. The record attendance was set in 2010 The fair, located in the state’s capital city of with 465,053 in attendance, according to Stacy Columbia, ran Oct. 8-19. Assistant Fair Manager Campbell, director of communications, Georgia Nancy Smith said in a statement that 473,359 National Fairgrounds and Agricenter. people attended during the 12-day run. This was the 25th anniversary for the event. The fair set an opening day record of about It set three daily attendance records, on Oct. 7, 41,000 visitors and a closing day record of nearly 8, and 9. Those numbers were to be released af- 46,000. ter Amusement Today’s press time. The record was set in 2010, when more than Sunshine and clear skies during most of the 490,000 attended. fair, as well as the free entertainment, helped The fair suffered two days of bad weather with the record attendance, Randy Moore, exec- this year and had one headliner concert canceled utive director at the fairgrounds, said in a release. because of an injury to a band member of ZZ Reithoffer Shows provided the midway. Top. • General Manager Gary Goodman said Two rainy Saturdays during the 196th Tops- he’s pleased with the Pink Fair that emphasized field (Mass.) Fair, which ran Oct. 3-13, most breast cancer awareness. likely dampened not only the fairgrounds but North American Midway Entertainment overall attendance. Fair General Manager Jamie provided 39 rides for Majorland and 24 for Kid- O’Brien said, be that as it may, the fair was still dieland. New for the fair this year was a Remix, a success. made by Tivoli. Changes made to the fair this year included • no paid arena concerts. Instead, the fair offered Officials with the Arkansas State Fair in free musical acts and paid truck shows. Little Rock reported final attendance this year Fiesta Shows provided the midway for this reaching 407,363. Even though this does rep- year’s event. resent a 8.6 percent drop from 2013’s 445,314, • fair General Manager Ralph Shoptaw said he South Dakota Ag Secretary Lucas Lentsch was very pleased with that number, particularly is in the process of working with a committee since the first four days of the 10-day event saw to find a new South Dakota State Fair general rain, thunderstorms and strong winds. The fair manager to replace Jerome Hertel, who has ran Oct. 10-19. Attendance the final six days re- held that position for the past seven years. Hertel bounded. told local news agencies that he resigned to take This was the 75th anniversary of the fair. the position of general manager at the Alaska There were special activities to celebrate the State Fair, Palmer, which will run Aug. 27-Sept. occasion, notably a parade through downtown 7, 2015. Little Rock the second Saturday of the fair with Lentsch said there were no plans to rush marching bands, floats, cars and animals. through the search process for the Huron, S.D., Deggeller Attractions provided 56 rides event. for the midway including some new rides such Lentsch said Hertel did a great job running as Hang 10, manufactured by S.D.C.; Chance the event, evidenced by this year’s fair, which saw Rides Yo-Yo; Happy Swing and Baja Buggies, a total attendance of over 210,000, all 500 ven- both by Zamperla, and a Huss . dor spots sold out, and 20,000 tickets sold for • the grandstand entertainment. This year’s fair ran Perfect weather and discounted tickets Aug. 27-Sept. 1. The 2015 dates are Sept. 3-7. made this year’s 80th annual Pensacola (Fla.) The midway for 2014 was provided by Gold- Interstate Fair one the best ever, said General Star Amusements. Manager Don Frenkel. • “If it’s possible to have a perfect fair we’ve David Bednar, the general manager of the just had it,” Frenkel said, in a local news report. Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ont., “There’s no final figures yet, but it’s going to be has plans to retire next spring after 16 years on a record breaking year. We’ve had a huge turn- the job. out.” This year the CNE saw its highest attendance Frenkel said attendance should be more record since 2004. A total of 1.43 million people than 400,000. The last time the fair saw this many attended the 18-day run, with overall attendance fairgoers was in 2005. up 5.51 percent from last year. Reithhoffer Shows Inc. provided the mid- North American Midway Entertainment way with about 60 rides this year, including a new has provided the midway for the event for the ride for the fair, the Air Race, manufactured by last 10 years. This year the carnival brought in P.O. Box 238 Zamperla. more than 60 rides. Merino, CO. 80741 Ricky Reithoffer told the local news agency The 2015 Canadian National Exhibition that: “This is one of the best runs we’ve ever had takes place from Aug. 21 to Sept. 7 at Exhibition 800-634-6097 970-522-7515 Fax: 970-522-2902 here. With people being able to buy their tickets Place in Toronto. early, they were able to split the cost of admis- There was no news on the search for Bed- [email protected] www.wisdomrides.com sion and the actual time at the fair on different nar’s replacement. pay checks, so that’s been a big hit.” • • Have Carnival news of interest? Keep our carnival and fair industry strong! Attendance at the 2014 Georgia National Email your news item to: psherborne@ Buy products and services from these suppliers. Fair in Perry was the second highest ever. amusementtoday.com. December 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29 Showmen Supplies and sign ride parts distribution deal LA PORTE, Ind., — Show- cility in La Porte and from vice president of Showmen Inc. and has embarked on an do a great job for our custom- men Supplies, a lighting and their mobile warehouses that Supplies, related that, “A few expansion of that inventory ers.” electrical products distributor travel across the country to of our customers who are to have the most commonly For more information con- for the amusement industry, service major and car- aware of our agreement with sought parts readily available tact: has reached an agreement with nivals on site. Along the way Fabbri have shown a great deal to Fabbri ride owners. Con- Showmen Supplies the Fabbri Group, an Italian their business and inventory of excitement about having a fronting the task now before Brad Garza manufacturer of amusement has evolved in response to more local source for critical them, Scott Siefker said, “We’ll 1500 Genesis Drive rides, to be the exclusive dis- the industry’s needs. For that components. Especially with have lots of work to do in ex- La Porte, Ind. 46350 tributor of Fabbri amusement reason Scott Siefker reasoned our track record of timeliness panding our parts database, (219) 362-5286 ext. 291 ride parts for the United States that, “handling ride parts was and customer satisfaction.” learning the equipment func- Fax: (219) 324-9630 and Canada. The deal was an- a natural expansion for us.” Last month, Showmen tionality, and familiarizing Email: marketing@ nounced on Aug. 7, 2014. So far, customer response Supplies acquired the existing ourselves with new mechani- showmensupplies.com Scott Siefker, vice presi- to the new venture has been U.S.-based Fabbri parts inven- cal systems but I know we’re Website: www.showmen dent of Showmen Supplies, very positive. Mark Siefker, tory from Amusement Sales, up for the challenge and will supplies.com said, “Because our core busi- ness already revolves around the logistics of component part supply, we felt we were ideally suited to managing a ride parts distributorship to service Fabbri ride owners.” When asked what would be the greatest benefit of this deal, Siefker stated, “We have 48 years of customer service experience in the amusement industry. This will be a great advantage to owners of Fab- bri equipment whose busi- ness depends on having their rides in operation and not out of commission while they wait for shipments to arrive from Europe. We know that when they call they need replace- ment parts to be in stock and shipped quickly and we have a great history of doing exactly that.” Founded in 1966 by the Siefker family, Showmen Sup- plies has long been servicing the amusement industry by providing specialty lighting, electrical, power distribution and ride parts from their fa-

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.com 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014 December 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31 BUSINESS & CLASSIFIEDS MarketWatch — Page 32 / Obituary — Page 33 / Spotlight on Safety — Pages 34 - 38 / CLASSIFIED — Page 39 Fårup Sommerland building new four-star hotel for 2016 JYLLAND, Denmark — meet their demand now. We This fall Fårup Sommerland look forward to welcoming broke ground and began families to a real Fårup Som- construction on a new hotel, merland resort where they can which will be completed for enjoy themselves, the dining the 2016 season. options and stay overnight “We have wanted a ho- in the forest just next to the tel in the park for years, and North Sea and sandy beaches. now it is finally a reality. The “Next year, Fårup Som- final decision was made at our merland will have been part board meeting on August 18 of Danish tourism for 40 years and we were in agreement to and the park is more popular immediately begin realizing than ever. A hotel of the qual- the plans so our guests can Denmark’s Fårup Sommerland has broken ground and began construction on a new four- ity we will be building will have the possibility to enjoy star hotel that will be built on the property and will opened in 2016. Sporting 51 rooms, the strengthen and increase tour- the hotel as soon as possible,” hotel will be feature a fun forest theme with a family-friendly layout. ism, not just for Fårup Som- said Fårup Sommerland Presi- COURTESY FÅRUP SOMMERLAND merland, but the entire area. dent and Managing Director will be positioned as an in- and the hotel, like everything hotel marks a new era for The hotel will be a great addi- Søren Kragelund. tegrated part of the forest so else in Fårup Sommerland, Fårup. With it we are expand- tion to the many camping sites Kragelund added that guests will have an exciting will be decorated in a really ing our service and offers sig- and other overnight accommo- the hotel will be a four-star view across the lake and be fun forest theme with children nificantly for our guests. We dation options, which are in property according to the in- able to see the roller coast- and family-friendly layout have a great demand from our the area already and will draw ternational scale and that this ers Orkanen and Falken from from top to bottom. It will be guests for overnight accom- even more guests to North Jut- involves an investment in the their rooms. a fun experience to stay over- modation in the park and we land.” region of DKK 45 million. It “There will be 51 rooms night,” said Kragelund. “The are very pleased to be able to Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort reaches construction milestone PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Con- as general manager of Dollywood’s A seasoned veteran of the hospi- struction crews placed the final spire DreamMore Resort after spending tality industry, Osborn worked more atop Dollywood’s DreamMore Re- many years in leadership roles within than 27 years with Marriott Interna- sort’s entrance tower on October Marriott Internation- tional. 22, 2014. This marks an important al. Cordelia Marzak “Cordelia dreamed of one day milestone for the 307-room property joins the team as di- being able to come home to work at which opens summer 2015 next door rector of Sales and a world-class resort,” Owenby contin- to Dollywood’s theme parks. Officials Marketing. Marzak ued. “As a native of East Tennessee, also announced the first two members joins the team after she understands the distinctive fea- of the resort’s management team. her tenure with JHM tures of this region which make it such During the topping out ceremony, Hotels in Orlando. Marzak an attractive vacation option for fami- crews finished the last major project “With the addi- lies. The knowledge she has gained on the resort’s iconic outside profile. tion of Kevin and Cordelia and their during her career will serve us well as Attention now will focus inward as exceptional knowledge of the resort we develop Dollywood’s DreamMore construction continues on the prop- industry, we continue to position Dol- Resort in to the world-class destina- erty’s spacious guest lywood’s DreamMore Resort as a pre- tion in which she always dreamed of rooms and family- mier family destination,” said Owen- working.” friendly public areas. by. “Kevin’s varied experiences within Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort Amy Owenby, leading hotels in the industry offer is the second capital investment in a Construction crews placed the final Dollywood’s vice him a unique vantage point of how to 10-year plan that includes more than spire atop the 307-room Dollywood’s president of hospital- best serve and entertain Dollywood’s $300 million in future developments DreamMore Resort’s entrance tower ity, also introduced future resort guests. His expertise will for The Dollywood Company. Fire- the first two mem- provide us with a strong foundation Chaser Express, the first project in the on October 22, 2014 marking an im- Osborn portant milestone for the property. bers of the resort’s as we move closer to opening our first development plan, opened at Dolly- COURTESY DOLLYWOOD staff. Kevin Osborn was appointed resort.” wood in March 2014.

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PHONE: (716) 839-4791 FAX: (716) 839-4506 EMAIL: [email protected] www.nap-inc.com SERVING THE AMUSEMENT INDUSTRY WE’VE KEPT YOUR RIDES IN MOTION SINCE 1982 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014 BUSINESS WATCH MARKETWATCH Gateway Ticketing Systems wins chamber award GILBERTSVILLE, Pa. — Gateway Ticketing Systems has been COMPANY SYMBOL MARKET PRICE HIGH LOW awarded the 2014 Economic Impact Award by the TriCounty Chamber 11/16/14 52-Week 52-Week of Commerce. Gateway received the award for the completion of their Apollo Global Management new corporate headquarters building in Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania. The APO NYSE 22.58 36.51 20.02 (Great Wolf Resorts) company moved into its new location, a 42,000 square foot, two-story office structure, in August 2014. The new building in Gilbertsville is ex- The Blackstone Group BX NYSE 30.30 36.08 25.60 pected to support the creation of 15 jobs and retention of 80 positions in Berks County. The company’s employees provide service to more than Group/ MERL LSE 351.00 353.50 3.20 475 customer sites in over 40 countries. Legoland The building project supported dozens of local Pennsylvania con- tractors at an estimated cost of $7 million dollars. Investments were , L.P. FUN NYSE 47.62 55.76 42.75 made to provide a productive and enjoyable working environment for the company’s employee base including a fitness room; indoor bike stor- CMCSA NASDAQ 55.38 57.49 46.57 Comcast Corp./ age; car charging stations; a cafeteria offering free coffee, tea, and soda; NBCUniversal Media and spacious work spaces with sitting and standing options, among oth- CMCSK NASDAQ 55.18 57.16 45.55 er amenities.

The Company DIS NYSE 92.00 91.98 66.72 Cedar Fair reports record 3rd Quarter revenues SANDUSKY, Ohio — Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: Fuji Kyoko Co., Ltd. 9010 TYO 1105.00 1270.00 796.00 FUN), reported on November 6, 2014 record revenues for its third quar- ter ending September 28, 2014 and announced a 7 percent increase in Haicahang Holdings Ltd. 2255HK SEHK 1.09 2.27 1.02 its quarterly cash distribution. Highlights include: Leofoo Development Co. TW:2705 TSEC 10.90 13.70 10.30 •Cedar Fair reported record net revenues of $595 million in the third quarter, a 1 percent increase over last year’s record results. MGM Resorts International MGM NYSE 21.87 28.75 18.40 •Net revenues on a comparable-park basis through Sunday, No- vember 2, 2014, were up 2 percent, driven by a 3 percent increase in average in-park guest per capita spending. SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. SEAS NYSE 18.84 35.30 17.22 •With more than 95 percent of its operating days complete, the Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town company expects to achieve full-year net revenues at the low end of its 000069 SZSE 5.55 5.89 4.30 Co., Ltd. (OCT) current revenue guidance range of $1.15 billion to $1.17 billion. It also anticipates being at the low end of its current Adjusted EBITDA guid- Six Flags Entertainment Co. SIX NYSE 39.89 43.19 31.77 ance range of $425 million to $435 million. •Cedar Fair’s board of directors declared a 7 percent increase in its Tivoli A/S DK:TIV CSE 2990.00 3216.00 2900.00 quarterly cash distribution to $0.75 per limited partner (LP) unit, payable December 15, 2014. Village Roadshow VRL ASX 7.15 8.44 6.60 “The foundation for our continuing ability to drive a fifth year of record results is our commitment to providing a compelling park experi- ence for audiences of all ages,” said Matt Ouimet, Cedar Fair’s presi- STOCK PRICES ABOVE ARE GENERALLY QUOTED IN THE FOREIGN dent and chief executive officer. “Our high-quality assets and opera- CURRENCY IN WHICH THE COMPANY IS LOCATED tional excellence drive increased guest spending and repeat visitation. Through this past weekend, net revenues increased at all of our proper- Worldwide Markets: ASX, Australian Securities Exchange; CSE, Copenhagen Stock Exchange; LSE, London Stock Exchange; NYSE, ties, with the exception of those in the Great Lakes region which expe- New York Stock Exchange; NASDAQ, National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations; SEHK, Hong Kong Stock Exchange; SZSE, Shenzhen Stock Exchange; TSEC, Taiwan Stock Excange, Corp.; TYO/TSE, Tokyo Stock Exchange rienced challenging weather patterns throughout the year. Two of our —SOURCES: Bloomberg.com; Wall Street Journal largest parks, Kings Island and Knott’s Berry Farm, will deliver record profitability and in spite of a challenging year weather-wise, our flagship DIESEL PRICES park, Cedar Point, will have its second best year ever. Region As of Change from (U.S.) 11/03/14 1 year ago Magic Memories adds finance and IT leaders QUEENSTOWN, New Zealand — International photographic solu- East Coast $3.597 - $0.234 tions company, Magic Memories, recently announced cloud computing Midwest $3.624 - $0.202 pioneer Craig Elliot and corporate finance and investment expert Dean Gulf Coast $3.532 - $0.237 Hamilton as the newest members of its board of directors. Mountain $3.713 - $0.144 Elliott is a high-tech executive who brings a wealth of experience to the Magic Memories board, with 29 years of international manage- West Coast $3.704 - $0.219 ment, sales and marketing experience focusing on networking and com- California $3.861 - $0.231 munications products and services. Hamilton is managing director of independent corporate advisory practice Hamilton & Co. He has spent CURRENCY 13 years with Deutsche Bank, most recently having spent seven years On 11/06/14 $1 USD = leading its Melbourne investment banking business, where he was head 0.7989 EURO of industrial and private equity coverage for Australia and New Zealand. 0.6261 GBP (British Pound) 114.23 JPY (Japanese Yen) Quick Hit... 0.9620 CHF (Swiss Franc) •BATON ROUGE, La. — The Haunted Attraction National Trade- show and Conference, sponsored by DarkLight, recently announced 1.1536 AUD (Australian Dollar) that HAuNTcon 2015 will be held in Baton Rouge, La. at the Belle of 1.1413 CAD (Canadian Dollar) Baton Rouge Hotel and Conference Center February 6-11. For more information: www.HAuNT.com. Through the smiles, the seasons & the miles – Financing everything for the outdoor amusement industry since 2000. Prairie Financial The outdoor amusement Division of Boulevard Bank Paul Muller [email protected] Mark Walker A division of [email protected] Wade Muller blvdbank.com/outdoor-amusement [email protected] 816-554-3863 December 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33 OBITUARY Former Dorney Park owner, COMPILED: Scott Rutherford, [email protected] Harris Weinstein, dies at 79 SOUTH WHITEHALL W.H.R., A 50-year-old tradition continued as the ing quickly, and we are on track for our grand TWP. Pa. — Harris L. Wein- Inc.’s Bill Resort recently selected the opening next spring.” stein, who owned Dorney Robinson re- 2015-2016 Ambassador Team. In a ceremony • Park from 1985 until 1992, membered at Sleeping Beauty Castle, Compagnie des Alpes, a French com- President Michael Colglazier announced that pany created in 1989 to operate ski resorts passed away peacefully on Weinstein Allie Kawamoto and Jessica Bernard will rep- and other European tourist destinations has October 25 at his Palm Beach telling AT: “I resent the resort and its 26,000 cast members announced their full-year sales figures. A 6.3 Gardens, Fla. home surround- met Harris in by bringing Disney magic to the community percent increase in revenue year-on-year for ed by his family. He was 79. 1985, the day Weinstein and serving as emissaries of goodwill. As part leisure destinations is hailed as proof that the Weinstein was a graduate after he had of their duties, the team will participate in a group’s strategy is working. Dominique Mar- of Syracuse University and as- bought out the Ott family’s variety of events, such as hospital visits with cel, chairman and CEO, said: “The healthy sumed his father’s garment stock in Dorney Park. Harris Disney characters, promotional tours and cast sales figures in Leisure destinations this year factory at a very young age. was an intelligent, soft spo- recognition ceremonies. The Disney Ambassa- attest to the effectiveness of the new strategy His interest in real estate de- ken, kind leader who raised dor program, started by Walt Disney in 1965, announced last year. This performance is es- veloped into the founding of Dorney Park from a small lo- was established to assist Walt with sharing the pecially noteworthy for the consistently posi- Sunburst Property Manage- cal amusement park to a gi- inspiration and optimism of Disneyland with tive results achieved throughout the year, even ment and Weinstein Realty ant regional facility. The last the community. Julie Reihm Casaletto, the with no major new attractions and in spite of first Disney Ambassador, helped welcome the a challenging economic context. The recovery in Allentown, Pa. Harris was time I saw him was in 2012 at new team and shared stories about her special plan for this business has started to bear fruit. a founding president of the the IAAPA Expo in Orlando. bond with Walt Disney. This management acumen, combined with our Northeastern Foundation He told me that with the ex- • expertise in operating major ski areas, opens of Cystic Fibrosis, a national ception of the loss of his son The -designed Battlestar Ga- up attractive prospects abroad, where our ser- trustee of Cystic Fibrosis, (who had passed from Cystic lactica dual steel roller coaster at Universal vices are in ever greater demand.” and V.P. and a director on the Fibrosis), he had lived a great Studios Singapore (USS) is set to re-open • board of Place of Hope, Palm life. He then thanked me after being grounded for more than a year. Dubai Parks and Resorts, a Meraas Hold- Beach Gardens, Fla. for the many years my com- A spokesperson for Resorts World Sentosa ing company, has announced the appointment In 1985, he purchased pany provided Dorney Park (RWS) confirmed that they are preparing to re- of Parques Reunidos as park operators for two half interest of Dorney Park & with creative TV and Radio launch the ride and details will be announced theme parks planned for the emirate. A deal and be- commercials, then turned to at a later date. Test runs for the Battlestar Ga- to run motiongate Dubai and Bollywood Parks came the CEO and chairman my own son, John, and told lactica are currently underway, Channel News- Dubai marks Parques Reunidos’ foray into the Asia reported. Middle East. Parques Reunidos is a Madrid- of the board until 1992 when him that he had a great dad. • based operator that manages 54 theme and the park was sold to Cedar That’s just the kind of man During Kings Island’s Halloween Haunt amusement parks, water parks, zoological and Fair. Harris was!” event in late October, Mark Specht of Berea, marine life parks around the world, primarily “During his tenure with Weinstein’s son, Jamie, Ohio, had the honor of being the 50 millionth across Europe and the U.S. the park, Harris oversaw its reflects on his dad’s time at ride on The Beast wooden roller coaster. • expansion from a local amuse- Dorney Park. “My father al- Specht received a Beast T-shirt, cap and orna- Adventure Park in New Market, Md., ment park to a player on the ways said his happiest work- ment, picture frame, a 2015 VIP tour for eight recently announced a new roller coaster for regional stage with several ing days in his remarkable guests and a large sign proclaiming him as the its 10th anniversary in 2015. The new roller industry-leading additions business career were spent at coaster’s 50 millionth rider. Opened in 1979, coaster will open to the public in the spring such as the one of the first Dorney Park, building it from The Beast is still listed in the “Guinness Book along with the rest of the park’s outdoor rides. and largest seasonal water a small, family-owned amuse- of World Records” as the longest wooden roll- The coaster was previously located at the Old parks (Wildwater Kingdom) ment park into a regional be- er coaster in the world at 7,359 feet. Town Theme Park in Kissimmee, Fla. and is in • the process of being completely restored be- and one of the world’s tallest hemoth. He loved the excite- SeaWorld San Antonio will begin con- fore being resurrected. wooden coasters at the time, ment of the park. He loved struction early next year on its largest capital “Guests were ecstatic to hear the news (Hercules),” Dorney Park of- the business challenge it pre- investment ever, making room for new orca about the new coaster and flocked to our ficials said in a statement. “ sented. He loved interacting and dolphin habitats and a major renovation Facebook page to show their enthusiasm,” ex- We are grateful for the part with the people who came to to its California sea lion attraction. The theme plains Larry Stottlemyer, owner of Adventure he played in our history and enjoy it. He loved it all. He was park recently filed architectural plans with the Park USA. our hearts go out to his family a larger than life personality state, indicating a February 2015 start date Throughout the 2014 season, the park has as they work through the loss who dreamed the impossible, for an estimated $30 million project. The work added several new rides including the Mini of their husband and father.” but always seemed to know will include an expansion and renovation of Himalaya, , Tilt-A-Whirl, Frog Hop- Lenny Freund, owner how to make the impossible an existing animal exhibit, new buildings and per and the former Windstorm coaster. The and operator of Freund Fam- a reality. His Dorney Park an underwater viewing facility. Renovations preparations also include a full renovation of ily Foods, remember Harris legacy lives not only in his in- also will impact a gift shop, orientation room, the exterior landscaping and brand-new effi- merchandise and photo sales areas, and “a cient bulbs in every light fixture in the park. well. “Having never worked disputable success he had in fish prep room.” Construction should last until • a single day in an amusement rapidly growing the park, but May 2016. The Swan and Dol- park, and achieved what he in all the smiles he painted on • phin Hotel is getting a $125 million, multi- did is an incredible story. He those who enjoyed the park The Orlando Eye is celebrating a major phased, multi-story upgrade. The project will tripled Dorney’s attendance during the years he operated construction milestone with the completion of consist of redesigning all the rooms of the two while competing in the same it. It’s a tremendous legacy, the spoke installation of the inner wheel, clear- hotels with new furniture and technology. The market with two corporate worthy of the giant of a man ing the way for work to begin on the outer project is expected to boost the marketability giants, Six Flags Great Ad- he was.” wheel, eventually bringing the structure to a of the property and result in increased visita- venture and Hersheypark. I Harris is survived by wife height and width of 400 feet, making it the tall- tion to Orlando, as well as much-needed con- was director of Food Service Debora Jean Plarr Wein- est observation wheel on the East Coast of the struction work for the region. “As we celebrate when the Ott family ran the stein; sons, David and Jamie; U.S. “This is a really exciting moment for The the hotel’s 25th anniversary, it is appropriate park, was there for the en- daughters, Beth and Lisa; and Orlando Eye. From this point forward, con- that we mark the occasion with a renaissance struction will soon showcase the true height of our room product,” said General Manager tire Harris Weinstein era and sisters, Edith Miller and Sylvia of the Eye at 400 feet,” said James Paulding, Fred Sawyers. It’s expected the work will not stayed with Cedar Fair for Sussman; and eight grand- head of new openings for North America for disrupt the regular hotel operations. three years after their pur- children. Merlin Entertainments. “Work is progress- chase.” 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014 SPOTLIGHT: SAFETY & EDUCATION Registration now open for Registration now open for FEC Dallas 2015 Event features education sessions, keynote, and facility post-tour 2015 AIMS Safety Seminar DALLAS, Texas — Reg- and visits to local facilities. 30 hours to learn, to share NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Registration for AIMS International’s istration is now open for FEC The high-energy education ideas, and to network with 43rd Annual Safety Seminar is now open and available online. Dallas 2015, which will take sessions will provide insights like-minded colleagues from This comprehensive seminar, to be held January 11-16, 2015 at place Feb. 8-10, 2015 in Dal- into key operational and rev- around the world you are cer- the Doubletree by Hilton in Orlando, Florida, offers classroom las, Texas. enue generating areas includ- tain to come away with four and hands-onsafety training along with invaluable networking With its theme “Share. ing marketing, social media, or five ideas to grow your opportunities for ride inspectors, maintenance, operations and Engage. Grow.” FEC Dal- food and beverage, redemp- bottom line.” aquatic personnel in the amusement industry. With more than las 2015 will provide family tion games, and more. A com- A post-tour event will 300 students expected, the seminar is renowned for its diverse curriculum and the quality of its expert instructors who are to- entertainment center (FEC) plete schedule and details of take place Wednesday, Feb. day’s leading industry professionals. owners, operators, manufac- the education sessions will 11, 2015. Attendees will visit Tuition is $595 and includes all class materials, lunches, two turers, and suppliers from be announced in the coming four area FECs: Amazing daily breaks, Continuing Education Units (CEU), and comple- around the world the ideal months. Jakes, SpeedZone, iT’Z, and tion certificates. AIMS certification testing and other certificates venue to share information Keynote speaker Bran- Celebration Station to tour are offered at an additional fee. Level I testing is available in and best practices in engag- don Steiner began his career and discuss food and bev- Spanish. A complete schedule and class list along with hotel ing sessions and events to more than 30 years ago in the erage services, revenue op- and other information can be found at http://aimsintl.org/ss- learn successful strategies hospitality industry, includ- erations, ride and attraction seminarinfo.asp. and grow their profits. Other ing stints at the Hard Rock maintenance, and group sales For more information about the AIMS Safety Seminar, program highlights include Café and the Sporting Club in activities. A separate registra- please email [email protected] or contact Holly Coston, seminar a keynote address by famed New York City. tion is required and addition- operations manager at (714) 697-6654. entrepreneur and author “FEC Dallas offers IAA- al information is available at About AIMS International Brandon Steiner and an event PA member FEC owners, op- www.IAAPA.org/FECDallas. AIMS International is a non-profit 501(c)(6) association post-tour to Dallas-area FECs. erators, and suppliers unique FEC Dallas 2015 is open dedicated to improving amusement Industry safety through its FEC Dallas 2015 is a con- learning opportunities start- to IAAPA members only. In- leadership in education. AIMS International provides training ference for FEC operators ing with the marketing and dividuals who register before classes and certification (CEU) programs for ride inspectors, op- by FEC operators and offers entrepreneurial insights Dec. 12, 2014, will save 25 erations, aquatics and maintenance personnel through its an- leaders in the family enter- of keynote speaker Bran- percent on registration. Ad- nual Safety Seminar and at other venues throughout the year. tainment center industry don Steiner,” said IAAPA ditional information is avail- AIMS also serves to inform its members on legislative and other more than 30 hours of inter- President and CEO Paul No- able at www.IAAPA.org/ issues relating to industry. active learning, networking, land. “Plus, with more than FECDallas.

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Amusement Industry Manufacturers and Suppliers International, Ltd. P.O. Box 92366 • Nashville, Tenn. 37209 Phone: (714) 425-5747 • Fax: (714) 276-9666 Karen Oertley • [email protected] www.aimsintl.org Holly Coston, (714) 697-6654, [email protected] Countdown to the biggest and best Safety Seminar in the amusement industry! Karen Oertley trampolines, ride inspection, OSHA, 31 to avoid extra charges. The $595 AIMS Executive leadership, and much, much more. Wanted: seminar registration fee covers all Director More than 30 new classes have been Silent Auction items! five days of classes and materials, the (714) 425-5747 added for 2015. This year, certifica- The AIMS Silent Auction is al- opening reception, lunch every day, [email protected] tion testing will be offered for Lev- ways a highlight of the week during and all morning and afternoon snack els I and II Maintenance Technician the Safety Seminar. breaks. After December 31, registra- ORLANDO, Fla. — and Operations Technician; Level I It gives everyone a chance to tion increases to $695. Book your ho- In just a few weeks, Oertley Aquatics Operations Technician; and bid on all kinds of fun items and tel room at the DoubleTree by Hilton more than 300 Levels I, II and III Ride Inspector Cer- helps support AIMS’ continuous ef- by December 31 to get the special amusement industry professionals tification. Please visit www.aimsintl. fort to upgrade the seminar experi- AIMS rate of $97 per night. will gather to learn from the indus- org for a complete schedule, list of ence with state of the art A/V equip- try’s leading experts and network classes and to register. ment for classes. Items from previous Time to join with their peers at the industry’s auctions have included all kinds of the conversation most comprehensive annual seminar Keynote Speaker amusement industry merchandise Connect with AIMS and other in- and certification program: the 2015 A highlight of the 2015 AIMS such as shirts, bags, hats, etc., week- dustry members on the AIMS Inter- AIMS International Safety Seminar. Safety Seminar is sure to be the key- end stays at resorts, tickets and all national Facebook page and Twitter This annual seminar is a must for note address. The seminar will kick types of amusement industry memo- (@aims_int). For updates and news anyone who is responsible for the off Monday morning with an address rabilia. You can be as creative as you on the AIMS Safety Seminar, join the care and safety of amusement in- by Mike Withers, vice president of like! Please contact Holly Coston at conversation #AIMS15. dustry guests. World renowned for Ride Engineering at Walt Disney [email protected] for informa- From all of us at AIMS Inter- its diverse curriculum and the quality Imagineering who will speak on his tion on where to send your items. national, Happy Holidays and Best of instructors, the AIMS Safety Semi- career with Walt Disney Imagineer- Wishes for a SAFE and prosperous nar offers something for everyone ing and his experience on the issue Important deadlines New Year! with more than 400 classes taught of safety in the industry. You won’t Register for the seminar and We look forward to seeing you in by 140 industry experts on aquatics, want to miss this! book your hotel room by December Orlando January 11-16, 2015! maintenance, operations, carnivals,

Space for this AIMS page is provided courtesy of Amusement Today as a corporate partner of AIMS Intl. Content is provided by AT & AIMS. 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014 SPOTLIGHT: SAFETY & EDUCATION SAFETY Foundations Entertainment University announces three dates, locations MARKET PLACE EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Foundations Entertainment University, going into its 12th year, continues to be the entertainment industry’s resource for covering all aspects of market & finan- cial feasibility, planning, design, financing, development, marketing and managing a location- based entertainment business for long term success. The class provides a complete blueprint for anyone developing and opening a new center or significantly expanding or renovating an existing location-based entertainment facility. Just as important, existing facilities can learn how to stay ahead of the competition and expanding markets. Three dates and cities have been announced: •January 20 - 22, 2015 - Phoenix, Arizona •July 21 - 23, 2015 - Chicago, Illinois •October 13 - 15, 2015 - Dallas, Texas Foundations Workshop Tuition Fee of $489 includes: 2.5 full days of classroom instruction; lunch and dinner Tuesday and Wednesday (our special hotel rate includes breakfast coupon); Tuesday late evening/night tour of local entertainment center; comprehensive manuscript book and CD; informal one-on-one consultations with instructors and two or more people from same company, first per person at regular rate; 50 percent discount for each additional person. For more information and to register, visit www.foundationsuniversity.com.

F2FEC event announced for February 24-26, 2015 in Phoenix PHOENIX, Ariz. — Face 2 Face Entertainment Conference (F2FEC) announces Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort as the venue for the inaugural F2FEC event for the Entertainment Center sec- tor being held February 24-26, 2015 in Phoenix, Ariz. “Environment and location are each vital to help create a great relaxed feeling and sharing attitude among attendees and we found this and more in the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort” PATTY BEAZLEY reported Ben Jones one of the co-founders of F2FEC. (615) 714-2617 F2FEC, Face 2 Face Entertainment Conference, is a North American conference for the benefit CINDEE HUDDY of entertainment center professionals including manufacturers, suppliers and operators under the (615) 545-8109 expansive FEC umbrella including traditional family entertainment centers, bowling centers, roll- er skating, trampoline, water parks, hybrid parks and specialty entertainment center attractions. F2FEC is being produced by Rick Iceberg, Ben Jones and George Smith under the moniker www.creativeoperationalconcepts.com Three Amigos and planned by a diverse group of approximately 20-25 volunteers from all aspects of the industry but with a keen focus on manufactures and suppliers and touching each of the EC • RIDE OPERATOR CERTIFICATION industry’s genres, sectors and communities. • MANUAL WRITING • SUPERVISOR & LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAMS The conference is open to all entertainment industry supporters and seeks to attract veteran • OPERATIONAL SAFETY AUDITS owners and operators alongside experienced professionals in a level playing field, all-in format. For more information contact: Rick Iceberg, CJ Barrymore at cjbarrymores.com; Ben Jones, Live Oak Bank at [email protected] or George Smith, Family Entertainment Group: geos- [email protected].

Director of Maintenance and Development

Santa Cruz Seaside Company Voted Best Seaside Amusement Park in the World for 8 years! Golden Ticket Award 2007-2014

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is looking for an experienced amusement park professional to join its man- agement team as the Director of Maintenance and Development. This individual will direct the activities of an established staff of managers and skilled crafts-people maintaining and further developing the World’s Best Seaside Amusement Park. Candidates must be team-oriented industry professionals with strong leadership and communication skills.

This leadership position organizes, leads and coordinates the work of Maintenance and Facilities Development; ensures that Maintenance and Facilities Development supports the needs of operating departments to meet seasonal business requirements; ensures safety requirements are met and ride downtime is minimized; integrates maintenance with new and ongoing construction projects; and works with staff to determine when to contract projects and when to complete projects with staff members.

Must be a team-oriented leader and communicator who can coordinate operations between departments and individuals and motivate staff. Assures that department provides timely preventative maintenance and repair for rides and facilities and that new construction projects are managed and integrated with current work in progress. Works with City and State officials to obtain permits. Works flexible extended hours and may travel to locations in and out of the state.

Skills Required: At least five years of progressively responsible experience managing construction and maintenance in Amusement or related industry. Knowledge of ride design and manufacturing preferred.

This full time position offers an excellent benefit package: Pre-tax Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts Deferred Profit Sharing and 401(k) plan with employer match Paid Days Off Accruals

To apply, please complete the Santa Cruz Seaside Company employment application, available at: beachboardwalk.com.

Keep our safety industry strong! Santa Cruz Seaside Company | Employment Office 400 Beach Street | Santa Cruz, CA 95060 Buy products and services from these suppliers. (831) 460-3377 December 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37 SPOTLIGHT: SAFETY & EDUCATION

WhiteWater’s 3-step solutions ASTM announces leadership succession plan; brings life back to slides Katharine E. Morgan to succeed James A. Thomas RICHMOND, B.C., Can- Chutter said, “WhiteWa- W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — The future leadership of ASTM International was de- ada — Water park owners ter’s After Sales & Service cided recently at the October meetings of the ASTM board of directors in Seoul, South and operators can now en- department is dedicated to Korea. A unanimous decision was announced to have Katharine E. Morgan, current sure that their waterslides helping our customers en- ASTM vice president of technical committee operations, succeed ASTM president James stay looking brand new with sure the longevity of their A. Thomas. WhiteWater’s new three step water parks, whether it’s a “Having been informed by Jim Thomas of his intention to retire, the executive com- cleaning process. complete refurbishing proj- mittee of the board set out on a search for candidates whose passion for ASTM would The first step includes the ect or a waterslide inspec- again result in excellent stewardship of the society,” says Thomas A. Schwartz, 2014 StayClean solution, which is tion. Our in-house team of chairman of the ASTM board of directors. “Kathie is precisely that individual, with her in- a waterslide and play struc- professional technicians has stinctual knowledge of the workings of ASTM technical committees, the industry sectors ture cleaner optimized to the expertise to address your they represent, as well as the global standardization landscape.” remove calcium, dirt and waterpark’s specific needs Morgan came to ASTM in 1984 as a staff manager and soon assumed roles of in- suntan oils. The second step, with competitive pricing and creasing responsibility in standards development at ASTM, rising to her current post in StayBuffed, is a waterslide unbeatable customer service. 2007. She holds a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering and a Master of Business buffing compound which On-going maintenance en- Administration. Outside ASTM, Morgan is a member of the American National Standards removes the oxidation from hances a water park’s visual Institute’s Organizational Member Forum; the Council of Engineering and Scientific Soci- waterslides. The third and appeal, as well as safeguards ety Executives; the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization; the final step is a gel coat sealer your products for years to Society for Standards Professionals; and the Standards Council of Canada’s Standards which seals and protects the come.” Development Organization Advisory Committee. gel coat surface from UV To find these mainte- To ensure a smooth transition for ASTM’s members and customers, Morgan will as- and calcium build up, called nance products, and a full sume the position of ASTM executive vice president on March 1, 2015. She will work StaySealed. range of WhiteWater re- closely with Jim Thomas during a time of transition up to his retirement on Feb. 1, 2017. This three step process placement and spare parts, “Since assuming the presidency in 1992, Jim Thomas’ leadership has had an enor- works to maximize the lifes- visit the company’s e-store mous positive impact on ASTM and its stakeholders. Jim is a respected ambassador, pan of our customer’s water or call (604) 273-1068. advocate and a voice not only for ASTM, but also for strategic standardization as a park and water park prod- •aftersales.white whole. We wish Jim and Kathie well, and appreciate their deep dedication to the future ucts. waterwest.com of ASTM,” says Schwartz. Company CEO Geoff

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• StayClean™ - Eliminates calcium, dirt and suntan oil buildup • StayBuffed™ - Removes the oxidation from slide surfaces. • StaySealed™ - Seals and protects the gel coat surface from UV and calcium buildup. WhiteWater’s dedicated After Sales & Services department wants to help you maximize the lifespan of your waterpark eStore Now Open! Easy one-stop shopping for replacement or spare parts and AquaPlay™ - Before AquaPlay™ - After cleaning products. AfterSales.WhiteWaterWest.com

After Sales & Service Scott Heke - VP After Sales & Service [email protected] Refurbishing brings your waterslides back to life +1-604-249-3391 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014 SPOTLIGHT: SAFETY & EDUCATION NAARSO’s 2015 Safety Forum registration now open MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — NAARSO classes, the association is excited to pre- nars button. Tuition cost is $445 and includes has announced that registration is now open view their Advanced Operations classes for classroom material, lunches, coffee breaks, for the 28th Annual NAARO Safety Forum those individuals wishing to take the new and a banquet at the end of the seminar. to be held in Myrtle Beach, S.C., January 25- Level II Operations exam being offered on For more information contact Connie 30, 2015. Thursday, January 29. NAARSO’s hands-on Patton at the NAARSO office, (813) 661-2779 Attendees will also want to register to inspection training and activities will take or by email: naarso [email protected]. stay at the Ocean Dunes/Sand Dunes Resort place on Wednesday, January 28 at the near- Come join NAARSO as the association for the special NAARSO all inclusive rate of by Broadway at the Beach. continues their mission of: Safety Through $72 per night, for single/double occupancy. The full brochure can be found on our Communication. In addition to NAARSO’s up-to-date website, www.naarso.com, under the Semi-

SAFETY & EDUCATION CALENDAR AIMS International 2015 Safety Seminar January 11-16, 2015 DoubleTree by Hilton at SeaWorld Orlando, Fla. (714) 697-6654 www.aimsinlt.org • Foundations Entertainment University January 20-22, 2015 Phoenix, Ariz.; July 21-23, 2015 Chicago, Ill.; October 13-15, 2015 Dallas, Texas (717) 533-1945 www.foundationsuniversity.com • NAARSO 2015 Safety Fourm January 25-30, 2015 Ocean Dunes/Sands Resort Myrtle Beach, S.C. Hands on ride training to be held at Broadway at the Beach (800) 599-9872  www.naarso.com • IRT/iROC  Safety Training School  February 4-6, 2015 Circus Circus Hotel/Casino  and Adventuredome  Las Vegas, Nev. (615) 714-2617  [email protected]  • FEC Dallas 2015  February 8-10, 2015 Dallas, Texas  Hands on tour to four FEC’s:  Amazing Jakes, SpeedZone, iT’Z and Celebration Station  www.IAAPA.org/FECDallas  • ASTM International  F24 Amusement Rides  and Devices meeting February 12-14, 2015  Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.  (610) 832-9728 www.astm.org  •  Face 2 Face Entertainment Conference  February 24-26, 2015  Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort  Phoenix, Ariz.  Ben Jones, Live Oak Bank (248) 371-0700  [email protected]  • AAMA/AMOA www.meetingsatthebeach.com, use Group ID #199186 or by calling Amusement Expo 2015 800-599-9872, mention NAARSO March 24-26, 2015 Las Vegas Convention Center  Las Vegas, Nev.  (708) 226-1300 www.amusementexpo.org December 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 CLASSIFIEDS

AUCTION FOR SALE FOR SALE

FOR SALE May 2010 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 September 2009 AMUSEMENT$21,000 TODAY 39 Indiana Location [email protected]

OTHER RIDES AVAILABLE

Check out the latest premium new and used rides at: FOR SALE CLASSIFIEDSCLASSIFIEDSParatrooper: $21,000 www.AmusementToday.com facebook.com/internationalridesmanagementwww.AmusementToday.com Calypso: $18,000 or call (609) 425-1220 to receive a current list. House of Glass Maze: $1,000 To place an ad call (817) 460-7220 Dual Flume Water Slide: $15,000 To place an ad call (817) 460-7220 Bayern Curve: $19,000 eMploYMenT FOR SALEFoR Sale FOR SALEFoR Sale FoR Sale FoR Sale [email protected] eMploYMenT FoR Sale FoR Sale SeRVIceAngola,S Indiana Smokey Mountain Follow us on Twitter Smokey Mountain East Coast Beach Location Canned Spiel Repeaters Amusements Inc. twitter.com/amusementtoday Amusements Inc. Great for game booths and ride queue needs Ride Help - In All Departments lines. Complete with 24-watt amp needs Ride Help - In All Departments 12 Rides Ride Superintendent - For Green Unit andOPPORTUNITY weather-tight speaker. Up to fourCan Ride Superintendent - For Green Unit 13 Games 2-minute custom sayings or one self- Electrician - For Green Unit Electrician - For Green Unit Profitable, owner looking to diversify repeating custom canned spiel. Contact: with existing operations. Contact: Brian (Beaver) Bitner $350 - Go to www.ACsound.net® for Brian (Beaver) Bitner and (919) 272-5627 30If interested,GTP GO KARTS.please contact:Complete more information or call Anthony at (919) 272-5627 Billy Clark - (863) 738-1689 Chance Sea Dragon T/M...... $149,000 with new enginesLen Soled in 2012. Engines (865) 742-1394 Billy Clark - (863) 738-1689 MAY Winter Quarters Now Open! are all 6.5Rides-4-U, hp with 5:1 Inc. Gear Ratio Winter Quarters Now Open! Moser Top Spin T/M...... $449,000 clutches. These karts are great for help grow your business? (843) 362-0022 TFN (908) 526-8009 (843) 362-0022 TFN Zamperla Mini Jet 10 Sweep P/M...... a large track and when used for Spin out T/M (Huss) ...... $299,000 concession karting, driver should SeRVIceS LOOPINGLOOPING COASTERCOASTER Eclipse...... -Fabbri T/M= ...... $399,000$19,000 Twister/ Maverick (Moser) ...... $599,000 be 56” & taller. Karts are equipped eQUIpMenT WanTed eQUILaunchpM LoopenT Shuttle Wan CoasterTed SkyDropZamperla Master Tower Swing-ARM T/M (ARM) T/M20 ...... $179,000P/M ...... $299,000...... $14,900 with 13” racing tires and aluminum J&D Carnival Services offering ser- Launch Loop Shuttle Coaster 1998 TM Chance Gondola Wheel vices to you for a low, low price. DropZamperla Tower Fire -ARM Chief T/M T/M ...... $399,000...... $99,000 wheels. Also included is 15,000 in ArrowArrow Dynamics Dynamics all steelsteel with with Rio Grande (Zamperla) ...... $19,000 $410,000 - Completely rebuilt July SLIDES SLIDES new parts and tires. Karts are cur- G-ForceG-Force 4, 56’ high xx 635’635’ longlong RioCrazyS & Grande- S DanceFrog HopperZamperla (Fabbri) ...... $325,000T/M T/M...... $19,000$59,000 2009. All eight motors and gearboxes We offerYOU the following services: BETCHA! Wanted used 90+ft. slides, portability not needed. Built in1977, 1977, Excellent excellent condition condition in arerently made in operation. to 100% / over 6,000 new •Ride setup Wanted used 90+ft. slides, ChaosScooterZamperla -Chance 1800 Family T/M T/M Coaster(Majestic) ...... $99,000 T/M ....$224,000...... Indiana.Indiana. $100,000$200,000 LED lights, new electrical wiring, new •Ride tear down portability not needed. •Ride painting FUNHOUSES ForFor photos photos and details: ScooterCrazy Bus 1400 T/M -Majestic (Zamperla) T/M ...... $99,000 ...... $109,000 $2000PIC per drive. kart All(lots updates. of 10 only) ...... $79,000 Ask•Ride washing us how you can tap into over Wanted used “Carnival Funhouses”, [email protected]@vestil.comFUNHOUSES Tornado T/M (Wisdom) ...... $99,000 or $50,000 takes all 30 Karts and CrazyChance Bus Pharaohs -Zamperla Fury T/M T/M ...... $99,000 Completely Please call Gene Dean: (978) 375-2542 •Ride repair work mobility not necessary 22 Other Rides parts. (Moser) ...... $89,000 or e-mail [email protected] •Concession250 million cleaning potential customers. Wantedwww.funspotpark.com used “Carnival Funhouses”, TornadoRebuilt...... -Wisdom T/M ...... $129,000$695,000 Contact Sunny (612) 332-5600 •Concession work mobilityAngola, not Indiananecessary Americana Carousel 28’ (Chance) ...$119,000 Call Kevin Bryan at and much, much more. TFN OrientMoser Express Flipping -Wisdom Action ...... $139,000Arm P/M...... Traffic Jam T/M (SBF) ...... $219,000 TO SIGN UP FOR affinitymm.com/twitterbook Contact Sunny 612 332-5600 Turbo...... Force -Zamperla T/M ...... $199,000$169,000 (757)THIS 2646-5484 Bob FREE Space NEWS Racers SERVICE WeWe will travel travel the the East East Coast. Coast. Our Our Vertical Water Race Games TFN 1989 T/M ...... $205,000 GO TO WWW.AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM office hourshours areare M-FM-F 88 a.m.a.m - 5 p.m., BINGO / BEANO GAMES FOR SALE AmericanaTivoli Remix Carousel T/M...... 28’ ...... $199,000$425,000 1 14-player, 1 12-player park models Saturday 9 a.m. - noon. wanted for Bangor State Fair, Bangor, Truck Stop (Zamperla) ...... $18,000 in mint condition. Saturdy 9 a.m. - noon. TrafficZamperla Jam Truck -SBF StopT/M ...... $219,000 T/M...... $24,000 Publication & Ad Design Maine 7/30-8/8 and Skowhegan Fair, FoR Sale Sea Ray T/M (Mulligan) ...... $249,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM 1. SKEE BALLS CallPoint-of-Purchase (207) 825-3944 ask Materials for Jamie Design or Skowhegan, Maine 8/12-8/21. Call Funny Freight T/M ...... $29,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMRetiring - Priced to Sell! Danielle. Or call our cell at 2. CLAW MACHINES Kamikazi T/MCall (Fabbri) Len or ...... $149,000 John AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMGreat price. Call (718) 266-8384 or Web & Flash(207) 659-4069.Design Communications Gene Dean - Fiesta Shows 3. STACKERS KiddieMini Rocking Scrambler(908) Tug T/M -Eli 526-8009 (Zamperla) T/M ...... $ .....$49,000 29,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM(718) 614-0597 Amusement Management International is a leader in the interactive (978) 375-2542 4. SPORTS ARENAS TV & Radio www.affinitymm.com DizzyDrop TowerDragonFAX: 806- (Sellner) (908) Moser 526-4535...... $54,000 T/M ...... $99,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM attraction industry. We own and operate Zero Gravity, the worlds only 5. AIR HOCKEY TABLES [email protected] AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM Whateverthrill amusement Your Project park located Calls in For Dallas, Texas; www.GOJUMP.com,(817) 564-3843 as JUN SHALLER 6.GOKARTS POOL TABLES KamakaziPower Surge -Fabbri T/M T/M(Zamperla) ...... $149,000 ....$349,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMFor Sale: Waterslide molds from wellAMUSEMENT as lease operations TODAY at some of the nation’s leading theme and water Single seaters,7. VIDEO 9hp GAMES Honda engines, For Sale: 1987 Huss Condor Sellner Apple T/M ...... $29,000 reputable company. Four complete parks; www.FLYSKYCOASTER.com.CLASSIFIEDS We also operate attractions at most state inspected & licensed for 2014, in Call Len or John systems ready for production with Great Condition. of theYOUR top 50 USED venues inRIDE North America; www.AMIFUN.com. operationQUARTERTIME 2014, new AMUSEMENTS seat belts, good Call(908) Len 526-8009 or John two additional systems available. claSSIFIed Tower rehabbed in 2004. MARKETPLACE tires, kartrol units available, new spare (908) 526-8009 claSSIFIed P/M. Excellent ride for FAX: (908) 526-4535 Please contact [email protected] 2015 is a year of growth. If you have experience in the FEC or the deadlIneS parts.Call Michael: (410) 358-8311 FAX: (908) 526-4535 mid-sizedpark. deadlIneS MAY amusement/theme park industry, we have several unique opportunities AMUSEMENT TODAY’S Ride is operating and available for management and trainee positions. PROVEN KARTSOctober READY 1st. FOR Classified pages close the 10th of SERVICE TODAY AMUSEMENT TODAY’S Location - Eastern USA. We offer competitive salary, bonus and benefits including health month prior to the issue date. Phone Rick (910) 200-4475 anytime Classified pages close the 10th of Rates: month prior to the issue date. insurance and 401K in a fun atmosphere. Send your resume with salary • Rates: requirements to [email protected] •Regular classified ad– 99-year-old Carousel w/1924 Wurlitzer $20 minimum up to 30 words; organ. Located in USA. Major rehab FOR SALE •Regular classified ad– $1 per additional word. in 2004. Indoor location. Available Gas J&J , (10) well Old$20 Western minimum Train up tomade 30 words; by SBF. •Display classified ad –$50 September 2009. maintained and clean. Complete new Ride $1is in per great additional shape and word. has over per column inch. A 1-point motors in 2010, licensed and inspected •Display classified ad –$50 WANTED Four rows, 35 jumpers, 23 standers, 70 ft of track. OPPORTUNITY rule will appear around ad. in 2013. Priced to sell at $750 each per column inch. A 1-point 2 chariots. www.amusementtoday.com •Company logos, screens and or complete w/ $1500 of parts for $18,000rule will OBO appear around ad. WHITEWATER 10 YEAR INSPECTIONS Building an Oddity Park, want to buy reverses also are available on Available through International Ride $5000.00. Ohio •Company logos, screens and 3rd party insurance and safety inspec- anything that creates visual interest. Art, Management reverses also are available on display ads upon request. (440) 466-8650 Call Kevin Bryan at tions. California QSI inspections. Former Transportation, Movie props, Theme [email protected] display ads upon request. Park items, Nautical, Western, Architec- Call (609) 920-0252 or (609) 827-1316 Disney Safety Manager. Amusement and SUBSCRIBE TODAY RECEIVE 14 NEWS-PACKED(757) 646-5484ISSUES PER YEAR STAY INFORMED tural Collectible. The more unusual, the AT CLASSIFIEDS waterparks. better. YOUR USED RIDE MARKETPLACE AT CLASSIFIEDS YOUR USED RIDE MARKETPLACE www.safetycertify.com Call Mel at 920-426-1681 or GAMES FOR SALE LOOPING COASTER MAIL THIS FORM TO: AMUSEMENT TODAY • P.O. BOX (916)5427 •772-2698 ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76005 USA Subscribe to our YouTube channel TO SUBSCRIBE FAX THIS FORM TO: 817.265.6397 • SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: www.amusementtoday.com 920-426-2015. youtube.com/amusementtoday Email: [email protected]. SUBSCRIPTION1. SKEE BALLS FORMLaunch Loop Shuttle Coaster 2.R CLAWNew MACHINES Subscription Arrow Dynamics all steel with R3. RenewalSTACKERS G-Force 4, 56’FIRST high AND LAST x 635’ NAME long CREDIT CARD NUMBER 4. SPORTS ARENAS R Change of Address Built 1977, Excellent condition in 5. AIR HOCKEY TABLES Indiana. $200,000 6. POOL TABLES USA OUTSIDE USAFor photosCOMPANY and NAME details: EXPIRATION DATE 3-4 DIGIT SECURITY CODE 7.R VIDEOOne Year GAMES $50 $70 [email protected] R Two Years $90 $130 ADDRESS NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD (Company Name and/or Cardholder Name) QUARTERTIME AMUSEMENTS P.O. Box 5427 R Three Years $130 $190 P.O. Box 5427 Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE (or Province and Postal Code) TELEPHONE NUMBER (REQUIRED) Call Michael: (410) 358-8311 Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 • R Payment Enclosed AMUSEMENT • (817) 460-7220 COUNTRY EMAIL ADDRESS Charge to Credit Card: (817) 460-7220 Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397) TODAY SIGN ME UP FOR FREE EMAIL NEWS ELI #5 FERRIS WHEEL Fax (817) 265-NEWS FREE(6397) • QUESTIONS? CALL AT: 817.460.7220 NEWS! R EXTRA! EXTRA! YOUR DESKTOP EDITION RRSerial# 1161-69 R • We accept: G/M, sand blasted CLASSIFIEDS ready for repair and paint We accept: 45-foot trailer YOUR I WANT TO HELP BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATION IN THE AMOUNT BELOW TO PRESERVING MAKE A YES! THE NATIONAL ROLLER COASTER MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES. MORE INFO: ROLLERCOASTERMUSEUM.ORG $6,000 cash ROLLER COASTER USED RIDE HISTORY DONATION R $10 R $25 R $50 R OTHER AMOUNT: $ Call John Fanelli (978) 343-4881 MARKETPLACE 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY December 2014

THUNDERBOLT

THIS SIZE CAN FIT ANY PARK

Total track length 681 m (2234’)

Maximum track height 35 m (115’)

Maximum Speed 25 m/s - 90 km/h - 56 mph

Max Vertical +4.3 G’s

Passengers per vehicle 9

Number of inversions 5

260 m (853’)

15 m (49’) First 9 seats vehicle and new patent pending lap bar restraint. Vicenza - ItalyPhone: 0444 +39 998400 e-mail: [email protected] Antonio Zamperla SpaAntonio www.zamperla.com