Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk's Carousel Turns

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TM Celebrating Our 15th Year Vol. 15 • Issue 8.2 NOVEMBER 2011 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s carousel turns 100 STORY: Jeffrey L. Seifert gigantic natatorium that of- [email protected] fered one of the largest heated saltwater pools ever created. SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Other attractions soon fol- The oldest ride at the Santa lowed including a miniature Cruz Beach Boardwalk passed steam train that same year, a the century mark earlier this Thompson Scenic Railway in summer. 1908 and the Looff Carousel in Charles I.D. Looff, one of 1911. the earliest and most successful builders of carousels deliv- Americans fall in love ered the “Merry Go Round” come a popular pastime. with the ‘Carousel’ to the Boardwalk in August of John Leibrandt opened Though dating back to 1911. the first public bathhouse on France in the mid 16th centu- Looff, who immigrated the beach in 1865. The Santa ry, it wasn’t until the late 1800s from Denmark as a young Cruz beach, with its south- and the adaptation of a steam man, began building carousels ern shore on the north side of engine that carousels became in 1875, installing his first at Monterey Bay was protected popular. Mrs. Lucy Vanderveer’s Bath- from the harsh waves typical Americans had become ing Pavilion at Coney Island, of the west coast and offered a enchanted with these new New York City, in 1876. Be- beautiful and serene area with rides in the late 1800s and ear- The historic Santa ing one of the first, many of safe, open-water swimming. ly 1900s and the golden age of Cruz Beach Board- the subsequent Coney Island Other bathhouses soon fol- carousels is generally consid- walk Looff Carou- carousel carvers learned their lowed along with restaurants, ered to be from 1905 to 1925. sel celebrated 100 skills from Charles Looff. In curio shops, photo stands and Visitors flocked to the many years of operation 1910 he moved his carousel hotels. amusement parks scattered this summer. At and ride building factory to In 1904, Fred W. Swan- throughout the country to take left, park owner Long Beach, California. ton, whose first Santa Cruz a spin on the “painted ponies.” Charles Canfield hotel was destroyed in a fire, Riders and spectators alike touches up one of A bathing beach opened the Neptune casino loved the beautiful carved the horses with a Like many amusement and boardwalk that he pro- horses, the calliope music and little paint. Below, parks at the turn of the 20th moted as the “Atlantic City the glow of the relatively new a unique view of century, the Boardwalk began of the West.” That too was incandescent lights. the carousel build- as a bathing beach. Americans destroyed in a fire just two It is estimated that as ing interior. COURTESY SANTA were becoming more prosper- years later, but that didn’t stop many as 3,000 carousels were CRUZ BEACH ous and less dependent on Swanton. He formed the Santa produced in this short time pe- BOARDWALK / constant work. They realized Cruz Beach Company in 1906 riod but less than 175 of those BOTTOM PHOTO that recreation was a good and opened an even grander remain in operation today. JEFF DAL PORTO thing, and swimming had be- casino in 1907, along with a 4See CAROUSEL, page 5 2 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 NEWSTALK OPINIONS CARTOON LETTERS AT CONTACTS EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] CARTOON: Bubba Flint 100 years of ring grabbing

As this issue of Amusement Today spotlights 100 years of the historic Looff carousel at the beautiful Santa Cruz Beach Board- walk in Santa Cruz, Calif., it gives us time to reflect on the how one of the most simple designs in life is still a serious joy maker. Slade 100 years ago, that magnificent machine with its hand-carved horses and attention to detail, was one heck of a ‘thrill’ ride to go on. Back then, there were no steel roller coasters, no freefalls, no flipping every direction you can imagine on a ride. There was the carousel. Combine that with the music rolls that the band organ would play, and you not only had something that everyone wanted to take a ride on, you had entertainment in the most purest of forms. Amusement parks all across the country built some of the most beautiful structures ever found in parks, just to house these wonderful machines. Add in some white lights for the night appeal, and behold, this amusement ride had transformed into Cinderella, ready to enjoy the EDITORIAL: Andrew Mellor, [email protected] night’s worth of fun. What was even more fun is a tradition that has been A record-breaking EAS kept alive at both Santa Cruz and Knoebels, the grabbing It’s always good to get out dozen more suppliers and manufacturers to beat of the brass ring while riding the carousel. from behind the office desk to the previous year’s EAS total. The show hosted Some corporate types may say the ring grab is not visit parks and suppliers or at- over 75 more companies, an impressive percent- worth the insurance risk. While that may be, all one has to tend industry conferences and age increase by anyone’s standards and proof do its sit near any of these fine machines that still oper- trade shows and one of the that EAS has truly matured into a key annual ates their ring grab and one will see joy, laughter and more recent opportunities I had event for the industry — and not just for Euro- even competition, at all ages, to grab that brass ring as to do this was for the Euro At- peans. tractions Show (EAS) in London Exhibiting companies came from far and your horse circles by. Mellor at the end of September. wide, while attendees also hailed from numerous This is perhaps the simplest thrill ever found on an With much of the country in the grip of different countries in Europe and further afield. amusement ride, yet its is as rare as finding a good Old something of an ‘Indian summer’ at the time of And while the show floor was buzzing, comple- Mill ride. the show, attendees from overseas could hardly menting this was a significant educational and Kudos to Santa Cruz, Knoebels, Gillians and others believe they were in the U.K. in such wonderful seminar program, various special events and for keeping the thrill Brass Ring alive. Your keeping this conditions, at a time of year when the weather tours and a variety of networking opportunities, industry tradition alive for future generations to enjoy is a is usually much colder (mind you, we Brits could all the various elements coming together to pro- hardly believe it either!), but so it was. And the vide an excellent week of interest and opportu- welcome sight. very warm, sunny conditions reflected perfectly nity. Now, go grab yourself a Brass Ring! on a successful three day event at what has be- The fact that the show moves to a different —Gary Slade come the premier conference and trade show city each year no doubt also helps to maintain for the theme park and attractions industry in interest and provide, to some extent, new visi- Gary Slade is the founder and publisher of Amusement Europe. tor markets to tap into. Perhaps at some point Today. His love for amusement parks began at age six London’s Olympia Exhibition Centre, an im- the show will settle on a few of the most popular pressive Victorian building that offered ideal ex- cities/venues, rather than going somewhere new when he first visited Pontchartrain Beach Amusement hibit areas in two halls, played host to a record each year. But for now at least, the formula works Park and Six Flags Over Texas. His long newspaper career number of exhibiting companies and when I say just fine. helped lead to the launch of AT in 1997. ‘record’ I don’t just mean it hosted a couple of

AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF Gary Slade, Founder Tim Baldwin Sammy Piccola On the cover Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Editorial Accounting / Circulation (817) 460-7220 [email protected] (817) 460-7220 The beautiful and historic [email protected] [email protected] Looff Carousel at the San- Pam Sherborne Stacey Childress Editorial Sue Nichols ta Cruz Beach Boardwalk Web & Graphic Design [email protected] Advertising celebrated 100 years of (817) 889-4441 (615) 662-0252 [email protected] Scott Rutherford [email protected] operation this past sum- Editorial mer season, making it AT’s John Robinson / W.H.R. Inc. [email protected] Beth Jenkins Daily E-mail Newsletter Advertising choice for our November [email protected] Bubba Flint (615) 794-7288 cover. Cartoonist [email protected] COURTESY SANTA CRUZ [email protected] BEACH BOARDWALK/

Contributors: Ron Gustafson, Andrew Mellor, Richard Munch, Jeffrey L. Seifert, Janice Witherow, SHMUEL THALER Bob Johnson, Brooke Evans, Shmuel Thaler, Rendell Bird, Steve Gzesh, Dan Feicht November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3 NEWSTALK THIS MONTH IN HISTORY EDITORIAL: Bob Johnson, OABA President Much has changed since Chicago Expo Editor’s note: The follow- George Washington Gayle Ferris, age 32, ing guest editorial is a reprint was working his men long hours. This man with from Outdoor Amusement “wheels in his head” had approached the Ex- Business Association President position’s management with the “crazy idea” of Bob Johnson. The editorial col- building a gigantic amusement wheel, over 264 umn originally ran in the asso- feet high, with 1,368 seats for passengers on his ciation’s ShowTime September riding device. His wheel, which paid for itself in Johnson 2011 magazine. Amusement the four and half months of operation, helped Today thought the column was make the Exposition a financial success. well written by Bob and worth reprinting. This history is important to all of us, as we know how important our portable industry’s My how times change, as evident from this photo taken of Many people say that America’s carnivals manufacturers and suppliers have been over the Chance Mfg. booth during the IAAPA trade show and originated after the Chicago World’s Colum- the years to our fairs, expositions and festivals convention in 1970. bian Exposition of 1893, when many indepen- throughout North America. Can you imagine a COURTESY CHANCE ARCHIVES dent showmen had built their shows on wagons fair today, on opening day, with its midway rides which were hauled on railway flatcars to fairs not set up, not inspected, not staffed properly, •1877: Famous ride engineer Presented by and festivals in this country. or even some still on their way! and coaster designer Harry A year before, in 1892, independent show- Today we have fabulous engineering talent G. Traver was born on No- men came by the scores into Chicago. Thou- and creative minds building portable amuse- vember 25 in Gardner, Illinois. sands of well-paid construction workers em- ment rides and, more importantly, manufactur- ployed on the Exposition’s grounds were good ers willing to take huge financial risks to build a He founded the Traver Engi- customers for the showmen who set up on va- new prototype ride that meets ASTM standards, neering Company in 1919 in cant lots around the downtown area. will pass DOT and amusement ride regulatory Beaver Falls, Pa., and is cred- When the Exposition opened on May 1, inspections, and be moved frequently and oper- ited with inventing a number www.RollerCoasterMuseum.org 1893, many of them moved out to be closer ated efficiently. We have come a long way since of famous rides including the to Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show tents outside 1893, in only 118 years, to today’s spectacular Tumble Bug, Circle Swing, Caterpillar, Laff in the Dark and Auto the gates on Sixty-Third Street. That same portable amusement rides, controlled by com- ride. From 1925 to 1931 he built some of the most avant-garde day, some 500,000 people came through the puters, with redundant safety mechanisms to roller coaster structures ever created. Some were so intense gates, with buildings unfinished, most exhibi- provide the highest level of guest safety. that riders often refused to ever get back on, and one closed tions not in place, entertainment poorly orga- Once again, we owe our gratitude to this just six years after it was built as it had become a maintenance nized, and poor food and drink service at outra- industry’s manufacturers and suppliers who nightmare. geous prices. The only high structures on the help make us look great and help provide the grounds were the towers of the unfinished “Fer- revenue needed to run your business, and pro- 1985: Six Flags Over Texas extended its operating season ris Wheel.” mote America’s fairs, festivals and expositions. with the first Holiday in the Park Christmas celebration beginning November 29, the day after Thanksgiving. Eventually Holiday in the Park was introduced to other parks in the Six EDITORIAL: Jeffrey Seifert, [email protected] Flags family, and today, parks all over the world hold different events at Christmastime. The Texas Holiday in the Park remains Safety verses capacity the longest running Christmas celebration in North America at a seasonal park. This past summer I had the designed with restraining systems with mul- opportunity to tour multiple tiple redundancies to keep the passenger safe 1991: Tom Rebbie and Bill Dauphinee purchase the Philadel- amusement and theme parks and secure. Newer machines even have indica- phia Toboggan Company from its former owner Sam High on in Germany. It was interesting tor lights to communicate to an operator that November 27. The 87-year old company is renamed Philadel- to see how different the parks a restraint is securely locked. Multiple button phia Toboggan Coasters and Tom Rebbie is appointed Presi- there are operated when com- dispatches insure that every operator is in dent. Rebbie who started at PTC in 1977 would eventually buy pared to their American coun- their proper place and clear of the ride. Is the out Dauphinee to become the sole owner in 2007. Seifert terparts. Of course, in Amer- constant babble on the microphone, physical- ica’s litigious society, no one ly touching each lap bar and tugging on each 2000: Ronald V. Toomer who had just recently retired from can expect rides to be run as they are over- belt, and the idiosyncratic “visual scan” and Arrow Dynamics was inducted into the IAAPA Hall of Fame seas, but perhaps it’s time to take another look five finger count really making the rides being on November 15. He was honored for his creativity and in- at how things are being done in America and operated any safer? novation, which led to a renaissance in coaster development, ask ourselves is it really necessary? Everyone One could argue that such extreme mea- unprecedented since the early part of the 20th century. His wants to make certain that rides are operated sures help to put the riding public at ease, and dedication to the field contributed to the growth of the entire in a safe and efficient manner, but it seems demonstrate that a particular park is really amusement industry. that over the last decade or so, we’ve gone concerned about their safety. One could also —Complied by Jeffrey L. Seifert/AT and Richard Munch/NRCMA seriously overboard on the appearance of argue that these measures do nothing more safety, and are less concerned with efficiency, than reduce efficiency and throughput and resulting in rides with extremely poor capacity agitate boarding passengers who are already TM performance. irritated with long and slow moving lines. For P.O. Box 5427 5-time Award Winner In Germany it was not uncommon for one those parks that insist on tugging on every Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 or two operators to peruse a train full of rid- lapbar, at the very least make certain there are (817) 460-7220 Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397) ers to make certain their lapbars were in place, enough employees on the ride platform to get knowing full well that a lapbar in proper po- the job done in a timely manner. Find us on Facebook sition is securely locked. On a recent visit to Surely there has to be a compromise. Let’s facebook.com/amusementtoday a popular American theme park I witnessed hope the American parks exercise some com- one lone operator individually check each and mon sense and realize that a customer who every harness and seat belt on a fully loaded waits in long, slow moving lines only to be Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/amusementtoday 32-passenger train. The dismal throughput re- barked at, pulled, pushed and tugged at when sulted in unnecessarily long lines on what was boarding, is less likely to enjoy their day, and a light-crowd day for that park. less likely to return to an amusement or theme Get the free mobile app for your phone Subscribe to our YouTube channel For several decades now, rides have been park in the future. http://gettag.mobi youtube.com/amusementtoday 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 MINUTE 2 DRILL COMPILED: Janice Witherow Harold Hudson, AAPRA Associates, LLC The name Harold Hudson is almost synonymous with the amusement industry. He started out his career in the business with Six Flags in St. Louis and spent 21 years with the company before forming his own consulting firm, AAPRA (acronym for All About Parks, Rides and At- tractions) Associates, LLC, in 1999. Harold’s professional experience includes safety, ride engineering, operations, Harold Hudson with the Texas Giant model, Six Flags Over maintenance and capital Texas. management. He is highly in- It’s November. My typical Thanksgiving meal is … volved with the industry serving on many boards, Turkey and dressing made by Betty Lynn. committees and task forces mostly with IAAPA and AIMS. Harold has been the recipient of nu- The last time I danced was … merous industry awards, authored several industry June 2011, on a cruise. papers and instructed at his share of presentations and workshops. All this, and he is a great Texan Pick one: front row tickets to the Super Bowl or guy with a simple charm and the World Series good-natured attitude. World Series because the Texas Rangers will be there … again, but winning this time. amusementtoday com Title President & CEO, AAPRA On a free evening, you can probably find me Associates, LLC doing this … Owner Voirrad, LLC Dinner with friends in a fine Dallas-Fort Worth Sr. VP Technology, Dynamic restaurant. Attractions, Inc. Hudson My neighbors probably think I am … Number of years in the industry Crazy for not actually retiring! 33 years. I started November of 1978 as manager of corporate engineering for Six Flags in St. Louis. Hidden talent I can fix anything. Best thing about the industry Unique technology, camaraderie and making If I could go back in time, I would visit this time people happy! period … Continental Congress … July 4, 1776. Favorite amusement ride Batman the Ride at any Six Flags park. Favorite place to ever vacation … All of Europe or cruise anywhere. If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry, I would be … My Mom always told me … Head of an electronic widget company or retired if Two things: 1.) Everything comes out in the wash Betty Lynn (my wife) has any say in the matter! (meaning in the end everyone knows who wears white hats and who wears black hats). 2.) The Biggest challenge facing our industry chickens come home to roost (meaning the deeds Quality workers who have “good service” in their you do will come back to you one way or the hearts. other).

The thing I like most about amusement/water Coolest buzz word park season is … Mine is “real quick,” I use it daily. The parks are “alive.” I wish I was good at … A book that everyone should read is … Being patient. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. Favorite dinner meal Wow, a tough one. I like food … lobster, filet All-time favorite TV character mignon, pasta, pizza. Johnny Carson. On my last birthday I … The celebrity duo I would most like to see get Almost forgot it was my birthday! back together is … Batman and Robin. In one word, I would describe my day yesterday as … You live in Texas; three things people should Productive. see when visiting the Lone Star State are … Me, the Texas State Fair, Bluebonnets and San Antonio (I guess that’s four things!). November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5

A tradition that is still alive today at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s carousel is the ring grab, shown above. Above right, a view of the many beaufitful horses found on the carousel. At right, Charles Canfield makes sure the tradition, beauty and charm of the 100-year-old Looff carousel stays intact. COURTESY SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK

two standing horses are on the are asked to toss the rings into Part of the charm of the Santa Cruz carousel are the three fully CAROUSEL operational band organs. Shown here is the carousel’s original Continued from page 1 outside row next to each of the a large clown’s gaping mouth, chariots. where they are rewarded with band organ, the 1894-built Ruth and Sohn (top) and this rare This particular carousel is flashing lights and bells if they Wurlitzer 165 band organ (above). The park also started this The Santa Cruz Beach one of only a few known to be hit the target, but many of the carousel memory wall inside the carousel building. AT PHOTOS Merry Go Round a “pure” carousel. All of the rings are taken home as sou- The Santa Cruz Beach horses on the ride were pro- venirs. For every six to seven Merry Go Round is a magnifi- vided by the same company people who reach for the rings, cent example of those golden that built the carousel. Some one is taken home, meaning age carousels. horses have had to be replaced that over 85,000 rings have to It features 73 hand-carved over the years, but the park be purchased each year. horses, each one unique. Most was able to acquire Looff hors- But pilfering rings is noth- of the horses display their es from other carousels that ing new — a 1911 photograph teeth in an open mouth, but have been dismantled or have shows a sign pleading “Please six of the steeds are closed- replaced their wood horses. do not take the rings!” The mouth — an uncommon style. ring dispenser is automati- All of them feature elabo- Grab a ring cally loaded with rings recov- rate and colorful details: real It is also one of the few ered from the clown’s mouth horse tails, muscular bodies that still features a working via an elaborate mechanism and decorative jewels. Some ring dispenser. Although ex- underneath the carousel. Prior of the horses sport swords at tremely popular during the to 1950, a park worker called their sides and most have dec- golden age, there are, today, a “ring boy” manually recov- orative garlands around their perhaps less than a dozen car- ered the rings and fed them neck. Many of the horses have ousels in the U.S. where riders into the metal arm. For a brief items strapped behind their can reach for the brass ring, time during the 1970s, dis- saddles such as a fish, lamb, and even fewer have jump- pensing of rings was discon- the Black Forest town of Wald- operated at the Looff carousel pheasant, horn, jug, blanket, ing horses on the outside row, tinued and ridership plum- kirch, Germany, The rare 96- at San Francisco’s Playland- or a cluster of fruit. Two Ro- making this particular carou- meted by about 75 percent. key organ includes 342 pipes, at-the-Beach amusement park man chariots, decorated with sel even more unique. a glockenspiel and percussion for 54 years. The Wurlitzer 165 cherubs and rams, are provid- Originally iron rings were Listen to the music instruments. No one has been was installed in March 2007, ed for the faint of heart, small dispensed with one or two The carousel was installed able to determine where the and provided music during children, or women who, be- brass rings included per ride. with a Ruth and Sohn band or- organ spent its first 17 years or the Ruth organ’s refurbish- cause of their long dresses, did Those lucky few who grabbed gan and it has been providing how it was acquired by Looff. ment. not wish to straddle a horse. a brass ring were able to ex- music for most of the 100 years A rare Wurlitzer 165 band The Ruth was shipped to Most of the jumping horses are change it for a prize, often a the ride has been in operation. organ was purchased in 2007 the Stinson Band Organ Com- mounted in columns of four free ride ticket. Records show the band organ from a private collector. That pany in Bellefontaine, Ohio with all four horses having Today, the rings are steel, was built in 1894 under the organ, built in 1918 by the Ru- where it was given a major the same color: white, black, with brass-plated rings used watchful eye of Adolph Ruth dolph Wurlitzer Company of restoration to bring back its ex- brown, bay, tan or gray. The on special occasions. Riders at the Ruth & Sohn factory in North Tonawanda, New York, 4See CAROUSEL, page 6 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011

CAROUSEL year long with 100 years of carousel magic. Celebrations Continued from page 5 have included brass ring days, a carousel memory wall where ceptional playing capabilities. friends or loved ones can be The Ruth also received a new honored or commemorated façade with carved figures and with a bronze plaque inside colorful scrollwork, and was the carousel building, a car- then carefully shipped back to ousel-themed art exhibit and Santa Cruz. unique carousel centennial The Boardwalk is also in merchandise. possession of Wurlitzer 146 Along with 100th anniver- band organ that was added sary fine art posters and books to the carousel building ear- are a special-edition 2007 lier this year. Each of the three Boardwalk Carousel bottle offers a unique sound and of syrah wine from Hallcrest all three band organs can be Vineyards, and a collector’s heard as each takes a turn to edition Horse Tale Ale from play music throughout the Santa Cruz Mountain Brew- day. Thanks to a new Musical ing. The ale harkens back to This year, artist Lidia Hasenauer painted this view of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Looff Instrument Digital Interface 1911 when 25 brewers in the carousel in honor of its 100 years of operation. San Francisco area, including (MIDI) system, the organs can COURTESY SANTA CRUZ BEACH BOARDWALK play contemporary music as one in Santa Cruz, brewed a well as the old classics. constant maintenance. The hand-carved horses are be- ignated both the Looff Car- California Common or Steam As it was back at the turn Boardwalk has restored many coming increasingly rare and ousel and the Giant Dipper as Ale. of the century, not everyone of the beautiful carved steeds, difficult to acquire. In 1911, National Historic Landmarks. Amusement Today salutes comes to the carousel build- and those that could not be the carousel cost $18,000; now Fewer than 2,500 places bear the Santa Cruz Beach Board- ing to ride a horse. The organs restored were replaced with a single horse at auction can this national distinction, walk for preserving its his- themselves are attractions as Looff horses from parks in fetch close to that amount. which recognizes historic toric 1911 Looff Carousel. It fans gather to watch the his- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina places that possess exception- is one of the few in the world toric music machines mechan- and Belmont Park in San Di- Suporting cast al value or quality illustrating that has been galloping in its ically bellow the distinctive ego. Ongoing maintenance Complementing the Looff or interpreting the heritage of original location for more than calliope music. includes touching up chipped Carousel is the Giant Dipper the United States. 100 years. May it spin guests paint, frequent polishing of roller coaster, built in 1924 by who come to ride the painted Maintenance is ongoing the brass poles and mirrors, Charles’ son Arthur Looff. On Celebrating 100 years ponies and reach for the brass As one would expect, a as well as mechanical adjust- February 24, 1987, the U.S. Santa Cruz Beach Board- ring for many more years to century-old carousel requires ments and repairs. Antique Secretary of the Interior des- walk has been celebrating all come. November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 INTERNATIONAL PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS SUPPLIERS BRIEF EAS enjoys record-breaking numbers in London STORY: Andrew Mellor Severn-Lamb [email protected] delivers new train to major tourist UNITED KINGDOM — destination With a record number of exhibiting companies on the OMAN––Leisure and trade show floor and more light urban transport spe- than 7,000 visitors, this year’s cialist Severn-Lamb, based Euro Attractions Show (EAS), in the U.K., has delivered held in London, U.K., proved a new electric train to one to be a big success. of Oman’s premier tourist Organized by the Europe- attractions. an office of the International According to the organiz- The Al Hoota Cave, Association of Amusement ers, several new exhibitors at the foot of the Hajar Parks and Attractions — IAA- noted that they only expect- Mountains, began operat- PA Europe — EAS 2011 took ed to generate new contacts, ing the new train for visi- place at the Olympia Exhibi- but many said that they also tors in September follow- tion Center, with 336 exhibit- signed contracts and gained ing the attraction’s annual ing companies providing the Bob Rippy, chairman of the IAAPA board, opens the 2011 business, while other, more es- closure during the months familiar plethora of products Euro Attractions Show in London, together with (from left tablished participants, also re- of July and August for an and services. The event is now to right) Mats Wedin, Roland Mack, Bob Rippy, Will Morey, ported a successful three days. environmental rest. established as Europe’s pre- Mario Mamon and Chip Cleary, CEO IAAPA. “The show was excellent The brilliant white, mier trade show for the theme COURTESY IAAPA for Premier Rides and the in- custom-designed train, park and attractions industry terest in our Sky Rocket gen- built in its entirety at and the spectacular Victorian European countries, Rus- with this show and the sup- eration of rides was very sig- Severn-Lamb’s U.K. architecture of the Olympia sia, the U.S., Canada, China, port of the associations in the nificant,” commented Premier manufacturing plant in venue provided an excellent Thailand and India. Initial U.K.,” said Mats Wedin, chair- Rides’ Jim Seay. “It would ap- Warwickshire, carries up home for this year’s show. figures showed that 7,053 visi- man of the IAAPA European pear the amusement industry to 48 passengers in air Exhibiting companies tors attended the show from Advisory Committee. “Not has proven recession resistant conditioned comfort and came from throughout the more than 100 countries, with only did we have a record in Europe and that has encour- provides a world-class world and included 82 U.K.- around 30 percent coming number of exhibitors, we no- aged some significant projects based organizations along from the host country. ticed that the European indus- to move forward.” transportation system for 4See EAS, page 8 visitors to the Al Hoota with others from numerous “We are extremely pleased try is as vibrant as ever.” Cave, in addition to design, operational and environmental advantag- es over the existing train. The new train uses electricity on demand, which eliminates the need for batteries and the down time for recharg- ing, improvements which will increase the potential number of daily visitors from 760 to 2,000. Passengers board and disembark through sliding doors on either side of the two carriages. Wheelchair access is also incorporated into the cabin design. Janine and Tom Rebbie at the booth of Philadelphia Pictured at the Premier Rides booth are (left to right) Dennis Toboggan Coasters, Inc. Spiegel, International Theme Park Services, and Premier’s AT / ANDREW MELLOR Jim Seay and Peter Schnabel. 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 Italy’s newest themer debuts STORY: Andrew Mellor [email protected] Rainbow Magicland provides a fully themed experience with an ITALY — Situated in extensive variety of rides and Valmontone near Rome, Rain- attractions. bow Magicland opened in COURTESY RAINBOW MAGICLAND May this year on a 600,000 square meter site to provide Italy — and Europe — with its latest brand new theme park venue. Bringing a major park to the Rome area for the first time ever, Rainbow Magicland was designed and built by the Alfa Park Group, headquartered The 2011 EAS show boasted the largest number of exhibit- in Brescia and the founder of ing companies ever at the event. “Miragica – Terra dei Gigan- AT/ANDREW MELLOR ti” (Giants Land), an amusement park in Molfetta which EAS the integration of intellectual opened in April 2009. The Continued from page 7 property into attractions and group’s latest venture was cre- human resources, while a Eu- ated at a cost of €300 million As always, the trade show ropean Legends session and (U.S. $400 million) and as the was accompanied by a host of waterpark and safety forums name implies, the main theme additional activities including added to the program. running throughout the venue a significant education pro- Various networking is ‘magic’ with the overall ef- gram which covered a number events and a post show tour of fect being something of an ‘en- of key topics. A major part of some of the U.K.’s major park chanted’ world. this was the two and a half attractions completed a mem- It is aimed at the family day Institute for Attraction orable week. market primarily and incor- Managers as well as sessions Next year’s EAS show porates a number of licensed covering the use of social me- takes place in Berlin, Germa- brands from the Rainbow dia platforms by attractions, ny, from October 9-11. Group, such as Winx, Monster Allergy, Huntik and PopPixie, JOIN US NEXT YEAR! along with features that, in themed attractions as well ultra modern planetarium, Il addition to a host of rides, in- as three theatres and 28 F&B Casetllo di Alfea which is also 2012 clude enchanted castles, brave facilities, of which five are used as a 4D cinema. Parking TICKET

P. GOLDEN Vikings, magical fairies, pow- restaurants. A 50,000 square for 5,500 vehicles is also avail-

I. AWARDS V. BEST OF THE BEST! erful wizards and adventurers meter covered area is another able. all set in a multi-dimensional feature, as is a main street Reflecting the main visitor environment. directly inside the main en- profile, the attractions include www.GOLDENTICKETAWARDS.com The park incorporates 35 trance, a central lake and an a variety of family rides from well-known manufacturers and suppliers. Among these, and a central feature to the Check out our park, is Shock - The Steam Spectacular Rides - Park and Trailer Models Machine, an X-Car launch coaster from Maurer Söhne, roller coasters! who has also supplied the Ca- gliostro, a spinning coaster. See us at IAAPA No fewer than four rides were supplied by Vekoma, namely booth# 4836 the Olandese Volante (double mine train), Bomboun (junior coaster), L’Isol Volante (Flying Island) and Maison Houdini (Mad House). Two further attractions have come from Intamin, these being the Yucatan, a spillwa- ter, and the Drakkar, a rapids ride, while the Mystica, a 70 Pendulum and loop rides, 12 models meter tower ride from SBF, and a Bertazzon carousel add further to the ride offering. A Giant wheels 20 to 80 meters total of 15 attractions for children are also available. Technical Park North America sales: ITAL INTERNATIONAL LLC The park has proved a Via dell’Artigianato, 47 45037 Melara (RO) Italy 4117 Hillsboro Pike, Ste. 103-358 popular destination since Tel. +39 (0425) 89276 Fax +39 (0425) 803091 Nashville, TN 37215 - USA opening, with the best at- e-mail: [email protected] Telephone: (615) 383 3986 Fax: (615) 383 9244 tendance to date being over Carlo Guglielmi: [email protected] 30,000 visitors during one weekend. November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 Fuji-Q breaks another record with Gerstlauer coaster STORY: Andrew Mellor U.S. $37 million). [email protected] The experience begins with the rider vehicle being JAPAN — The tallest, fast- launched out of the station est and longest coaster ever area in one of six, 8-person ve- built by German manufacturer hicles, straight into a heartline Gerstlauer Amusement Rides roll which puts riders upside has proved a big success since down in the dark and takes its opening at Fuji-Q High- them to a speed of 62 mph Land near Tokyo, Japan, in (100 kph). Once out in the July. open the coaster sends guests Named Takabisha, Japa- through an inverted top hat at nese for ‘domineering’ or 118 feet high before going into ‘high handed,’ the ride is Ger- the world’s first ‘banana roll.’ stlauer’s latest example of its This one of a kind inversion popular Euro-Fighter coaster. resembles a giant banana and This launched model provi- is followed by a flatspin, an dies riders with a thrill packed 4See FUJI-Q, page 10 experience both in the dark and out in the open, as well Fuji-Q HighLand’s latest as featuring a vertical lift hill major attraction, the world around the mid-point of the record breaking Takabisha ride. The attraction represents coaster, takes riders through an investment for the park of seven inversions. Yen 3 billion (approximately COURTESY GERSTLAUER 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 FUJI-Q Pleasurewood Hills owner plans Continued from page 9 major investment in 2012 airtime hill and breaks. UNITED KINGDOM––Pleasurewood Hills theme park, on Riders are then faced the border of Norfolk and Suffolk, has secured an investment with the 141 feet (43 meter) of €1,350,000 (U.S. $1.9 million) that will be used to purchase high vertical lift, at the top new rides and make further cosmetic enhancements over the of which awaits a brand new winter. highlight. The car climbs The investment comes from new park owners, The to the highest point on the Looping Holding, who took over the park in Jan. 2011. ride, slides down a slope and The money will be spent on a number of enhancements comes to a halt just a few including updating rides, landscaping and theming areas of meters away from the main the park, painting, equipping the restaurants with outdoor drop. The vehicle then be- terraces, installing CCTV, adding new queue lanes and adding a state-of-the-art lighting system to the stage in the Castle gins to slide forward again to Theater. plunge back down to earth. Improving green credentials is also on the agenda, with But on Takabisha, riders ex- water-saving projects and tree planting among the changes perience the first 121 degree that visitors will notice when the gates re-open for the 2012 drop on any roller coaster season on March 31, 2012. anywhere — a world record! Attracting new rides is also a large focus of the invest- The final section of the ment. As well as the Laser Labyrinth (this year’s new attraction coaster continues to put rid- which opened to the public in time for Halloween) one mega ers through their paces with Riders on the thrill ride is set to join the park (although details remain secret) a variety of inversions such Gerstlauer- along with other smaller attractions. Altogether, Pleasurewood as a dive loop, an inline loop built Hills will open in 2012 with a total of five new attractions. and an Immelmann loop, Takabisha Alexis Camelin, general manager of Pleasurewood Hills which together form the big coaster are comments: “At Pleasurewood Hills we recognize that there Cow Hitch. After 3,280 feet seated in one are areas of the park that require improvement and need (1,000 meters) of track fea- of six, 8-per- attention, so this investment will allow us to develop these turing a total of seven in- son vehicles areas. Plus, as ever, our focus will remain on customer safety versions, Takabisha finally in two rows. and enjoyment.” COURTESY Visitor numbers were stable throughout this year with a slows down and takes riders GERSTLAUER back in to the darkness of the view to increasing this in 2012. station building to complete Park improvements began when the themer closes for winter on Oct. 31. the ride.

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www.etf.nl November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 Amusement Today visits top parks of Germany STORY: Tim Baldwin many — a high flying Gerstlau- hit with patrons. [email protected] er Sky Roller that lets the rider Dominik Seitz, Europa control how scenic or how wild Park, public relations, states, Editor’s note: Amusement his or her flight will be. “At Europa-Park we saw sig- Today’s Tim Baldwin joined the nificant growth in visitor num- European Coaster Club on a Europa-Park bers. The trend from the last tour of Germany’s most notable Rust, Germany years continues and we will amusement parks this past summer, Having celebrated their have welcomed far more than as well as some out-of-the-way plac- 35th anniversary in 2010, Eu- four million visitors at the end es tucked here and there. He shares ropa-Park saw considerable of the season. The new products highlights of his travels in Germany, growth in large attractions with received very positive feedback. starting with the major theme parks. Whale Adventures Splash Battle Our new restaurant FoodLoop, last season and the magnificent the world’s first loop-restau- Belantis Blue Fire looping roller coaster rant, was a big success and is Leipzig, Saxony the year prior. Already under- probably our guests’ favorite The newest of all of Ger- way is a new wooden coaster restaurant already. In the new many’s theme parks has yet to — Mythos — by Great Coasters Enchanted Forest, the little visi- even celebrate its 10th birthday. International for 2012 that will tors can follow the steps of their Opening in 2003, the park sits intertwine with Atlantica Super- favorite tales while their parents in wide open space with areas splash and the Blue Fire coaster. are taken back to their child- themed to certain countries That debut is expected next hood memories. Family attrac- of the world. Two Gerstlauer spring. But that doesn’t mean tions have and will be the heart coasters offer thrills on rails, that 2011 didn’t have its own of Europa-Park.” with the park’s original bobsled set of new additions. Geared A visit to Europa-Park is coaster zipping around a castle toward the whole family, a new nothing short of spectacular being the better of the two, both suspended monorail called Vola each time. The Mack family has thematically and in smoothness. da Vinci gracefully took groups set the bar high with its stan- The largest coaster is Hurrican, sailing above a portion of the dards of quality attractions, en- a Gerstlauer Euro-fighter that is park all themed to da Vinci’s tertaining shows, superb them- painted vivid red giving it a true inventions. Heavy theming will ing, lush grounds and sheer high-profile presence, which also be a featured component of beauty. Many park enthusiasts was added last season. A heav- the station house and queue of have commented in the past that ily themed flume/splashwater the new wooden coaster. the park is virtually perfect with Water fills the air as Krake, the new B&M dive coaster at Heide ride is striking as boats plunge Among the other new ex- the exception of the absence of a Park skims across the surface of the lake on the first drop. from atop a large pyramid. This periences this past season was wooden coaster. ALL PHOTOS AT/TIM BALDWIN UNLESS NOTED water ride by Hafema is truly a unique restaurant called With 2012, perfection may ride system for Mack Rides in speed launch and a vertical lift, a one-of-a-kind experience that FoodLoop. This eatery allowed actually be obtained. The park is 2013. and outdoor portions that navi- includes a vertical lift inside. guests to order their dishes via also opening its fifth resort ho- gate a heartline inversion and Many of the attractions a computer screen and watch tel — the New England themed Hansa Park an airtime camelback hill. It’s an struggle with high capacity, but them be delivered on tracks Bell Rock. 2012 looks to be a suc- Sierksdorf, extremely well done attraction they are themed wonderfully swirling and twisting through- cessful year for this world-class Schleswig-Holstein any park would be proud to call and the park offers some unique out the restaurant. Of course, park. Seitz also reports that the As Germany’s northern its own. rides, one of which is the only watching the food zip through park has decided upon their most theme park, Hansa Park Among its five roller coast- such installation in all of Ger- the vertical loops was always a largest dark ride with a new has numerous attributes of ers is Nessie, a smooth Schwar- which they can boast. In addi- zkopf looper that has long been tion to the view of the Baltic Sea, a photographic icon for Hansa Hansa Park has some of the fin- Park. A wide array of water est landscaping in any park not rides, observation and people only around Germany, but the mover rides, and traditional flat world. Color and beauty grace rides offer something for ev- the park throughout. Wonder- ery visitor. When encompassed fully themed areas engage the within the gorgeous grounds, imagination as one roams the all these ingredients make Han- park. sa Park a must see when in Ger- New for 2011 was a fam- many. ily coaster called Die Schlange von Midgard. Manufactured by Heide-Park Gerstlauer, this attraction spins Soltau, Lower Saxony a tale about children who stow Of all of the new roller coast- away on a ship belonging to a ers that opened in Germany this Norse storyteller in a Viking set- year, Heide-Park can claim the tlement. Once aboard, the jour- most high-profile among the lot. ney takes riders through some Krake, a new dive coaster from dark ride like scenes indoors B&M, joins an elite group of before emerging in a cloud of only seven such coasters that ex- smoke to twist and zip over a ist in the world. Positioned over small pond. the park’s central lake, Krake Gerstlauer was also the momentarily suspends riders manufacturer of the park’s re- 18 at a time, poised just above cent Fluch von Novgorod roller the vertical drop. With dramatic Above left, Belantis Park’s unique Pharaoh’s Curse flume from Hafema utilizes an elevator coaster which opened in 2009. theming within the water, riders lift inside the pyramid, followed by a dramatic drop. Above right, cleverly sponsored by the This particular thriller is a bril- see twisted tentacles and gaping Gazprom energy company, Europa’s Blue Fire Megacoaster, from Mack Rides, features a liant mix of theming, indoor teeth around the wreckage of its launch themed to a gas explosion. sections which include a high 4See GERMANY, page 13 November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13

from wild rides such as Scream, door environment. Thematic door boat ride follows along GERMANY an Intamin drop tower, to gentle movie scenes, props and other with a storyline from one of the Continued from page 12 observation rides that include effects make the twisting bob- sequels and is a great experi- most recent victims. Once the two monorails which vary in sled course more of an experience for guests of any age. plunge is complete, the vehicle passenger size to a sky tower. ence rather than just a ride. skims across the water with Two flumes and a rapids ride Wouter Dekkers, general Phantasialand scoops alongside to create a bil- offer fun on the wet side and manager for Movie Park, says, Brühl, Rhine-Westphalia lowing wave of water that cap- children can find activities just “Since 2005, the former Grem- Phantasialand is a photo- tivates spectators and can even their size. lins building has been an ‘ele- grapher’s dream. Draped in spray the back row of riders phant in the park.’ We’re more thematic perfection and colorful after navigating an Immelman Movie Park Germany than happy and proud that we beauty, the park takes imagina- looping maneuver. Bottrop, N. Rhine-Westphalia now finally were able to open tion to amazing levels. Areas Among the seven coasters With origins dating back to a great, new indoor coaster.” range from the exotic to the at the park, Schweizer Bobbahn the 1960s, Movie Park has had Dekkers adds, “After concen- whimsical. is the longest of the six Mack a very storied history. It’s leap trating more on kids rides dur- Among its assortment of bobsleds that exist in the world into the big leagues happened ing the last years with Nickland, roller coasters, the lineup in- and coaster enthusiasts often in the 1990s as it emerged as we now wanted something cludes what is regarded as one Trapper Slider, one of the credit it for being the best of the Warner Bros. Movie World Ger- more ‘spicy’ which refers to our of the very best mine train coast- longest Alpine-Coasters in breed. Colossos is one of the few many in 1996. Since 2005 it has very successful Halloween Hor- ers in the world. Colorado Ad- Germany winds its way down Intamin pre-fab wooden roller operated as Movie Park Germa- ror Fest. That’s how the idea for venture is a three lift, 4,200 foot the mountain at Fort Fun. coasters and it was this 2001 ny and its Six Flags and Warner a vampire themed attraction long Vekoma mine train that COURTESY RENDELL BIRD woodie that really put Heide- Bros. influence have since been was born. It was very impor- travels through a thematic envi- Park on the worldwide destina- put aside. tant to us to open a ride which ronment with great banking and rocky caverns. Winjas is quite tion map for coaster fans. In 2011, the park opened is themed properly and con- fun drops, with a capacity that possibly one of the most unique This large property boasts a Van Helsing’s Factory, an attrac- sistently. I think we definitely exceeds 2,000 riders an hour. coasters in the world with a dual resort hotel — Hotel Port Royal tion that places a twisting and made it happen.” Black Mamba is a marvelously track that features many rare el- — as well as a Holiday Camp. startling roller coaster layout Another heavily themed themed B&M inverted roller ements — vertical lifts, tipping The theme park offers many from Gerstlauer into a highly movie attraction is geared to- coaster that loops around styl- track, and a section of track that ride experiences that range themed storyline within an in- ward the Ice Age films. An in- ized architecture and through 4See GERMANY, page 14

Above, Phantasialand added a unique touch to its Zierer Wave Swinger. The water columns, just inches from the riders, undulate along with the ride. At The Lost World Spinning Rafting ride from ABC Rides at Erse right, the spectacularly-themed Vekoma-built Mine Park, seems out of control as the rafts traverse the winding Train was said to be a favorite of Michael Jackson and channel. is even subtitled the “Michael Jackson Thrill Ride.” COURTESY STEVE GZESH 14 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011

tractions for children and their new show for 2011 that com- GERMANY families, many of which were bined breathtaking stunts, ac- Continued from page 13 supplied by Zamperla. robatics and close enough to rises and falls before re-entering Hotel Matamba themed touch storyline about the fa- the station. The coaster was to an African village boasts mous actress. built by Maurer-Söhne. authentic masks, exotic decor New for 2011 was a world and tropical plants, while Hotel Freizet-Land Geiselwind class installation rivaling and Ling Bao creates an Asian oasis. Geiselwind, Bavaria surpassing Disney’s achieve- Chinese artifacts, enticing foun- Having operated since 1969, ments. Maus au Chocolat uti- tains and glowing lanterns offer this park has more than four de- lizes clustered vehicles that a more tranquil resort feel. Both cades of family fun behind it. whisk riders through scenes in accommodations round out the It’s new-for-2011 attraction has which they shoot 3D cannons at superb dedication to thematic a storied history. Wilde Maus is screens to eradicate presumptu- entertainment. a Mack mouse that previously ous and taunting mice that have Mid-sized parks branch out had operated at three different infiltrated a bakery. Riders can from family rides to parks for a single season. One compare scores at the end of newer thrills can hope its new location will the vigorous competition. It’s Bayern Park be a perfect fit and become a all extraordinary, even down to Reisbach, Bavaria permanent home. the queue line. Another unique Many parks in Germany One of the top-rated coasters in Europe, Holiday Park’s Ex- Among the collection of attraction for 2011 is a Zierer have established themselves as pedition GeForce, supplied by Intamin, is noted for its air- fun rides, Freizet-Land Geisel- Wave Swinger placed in a cen- great fun getaways for families, time-producing hills. wind also boasts some amazing tral courtyard where the foun- but they also are striving for animal encounters. Vogel Safa- tains below ingeniously rise more of the teen demographic on a more family scale. Smaller Fort Fun isn’t necessarily huge riland is an engaging journey and undulate just below the rid- with a higher caliber thrill ride. coasters, alpine slides, family on coasters, but has a wide va- among an amazing collection of ers’ feet as the whirling flat ride This is no more particularly true flat rides and children’s rides riety of attractions placed on a birds. Whether strolling among spins in operation. than with Bayern Park, who such as the adorable Piggy Ride wonderful hillside setting. A peacocks, or gazing at the col- A spectator’s favorite is opened a new multi-inversion are spread among the grounds, corkscrew coaster provides up- lection of owls, the variety of Talocan, a Huss Top Spin that launched coaster late this past which when amassed together side down thrills, along with birds on display is impressive. A is unquestionably the most summer. Freischütz, by Maurer create a surprisingly larger park more family fare provided by monkey enclosure offers guests themed version in the world Söhne, adopts a storyline taken than one might expect upon ar- two others, but visitors will find varous viewpoints to see the nu- suspended between two Aztec from an opera (there’s a rar- rival. more unique attractions along merous monkeys. A notable mo- stone calendars while riders ity!) centered around a magical One of the park’s greatest the way that provides the park ment is feeding time on the MS experience flames and water bullet. The 12-passenger train qualities is its beautiful floral its real signature. A whitewater Banana. A petting zoo and other effects during their excursion. catapults riders into a top hat landscaping. Lushly placed rapids ride provides wet fun, animal educational opportuni- River Quest, a Hafema river inversion followed by a loop, a throughout the park, many rides as does the park’s flume which ties await. rapids ride, has a unique ver- heartline roll, an inclined loop interact with the beautiful ar- is impressively long with three tical lift and some of the most and a final heartline roll. rangements, be they children’s lifts and some themed dark ride Freizetpark Plohn dramatic drops found on rides This is a dramatic departure rides or the elegant floating type sections. Legenfeld, Saxony of this genre. In 2010, the park from the park’s other attrac- gondolas through a recreation Old school fun is found in Nothing helps widen a added an assortment of rides at- tions, which offer fun thrills but of one of Germany’s palaces. their dark ride and funhouse park’s marketing demographic Having celebrated 20 years in walk-through attractions, and than a wooden coaster and the industry, Bayern Park has the park’s train ride tunnels into Freizetpark Plohn contracted much of which to be proud. the mountainside. Great Coaster International to Utilizing the park’s terrain, bring El Toro to the park in 2009. Erse-Park two additional attractions (for a This marvelous twister thrills Uetze, Lower Saxony small upcharge) are Wild Eagle, the entire family no matter what Situated among many trees, that allows four riders at a time the age. It’s interaction with the Erse-Park is the simplest among to soar down a cable from the park’s large flume was also a this list. It has many self-operat- top of the mountainous height, great development. Ingenious ed rides that families can go and and Trapper Slider, a Wiegand walkways make for fantastic enjoy without ride attendants. It alpine coaster that is one of the photographic opportunities for is highly unlikely an American longest in Germany at 1250 me- families and spectators. park could ever fathom such a ters. The deeply forested set- possibility, but it works beauti- Tala Takenya and the Leg- ting of this park offers many fully here. One of the most well- end of the Holy Forest was a 4See GERMANY, page 15 received of these attractions was the electric Wiegand bobkart attraction that combines the fun of go-karts and alpine slides. The largest attraction at Erse-Park is the Lost World spinning rapids ride. Built by ABC Rides, this very unique water attraction offers lots of action and an extremely unique inclined lift that keeps ride vehicles horizontally level. The hardiest of enthusiasts were finding it outrageously exciting.

Fort Fun Wasserfall, El Toro was a perfect fit for Freizetpark Plohn. This moder- N. Rhine-Westphalia ately-sized woodie, from U.S. supplier Great Coasters, offers Another facility that has a larger plot of real estate than just the right amount of thrills to appeal to a wide variety of New vehicles offer a fast and comfortable ride on the new one might assume is Fort Fun. guests. Zierer Force One coaster at Schwaben Park. Entertaining guests since 1972, November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15

the Plopsa characters and were thrill to entertain school groups bathtub vehicles — navigates tions. GERMANY aimed at the very youngest of and has just recently dabbled around the structure and drops One observation is that in Continued from page 14 riders. A new dancing foun- in the teen market with the from the upper level. Each and all of Germany, there are only tain entices visitors to run and 2008 addition of Mammut. This every attraction finds whimsy, four wooden coasters. Thank- tucked away areas of discov- dash through its checkerboard smooth wooden coaster can enchantment or imagination to fully three of the four are good, ery, ranging from fairytale sto- layout and jumping patterns of make the claim that it is fully transport families into a capti- quality rides. But where a ries to caveman environments. bursting water jets. More sedate German, as it was produced vating escape from the every- wooden coaster seems a staple It is easy to see how the park guests may opt to sit around by an assortment of German day. in the American landscape, it is has grown over the years and the fountain and just enjoy the companies : Ing.-Büro Stengel a much rarer breed throughout spread throughout the property. laughter from the sidelines. GmbH (design), Ingenieur- In closing Europe. New for 2011 was a Zierer Holzbau Cordes (builder), and Germany has numerous On the flip side, the U.S. family coaster, cleverly called Schwaben trains by Gerstlauer. smaller parks, also with their could certainly gain some in- Plohseidon. With a thematic Kaisersbach, One of the park’s many sig- own character. The park fans on sight from many parks in Ger- backdrop and a circling spiral Baden Wuerttemberg nature attractions is actually a the tour enjoyed many Heege many when it comes to land- skimming over a pool of water, This park is marketing its pairing of a Gerstlauer bobsled attractions, which were preva- scaping, offering a greater this is a fun addition that par- second year with Force One, coaster that wildly traverses in lent among the German parks. variety of things to do other ents will also enjoy riding with which ironically is by Zierer, but and around a castle like struc- Self operated, but still giggle- than rides, and often the sheer their children. not one of the company’s Force ture, while the park’s flume — inducing, were the company’s throughput a well-skilled oper- One models. That particular themed to bathing, including Nautic Jets and Butterfly attrac- ations team can accomplish. Holiday Park model is less than 15 feet tall, Hasloch, but this bigger coaster reaches a Rhineland-Palatinate much wider audience standing Roller coaster enthusiasts at 72 feet tall and delivering a know this park for Expedi- smooth, curvaceous course. Sit- tion GeForce, the highest rated uated at the highest part of the roller coaster in all of Europe on park, guests immediately see it Amusement Today’s Golden Tick- upon arrival. et Awards charts. That Intamin Perhaps the smallest park installation truly put this park of our overview here, it still of- on the experts’ radar. Today, fers fun and thrills for families while not as heavy on coasters to find an enjoyable diversion as some of the other parks in for several hours. A highlight to the country, Holiday Park still guests of all ages is the park’s offers a variety of attractions miniature train collection and for the guests that visit. A long, display. These toys have esca- themed flume that includes a lated far beyond than being just backward section is a park high- child’s play. No matter how old light, as well as a vintage dark one gets, there is always a fasci- ride that features some hair rais- nation with toy trains. ing scenes one wouldn’t find in the U.S. An Intamin drop tower, Tripsdrill a Star Flyer swing ride, a cork- Cleebron, screw roller coaster and a rapids Baden Wuerttemberg ride are all part of the ride pack- If there was a single park age. that exemplifies the word Now part of the Plopsa “charm” in all of Germany, it family of theme parks, the be- could quite simply be Tripsdrill. loved cartoon characters are Located at the foot of a hillside now prominent in the park, and vineyard, the park centers much Rudi Mallasch, the park’s gen- of its theming around winemak- eral manager, says the direction ing. In fact, guests (of age) can of future growth will capitalize partake in wine tastings and on these characters that market purchase wines right inside the Whimsical theming is a hallmark of Tripsdrill as exhibited on even the largest of their rides: to families with young children. park. This family friendly park the bathing-themed flume from Mack Rides (left) and sawmill-themed roller coaster (right) New rides for 2011 centered on has just the right amount of from German companies Stengel, Cordes and Gerstlauer. 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 Interlink completes installations at worldwide venues UNITED KINGDOM — year-old age group. Each ver- Interlink, the France/U.K.- sion can be custom-designed based water ride specialist, has to suit both the layout and completed the installation of thematic requirements of the three new water rides at ven- client. The attraction covers ues in Indonesia, Sweden and an area of just 49 feet by 30 France, while also announcing feet and incorporates a single the signing of a contract for a lift and drop of 6.5 feet. Six new flume ride in the U.S. The boats are used, each seating name of the U.S. facility will three passengers. Capacity is be announced at a later date. 650 riders per hour and the In Indonesia, the compa- attraction is designed to oper- ny supplied a two-lift Super ate either inside or outside Flume to an indoor leisure with no limitations to layout project in Bandung. The cus- or length. The Euro Park ver- tom-built attraction features sion features a theme based double-seat, Zodiac-style on American Indians, with boats specially designed at the cartoon style decoration and client’s request and which are boats based on an Indian now available to other cus- canoe design. tomers where required. The “We are delighted with two-lift Super Flume has two these three recently complet- chutes, one 9.8-feet-high and ed projects,” said Interlink the other 29.5-feet-high The Managing Director John length of the ride is approxi- Pictured is one of the three installations Interlink completed for the 2011 season: a two-lift Hudd. “Each one provided mately 908-feet-long. A total standard flume ride for Sweden’s Daftö Resort in Strömstad. us with different challenges COURTESY INTERLINK of seven, six-seater boats are — from the innovative new utilized. The ride has been Strömstad, Sweden, Interlink are in use, each seating five major log flume, the company elements incorporated into fully themed in an Aztec style, completed the installation of passengers. Hourly capacity is opened a mini flume ride, a the Super Flume in Indonesia, incorporating a large volcano a two-lift standard flume ride, approximately 500 riders. new addition to its range of through the very short lead feature, rock work and other 705 feet in length and featur- At Euro Park in Vias water-based attractions. The time from order to delivery for related décor and surround- ing a 29-foot-long station sec- Plage, southern France, where ride has been developed to the Daftö Resort log flume, to ings. tion and two lifts of 13 and Interlink has previously cater to the youngest range of the development of a totally At the Daftö Resort in 22.9 feet in height. Five boats installed a rapid river and a the market, the three to eight- new mini flume.” November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 Dreamworld Australia adds Maurer Söhne Sky Loop

STORY: Andrew Mellor which are helping the park to Dreamworld in Australia has [email protected] mark its 30th birthday in style. added a Maurer Söhne Sky Supplied by Maurer Söhne Loop coaster, one of three AUSTRALIA — A new of Germany, the new BuzzSaw major new attractions coaster attraction has opened coaster (one of the company’s for 2011. at Dreamworld in Coomera, Sky Loop rides) is an Austra- COURTESY DREAMWORLD Queensland, on Australia’s lian first and seats riders in Gold Coast, one of several an open carriage held in by a new attractions at the venue single waist harness, leaving the upper body fully exposed to the elements with little to hang on to. The ride measures 59.7 meters (196 feet) by 15 meters (49 feet) and begins with a suspense-laden, 46 meter (151 feet) ascent, at the top of which riders, seated in Maurer’s now familiar X-car vehicles, are flipped upside down 15 sto- ries up in the air before the car freefalls through a 360 degree heart roll and plummets down a final vertical drop at speeds of up to 105 kph (65 mph). According to the park, BuzzSaw is the highest inversion ride experience in the Southern Hemisphere. Situat- ed in the park’s Gold Rush pre- cinct, the story behind the new ride is that its construction has unearthed some unusual sto- ries about the make-believe mining township, which has been part of Dreamworld since the mid 1980s. Inexplica- ble occurrences recounted by staff working in the area and historic research dating back to the late 1800s have inspired the ride’s theme and will have guests wondering where fact ends and fiction begins. Figures for the Sky Loop ride show an hourly capacity of approximately 600 per hour and a ride time of around 50 seconds. A single train with two cars is used, with riders seated two across in three rows in each car, for a total of 12 passengers. BuzzSaw joins two other attractions added by Dream- world in 2011, namely Shock- Wave, a Zamperla Disc’O coaster, and The Lair, a new exotic animal exhibit.

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E S 7 T. 1 9 9 IAAPA Booth# 4215 November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19 PARKS & ATTRACTIONS RIDES ENTERTAINMENT REVENUE SUPPLIERS Mach Tower opens at Busch Gardens Williamsburg 240-foot tall ride supplied by Moser’s Rides WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — wanted a unique tower ride After months of construction experience for their visitors and tweaking, Busch Gardens and Moser’s Rides delivered Williamsburg’s Mach Tower this and more with the Mach officially on Aug. 19, end- Tower,” said Guglielmi. “The ing months of anticipation tower differentiates itself from from guests hoping to ride typical drop towers by offer- the park’s newest and tallest ing two completely different thriller. ride experiences in one tower: “We know our guests a freefall thrill ride and/or a have been eagerly awaiting panoramic observation tower the debut of Mach Tower,” that is more family friendly.” said Park President Carl Lum. Guglielmi went on to “During the manufacturer’s explain in detail Mach Tower’s initial testing, some mechani- two very different modes of cal issues were discovered operation: “In Free fall mode, that caused the delay. Now riders are treated to a slow that the ride is open, we are climb to the top of the tower excited to share this amazing followed by a thrilling 60 mph experience with our guests.” plunge. Ride time is approxi- Suppled by Moser’s mately three minutes. Rides, Mach Tower offers an “The panoramic opera- stunning view as its 30-seat tion mode, a desired feature rotating carriage climbs near- for the park’s Christmas Town ly 240 feet above the park’s holiday event, involves pro- Oktoberfest village. Thrill ele- gramming the tower to ascend ments experienced during the and descend in the revolv- ride keep riders from becoming mode exclusively, with no ing complacent on their jour- freefall,” said Guglielmi. “The ney to the top. Once riders get observation program enables a few seconds to take in the guests to view the light dis- Busch Gardens view, the carriage plummets plays throughout the park and Williamsburg’s new Mach straight down its maypole- allows those who are not nec- Tower opened near the end themed tower. A fail-safe mag- essarily thrillseekers to experi- of the summer season in the netic braking system brings ence the tower.” park’s Oktoberfest village. the carriage to a smooth stop Moser Rides continued Supplied by Italian manufac- at the bottom. the Mach tower innovations turer Moser’s Rides, Mach “We’re pleased our guests with two unique features on Tower’s 30-seat rotating car- will be able to ride Mach Tower the gondola system, vibrat- riage climbs nearly 240 feet before the summer comes to a ing seats and on-board audio, and offers stunning views of close,” said Lum. “We allowed adding another element of the region. our guests a sneak peek earlier surprise and excitement to COURTESY BUSCH GARDENS this week and the overwhelm- the experience. Rider reviews WILLIAMSBURG ing comments have been, ‘it’s have been very positive with been worth the wait.’” regard to these enhancements. } Amusement Today spoke Ride safety was the num- SEE RELATED STORY...21 with Gina Guglielmi, sales ber one priority and the tower representative U.S., Moser’s includes several redundant shock absorbers at the load- Mach Tower anchors a a pretzel bakery serving some Rides, about the inspiration safety systems including an ing station and a special rope newly rejuvenated Oktoberfest of the best pretzel-themed cui- behind Busch Gardens’ new- additional brake system at (cable) housing to contain village featuring new game sine in the region. est attraction. “Busch Gardens the winch housing, hydraulic cables in the event of a break. areas, performance spaces and —Scott Rutherford

Creating Memories & Profitability

• abc rides switzerland • Cogan Kiddie Rides • Moser Rides • Used Rides & Games • Wattman Trains Nashville Zoo Train www.intermarkridegroup.com Voodoo Interactive Raft, abc rides Hoopla, Moser Rides Wattman Mini Express TEL 615.370.9625 FAX 615.370.8852 20 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 Sally interactive dark rides featured at Legoland parks

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Following sev- cars from Bertazzon. Equipped with laser eral years of successful operation at the blasters and scoring consoles, the Jeeps Legoland parks in Carlsbad, California and carry riders through a monster spider’s Windsor, England, Sally Corporation’s pop- lair (where Pippin Reed is trapped in a ular dark ride, Lost Kingdom Adventure web), past a performing skeleton band, into (known as Laser Raiders at Windsor), Professor Kilroy’s archeology lab, and into opened at the new Legoland park in Florida the midst of exploding dynamite and the in mid-October, and at Legoland Malaysia in path of a moving, spiked wall—among early 2012. The interactive, black light rides other hair-raising events. The final scene has feature Lego’s Indiana Jones-type character, a storyline twist and a big, dramatic ending. Johnny Thunder, in an exciting adventure The new rides also have a few new surprise set in an ancient Egyptian temple. The tem- elements ple walls not only hide a trove of treasure… “The rides feature some of Lego’s most in a surprise element they also hide a secret, popular characters, and are fun and not too high-scoring bonus target that almost guar- scary for young children,” says Legoland antees a win for the rider who zaps it with Senior Project Director Ian Sarjeant. “They his or her laser blaster. have proven to be very popular at both the The approximately 7,000-square-foot California and Windsor parks: Incorporating black light, 10-scene rides pit guests against the ride into our new parks was an easy the wiles of evil Sir Sam Sinister as they help decision.” Johnny Thunder rescue the intrepid reporter Ray Dominey, Sally Corporation’s vice- Miss Pippin Reed from his grasp, and strive president of technical services, installed the to stop him from stealing the treasure of the secret bonus target as an exciting added sur- ancient temple. Only by hitting the targets prise for guests. “When a guest hits the spe- scattered throughout the ride can you win cial bonus target, an additional 7,007 points this battle. will show up on their score,” Dominey says. Based on the client’s experience at the “When you see the final number, seven, on California and Windsor parks, the two new the console, you know you hit it: every other Sally Corporation’s popular interactive dark ride, Lost rides have an increased capacity of over target score ends in zero. There are ninety Kingdom Adventure, opened at Legoland Florida in mid- 1,000 people per hour; each operating with targets in the ride, and there’s no way to tell October, and will debut at Legoland Malaysia in early 2012. 17 four-seater custom Lego-style Jeep ride which is the special one—until you hit it.” COURTESY SALLY CORP. November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21 Zierer launched coaster going to Busch Gardens Williamsburg in 2012

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. merly occupied by the Big Busch Gardens Williamsburg — Busch Gardens officials Bad Wolf, a beloved Arrow Verbolten is the park’s new- unveiled the name of the Development suspended for-2012 steel roller coaster theme park’s new-for-2012 coaster that thrilled Busch that will serve as a replace- roller coaster during an exclu- Gardens guests for 25 seasons ment for the former Big Bad sive pass-member apprecia- before being retired in 2009. Wolf suspended coaster. tion event recently held at the Construction is already Supplied by Zierer, Verbolten park. The new ride will sport well underway with Verbolten will feature 2,835 feet of the ominous-sounding moni- expected to make its debut track and two LSM launches. ker of Verbolten. next spring. COURTESY BUSCH GARDENS WILLIAMSBURG

“Verbolten offers the latest in roller coaster technology,” said Park President Carl Lum while address- ing an enthusiastic crowd inside Busch Gardens’ 2,000- seat dining facility. “When Verbolten opens in spring 2012, coaster fans will feel the exhilaration of multiple launches and a few surprises that can’t be found anywhere else in the United States.” The announcement nam- ing Verbolten as the park’s new coaster ended months of speculation among coaster fans who have been eagerly awaiting official news about the new thrill ride. According to the park’s press material, Verbolten will be located in the Oktoberfest section and will be heavily themed. From the moment guests approach the new coaster, they’ll experience a sense of mystery and fun. A German tourist center serves as the ride entrance and the launching point for an auto- bahn touring experience that plans to keep them on the edge of their seats. As they climb into their car for a scenic drive through the countryside, they’re quickly detoured into a harrow- ing adventure through the forbidden Black Forest. The course will have them rush- ing through the woods and into an ‘event building’ that houses a number of surprises and special effects. The ride will conclude with a dramatic 88-foot plunge to the river’s edge. Supplied by German ride manufacturer Zierer, Verbolten will feature 2,835 feet of track and two LSM launches that will propel the five 16-seat trains up to 53 mph. Verbolten will follow parts of the terrain for- 22 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23 24 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011

Interactive activity AMUSEMENT structure opens at MARKET PLACE Florida’s Old Town Maryland-based Ride En- tertainment Group recently completed the installation of an activity structure at Kissimmee’s Old Town. The tower structure includes a ropes course, zip line and rock climbing wall. All of the equipment was supplied by Ropes Courses, Inc., and the project was financed by En- tertainment Finance Group, a division of the Ride Enter- tainment Group. COURTESY OLD TOWN and RIDE ENTERTAINMENT

Avatar movie Structural Technologies Inc brand coming New Construction to Disney parks Renovations Daily Maintenance ORLANDO, Fla. — Walt Relocations Disney Parks & Resorts re- Track Replacement cently announced that it has Demolition entered into a long-term cre- Inspections Emergency Work ative partnership with James Cameron’s Lightstorm En- 380 Bad Man Hill Rd. • Paxinos, Pa 17860 tertainment and Fox Filmed (570) 590-3255 or (570) 590-9880 entertainment to bring the [email protected] fantasy world of Avatar to life at Disney parks beginning with Disney’s Animal Kingdom near Orlando. Cameron and his producing partner Jon Landau along with their team at Lightstorm Entertainment will serve as the creative Buddy A. Stefanoff consultants on the project Vice President — Chief Design Engineer and work side-by-side with [email protected] the Walt Disney Imagineers to create new attractions for 10710 E. 119th Ct. N • Collinsville, OK • 74021 the parks. Cell: (918) 504-6595 • Fax: (918) 553-6444 Ground breaking for the www.corssroadsled.com first Avatar-themed attractions for Disney’s Animal Kingdom is expected to take place in 2013. No opening Keep our amusement park industry strong! time frame has been given. Buy products and services from these suppliers. November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 Arcadia Book showcases history of Coney Island, Astroland STORY: Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected]

This past June, Arcadia Publishing released another book from their well-known Images of America series that commemorates a town, region, or attraction with vintage photographs. The subject of the June release is perhaps the most celebrated historic amusement area in the United States: Coney Island and Astroland. With more than 150 years of history to write about, multiple volumes on Coney Island can be filled. This Images of was not a single entity or single America book concentrates on amusement park. It was, until just recently, a district or neigh- the three-acre parcel of land that The Skyride, manufactured by Von Roll of Switzerland, opened in 1963 and was dismantled was, until recently, known as borhood of small enterprises, in 1975. At right, Astroland’s Surf Avenue entrance was adorned with two spinning, illumi- Astroland. The book is divided with as many as 500 different nated stars. COURTESY ARCADIA into four photo-essay chapters businesses in simultaneous op- with introductory paragraphs eration during the 1930s. The providing a back-story, and set- first chapter features photos of North Pole. Disaster panoramas Chapter two focuses on the as the world’s largest, serv- ting the stage for the captioned the menagerie of businesses that were also popular such as the three-acre property originally ing more than 5 million people photographs that follow. The populated Surf Avenue. Photos Johnstown Flood, San Francis- developed by German immi- a year. In 1916 an employee of photo story begins with Coney include ornate railroad termi- co Earthquake, and Galveston grant Charles Feltman. Start- his, Nathan Handwerker, left Island’s first structure in 1823 nals, roller-skating rinks, casi- Flood. Actual rides including ing out with just a small food to start his own hot dog busi- and ends with the front gate of nos, restaurants, seaside hotels, a loop-the-loop roller coaster, stand, Feltman did not want to ness a few blocks away. Today, the new Luna Park that took the and the 300 foot-tall Iron Tower Thompson’s famous Scenic provide plates and silverware to Nathan’s Famous Frankfurters place of Astroland in 2010. with its steam-powered eleva- Railway, a Shoot-The-Chutes, his customers and came up with is an international corporation Although the name “Co- tors. Also shown are some of Tunnels of Love ride, Skoot- the idea of offering a German with 40,000 locations world- ney Island” is familiar to almost the businesses that specialized ers, dark rides, and the famous sausage on a roll, and thus the wide selling 425 million of its everyone, it is likely that few in entertainment venues includ- Wonder Wheel are also featured hot dog was born. By 1910 his famous all-beef hot dogs. At its understand that Coney Island ing panoramas of a trip to the in this chapter. German restaurant was billed 4See ARCADIA, page 27 November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27

had not seen any new attrac- Park, opened in May 2010. ARCADIA tions since World War II. When Images of America Coney Is- Continued from page 26 President John F. Kennedy an- land and Astroland was written nounced the Apollo program by Charles Denson, director of zenith the three-acre Feltman Dewey Albert and his son Jerry the Coney Island History Proj- property featured nine restau- decided to transform the aging ect and author of Coney Island: rants, a ballroom, roller coaster, Wonderland into a new space- Lost and Found. He tells the carousel, arcade, bathhouse, nu- age theme park called Astro- story of the famed amusement merous bars and beer gardens, land. Chapter three, though less land through never before seen and an outdoor movie theater. than 10 pages, focuses on the images from the Astroland Ar- The Great Depression and prej- construction of the new theme chive, the Coney Island History udice against German business park with its partial opening in Project Archive, and his own owners during World War II 1963 and completion in 1964. personal collection. The book took its toll and in 1954 Feltman The final chapter follows offers a fascinating look at what declared bankruptcy and sold Astroland into the 21st Century The Astroland Moon Rocket sat surrounded by construction undoubtedly was the most no- his property to Dewey Albert featuring photos of many of the debris as the park took shape. table amusement zone in North rides and attractions that graced America. It is a must–have for and Nathan Handwerker. The COURTESY ARCADIA two reinvested in the property the park during its 43-year his- anyone who ever visited or has and transformed it into Won- tory. Dewey Albert died in 1992 competition. In 2003, during the following year and Astroland a remote interest in the little derland, removing some of the and his son, Jerry, took over Bloomberg administration, an closed for good on September 7, sandbar at the southern tip of old dilapidated buildings and operation of the park. Shortly ill-defined urban planning ini- 2008. The city eventually reac- the Brooklyn Borough that was leasing space to various inde- thereafter Jerry was diagnosed tiative eventually led to the clo- quired the land from Thor equi- known as the “Playground of pendent operators. After a few with Parkinson’s disease and sure of the park. In November ties at an inflated price of $100 the World.” years Handwerker left the part- he turned operation of the park 2006, the city sold, to Thor equi- million. With Astroland gone, Images of America Coney nership, and Dewey Albert sud- over to his wife, Carol. During ties for $30 million, the land that the city leased the site to Cen- Island retails for $21.99 and is denly found himself engulfed in Carol Albert’s tenure Astroland Astroland leased with the stipu- tral Amusements International, available at local bookstores, the amusement business. and the adjacent family-owned lation that Thor renew the lease a division of the Italian ride online retailers or through Arca- By the 1960s much of Co- Wonder Wheel Park thrived for the 2007 season. However, manufacturer, Zamperla. A new dia Publishing at www.arcadia- ney Island was in a slump and as they engaged in a friendly Thor did not renew the lease the park, named after Coney’s Luna publishing .com, (888) 313-2665. 28 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 Chance Rides celebrates 50 years of fun and thrills STORY: Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected]

WICHITA, Kan. — For 50 years, Chance Rides of Wichita, Kansas, has supplied the amusement industry with a variety of attractions ranging from the gentle train ride to the topsy-tur- vy spinning action of a Unicoast- er to modern-day steel coasters and everything in between. Al- though officially incorporated in 1961, the history of Chance actually begins 15 years prior.

Making train tracks Richard H. “Harold” Chance In 1963, Harold Chance, left, got involved in the amuse- discusses the C.P. Hunting- ment business in 1946 when he ton train ride with E.K. Fer- took over the train manufactur- nandez, founder of Fernan- ing operations for the Ottaway dez Shows of Hawaii. Amusement Company, building COURTESY CHANCE ARCHIVES 10 to 15 units each year. Sales started to dwindle as gasoline After moving to the new build- powered trains became avail- ing in 1961 he incorporated the able and the last Ottaway steam Chance Manufacturing Com- train was assembled in 1958. pany. Harold started to produce Taking what he had learned the B-14 gasoline-powered train from building trains for Ot- in 1955 and the B-20 Aerotrain taway, he developed a 24-inch in 1958 to compete with other gauge replica of the 1864 Collis manufacturers. He continued P. Huntington Steam Locomo- to build trains out of the small tive. That train, known as the 2,400 square foot Ottaway C.P. Huntington, is the com- Amusement factory for the next pany’s most successful prod- few years with the assistance uct. To date 369 units have been of Harold Phillips, his lone em- delivered to theme parks, zoos, ployee. entertainment centers and city In 1959 he also developed parks all over the world. the Pump-It Handcar ride. Inex- pensive, popular with children The Trabant and easy to sell, Harold Chance The first major amusement credits the Pump-It with keep- ride built by Chance was a prod- ing the company solvent when uct called a Trabant (German for train sales were lean. In the satellite). Developed by a young summer of 1960 he purchased man in Germany, Carl Sedlmayr The Chance ride product through the years has included a wide assortment of thrills includ- an 8,000 square foot building on of Royal American Shows ac- ing clockwise from top left: the traditional Trabant and Zipper rides; a C.P. Huntington train, one acre of land, turning down quired the manufacturing rights the new Unicoaster; a family roller coaster and the Giant Wheel. an offer to acquire an additional to the product. AT FILE PHOTOS two acres, as he felt, at the time, The ride was not at all por- that he would never have the table and not very flashy, but felt the ride concept had po- a good operator and they were In 1970, Chance acquired desire to expand beyond that. Mack Duce of Dallas, Texas, tential if it was produced by an good for each other. The associa- the assets and manufacturing American company and Harold tion lasted for over 30 years. rights of the Allan Herschell Chance immediately saw ways Company which had grown to to improve the ride and make Ride product line expands be the largest ride manufacturer it portable by mounting it on Chance continued to intro- in the world. a truck trailer. An agreement duce new rides over the next Taking the Herschell car- was reached whereby Chance decade, many conceived by Joe rousel which had been modern- would produce the ride, Mack Brown, an employee of Chance, ized and lacking in character, Duce would have exclusive who was always coming up with Chance changed the scenery sales rights, and Carl Sedlmayr new ideas. Having established a back to an ornate style and re- would receive a royalty for each reputation as a dependable and placed the fluorescent lights unit sold. The deal was sealed reputable ride manufacturer, with traditional incandescent with a simple handshake and Jerry Barber and other inde- bulbs. With the new changes, Chance went on to produce 254 pendent ride designers brought Chance sold more carrousels in units over the next 28 years. The their ideas to Chance to build 1971 than Herschell had sold in Trabant was eventually replaced and market. Other rides, like the the previous five years; to date in 1991 with a similar but more Rotor, were discovered by show 240 units have been sold. The thrilling ride still sold today as operators who made deals with Chance carrousel (deliberately the Wipeout. Chance to build the rides while spelled with two “R”s) contin- Mack Duce turned out to be they received a royalty. That first ues to be a strong seller and is a good salesman and Duce was decade saw the introduction of available in a variety of sizes. A given exclusive sales rights to all the Skydiver, Rotor, Zipper, 20-foot model easily fits indoors, the rides that Chance produced. Olympic Bobs and Toboggan as a double-decker carrousel offers The Kemah Boardwalk on the Texas Gulf coast is a show- There was never a contract their more successful rides. increased visibility and capacity place for Chance equipment, including this Double Decker drawn and never a dispute. Har- and the massive 50-foot diam- Carrousel and Giant Wheel, shown in background. old Chance considered Mack Chance acquires the eter carrousel has 60 horses on AT FILE PHOTO Duce to be a good friend, and Allan Herschell Company 4See CHANCE, page 30 November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011

year in the 1990s, sales orders CHANCE began slowing when the econ- Continued from page 28 omy took a nosedive in 2000. Chance SkyWheel lights up Park attendance was dropping its platform. and manufacturers everywhere Another popular Her- found themselves in trouble. Myrtle Beach tourism business schell ride was the Sky Wheel. By the following year sales of Although Chance only sold Chance rides had fallen by 60 STORY: Scott Rutherford [email protected] about nine more of these dou- percent. Chance had served as ble wheels, it did put them in a guarantor to some of the rides MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — the observation wheel building it sold and when their custom- The heart of the Myrtle Beach business, another product for ers couldn’t pay, Chance became Grand Strand — specifically which they have since become responsible for payment of the famous. loans. In April 2001, the com- the area around 9th Avenue pany was forced to file for bank- and Ocean Boulevard — has Watch the tram car please! ruptcy protection. been a relatively quiet place In addition to rides, Chance since the closing of the Pavil- builds trackless tram trains in- D.H. Morgan line added ion. This beloved amusement troducing the Starliner Tram During the reorganiza- park that drew thousands in 1967 and the Sunliner Tram tion, Michael Chance (Harold’s each summer night for more in 1976. The current Tramstar grandson) acquired the assets of than half a century was shut is available in two models and roller coaster builders D.H. Mor- down and eradicated by its is ideal for parking lot opera- gan Manufacturing and formed owners — Burroughs & Chap- tions, sightseeing tours in places Chance-Morgan Coasters Inc. At in — at the end of the 2006 The SkyWheel at like zoos, or anywhere large the time neither Chance Rides season. Since then, numerous Myrtle Beach Landing amounts of people need to be nor Chance Industries had any easily and quickly transported. businesses that depended on – a new Chance Mor- equity in the new venture; Mi- the Pavilion’s crowds died chael Chance was the main in- gan R60 Giant Wheel More rides added when the upscale entertain- – debuted this spring. vestor along with a few silent ment venue B&C promised Until his retirement in 1985, partners. The 187-foot-tall ride never materialized. Harold Chance continued to Chance emerged from features 42 glass-en- Fortunately for the area, seek out new rides to produce bankruptcy on May 16, 2002 as closed, temperature- SkyWheel at Myrtle Beach and sell. Some would be suc- Chance Rides Manufacturing controlled gondolas cessful but very few sold over Inc. The company was forced to Landing [Chance Rides, Inc. that hold up to six 100 units. Some of the ideas that R60 Giant Wheel] opened cut its staff in half from 280 to passengers each. seemed promising never made 130 employees. Chance would this season has helped bring AT/SCOTT RUTHERFORD it into double-digit sales and no longer build rides without a tourists back to the down- some ended up selling only one firm order and instead concen- town area. unit. The more popular rides in- trate its efforts on quickly filling Opened in May at Myrtle troduced in the 1970s and 1980s an order once a buyer was con- Beach Landing, the new Sky- include the Turbo, Falling Star, firmed and stopped serving as a Wheel stands 187-feet-tall swinging ship type rides such guarantor for companies buying and spans two oceanfront as the Sea Dragon and Space their products. lots along Ocean Boulevard, Shuttle, and the swinging cir- Over the last decade, on the north side of Plyler cular chair rides like the Zumur Chance has fully consolidated Park. The new attraction fea- and Yo-Yo. the Morgan Manufacturing op- In 1987 Chance purchased, tures 42 glass-enclosed, tem- eration from La Selva Beach, perature-controlled gondolas from Bradley & Kaye, the molds California to its Wichita, Kansas and manufacturing rights to that hold up to six passen- headquarters. Chance continues gers. Each ride lasts approxi- their collection of 62 carou- to offer rides from the Morgan mately eight to 12 minutes sel horses and menagerie fig- product line and provides parts and offers panoramic views ures. Dave Bradley had care- and technical services for exist- of downtown Myrtle Beach fully reproduced prize carousel ing Morgan rides. animals over the last 20 years. and beyond. A state-of-the- Under the direction of David Still family owned art LED lighting system gives Bradley, new originals were re- Today Chance Rides, en- riders and spectators a bril- cast and the new detailed horses compasses Chance Morgan Inc. liant light show each night to be able to withstand winds designed by Ronald Bus- were made available on Chance (CMI) and Chance Rides Manu- after the sun sets. up to 135 mph and a liquefac- sink and licensed by Dutch carousels. David Bradley died facturing (CRM), and is still 100 Due to the ride’s coastal tion zone. A larger concrete Wheels B.V. The passenger in 1988, and these famous repro- percent family owned. location and the inherent foundation, much of which is cabins were manufactured ductions might have been lost For 50 years the Chance threat of tropical storms, underground, was designed by CWA in Switzerland with forever, were they not acquired companies have provided rides the SkyWheel was placed to support the heavier struc- the control system being sup- by Chance. that have been enjoyed by hun- on a deck 20 feet above sea ture and withstand those hur- plied by Siemens of Germany. dreds of millions of people all level to protect it from storm ricane wind loads,” explained The SkyWheel at Myrtle over the world. As they continue surge and required a much Chance. “This also meant a Beach Landing is owned by All in the family to expand and develop exciting Upon his retirement, Har- larger concrete foundation substantial increase in the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, LLC, new product lines, they haven’t and beefier structure in order amount of steel that had to a joint venture between Koch old’s oldest son, Richard G. lost site of their past. Chance “Dick” Chance assumed control to withstand the winds that be used in the structure. This Development Co. and Pacific continues to support all of their sometimes sweep in off the translates to approximately Development, both of St. of the company and formed, in products and has the tooling to Atlantic. 100,000 pounds of extra steel Louis, Mo. 1985, Chance Industries, Inc. to make just about any part need- Amusement Today spoke in the supports and spokes.” The SkyWheel at Myrtle serve as a holding company for ed. Creating the SkyWheel Beach Landing is the second Chance Rides, Chance Coach With half a decade of expe- with Mike Chance of Chance and Chance Operations. By this rience providing their custom- Rides, Inc. about this strength- was a true international un- North American installation time the company employed ers with safe, reliable products ening and the challenges in dertaking: Chance Rides, Inc., of Chance’s R60 Wheel. While nearly 400 workers in a 425,000 and top-notch customer service, building the SkyWheel. “This is the exclusive distributor the first opened at Niagara square foot facility in Wichita, the Chance companies have be- project required some major for the R60 Wheel in North Falls in 2006, a third R60 is on Kansas. come virtuosos in the ‘Art of re-engineering for the own- America. Chance sells and the works for 2012 in an as- Movement.’ ers to put the SkyWheel in builds the structure in the yet-undisclosed location. Tough times •www.chancerides.com that location. The ride had U.S. while the attraction was After seeing sales growth of between five to 10 percent a November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31 OBITUARIES Dynamic Structures forms sister Hersheypark mourns loss of GM Frank O’Connell, 48 company to focus on attractions HERSHEY, Pa. to the Hersheypark VANCOUVER, B.C., Canada — Dy- plex bridges, telescopes and amusement — Frank O’Connell, Entertainment namic Structures has announced the for- ride systems.” general manager Complex. He often mation of Dynamic Attractions, a new Dynamic Structures has already deliv- of the Hersheypark said how blessed he company that will focus on providing ered over 50 successful projects for com- Entertainment felt to work with such turnkey attractions for the entertainment panies like Walt Disney World Resorts Complex, passed outstanding individuals, industry. and Universal Studios Orlando. Dynamic away following a day in and day out. The new venture will be led by found- Attractions will focus primarily on turnkey heart attack on Oct. O’Connell Carl Crider, general 18, 2011. He was 48. manager of DelGrossos er of Premier Rides, Peter R. Schnabel. solutions for flying theaters, dark rides, A longtime member of Amusement Park, and current Working in tandem with Schnabel as roller coasters, automatic guided vehicle the HE&R family, Frank first president of Pennsylvania Senior V.P. of Technology will be former systems, robotics, and other unique at- joined the company in 1978. Amusement Parks Association Senior V.P. of Engineering for Six Flags, tractions. Having worked in a number said, “The amusement indus- Harold Hudson. When asked about his decision to join of positions throughout his try has suffered a tremendous “It’s a formidable management Dynamic Attractions, Schnabel observed tenure, including his long- loss with the passing of Frank team”, stated Guy Nelson, CEO of Dy- that there is a gap in the marketplace held leadership position O’Connell. Frank’s dedica- namic Structures, “With Peter and Har- and it needs to be filled “With proven as general manager of the tion, leadership and vision as old’s industry experience and Dynamic platforms already in place, we’ll be in po- Hersheypark Entertainment general manager of Hershey Structures’ technical sophistication, we sition to offer unique and affordable ride Complex – Frank was most Entertainment & Resorts intend to bring the same meticulous experiences that balance one-of-a-kind recently promoted to General was instrumental in helping Frederiksenstandards 1/7x3to the b/w attractions 3/14/02 industry 11:22 thatAM Pageentertainment 1 requirements with the Manager of Attractions and Hersheypark grow into one of Dynamic Structures has brought to bear highest levels of safety and reliability.” Entertainment in 2010. As an the top amusement facilities in the design and construction of com- •www.empireds.com inspirational leader to those in the country.” he worked with, Frank will Frank is survived by his certainly be remembered for wife, Lisa; and children, Ashley his love of and dedication and Aleisha. “The #1 Leading Slide Manufacturer in America” FREDERIKSEN “World’s Largest 5 Lane, One Trailer Slide - 108 Ft.” INDUSTRIES, INC. 5212 St. Paul St. Sea World Gold Coast developer • Financing and Leasing Available • Trades Considered Tampa, Florida 33619 Keith Williams dies at 82 • Order Slide Bags or “New Rain” Bags (813) 628-4545 • 6 New Slides In Stock FAX (813) 621-3679 AUSTRALIA — the Nerang River and • Have 20 Used Rides www.funslide.com Vale Keith Williams the following year built • 90 Ft. Fiberglass Slide CMG, Queensland, the Surfers Paradise • 65 Ft. Fiberglass Slide Australia, was a devel- International Raceway. oper remembered as He was also respon- a ‘pioneer and a leg- sible for the devel- end’ who helped put opment of Adelaide the Gold Coast on the Williams International Raceway international tourism in 1970. He estab- map. He died Oct. 18 follow- lished Sea World on the Gold ing a series of strokes. He was Coast the following year. 82. ‘‘The Sea World team Keith Williams is rec- would like to send their deep- ognized as the man who est condolences to the family introduced theme parks to and friends of Keith Williams,’’ Australia with the creation of said Chairman John Menzies. Sea World on the Gold Coast; ‘‘We are very saddened by who opened the Whitsundays Mr. Williams’ passing. He was to the world through the a remarkable man who will be development of Hamilton greatly missed.’’ Island as a world class tour- He was inaugural chief ist destination; and who was executive of Gold Coast a pioneer of water skiing in Tourism and was awarded Australia. Honorary Life Membership of The son of a postman, the organization in 2008 for Keith Williams was born in his extensive services to the Brisbane on Sept. 22, 1929. industry. He announced his By the time he was 20, he retirement in the same year, was manufacturing products saying the effects of a stroke a licensed by Walt Disney and few years earlier meant it was had a self-built factory in time to hang up his devel- Bulimba with 50 employees. oper’s hat. His entrée into the world of Speaking on behalf of tourism came in 1957 with his family – his mother, Thea, the establishment of Surfers and his sister, Becky – son Paradise Gardens water ski Ben Williams said they were shows in partnership with life- overwhelmed by the many long friend Jack Joel. In 1965 hundreds of condolence mes- he moved this hugely popular sages they had received. aquatic show to Carrara on 32 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33 Pacific Park introduces wind-powered amusement space SANTA MONICA, Calif. “The adaptation of the High Striker is a further testa- The Pacific Wheel is the only solar-powered Ferris — Pacific Park on the Santa High Striker to wind power ment to the Park’s commit- world’s only solar-powered wheel and energy-efficient Monica Pier is now home to is another step forward in ment to sustainability.” Ferris wheel featuring 160,000 LED lights, Pacific Park con- the world’s first wind-pow- meeting our goal to lead the In 2010 Pacific Park energy-efficient LED lights tinues to identify additional ered amusement park game. industry and the City of Santa was awarded Excellence in that present dynamic, custom, greening initiatives including The 25-foot-tall High Striker Monica in green initiatives,” Stewardship of the Natural computer-generated lighting the replacement of all light fix- features a silver-plated bell said Jeff Klocke, director of Environment at the 15th annu- entertainment each evening. tures in the park, discontinued that sounds each time a guest marketing and sales at Pacific al Sustainable Quality Awards The eco-friendly, enhanced use of bottled water and pro- is strong enough to strike the Park on the Santa Monica Pier. presented by the City of Santa LED lighting provides 75 per- viding employees with reus- pallet with a mallet that sends “We have long showcased the Monica, the Santa Monica cent greater energy savings able bottles and mugs, and the puck racing to the top. world’s only solar-powered Chamber of Commerce and than most Ferris wheel’s tra- upgrading cleaning supplies The win is signified by the Ferris wheel as an innova- the nonprofit Sustainable ditional incandescent bulbs. to environmentally friendly wind that’s generated from tive environmental effort. The Works. In addition to the world’s products. the 600-watt wind turbine that’s affixed to the top of the adjacent building and rises 45 feet in the air. The three fiberglass wind turbine blades have a cut-in speed of approximately 4.5 miles per hour, which matches the minimum average wind velocity year- round on the Santa Monica Pier. The power generated from the wind turbine is cap- tured, converted into usable power and stored in a specially designed, self-contained power storage unit adjacent to the High Striker. All the High Striker’s components are now completely wind-powered including the chaser lights with more than 100 bulbs, multiple spotlights and sound system. Xantrex Technology Inc. manufactured the PowerHub while Sunforce Products Inc. manufactured the wind turbine.

The 25-foot-tall High Striker at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is world’s first wind-powered amusement park game. High Striker’s components are now completely wind-powered including the chaser lights with more than 100 bulbs, multiple spotlights and sound system. COURTESY PACIFIC PARK 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35 WATERPARKS & RESORTS INDOOR FACILITIES AQUATIC CENTERS RECREATION SUPPLIERS Texas Two Step: Two new waterparks on tap for 2012 CORPUS CHRISTI: Hurricane Alley going next to Whataburger Field

STORY: Jeffrey L. Seifert lion guests from April to Sep- [email protected] tember. The park also hopes to Innovative Leisure Part- cross promote with other local ners is leading the design CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas attractions such as the U.S.S. and construction for Hur- — Construction began in Au- Lexington aircraft carrier, The ricane Alley, a new 2.5- gust 2011 on Hurricane Alley, Museum of Science & Industry acre waterpark planned the first waterpark in the city and the Texas State Aquarium. for Corpus Christi, Texas. of Corpus Christi. The new “We wouldn’t be doing this if COURTESY 2.5-acre waterpark sits next we didn’t believe there was a HURRICANE ALLEY to Whataburger Field, home demand for it,” said Durrill. to the Hooks minor league The waterpark was in the baseball team. The entrance to planning stages for almost 2 the waterpark will be near the years before groundbreak- ballpark’s covered picnic area ing began. Innovative Leisure known as Kieschnick’s Korner, Partners of Houston headed named in honor of Texas base- by CEO Chuck Hendrix (for- ball legend Brooks Kieschnick. merly of Six Flags Corporate Corpus Christi native Bill and AstroWorld) was hired Durrill of Durrill Properties is as the site planner and project the driving force behind the manager. project. The new park is hop- “We asked the city to be ing to attract some of the 7 mil- involved from the very begin- lion visitors that come to Cor- ning, inviting representatives pus Christi each year, and will to planning meetings,” Hen- offer cross promotions with drix told AT. “It has made for a the Hooks and the stadium, very smooth working environ- which draws almost half a mil- 4See HURRICANE, page 37 WACO: City-owned aquatic center to become $10 million Hawaiian Falls WACO, Texas — Herald- This artist rendering shows the overview of what Hawaiian }SEE RELATED STORY...36 Falls Waco will look like when it opens next spring. ing a new era of economic RENDERING HAWAIIAN FALLS WACO revitalization and a new approach to tourism and family Central Texas,” said David entertainment, business and Busch, president of Hawaiian community leaders joined Ha- Falls. “Because of its central waiian Falls president David location and the receptive na- Busch, Waco Mayor Jim Bush ture of city officials, we select- and city officials October 12 ed Waco to be home to our fifth to celebrate the ground break- Hawaiian Falls Waterpark. We ing for the new Hawaiian Falls look forward to being a part waterpark. of the growth and prosperity Located at 900 Lake Shore in Waco and the Central Texas Drive, on the site of the former area.” Waco City Water Park, Hawai- In a public/private part- ian Falls Waco will employ nership between Hawaiian more than 150 seasonal work- Falls and the City of Waco, the ers and is expected to draw two entities will immediately more than 70,000 tourists to invest $6.2 million in convert- the area each year. The park ing the former aquatic center is projected to have a total into a family waterpark. The annual attendance of 150,000 city will retain ownership of guests. Hawaiian Falls Waco the park with Hawaiian Falls will be three times larger than operating it under a renewable the existing aquatic facility. 40-year lease. The new park is scheduled to “We welcome this project open Memorial Day weekend to our community and ap- 2012. preciate the contributions and “We’re honored to bring expertise of our new partner,” Hawaiian Falls’ brand of fam- stated Waco Mayor Jim Bush. ily entertainment to Waco and 4See HAWAIIAN, page 37

COMPLETE WWA NEW ORLEANS WRAPUP...COMING IN DECEMBER 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 Hawaiian Falls Roanoke’s first year a success Whitewater West Falls Waterparks is Memorial supplies slides, Day through Labor Day. The parks host some pre-season R&R Creative adds group events in early May thematic touch and a few post-season events through mid-September. For STORY: Pam Sherborne the last five years, the Garland [email protected] park hosts an event called Wags & Waves, which benefits a group of local animal shel- ROANOKE, Texas — The ters. The event is held in mid- fourth Hawaiian Falls Water- September just before the wa- park, which opened May 2011 ter is drained from the pools. in this city just on the north This year it was scheduled for side of Fort Worth, was so Sept. 17. successful this year, park of- “People get to swim with ficials are already planning a their dogs in the wave pool substantial expansion that will and lazy river,” Barnett said. increase the park size by about “It’s a great event that started 25 percent. about five years ago with 200 David Busch, president, people. Last year, it attracted 2,000 people and more than Hawaiian Falls Waterparks, Hawaiian Falls Waterpark features Whitewater West Industries’ Mega Waterworld, a six- 50 vendors of everything from said in early September, that story structure equipped with 20 slides including a three-lane racer, a family raft ride and pet accessories to low-cost mi- while the $10 million new several body slides. It has a capacity of 1,800 at one time. park got off to a slower start COURTESY HAWAIIAN FALLS crochipping for dogs.” than expected due to some Other special events are in manufacturing and weather raft ride (Hawaiian Halfpipe); body slides with a maximum $6; hot dog combo meals for the planning stages. delays, it was a great first sea- thrill body slides (Hightide weight of 300 pounds each. $6.25; kids meal combos from Along with the new Roa- son. He didn’t disclose what Whirlpool, Monsoon and Ty- The Hightide Whirlpool $4.75 with a hot dog to $5.25 noke waterpark attractions the new attractions would be phoon), thrill tube ride (Rip is a one-person (300 pounds) for chicken tenders; nachos scheduled for 2012, Busch said at this time. Curl) and numerous interac- body slide that sends riders from $3.75 to $7; barbecue there would be something “Our per cap at Roanoke tive pulleys, wheels and other down a dark, twisting tunnel, brisket sandwich for $5.50; new at all the North Texas was higher than expected, water features all from one then dumps them into a spiral and chicken wraps for $6. parks. He even is in the plan- which is a tribute to our man- tower. bowl. “Don’t forget our crowd ning stage of adding another agers and veteran staff we had There is also a wave pool The Rip Curl ride begins pleasers, Authentic Hawaiian Texas park, this one to be lo- leading the operations,” Busch and lazy river, along with an in the dark with twists and Shave Ice and fresh spun cot- cated in Waco, Texas. said. “In fact, Roanoke had the area for the younger guests turns, and then riders shoot ton candy,” Barnett said. “Sev- “We’re also building a highest per cap of all our parks with slides just the right size. out into the light before hit- eral carts sell pretzels, Lemon park outside of Texas, which this year. This year has been a “Our most successful at- ting the splash pool. Up to two Chills and frozen treats.” will break ground soon. We record-breaking year for all traction was the Hawaiian riders, 400 pounds maximum, The food staff provided plan to open both Memorial four North Texas parks.” Halfpipe, the family raft ride may ride at one time. a special July 4 buffet that in- Day weekend 2012,” Busch The North Texas parks are that holds up to six people The park officially opened cluded ribs, chicken, salad, said. all located within the Dallas/ (600 pounds),” Barnett said. this season on June 6 with the dessert and watermelon for Fort Worth Metroplex area. “Since a good-sized group wave pool and the lazy river. $10.99 for adults while kids The other three are located in can ride together, it was a real The Grand Opening was the ate free. Garland, the Colony and Man- crowd pleaser.” first day of summer, June 21. Barnett said the evening sfield. Total attendance to all While Whitewater West Another highlight of the events at all four waterparks four parks was over 700,000, Industries, located in Vancou- new park was Tiki Man, cre- were very successful, especial- according to Evan Barnett, re- ver, B.C., built Mega Water- ated by Hawaiian Falls staff. ly the first dive-in movie night gional manager. world with all the slides and Busch said the response to Tiki that featured Justin Bieber’s The highlight this year for attractions in the one struc- Man, who greets visitors near movie “Never Say Never.” Busch was the way the com- ture, R&R Creative Amuse- the entrance of the park, was “It created Bieber Fever at munity embraced the new ment Design, Anaheim, Calif., great. all four parks,” he said. park and “made it their own.” was responsible for the them- “Kids and adults are in- All four parks participat- “We’ve had great support ing. trigued as Tiki Man coaxes ed in successful promotions from the City of Roanoke,” The Hawaiian Halfpipe is them to come say hello and as well this summer. Particu- Busch said. “And all sorts of equipped to handle from two then gives them a refreshing larly successful was “Splash groups, churches, and busi- to six people, with a minimum spray when he blows his top,” out Hunger,” a promotion that nesses joined with us to help of 300 pounds and a maximum Busch said. “We will be put- entailed partnering with two us achieve our mission of of 600 pounds. The ride sends ting Tiki Man in all our parks local food banks. Guests were bringing families closer to- guests through dark twists be- next season.” given admission discounts gether.” fore dropping to the Halfpipe. The waterpark runs its when they brought in a can of The Hawaiian Falls Wa- The Pineapple Express al- own food program. The main food. terparks partners with cities to lows up to three guests to race food and beverage restaurant “It provided a way to help Tiki Man is the creation of build and operate the parks. against each other. Each of the is Pineapple Pete’s Café. our community by giving our Hawaiian Falls Waterpark. The new Roanoke park three raceways is a one-person “We serve a variety of guests a chance to engage in a Located at the entrance, features Whitewater West In- slide (300 pounds each). family foods ranging from Big great cause,” Barnett said. “It he greets the guests and dustries’ Mega Waterworld. Monsoon and Typhoon Kahuna Pizza ($5.50 a slice) to also drove traffic to our parks then gives them a refresh- Touted by the park as being both consist of two body slides delicious southern style chick- during an oppressive heat ing spray of water when the “world’s largest aqua play each. Both also send riders on a en tenders ($5),” Barnett said. wave. And, we received a lot he blows his tops. Tiki Man structure,” the attraction in- twisting experience with clear The concessions also serve of publicity for it.” will be placed in all Hawai- cludes a three-lane racer (the views of where they are going. hamburger combo meals for The primary season for ian Falls Waterparks for the Pineapple Express); a family All four slides are one-person $8.25; pizza combo meals for all the North Texas Hawaiian 2012 season. November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37

HURRICANE foot wave pool will include a local corporations to entertain Continued from page 35 swim-up bar and is set up to their employees and guests. host dive-in movies in the eve- The park feels no other water- WATERPARKS ment, with the city being very ning. park can offer the synergy that diligent in helping to expedite A 200-person VIP deck will be created with its connec- MARKET PLACE the various building permits.” overlooking the stadium tion to a baseball stadium. Even though the city has been and the field, will be avail- California-based Aquatic involved with the plans, fund- able for group sales. Hendrix Design Group and Alamo ing is provided by local inves- said plans are in the works to Grid Aquatics, with offices tors — no public monies were make the park available for in Seguin, Texas, are design- used to build the park. corporate buyouts by running ing and supplying the water The highlight of the park two sessions at the park: The features. The park is utilizing will be the Hurricane slide waterpark will be open to the local architects and contrac- complex, featuring multiple public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. tors whenever possible for the slides coming off a 65-foot and then open for buyouts remaining structures and fea- high platform that will over- from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on tures. look the stadium field. Other select evenings. The park’s lo- Hurricane Alley is sched- features include river slides, cation in the sports, entertain- uled to operate from March to a four-lane racing slide, chil- ment and arts (SEA) district September and will employ dren’s pool and 750-foot long and being adjacent to the ball- approximately 200 people lazy river. A 12,000-square- park offers a unique venue for during the peak season.

HAWAIIAN tube slides, speed slides and a dozen parks we have built or Continued from page 35 raft ride; plus a football field- refurbished,” added Busch. sized wavepool; an 800-foot “We’re looking forward to “They’ve shown in other lazy river winding through the extra time to enhance the markets that they give back a tall trees; a floating obstacle landscaping and theming.” great deal to the community in course and an enhanced chil- Daily admission prices which they operate. Hawaiian dren’s area. are expected to be $23.99 for Falls will provide family fun Although no supplier adults; $16.99 seniors (60 years and recreation for all of the contracts have been signed, and older) and children under residents in our community.” Hawaiian Falls is expected 48 inches tall. Children two Hawaiian Falls Waco will to work with its usual list of and under will be admitted be one of the largest and most key suppliers again, including free with a parent or guardian. elaborately themed and land- Whitewater West and R&R Hawaiian Falls Waco will be scaped of the Hawaiian Falls Creative Design. open daily 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. waterparks, featuring two, “Hawaiian Falls Waco will and Sunday noon – 7 p.m. six-story slide complexes with have the longest lead time for from Memorial Day weekend a six-lane racer slide, several construction of any of the two- through Labor Day. NEWSSPLASH COMPILED: Jeffrey L. Seifert, [email protected]

The Kinston, North Carolina chapter of ment centers taking advantage of the Hal- the Woodmen of the World civic organi- loween season to boost revenues. Sahara zation received a $500,000 state grant in Sam’s Indoor Waterpark in West Berlin, addition to private donations for the de- New Jersey, featured Monster Splash: Hal- velopment of a new waterpark which they loween Bash on October 28, 2011 from 5-9 hope to have open in May 2012. The new p.m. The waterpark was filled with purple park is expected to have an eight-lane and green haze to set the stage for an eve- competition swimming pool, lazy river, two ning of family fun. Kids had an opportuni- water slides and a kids’ area. In addition to ty to frolic in fantastic foam, dance in the the waterpark the group also plans to build Monster Mash Dance Contest and trick- an enhanced gym and meeting spaces for or-treat within the waterpark. Tickets of civic groups. It is hoped that the addition $22.95 were sold in advance and included of the water park and community center admission, one trip through the pizza and will help improve the quality of life for the breadsticks buffet, and a small soft drink. citizens of Lenoir County. • • With waterparks across the country The 37-acre Yas Island Waterpark is enjoying successful seasons, it is unfortu- coming together for a late 2012 launch. The nate to report that one is closing. After 25 Abu Dhabi waterpark’s theme is based on years of operation, Wild Rivers waterpark a specially-created story, “The Lost Pearl,” in Irvine, California was forced to close in which follows the adventures of a young September at the end of the season. The Emirati girl in search of an exquisite pearl owner of the land refused to renew the which will bring prosperity to the people waterpark’s lease, and is going ahead with of her village. The waterpark is expected plans to build 1,750 apartments on the to include 40 rides, slides and attractions site. The owners of Wild Rivers are negoti- including a roller coaster and a pearl diving ating with the county to lease land with the show. hopes that they can reopen the waterpark • in its new location by 2013. Theme Parks aren’t the only the amuse- Keep our amusement park industry strong! Buy products and services from these suppliers. 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 SplashTacular debuts new aquatic play unit in Colorado

SplashTacular debuted its by SplashTacular. first aquatic play unit this BRIGHTON, Colo. — The first example of The new play unit at summer in Colorado at the Brighton Oasis offers 23 dif- Brighton Oasis family aquatic SplashTacular’s aquatic play unit with new, patent- ferent features and is ADA- center. The unit offers 23 dif- compliant. The three-level ferent features and is ADA- pending technology is making a splash this summer at structure includes two compliant. The structure also waterslides and a new, pat- features a guard rail system Brighton Oasis family aquatic ent pending feature from made up of transparent park in Brighton, Colorado. SplashTacular called the acrylic panels. This is the first aquatic play SplashDome. The 25-foot- COURTESY SPLASHTACULAR unit designed and installed wide dome at the top fills with water every five minutes to deliver a 30-second ‘dome of water’ to the children below. “All of the water features are totally interchangeable and customizable, and can even be changed from year to year to provide a fresh experience for customers,” said Robb Strall, director of new ride development and special projects for SplashTacular. He added that the company now offers 185 colors to choose from, as well as spe- cific themes-such as “safari” or “day at the beach.” In addition, SplashTacular added a unique safety feature to the Brighton aquatic play unit: the guard rail system uses completely transparent acrylic panels. This provides a 100 percent view of the kids for both parents and life- guards. “No matter where your child is standing in the play unit, you can see them,” said Strall. SplashTacular founded its Aquatic Play Unit division in August 2010. It is headed by Strall, who is in charge of developing new rides, from idea to installation — including concept engineering, special effects design, intellectual property innovation, and product fabrication. He said that installing Play Units like the one at Brighton Oasis helps to attract families with younger children to a facility. For Brighton Oasis, the play unit helps attract a younger audience to the new park, which opened its doors for the first time in June 2011. The new $5.9 million munici- pal park also features two large waterslides and a lazy river. This is their first new outdoor water facility since the town pool was originally built in 1958. November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41 42 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 The Falls opens at Schlitterbahn, sets new records 3,600-foot-long river takes tubers on 24 minute float STORY: Tim Baldwin [email protected] NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — Anyone who has worked in the amusement industry for even a relatively short amount of time is well aware that the opening of new attractions doesn’t always go as planned. The 2011 season has had numerous examples of delayed open- ings. Schlitterbahn is just one location caught up in that bundled sum of parks, but in the case of the New Braunfels waterpark, the wait was certainly worth it. struction was complete. In the case of Schlitterbahn, they weren’t “The very beginning of the season was the just erecting a new off-the-shelf product on most challenging,” said Hill. “That was be- supports. No. The addition to the resort was cause it was new. It was new to us to try to mix — in a word — massive. Not only was the ex- a great guest experience with an ongoing con- pansion not just a single attraction, the mul- struction project. We had to first look at ticket- tiple areas also included an entirely new con- ing placement and how we had to route people cept in resort accommodations along with it. into the park. The main entrance to the park But sometimes ultra-cool can have delays, and was also the main construction entrance. We Schlitterbahn had to find the right procedures had to make some quick adjustments and look to work around it. at alternative ways of getting the construction The 14-time Golden Ticket winner for Best process into the areas that were kind of in the Waterpark is far from ordinary, and with that middle of the guest areas.” Hill adds, “Once comes ingenious creativity and the ability to be we had accomplished those modifications early one-of-a-kind. Any other waterpark would nev- on, the rest of it became an operational daily er conceive of the resort being in three distinct routine.” locations in which guests had to ride buses be- With new ticketing areas in place and en- tween them back and forth. Schlitterbahn made trance walkways made available, the final it work. Surfenburg opened a couple of blocks hurdles to the early summer were the comple- away from the original park in 1992, and four tion of both the accommodations above the en- years later, Blastenhoff became a third location tranceway and the new attractions themselves. on the other side of Surfenburg’s parking lot. It A new small children’s play area called Butter- seemed crazy, yet Schlitterbahn guests “got it” fly Bayou and Boogie Bay Heated Pool (includ- and made it work. For 2011, the resort ties the ing a swim-up bar) came online early in late two expansions together with a whole new area spring. Early summer guests were not only able called Tubenbach that encompasses new attrac- to see all the expansion reach fruition, they did tions and new accommodations. And how. so up close and personal as all that was new Amusement Today asked Terri Adams, COO was right in the middle of things. But it worked. for Schlitterbahn Waterparks what the biggest As the season went into daily operations, advantage was to connecting all the areas on the park wanted to make sure guests were the Eastern property. “Giving the guests a wet consistently updated on the construction pro- way to move around,” Adams replies. “ Actual- cess and had the most current information as ly, we are introducing more guests to the lower soon as it became available posted on their Web rapids area, and the beautiful Comal River is site. an unexpected bonus. The majestic trees and As July was winding down, the park could beautiful corner of the Comal River has been finally reveal all the attractions. Among them my favorite area since I was a young teen.” was The Falls, the world’s longest waterpark Darren Hill, general manager for Schlitter- ride. With multiple no-wait entrances, riders bahn, was questioned as to whether the concept simply snag a tube and join the current of this for The Falls came first or the new Treehaus whitewater river. Along the 3,600 foot-long accommodations. “From the time I became in- course, a variety of experiences are encoun- volved with the project, which was well over tered. The park’s first AquaVeyer could be a year ago, it was a package.” Hill gives park considered a starting point if one wanted, and owner Jeff Henry and John Schooley high guests enjoy not ever having to leave the river marks for their vision. “They were the master- to keep the fun continuous. After riding to the minds behind the Falls and have been a part top, the river incorporates several sections of of the construction since Day One.” Hill admits rapids that the original park’s tube chutes made that trying to grasp the scope of the connection popular for decades prior. In one of the lower concept was difficult to imagine in the begin- turnaround sections, the river becomes a bit ning. “It takes a true visionary like Jeff Henry more serene which is akin to a traditional lazy to see how that can be done.” river. This area is termed the Deluge Whirlpool The new TreeHaus lodging units stand River. Families have the option to float along Riders on Schlitterbahn’s new The Falls tubing river will trav- perched at one end of the expansion, tower- with less action if desired in an endless circuit, el over a 3,600-foot-long course, enjoy a 24-minute float and ing above guests tubing the churning rapids or choose to connect back to the rapids portion enjoy re-rides all day long through the use of the AquaVeyer, below them on one of the new attractions. The of The Falls via the AquaVeyer. According to which carries tubers from the bottom of the river, back to trick, however, was that all the new expansion the park, just completing one complete circuit the top all while sitting in their tubes. required a new park entrance and the season of the journey takes just over 24 minutes. Keep AT/GARY SLADE began this past spring well before all the con- 4See THE FALLS, page 43 November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 43

built upon “tree trunks” jut skyward above the Top photos: Thanks to some creative thinking, these retired THE FALLS Navy ship cots and life rafts now create shade for Schlitter- Continued from page 42 rapids below. Guests staying in those accommodations enjoy balconies overlooking all the bahn guests. Below: Resort visitors now may book one of in mind, guests never have to exit until they fun and action splashing underneath them. several Treehaus cabins. wish, making it a stay-in-as-long-as-you-want Each of the Treehaus rooms features a different AT/GARY SLADE interactive experience. Park figures estimate kind of wood on the walls, doors and cabinetry, 1,000 people an hour in the new attraction. much of which was carved by skilled craftsman Encircled by the Deluge Whirlpool River to give each accommodation its own touch of is a second kid’s area — Sea Creature Cove, a charm and character. The lodging units also heated pool and a refreshing play pool. Tuben- vary in size and configuration. bach also adds lawn areas, lounging areas, and “The natural wood finishes, custom shapes, a riverwalk along the spring-fed Comal River. and unending glass to see the amazing views Jeffrey Siebert, corporate director of com- makes the Treehauses so unique, much like the munications and sales, boasts, “The Falls ac- Schlitterbahn park itself,” says Adams. complishes several strategic objectives. Not The largest unit can sleep up to 10 with five only is it an enormously fun ride, but it is phys- queen size beds in three separate bedrooms ically gigantic stretching more than 3,600 feet (and the living room features pull out couch- in length making it the longest waterpark ride es for additional sleeping availability). Each in the world. The attraction has huge capacity, unit also comes with two bathrooms and a full great re-rideability, and it takes 24 minutes to kitchen. make one full circuit. This attraction also fea- Siebert remarks, “The Schlitterbahn Tree- tures Schlitterbahn’s award-winning Transpor- hauses are THE way to spend a vacation. Not tainment technology which allows our guests only do guests get to stay in a fun upscale to enter and exit at six different beaches elimi- overnight lodging accommodation, but resort nating the need to walk from park area to park guests also have unlimited use of the water- area.” park and can start enjoying Blastenhoff one The park admits they have learned a lot hour before it opens for the day.” over the past three decades in moving water The creative team at Schlitterbahn also had and creating rapids via various methods. The one more striking accent on the new expansion. Schlitterbahn team feels The Falls culminates Call it a recycling project of a tribute kind, if all the knowledge they have obtained into a you will. According to the park, Schlitterbahn new dynamic attraction better than they’ve routinely purchases items from the shipyards done before. as vessels are being dismantled. With ex- All this alone is huge. But at the west turn- panded new walkways, the resort has cleverly around, The Treehaus lodging units are the cre- added shade arches by utilizing cots from the ative crowning achievement. Seven new units USS Pope and lifeboats from the USS Patrick. Siebert adds, “The Schlitterbahn Development Group thought that the shade structures would be good use for these historic elements and be interesting for our park guests. We are in the process of adding signage to point out these historic features.” Throughout the day, many guests pause to read the messages that military personnel had written on their cots. For more than 30 years, Schlitterbahn has created unique tubing experiences, cutting edge attractions and lengthy rides. The Falls and the Tubenbach area compile all these attributes into one big success story. “Oh my gosh it is a homerun,” smiles Siebert. “Our guests The Treehaus cabins wrap around one turn- are riding four times around, six times, even around of The Falls, giving resort guests a 12 times without getting off. That means some unique view of the ride. of our guests are whitewater tubing for almost AT/GARY SLADE five hours on the same ride!” 44 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 Polin equipment highlights Aqua Toy City waterpark TURKEY — Polin Waterpark & Pool Systems was called on to supply the major- ity of the equipment for the new Aqua Toy City waterpark, which debuted in June at Ilica Spa and Wellness Resort in Cesme, Izmir, Turkey. Located on a 13-acre site overlooking the Aegean Sea, Aqua Toy City waterpark offers a wide selection of attractions featuring waterslides, children’s water playground, swimming pools, a leisure pool and a lazy river. The waterslides include Polin’s Black Hole slide with Natural Light Effects; Multislide, a multi-lane racer slide; Polin’s Compact Slide with its flexible design configuration and a Giraffe Shower. Polin Waterpark & Pool Systems supplied the equipment for Aqua Toy City waterpark, which debuted in June at Ilica Spa The design configuration and and Wellness Resort in Cesme. The waterslides include Polin’s Black Hole slide with Natural Light Effects; Multislide, a the appealing color combina- multi-lane racer slide; Polin’s Compact Slide with its flexible design configuration and a Giraffe Shower. tion attracted interest and COURTESY POLIN this medium sized waterpark proved itself to be one of the on both sides. five years, Cesme has grown family entertainment did not City not only highlight our own most popular in the region this Commenting on the instal- into an exceptional place with emerge. We observed the need facility and enhanced our reve- season. All the Polin-supplied lation of the waterpark, Yakup its beautiful beaches, clubs and and invested $5 million USD nues but added value both eco- waterslides are manufactured Demir, general manager of Ilıca gum [tree]-scented blue sea. In to build the Aqua Toy City. We nomically and socially to the with closed-molded Resin Hotel Spa Wellness Resort and spite of this tremendous growth have worked with world’s best Cesme region in general. This Transfer Molding technology vice president of Cesme Hotel and popularity, a qualified, suppliers like Polin, Turkey surely ended up in increasing offering a superior shiny finish Association, said: “In the last complete waterpark offering and Empex, Canada. Aqua Toy occupancy rates.” November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 45 46 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 47 BUSINESS REVENUE PEOPLE SAFETY SUPPLIERS BRIEF Larry Cochran steps down as Adrenaline CEO OKLAHOMA CITY, for his countless contributions Parks and Attractions Garner Holt Okla. — Adrenaline Family as CEO and look forward to (IAAPA) Hall of Fame and launches new Entertainment, Inc. recently his continued involvement was honored for his work to announced that Larry Cochran with the company,” said promote the amusement and products division has stepped down as Chief Arthur Peponis, fellow board tourism industries through- Executive Officer effective. member. “Larry’s wealth out his career. After joining SAN BERNARDINO, Cochran will remain a mem- of industry experience and the IAAPA board of directors Calif. — Garner Holt Pro- ber of the Adrenaline Family knowledge is a tremendous in 1984, Cochran served as ductions, Inc. has recently Entertainment board of direc- asset to the team’s strategy.” the organization’s chairman unveiled a new division, tors. Cochran began his career in 1998, using his position to GHP Products LLC. Furthermore, the board with Six Flags in the early strengthen IAAPA’s commu- Formed to provide has named fellow board 1960s and over the next 35 nication with members and products to consumers member Russell Kuteman, years, worked his way up to volunteers. In late 2009, he and entertainment profes- previously Adrenaline Family president and CEO, serving joined the Adrenaline Family sionals, the new division Entertainment’s chief finan- as chairman of the board for Entertainment board of direc- brings to market unique cial officer, as the company’s the last seven of those years. tors, and in February 2010 creations developed by president and chief financial In 2008, Cochran was induct- took on the role of chief execu- officer. ed into the International tive officer. the parent company’s tal- Larry Cochran ented team of artists and “We sincerely thank Larry Association of Amusement craftspeople. “For over three de- Steve Richards named COO for Morgan’s Wonderland cades we’ve created quality animatronics, special SAN ANTONIO, Texas child-care programs. Other Baby Can from 1996 to 2003. effects and show action — Steve Richards, who un- posts included commander Richards’ wife, Susann, is systems for theme park til recently was the president of the Air Force Officer Train- a teaching professional with giants like Disney and Uni- of a global consulting coming School at Lackland AFB in more than 25 years of experi- versal Studios, and we’ve pany specializing in strategic San Antonio and director and ence, and they have a daugh- made tremendous techno- planning for non-profit and team captain of the All-Air ter and son. logical advances through sports organizations, has been Force Shooting Team. Morgan’s Wonderland our own research and de- named chief operating officer Upon retirement in 1995, is the world’s first ultra- velopment efforts,” ex- for Morgan’s Wonderland, the Richards became general man- accessible family fun park plained company founder, South Texas Area Regional ager of The Dominion Country that’s designed with special- Garner Holt. “GHP Prod- (STAR) Soccer Complex and Club in San Antonio, where he needs individuals of all ages ucts was established to Monarch Academy school for served until 2006 before estab- in mind. Completely wheel- share the significant inno- special-needs students. lishing the Strategic Edge 360 chair-accessible, the park fea- vations that came out of “In less than two years of consultancy. tures more than 25 elements our experience with other existence, Morgan’s Wonder- Richards, a native of Wash- and attractions including markets.” land and STAR Soccer have ington, D. C., holds a bach- rides, playgrounds, gardens, The new division will exceeded expectations and elor’s degree in international an eight-acre fishing lake, produce a unique line of have spawned other ventures relations from Ohio State Uni- 18,000-square-foot special- products for entertain- such as Monarch Academy versity and a master’s degree event center, 575-seat amphi- and the San Antonio Scorpi- Steve Richards has been ap- in international relations from theater, picnic area and rest ar- ment professionals look- ons pro soccer team to help pointed the new COO for St. Mary’s University in San eas. Profits from tournaments ing for new technical solu- those with special needs,” Morgan’s Wonderland. Antonio. He has been active in and other activities at nearby tions. GHP Products offers said Gordon Hartman, found- Olympic sports for more than STAR Soccer are earmarked the Flexjet Pneumatic MFB er of The Gordon Hartman 40 years and currently serves for Morgan’s Wonderland so Servo-Actuator, an ad- ficer that included an assign- Family Foundation and CEO ment as Air Force director of on the board of directors of the park can continue to offer vanced product designed of the four ventures. “Steve Morale, Welfare, Recreation the United States Olympic free admission to anyone with for precision motion in an- Richards’ experience and his and Services at the Pentagon Foundation. He also has been special needs. The same will imatronics, puppets, spe- expertise in planning can help in Washington, D. C. In that involved in the San Antonio be true when the San Antonio cial effects, movie equip- take our efforts to higher and post, he was responsible for community as a member of Scorpions begin North Ameri- ment, and other motion higher levels of success.” Air Force-wide sports and the San Antonio Convention can Soccer League competi- control applications. Richards completed a 27- recreation, health and fitness, and Visitors Bureau Commis- tion – one step removed from year career as an Air Force of- food services, lodging and sion and as president of Any 4See MORGANS, page 48 Looking for a part? E-mail us! Email: [email protected]

NORTH AMERICAN PARTS, INC. (716) 839-4791 x101 48 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011

MORGANS dents from the 6th-grade level Continued from page 47 through high school, recently opened next to Morgan’s Wonderland. Major League Soccer — next •www.Morgans spring. Monarch Academy, a Wonderland.com school for special-needs stu- COMPILED: Scott Rutherford, [email protected] Knott’s Berry Farm is offering Fire and dents in which riders were apparently struck by Police Recognition Days as a thank you to loose objects during a close fly-by moment on Michael R. Withers receives all men and women who assist in protecting the course. The resort now bills the attraction life and property. Starting Thanksgiving Day as a “high-speed chase between two coasters.” ASTM Award of Merit through Dec. 18, Knott’s will once again extend The Georgia Aquarium won an award for free admission to all active fire and police per- its marketing from the Association of Zoos and W. CONSHOHOCKEN, of Committee F24 standards. sonnel and one guest. Aquariums. The award recognized the aquar- Pa. — Michael R. Withers, vice Withers is vice chairman of Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) ium’s “Where Imaginations Go to Play” cam- president of ride engineering Subcommittee F24.24 on De- International Board President Rick Rothschild paign, which sought to re-brand the aquarium at Walt Disney Imagineering sign and Manufacture and announced that the association’s year-long as a place that inspires imagination and fun in (WDI) in Glendale, Cailf., has works on several F24 subcom- 20th anniversary celebration will formally com- children and everyone who is a ‘child at heart.’ received the ASTM Interna- mittees. He is currently serv- mence Nov. 15 at the IAAPA Attractions Expo The most-feared animal in Disneyland’s tional Award of Merit and title ing a term on the ASTM board in Orlando, with a special presentation during jungle has reclaimed her throne inside the Jun- of fellow from ASTM Com- of directors. the IAAPA Kickoff Event. “TEA and IAAPA have gle Cruise. The female African bull elephant, mittee F24 on Amusement In his current role with had a close and mutually beneficial working re- affectionately called “Mother-in-Law” by em- Rides and Devices. The Award Walt Disney Imagineering, lationship for two decades and our industry is ployees, has re-emerged on the banks of the of Merit is the highest organi- which he assumed in 2000, he stronger for it,” said Rothschild. “With so many ride’s Nile River after a four-month absence for zational recognition for indi- has responsibility for amuse- members of both organizations attending the refurbishment and cleaning. vidual contributions to ASTM ment ride mechanical and show opening, it is a great opportunity for us to Magic Memories, the New Zealand tour- standards activities. electronic engineering and he say thank you to IAAPA, as we look forward to ism photography experience company, allows A member of ASTM In- manages the engineering tech- continued cooperation and support.” customers to visit their favorite tourism attrac- ternational since 2000, With- nical development programs. Hayward Turnstiles, Inc. has introduced tion and take home a detailed account of their the LC100 - ADA Gate and the MR100 – ADA experience in a booklet that they can share with ers was honored for his out- He also serves as project man- Gate, two new additions to its line of ADA- friends and family without even having to bring standing leadership in the ager for the Disney Global compliant access-control equipment. The MR a camera. Indulge in your trip by reliving the development of ASTM safe- Ride Safety Enhancement Pro- 100 ADA is available in a motorized unit as memories via the online photobook on their ty standards for the global gram. well. These units are reliable, secure solutions Web site (www.magicmemories.com), or share amusement industry, and Outside ASTM Interna- for amusement parks, casinos, universities, are- the experience with friends and family through his efforts in promoting the tional, Withers is a member of nas and any facility where patron and employee social media outlets. worldwide use and adoption SAE International and IAAPA. security is of concern. They can easily integrate Ripley Entertainment Inc. has announced with a wide variety of access control, time and details of Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada — a JOIN US NEXT YEAR! attendance and ticketing systems. $130-million facility now under construction Brunswick Zone XL, Blaine, Minn., added and set to open during the summer of 2013. a Balladium Ball Blaster System to their busi- The 135,000-square-foot Aquarium will be one 2012 ness in July this year. This multi-attraction facil- of the largest in North America with a capacity TICKET

P. GOLDEN

I. AWARDS ity includes 38 lanes of bowling, billiards, darts, of 1.5-million gallons and will feature 450 spe- V. BEST OF THE BEST! event rooms, a top end arcade, laser tag, a cies. bar and grill and now Balladium. Although the Cedar Point has announced plans to intro- Balladium has only been open for a couple of duce Dinosaurs Alive! on Adventure Island, a www.GOLDENTICKETAWARDS.com months, early player numbers have been strong prehistoric themed attraction, for next summer. with business times forecasted ahead. The $1 million attraction will be multi-sensory Florida’s Sun Splash Family Waterpark and interactive. Guests will be able to see ap- was recently honored with a professional ex- proximately 50 life-size animatronic dinosaurs cellence award by the World Waterpark Asso- that will roar and move. ciation for the Best Radio Commercial among Art Attack has opened Amazonia Singa- parks with 100,000-250,000 annual attendance. pore, a new FEC in Singapore. Located at The WWA’s Wave Review Awards honor excel- Great World City (a shopping center) with ap- lence in marketing, advertising and the devel- prox. 10000 square feet of space, guests can opment of engaging and memorable promo- experience several attractions by Art Attack tional materials. including Shankz Black Light Miniature Golf, a Benchmark Games recently conducted Balladium Ball Blaster, a large play system with a webinar called “Ticket to Prizes Under the a double wave slide and bistro with additional Hood.” This was an in-depth training on all fac- theming by Art Attack. ets of the prize dispensing utility. The Bench- Legoland Florida has taken possession of mark team pre-recorded a host of detailed a new Ford Explorer created from more than troubleshooting videos which they embedded 380,000 Lego bricks. Created by 22 designers, into the webinar. The entire webinar replay can the bright red Legoland Florida edition Explor- be found on their Web site at: www.bench- er marks the beginning of a long-term alliance markgames.com/support_service.htm. between Ford and Legoland Florida. The ve- MEI has launched a new Web site specifi- hicle is featured in front of one of the park’s at- cally designed for the vending industry: www. tractions, the Ford Driving School for children. MEIVending.com. The MEI SmartOps Center is accesso recently announced the release of designed to be a vending technology hub for Shopland 4.0, the latest version of its award- operators to find information and share expe- winning online ticketing and eCommerce plat- riences with the latest technology, including form for the attractions industry. The updated cashless, cash recycling, item-level tracking, solution includes a range of functional enhance- pre-kitting, remote monitoring and telemetry. ments that make it easier for attractions to Universal Orlando has decided to per- meet the growing demands and expectations manently end the practice of simultaneously of guests who opt to purchase tickets and other launching two trains on its Dragon Challenge products online. B&M inverted coasters. That decision follows an internal investigation into two summer acci- November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 49

www.larcinc.com Celebrating 42 years in the industry

Because... www.FeasibilityStudy/BusinessPlan/MarketAnalysis/EventPlanning/ TourismAndAttractionDevelopment/MarketingPlan/ MasterPlan/ConceptDesign/SchematicDesign/ArchitecturalDrawings/ PhasingPlan/BubblePlan/ArtistsRenderings/SiteSelection/RideProcurement/ ConstructionSupervision/Management/Themeing/SignAndLogoDesign.com ...is a little too long. 50 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011

Region As of Change from MARKETWATCH (U.S.) 10/24/11 year ago East Coast $3.832 $0.768 Prices Prices 52 weeks Midwest $3.782 $0.734 RIDING THE Company One Month Ago 10/25/11 High Low MARKET Gulf Coast $3.745 $0.760 Cedar Fair L.P. $19.56 $19.73 $22.69 $13.72 Mountain $3.909 $0.781 MGM Mirage $11.03 $10.72 $16.94 $7.40 West Coast $4.049 $0.806 FUEL PRICES Six Flags Ent. Corp. $31.28 $32.74 $40.25 $24.375 California $4.096 $0.867 CBS Corp. $23.76 $24.63 $29.68 $15.99 TOP 7 MOST TRADED On 10/25/2011 $1 USD = Walt Disney Co. $32.31 $34.51 $44.34 $28.19 CURRENCIES 0.7202 EURO Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. $2.80 $2.27 $3.65 $2.02 0.6266 GBP (British Pound) Blackstone Group $13.15 $14.00 $19.63 $10.51 76.1778 JPY (Japanese Yen) Village Roadshow $2.80 $2.77 $4.45 $2.24 0.8834 CHF (Swiss Franc) 0.9614 AUD (Australian Dollar) NBC Universal $16.04 $16.22 $21.65 $14.02 CURRENCY 1.006 CAD (Canadian Dollar)

PEOPLE WATCH Cedar Fair appoints two corporate VP’s the housekeeping and entertainment departments. Previously, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, Sandusky, Ohio, an- Zada was the director of guest services. Prior to joining KeyLime nounced that it has appointed Bob Wagner to the role of cor- Cove, he held manager level positions at Chicago area hotels, porate vice president, strategic alliances and Scott Tanner to including the Holiday Inn O’Hare, Wyndam Glenview Suites and the role of corporate vice president, sales. Radisson Hotel Northbrook. “I am particularly pleased to add Bob and Scott to the Ce- Zada earned a Bachelor’s degree in business administration dar Fair leadership team,” said Matt Ouimet, Cedar Fair’s presi- from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) in Karachi, dent. “The expansion of strategic alliances that will benefit Pakistan. He brings more than 26 years of experience in the both our guests and our unitholders is an important part of what hospitality industry to KeyLime Cove. will continue to make Cedar Fair parks the industry leaders that Sabrina Roddy has been named spa director for its Para- they are today.” dise Mist Spa and The Enchanted Lagoon Kids Spa. Bob Wagner, corporate vice president, strategic alliances, Roddy is eager to take the reins as spa director. Her focus will be responsible for strengthening and expanding the com- will be on health and well-being for the clients of Paradise Mist Caroline Maessen & pany’s strategic partnerships, identifying industry-leading com- Spa and The Enchanted Lagoon Kids Spa, which has become a Pieter Cornelis panies that share similar customers, values and goals. He brings popular tween destination due to its vast array of services and 26 years of extensive experience in all phases of the entertain- affordable prices since opening earlier this year. Both spas are Theme Park ment industry, including marketing, sponsorship sales, ticket open to the public. Prior to her promotion, Roddy was the spa Toverland expands sales, merchandise, communications, social media and web- manager. Before joining KeyLime Cove, she was the retreat di- site development. Wagner most recently served as senior vice rector at Massage Heights in Henderson, Nevada. management president and chief marketing officer for the Anaheim Ducks Roddy attended the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee NETHERLANDS — In or- of the National Hockey League and Honda Center in Anaheim, and received her licensing from the Euphoria Institute for Es- der to facilitate further growth California. thetics in Las Vegas. She brings more than 10 years of experi- and expansion of Toverland, a Scott Tanner, corporate vice president, sales, will drive the ence in the spa industry to her new role. new managing board member development and execution of Cedar Fair’s sales strategies and has been added. Pieter Cor- talent management to expand the services the company pro- Wild Adventures names new GM nelis PhD, has been named vides to corporate and group customers. He has more than 30 Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Ga., recently director of strategy and devel- years of experience in the travel and tourism industry and his ex- named Greg Charbeneau as the park’s new vice president and opment, and began his duties tensive background includes working with Fortune 500 firms on general manager. Charbeneau has been employed by Her- on October 12. He will focus breakthrough partnerships and marketing events. Prior to join- schend Family Entertainment (HFE), the parent company of on the development and ex- ing Cedar Fair, Tanner served as director of sport development Wild Adventures, since 2008 and brings 24 years of experience ecution of plans for the park for USA Water Polo in Huntington Beach, California. He also in the theme park and attractions industry. in the coming years. Caroline spent 27 years with the Walt Disney Company, including the “I am grateful to join a team that creates memories worth Maessen, CEO, will still be re- Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, where he was directly involved repeating for its guests and team members,” said Charbeneau. sponsible for the current park in all aspects of the company’s sales and marketing initiatives. “The enthusiasm that the community has for Wild Adventures is and organization. rewarding to experience, and in the short time I have been here, Cornelis, 45, is a known KeyLime Cove announces two promotions I have already grown to love Valdosta. I look forward to playing face in the theme park world. KeyLime Cove, the popular Chicagoland indoor waterpark a role in the park’s continual growth and being able to share In May 2011, he received a resort located in Gurnee, Ill., has announced the promotions of that growth with the community and region.” PhD from the universities of two employees into key roles. Prior to coming to Valdosta, Charbeneau worked at Adven- Tilburg and Tarragona, for As the new Director of Rooms, Sam Zada will oversee ture Aquarium, also an HFE property, as vice president and ex- his research into the effects ecutive director. of investments in European theme parks. Earlier, Cornelis was Head of Research at Eftel- ing, and university lecturer in Leisure Studies. Within Tover- land, he will also be responsible for marketing, commu- nication, sales, entertainment, and Imagineering. Theme Park Toverland is situated in Sevenum, in the north of the province of Lim- burg. The park, part of the Gelissen Group, celebrated its 10th anniversary this summer. November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 51 2011 GOLDEN TICKET AWARDS — HOLIDAY WORLD 2011 Golden Ticket Awards, Holiday World a success STORY: Tim Baldwin [email protected]

2011

P. TICKET SANTA CLAUS, Ind. — A I. GOLDEN decade ago, Holiday World, V. AWARDS or more specifically, Will Koch BEST OF THE BEST! of Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari suggested to Amuse- globe. ment Today the possibility of Santa’s Lodge, located distributing the annual awards near the park, was the official in a live ceremony. It sounded accommodation facility for interesting. Why not? the event. As visitors arrived That first year in 2001, it and checked in, they found a was a small gathering of a few goodie bag provided from the nearby industry folk. During park and various sponsors. Fri- the years that followed, it grew day, September 16 kicked off little by little. After a few years, the weekend a day before the most of the award recipients actual ceremony. were travelling to accept their Once in the park, the af- Above, winners in 28 categories take home the coveted 2011 Golden Tickets after results accolades in a live ceremony ternoon provided a superb were announced live from Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari on Sept. 17. The Santa Claus, that kept getting more and variety of opportunities. First Ind. themer was host to the two-day event that saw more than 120 industry professionals more elaborate. up was the chance to take a attend. Below, Amusement Today graciously thanks the many presenters, including our first Holiday World entered the couple of spins on The Voy- timers, who gave their time to make the ceremony a huge success. picture again in 2006. Wish- age, voted the Best Wooden AT/DAN FEICHT ing to host again, the park Coaster for a fifth year in a row. took the awards ceremony in a After a few breathless rides to whole new direction. With mul- awaken the senses, attendees tiple presenters from through- had multiple tours to experi- out the industry, the event ence. They included Merchan- came into its own. It was now dise, Waterpark Operations, a full-fledged industry event Information Technologies and with attendees from parks and Food Operations. All were well suppliers alike. received and everyone left The Golden Ticket Awards with a little more knowledge had transformed into what was than before. now unquestionably a must- All tours converged mid- attend industry event. And afternoon at a fantastic luau with each year the weekend inside Splashin’ Safari. Spon- continues to evolve, with close sored by ProSlide and Dippin’ to 140 attendees within the Dots, the luau couldn’t have industry joining in this year on had more pristine weather. what is a fantastic networking With an abundance of deli- opportunity. With the Golden cious food offerings and a Ticket Awards recognizing the welcome by Dan Koch, gen- whether they were dressed for event. Often called the ma- a position), and she has also Best of the Best, what better eral manager of Holiday World it or not. Some came prepared triarch of Holiday World, Pat been called the Queen of opportunity to share with one’s and Splashin’ Safari, the at- and donned swimsuits. Oth- Koch opened her home for ev- Clean, but Pat Koch quite sim- peers is there? mosphere was festive. Music, ers threw caution to the wind eryone in attendance. Located ply was a perfect hostess — full This past September, decor, the food and beverage and self dignity to the sidelines in a country setting alongside of charm, class and hospitality. Holiday World and Splashin’ — it all set the ambience, all and joined in on the wet fun a small pond, the occasion If anyone who was on board Safari once again stepped for- positioned at the foot of the in whatever clothes they hap- and evening proved delight- was asked, they will also tell ward — the only park to host park’s wave pool, with cascad- pened to be wearing. Every- ful. With more food and drink you that the bus rides to and the ceremony three times. ing waves adding their own au- one agreed it was a tremen- on hand, both inside and in an from the outing were evening Over the course of two days, dible touch. But more fun was dous ride. It was outrageous outdoor party event tent, in- highlights. Amusement Today hospitality was in abundance on deck as numerous attend- fun and a weekend highlight. dustry insiders found a great could see coaster enthusiasts from the kind folks of Holiday ees headed for Wildebeest, Freshening up a bit, at- night to socialize, mingle and in the making. World. Located in Santa Claus, which for the second year in a tendees gathered just outside share their experiences, both With the Gravity Group Indiana, the hosts welcomed row was rated Best Waterpark the hotel early that evening to personal and business-related. sponsoring a mixer back at industry visitors from all sides Ride. The ProSlide LIM up- catch a ride on a collection of Her official title is Director of Santa’s Lodge, many agreed of the United States, as well as hill water coaster entertained buses provided to transport Values (and how many parks that the night was still young Canada and from across the industry folk in a big way, visitors to the night’s main just wish they could have such 4See GTA, page 52 Thank You Pat, Dan and Natalie Koch for a wonderful and memorable 2011 Golden Ticket Awards event! 52 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 2011 GOLDEN TICKET AWARDS — HOLIDAY WORLD Golden Ticket Awards honor future industry leaders STORY: Janice Witherow park industry by promoting World & Splashin’ Safari. [email protected] the cornerstones of safety, Leah has worked for seven For the seventh year, service, courtesy and cleanli- years at the park and is cur- Amusement Today recog- ness at the highest level, while rently in the Rides and Pub- nized a group of students at consistently exceeding job ex- lic Relations departments. the Golden Ticket Awards pectations. This is an annual She is attending Indiana who are employed by this designation by Amusement University in Bloomington, year’s host park of Holiday Today to promote education Ind., where she is studying World & Splashin’ Safari in in the field of hospitality and Journalism. Santa Claus, Ind., as Ms. and amusement, as well as to rec- •Will Koch of Holiday Mr. Golden Tickets. ognize future leaders in the World & Splashin’ Safari. The 2011 Ms./Mr. Golden Tickets, representing Holiday This year, Lauren, Leah amusement industry. Will has worked for four World, l to r: Leah Koch, Lauren Koch and Will Koch. and Will Koch, whose fam- The 2011 class of Ms. years in the Entertainment AT/DAN FEICHT ily operates Holiday World, and Mr. Golden Tickets as- and Cash Control depart- were honored. They are the sisted with the ceremony by supplies. Amusement Today and Cash Control. Lauren is ments of the park. He is future of this family park and presenting awards to the win- applauds the following stu- attending Florida State Uni- currently finishing high the children of Lori and the ning parks; plus each received dents: versity in Tallahassee, and is school and searching for late Will Koch. a complimentary one-year •Lauren Koch, of Holiday majoring in Retail Merchan- the best college to study These three individu- subscription to Amusement World & Splashin’ Safari, who dising and Product Develop- Theater Lighting Design als exemplify the spirit and Today, and an Office Depot has worked at the park for ment. and Electrical Engineering. integrity of the amusement gift card for school and career nine years in Entertainment •Leah Koch of Holiday

people made for a somewhat depth with the passing of her lot. I loved that Gröna Lund do, which is rare in the amuse- GTA rare and more authentic feel to husband Will Koch just last was recognized and personally ment industry. Running that Continued from page 51 the awards presentations. year. And tributes to both Pat honored to agree whole heart- park is not just a job, it is their enough to continue enjoying Holiday World kicked it off Koch for her 80th birthday and ily with the choice. To see that life.” the company of one another. in true fashion with humor and her late husband Bill Koch on they had traveled to little Santa Following the ceremony, Saturday, September 17, song. In fact, humor found its the creation of Holiday World Claus, Indiana from Stockholm a banquet dinner allowed for once again saw ideal weather. place through several category (originally Santa Claus Land) to accept — impressive. It was some last social interaction, Attendees had the opportunity presentations. Most people were enthusiastically received. around that moment I realized numerous thank yous and to take in all the strengths that feel it is good to see the indus- While longer than pre- I was truly in the presence of some sad farewells. The park these family-owned parks had try let its hair down. dicted, the ceremony was a greatness, the people who announced that attendees to offer. Having established a Touching moments also grand success. Kat Soderquist, devote their lives to the indus- were welcome to join some reputation for friendly employ- found their way into the show. a world travelling enthusiast try I so dearly love... and I was after-hours coaster rides with ees, an emphasis on cleanli- Peter Osbeck and Annika from Cincinnati, commented, humbled and honored.” the group of enthusiasts visit- ness, great wooden coasters Troselius from Gröna Lund had “As an enthusiast, I thought David Cornell, an enthu- ing the park. and an impressive waterpark, flown in from Sweden and it would be a great opportu- siast also from Cincinnati, was While walking the path- Holiday World and Splashin’ were honored to be acknowl- nity to see the industry honor also in attendance. “The best way for one last ride on The Safari opened their arms with edged as the Publisher’s Pick, its own. I love awards shows part of the award ceremony Voyage, Kennywood’s Jeff a great welcome, including a Park of the Year. Chance Rides, and couldn’t wait to see how were the presentations by the Filicko quietly said, “I love this provided lunch scanned right celebrating its 50th anniver- it rolled out. I was not disap- Koch family. It was nice to event.” Looking up, he smiled, into the event badge. sary, accepted for Supplier of pointed,” said Soderquist. “It learn about their family and “It’s great spending time with That afternoon, the Holi- the Year. Richard Kinzel ac- packed all the glamour and ex- celebrate Pat’s 80th birthday. friends in the industry and cel- day Theater began to fill. Not cepted the award as first liv- citement of the typical Ameri- I really appreciate how much ebrating all our hard work and only were industry profession- ing recipient in the Legends can awards with the intimacy they share of their lives with success.” als in attendance, but also a series. Kinzel’s long career with that only a family park like Hol- the park guest and amusement Next year’s annual Gold- small group of coaster enthusi- Cedar Fair was spotlighted in a iday World can provide.” park enthusiasts. At most en Ticket Awards event will asts, some of which were Gold- video as he approaches his up- Soderquist continues, “I parks the guests never get be hosted by Dollywood in en Ticket voters, and a hand- coming retirement. Lori Koch was especially surprised by the to meet the owners.“ Cornell Pigeon Forge, Tenn., on ful of general public curious provided a musical interlude, presentation of the industry observes, “Holiday World is a September 7 and 8, 2012. enough to see what it was all and her rendition of “Defy- and Legend awards as I wasn’t great park because the people about. This additional group of ing Gravity” took on a certain aware of a category off the bal- who own it love the work they November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 53 2011 GOLDEN TICKET AWARDS — HOLIDAY WORLD Holiday World entertains GTA attendees like family

Top photo: Santa welcomes 2011 Golden Ticket award attendees; the Holiday World staff sings the ceremony’s opening number and Lori Koch performs Defying Gravity. Second row: Presenters Ramon Rosario and Patty Beazley have a little fun on stage; Golden Ticket recipients Dick Knoebel & Leanna Mus- cato talk about their efforts to reopen the park following a flood weeks earlier; Peter Osbeck and Annika Troselius of Gröna Lund bring an international flare to the event, and an 80th birthday tribute to Pat Koch was a hit with attendees.

Top row l to r: attendees enjoyed tours of the park, including this IT tour; a waterpark luau with slide time on Wildebeest was a must see and do. Bottom row l to r: a reception at Pat Koch’s house, including some quite time on the front porch, made everyone feel like family, while four Jeff’s (Seifert, Amusement Today; Croushore, Idlewild & Soak Zone; Filicko, Kennywood Park and Siebert, Schlitterbahn) pose with Santa Claus. AT PHOTOS 54 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 2011 GOLDEN TICKET AWARDS — HOLIDAY WORLD

Dollywood to host MAILBAG Golden Ticket Golden Ticket attendess share thoughts on event, host park Awards in 2012 Dear Gary, will see you next year at Dol- Once again, thank you and day World. In fact it was my PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. My crew and I just re- lywood! I hope we stay in touch. first visit to Santa Claus, Ind. — Amusement Today re- turned from this year’s Golden See you at IAAPA, All the best, It was truly amazing how well cently announced that the Ticket Awards and weekend at Adam Sandy Annika Troselius organized and well managed honor of hosting the 2012 Holiday World. What a great Ride Entertainment Information Manager the event was considering the Golden Ticket Awards has event you guys put on! Group of Companies and last minute change of venue. been given to Dollywood Ten employees from Fun Stevensville, Md. Peter Osbeck Your staff, as well as the Holi- in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Spot Attractions attended and asandy@ride Rides Manager day World staff, must be com- The Golden Tickets are we learned a great deal about entertainment.com AB Gröna Lunds Tivoli mended for the extraordinary the only amusement indus- “best practices,” “customer Stockholm, Sweden effort required to pull off this try awards that are voted on service” and new ways to • Annika.Troselius@ event. by the experts and enthusi- make our parks excel. We also gronalund.com Being this was my first visit asts in the industry who visit had the opportunity to meet Hi Gary, to Holiday World I was abso- and use the world’s theme with a number of key vendors Great job, it was a fantas- • lutely amazed at the condition park attractions during their as we look to purchase a new tic show and hosted graciously of the theme park, the attitude annual summer travels. roller coaster. by Holiday World. Another of the park staff and the total Scheduled for Sep- The comfortable and fam- success story. commitment of park manage- tember 7 and 8, 2012, ily atmosphere of your event Thanks, ment to host such a high pro- the Golden Ticket event made these “sales calls” more Gina Guglielmi file event. will bring representatives comfortable and family friend- Intermark Ride Group Although it was the end from theme parks, suppli- ly. For our team to learn, do Nashville, Tenn. of the 2011 season, the theme ers and enthusiasts from business and have fun made gina@intermark park looked and felt like it was around the world to Dolly your event one of the best we ridegroup.com opening day of the 2011 sea- Parton’s theme park in the have ever attended! • son. I’ve been in the amuse- Great Smoky Mountains. I would recommend the Dear Gary, ment business for almost 40 A multiple Golden Ticket Golden Ticket event to every First of all, a big, big thank years and I can’t remember winner annually, Dollywood amusement park or amuse- you for arranging such an fan- the last time a visited a theme will host the event for the ment vendor as you see first tastic event. Hi Gary, park in this spectacular condi- second time. The park will hand the depth and commit- As you know, it was the I appreciate the recognition. The park was absolutely showcase its award winning ment of the people within our first time that Gröna Lund at- tion you and Amusement To- spotless, the landscaping was amusement industry. tended, and I will assure you day have given our company perfect, the paint looked entertainment and Ameri- We will see you next year that it won’t be the last. with the award of Supplier of great, the rides and attractions ca’s first wing coaster Wild at Dollywood, ready to have Everyone at Gröna Lund the Year at the Golden Ticket looked new and the staff was Eagle which opens in 2012. fun, to learn all while creat- is extremely proud and hon- Awards. I am very proud of Mi- the friendliest staff I’ve seen in The Golden Tickets ing lifelong relationships and ored to have been chosen for chael accepting the award on quite awhile. They smiled so honor the best in the in- doing business. Who knows, “Publishers Pick – Park of the behalf of the company that his much you couldn’t help but dustry from new rides one year we might even win Year,” as well as having been grandfather founded 50 years smile back. Parking is free, and existing ride attrac- a Golden Ticket with our new nominated for “Best Seaside ago. I know my dad would be soft drinks are free and sun- tions, entertainment, food, coaster! Park,” “Best Walk-through at- very proud, thank you for the screen is even free. How do friendliness and landscap- Life is Great!!! traction” and “Best New Ride recognition. Attached is our they do it? ing, all of which contrib- John Arie 2011.” The event was very well company newsletter about the I just can’t say enough ute to an overall theme Fun Spot Attractions arranged and Peter Osbeck award. good things about Holiday and amusement park ex- Orlando, Fla. wanted to let you know that Thanks, World. Kudos to the Koch perience. Each year, the [email protected] the Golden Ticket Awards, Dick Chance family for a job well done and trade publication gives out with its gatherings before and Chance Rides kudos to Amusement Today awards based on a survey • after the award ceremony, was Wichita, Kan. for putting on such a great given to park enthusiasts the best social event for the dick.chance@ event for the amusement park in the U.S. and overseas. Hi Gary: amusement park industry he chancerides.com industry. The awards were started by Congratulations on an- has ever attended during his • Regards, Amusement Today in 1998. other fantastic Golden Ticket 32 years in the business. Hi Gary, Ken Vondriska, They have been featured ceremony. This was a fantastic Just to let you know, we First, I would like to con- Sterling & Sterling, on the Discovery Channel event and Mark and I enjoyed will also put together a few gratulate you on the very suc- Inc. Insurance and the Travel Channel. being a part of it. It has been things from our archives for cessful 2011 Golden Ticket kvondriska@ Complete details of the great to really watch this show you to put in the National Awards held at Holiday World essentialsp.com 2012 GTA event will be an- grow from humble beginnings Roller Coaster Museum. We in September. This was both nouced in future editions of to a must-attend event. We love that you have taken such my first Golden Ticket Awards Amusement Today. hope to see you at IAAPA and a great initiative. event and my first visit to Holi- Thank you to our 2011 event sponsors:

2011

TICKET

P. I. GOLDEN

AWARDS V. BEST OF THE BEST! Join us at the 2012 Event at Dollywood November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 55 56 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011

Caesars planning Ride and Park Solutions massive Wheel for International formed Las vegas strip Caesars Entertainment’s 550-foot- Peter Zwickau and Jim Palmer tall High Roller is the centerpiece of a $500 million financed project return to amusement industry that will include more affordable BOCA RATON, Fla. — retirement with the inten- retail and entertainment venues all scheduled to open by the end The team of Peter Zwickau tion of revitalizing the of 2013. The Wheel will feature of Boca Raton, Fla. and Jim amusement industry. 32 supersized cabins that can hold Palmer of Pleasanton, Calif., Together, they have 80 years up to 40 passengers each during founders of International of experience in designing the 30-minute ride. Rides Management, have and manufacturing rides, COURTESY CAESARS announced that they are building turnkey parks coming out of a 10-year worldwide, operating profitable parks, and selling amusement equipment. According to a press release issued by the pair, their return is brought about by the current state of the amusement industry, which has become beaten down by the financial problems of Wall Street and bankrupt- cies. Zwickau and Palmer have realized that this is the time to put the amusement industry back on the path to being a vibrant part of the entertainment industry. When they first entered this industry, IAAPA had over 977 parks in the United States and Canada (1975 IAAPA manual & guide). Today it has shrunk to 490 (2010 IAAPA Directory). “We feel this decline is dis- turbing because many of the facilities that went away could have been reinvigo- rated and made profitable, even in these trying times. This has left a number of under-served markets throughout North America and around the globe,” the pair said in a statement. Zwickau and Palmer will be in Orlando this November at the IAAPA Attractions Expo with their new company, Ride and Park Solutions International. They invite visitors to their booth and look forward to moving the industry in a positive direction. In the meantime, they can be reached via e-mail at: •[email protected] •[email protected]

Find us on Facebook facebook.com/amusementtoday November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 57 MIDWAY CARNIVALS STATE FAIRS REVENUE SUPPLIERS BRIEF Everything clicks for Ray Cammack Shows in 2011 STORY: Pam Sherborne the 2010 record attendance of Del Mar fair [email protected] 1,154,9969. announces theme PHOENIX, Ariz. — Ray “My belief is the 2011 edi- Cammack Shows was going tion of the fair establishes that and extended into this year’s Arizona State the OC Fair has perfected the dates for 2012 Fair, the last fair on the carni- formula for staging a success- val’s 2011 route, with much ful fair, “ said Dr. Steven Bea- SAN DIEGO, Calif. — confidence. zley, OC Fair & Event Center The summer of 2012 will The carnival, based in President & CEO, after the take San Diego County Laveen, Ariz., was providing event. “That formula will now Fair fans “Out Of This the midway in Phoenix with be applied to educate and World” to the stars, plan- about 70 rides. And, although entertain our community for years to come.” ets and beyond. Every day the opening days were warm, the high 90s, Tony Fiori, RCS The theme for the OC at the fair will be filled with marketing director, said the fair this year was “Let’s Eat!” discovery and mystery of opening day went great. Fairgoers consumed 10,000 the outer limits. The fair “This has been an out- Mexican Funnel Cakes, 3,000 will explore man’s history standing year for us,” Fiori chocolate-covered corn dogs, and fascination with space said. “I don’t know if it was 125,000 balls of Deep-Fried and space travel start- just one thing, I think it was Kool-Aid, 10,000 slices of ing with the Ancient As- a collection of a lot of things. deep-fried avocado, 2,000 tronomers, to the NASA I think we made a great team deep-fried frog’s legs and program and the future of with the fairs.” 75,000 colossal turkey legs. space exploration. One such great team this Ray Cammack Shows The 2012 San Diego year was with the Orange brought in about the same County Fair will be open County Fair, Costa Mesa, Ca- number of rides to the L.A. Friday, June 8, to Wednes- lif., which ran July 15-Aug. 14. County Fair, Pomona, Calif., day, July 4. The Fair will be Ray Cammack Shows, which Sept. 3-Oct. 2, a fair RCS has The 2011 attendance at the L.A. County Fair, Pomona, Calif., closed the first three Mon- has played this fair for over 15 played for 26 years. was the second largest in the fair’s 89-year-history. Ray Cam- days, June 11, 18 and 25. years, provided about 60 rides That fair’s attendance mack Shows, Laveen, Ariz., provided the midway with about “Next year July 4th to the 2011 midway. surpassed projections and hit 60 rides for the fair. Here is Ray Cammack Shows’ Grand falls on a Wednesday, and That fair drew 1,400,280 1,491,123, making it the sec- Wheel manufacturer by Carousel Holland. 4 that gives us the opportu- fairgoers this year beating out See RCS, page 59 COURTESY L.A. COUNTY FAIR nity to extend the fair to 24 days for the first time in the Fair’s history,” stated General Manager and CEO, Timothy Fennell. The 2011 fair broke an all time attendance record for the third year in a row with a grand total of 1,412,113 guests. “Ex- tending the fair by two days in 2012 will help al- leviate traffic and parking congestion, and will give more folks the opportunity to visit, in my opinion, one of the finest fairs in the United States,” Fen- nell added. Ray Cammack Shows, Laveen, Ariz., has been playing the Arizona State Fair, Phoenix for over 30 years. Here are two photos from that fair, showing above left, the Grand Wheel by Carousel Holland, Zamperla’s Sky Flyer, and above right, Tango by KMG. COURTESY ARIZONA STATE FAIR

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Toll Free: (800) 395-9980 • email: [email protected] • www.sippersbydesign.com 58 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 New NICA member says 2011 is good PICKNEYVILLE, Ill. — Paulette Keene, Paulette’s Food Service, said she has been in the industry her entire life. Her grandfather started with pony rides and it went from there. Keene is still in the outdoor business, owning Pau- lette’s Food Service with her husband Norman Keene. She said she doesn’t travel as much as used to, but still This Dartron Rave, purchased by Playworld Unlimited through goes into Florida, Georgia, as Rides 4U, made its debut at the Minnesota State Fair. well as, of course, Illinois. “We do a lot of local COURTESY DARTRON dates and specialty events,” Keene said. “This year hasn’t been as bad as I thought This is Paulette Keene’s newest trailer is from Shantz & Rides 4U sells first it might be because of the Sons, Highland, Ill. She purchased it two or three years ago. economy.” AT/SUE NICHOLS She and her husband Concessionaires Association. position of Fairs and Expos Dartron Rave ride own 10 trailers now. She spe- “I just found out I was convention set to run Nov. 28- cializes in funnel cakes and elected to the board,” Keene Dec. 1 at the Paris Hotel, Las SOMERVILLE, N.J. — Len for them. corn dogs. said, mid-October. “By the Vegas. Soled, Rides 4U, Somerville, Soled sold a Dartron Rave Because she has been time we get to our meeting in Keene was elected to a N.J., says he is having a good to Kyle Brady of Playworld in the industry for so long, Vegas, I will be more active.” three-year term. There are 2011. Unlimited, Alma, Mich., for Keene will share her expertise The independent conces- nine members of the NICA And, the best part of his the 2011 season. as a newly elected member sionaires association meets board. business is finding out that a “He debuted it at the Min- of the National Independent during the International Ex- product he has sold to others nesota State Fair (St. Paul, has turned into good business Aug. 25-Sept. 5),” Soled said, adding the ride did great there. Soled said Brady took it Check out to the Texas State Fair, Dallas, Sept. 30-Oct. 23. But, since that Two One-Trailer Bertazzon Rides our options! fair wasn’t over when he spoke with AT, he didn’t know what Easy Up and Down the final results would be. Soled said he has also been very busy with LED lights this year, selling seven packages to North American Midway En- tertainment, Farmland, Ind. Amber Swedgan, spokes- person for NAME, said the carnival outfitted four Cen- tury Wheels and three Giant Ferris Wheels with the LEDs. “Danny Huston (NAME co-CEO) said they have in- stantly seen an increase in Matterhorn 16 cars Swing Carousel 48 or 64 seats ticket sales,” Swedgan said. See us at IAAPA In addition, Soled has sold a KMG X-Factory to Jimmy booth# 4836 Drew, Drew Exposition, Au- gusta, Ga. Bertazzon 3B srl Via Trevigiana 178 North America sales: “He should take delivery Sernaglia, TV 31020- Italy Bertazzon America LLC- Carlo Guglielmi in about two weeks,” Soled tel : +39 0438 966 291 cell: (615 ) 347 5295 said, mid-October. “It will be e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] the first one in this country.” November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 59 Belmont magic growing as he looks for joint venture STORY: Pam Sherborne Club Fair, Oct. 4-8. He will also mid-west. He plays fairs, festi- rides and attractions, and his [email protected] play at the North Florida Fair, vals, corporate events, amuse- magic show to spend a portion Tallahassee, which was to run ment parks, and everything in of the year co-producing a high- LAUREL SPRINGS, N.J. Nov. 3-13. between. He uses illusion, audi- quality show. — Al Belmont, CEO, Wizard’s “We have had a very good ence participation and domes- of Festival of Fun Inc., Laurel year,” Belmont said. “We have tic animals. And, his shows run Springs, N.J., has more to of- been combining our own rides anywhere from 25 minutes to fer than just his magic shows, and magic show at some of our two hours. Al Belmont’s magic show although since beginning his spots. We now have our own One of his goals for 2012 is is catching on with several company in 1989, it has been his portable stage, which was built to find a theme park or success- eastern fairs and festivals. magic that has lured audiences by Century. It rivals anything ful owner/promoter with a high COURTESY AL BELMONT at fairs, festivals and amusement out there right now.” visibility location in a family- parks. Belmont travels primar- oriented, seasonal resort where But, over the years, he be- ily along the east coast and the he can bring his amusement gan to add amusement rides to the mix. He now owns eight rides and will include them into his dates depending on the venue. He was performing at the Greater Gulf State Fair, Mobile, Ala. Oct. 21-30, when he spoke with AT. At that date he had included his rides and he said things were going very well. North American Midway Entertainment, Farmland, In., provides the midway for this fair. His fall tour actually began at the Brunswick (Ga.) Exchange RCS Continued from page 57 ond highest attended fair in its 89-year history. L.A. County Fair officials felt that everything came together for them. “It was the perfect storm of great new experiences, popular returning exhibits, exciting Grandstand shows and fantastic weather,” said Dale Coleman, vice president of Sales, Market- ing & Creative Programming. “The overwhelming response from the people of Southern California shows we’re doing things right. We’ve heard them loud and clear and will deliver even bigger and better in 2012.” The theme for the 2011 L.A. fair was “Pure. Fun.” It featured new attractions such as the Live Shark Encounter and Our Body: Live Healthy with returning favorites like Fairview Farms and thoroughbred horse racing. But, Fiori said Ray Cam- mack Shows hit a stride early in the 2011 with the Houston Live- stock Show and Rodeo. “We started out with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo last February,” he said. “It was the best we ever had there and the best attendance at the fair.” The 2011 Houston Live- stock Show and Rodeo broke an all-time attendance record when it drew 2,262,834 patrons. Ray Cammack Shows has played this fair for 17 years. “Everything this year just seemed to click for us.” 60 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 Rainy weather softens attendance at 2011 The Big E STORY: Pam Sherborne [email protected]

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The Big E (Eastern States Exposition) started out with a bang on Sept. 16, the first day of the fair that ran through Oct. 2. On that day, the fair drew 60,744 visitors setting an all-time attendance record for that single day. Eight days of rain later, attendance wasn’t what fair officials hoped it would be. Yet, even with the rain and the range of hot humid days and cooler temperatures near the end of the fair, two other single-day records were Fairgoers to The Big E, Springfield, Mass., were greeted with 47 rides this year provided by North American Midway Enter- set other than the first day. The tainment. The fair ran Sept. 16-Oct. 2. third Friday drew 90,549, and COURTESY RON GUSTAFSON the final Sunday drew 136,412. Total attendance was been great, but the rain will ment line-up,” McCary said. cue and Extreme Vegas were that was built for the year’s 1,201,428. Attendance for 2010 impact reaching last year’s “The U.S. Freestyle Motocross all well received. fair. After a $2 million dol- was 1,228,418. goal.” National Championship Se- “Even with the tough lar construction project, a “Our expectation for 2011 And, the event has pro- ries was a big draw, bring- economy,” he added, “it is not new covered warm-up arena was to rival last year’s atten- duced highlights aplenty. Dur- ing back motor sports to the the economy driving down was added to the main horse dance, but we have had more ing the 17-day run, five New equation. Our major concerts, sales — it’s the excessive barn utilized by horse shows than our share of rain,” said England Governors will have Blake Shelton and Reba, round amount of rain we’ve had dur- held during the fair as well as Wayne McCary, president and attended The Big E. out the end of the fair and Bel- ing our run.” throughout the year. The new CEO. “When the weather has “We had incredible recep- lo Nock headlining our Super New at the fairgrounds arena was used for practice for been good, attendance has tion to our outdoor entertain- Circus, Bixby’s Rainforest Res- this year is the Equine Arena 4See BIG E, page 61 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey model circus has home STORY: Ron Gustafson train arrived in the wee hours Special to Amusement Today of the morning until it was WEST SPRINGFIELD, loaded up again late at night.” Mass. — Step right up and see The daylong radio broad- the greatest miniature show cast in 1942 was in five-minute on earth! segments and also included Decades in the making, the live big top performance. this manmade marvel is truly “Dad was a former ring- a labor of love by creator West- master for the Orrin Daven- brook (Brooke) Evans. port Circus before going back “I started it in 1976 in my into radio,” Brooke added. “I condo in Lakeworth Florida,” went to my first circus —so Brooke said from his current I was told — when I was 6 home in Ridgeland, S.C. months old. So I kind of inher- The project he is refer- ited that (interest).” ring to is his Ringling Bros. With a memory deeply and Barnum & Bailey* model engrained about his hundreds Thanks to The Big E, a mas- circus, which is on permanent of circus visits over the years, sive circus model created by display at the Eastern States he even recalls the last tent Brooke Evans has a per- Exposition (The Big E) here. performance by the mighty manent home. The model, The 16 by 40-foot exhibit Ringling Bros. and Barnum & which measures 16 by 40 contains more than 10,000 Bailey. feet in overall size contains figures, all meticulously fash- “July 5, 1956 was the last more than 10,000 figures. ioned to a scale of 1/4-inch to tent show by the circus,” he The model is themed after the foot. asserted. The gigantic big top, Ringling Bros. and Barnum Brooke, 69, reminisced measuring 210 feet wide by & Bailey circus. about his interest in the cir- 410 feet long, was retired and COURTESY RON GUSTAFSON cus that eventually led to his the circus made a transition building The Greatest Show into arena performances — a during the off-season when On Earth* in miniature. tradition that continues today. he worked in the carnival in- “This goes way back,” dustry with Reithoffer Shows, he said. “My father was the Building in miniature which winters in Florida. first person in the U.S. to ever A self-taught modeler and “I started with the carni- broadcast Ringling from start artist, Brooke started build- val when I was a sophomore 4See CIRCUS, page 61 to finish – from the time the ing his miniature spectacle November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 61

BIG E to create a delicious concoc- Continued from page 60 tion using corn. Those that took on the challenged in- the three horse shows, which cluded Red’s Red Apples with took place during the run. Red’s Tutti Frutti Popcorn; Also new at the fair this Osborne Mushroom Farm year was New England Navy with Corn Poppers; EB’s with Week. This was the first time Country Fried Shepherd’s Pie; the special show was held out- and Scirrotto’s Cinnamon City Members of the New Eng- side of the Boston area. Fairgo- with Corn Cake Pulled Pork land Association of Amuse- ers were given the opportu- Muffin. ment Parks and Attractions nity to meet Navy personnel Some other new foods in- and learn about their mission clude: the Red Velvet Funnel (NEAPPA) let their hair down When the weather was good, fairgoers turned out for The and day-to-day tasks through Cake by Apple Fritter Conces- a bit during the associa- Big E – the rides, the entertainment, and, of course, the food activities and demonstrations. sion; Deep Fried Whoopie Pies tion’s annual summer meet- with some concessions seen here. North American Midway The Navy Parachute Team at Sugar Shakers; Deep Fried ing at The Big E in West Entertainment brought with them their Chance wheel that (Leap Frogs) was on hand as Twinkies at Fried Cheesecake Springfield, Mass., on Sept. filled the night sky. 21. During a tour of North was a Mobile Flight Simulator. Concession; Fried Kool Aid at COURTESY RON GUSTAFSON American Midway Entertain- Other new exhibits in- Fried Dough Concession; and ment’s huge midway, the cluded the Circus Around the Fried Brownie Bits at The Cof- NEAAPA contingent climbed Clock; Bixby’s Rainforest Res- fee Break. aboard the spinning mouse cue; Avenue of the States, Get Two new hot dogs were on roller coaster, which includ- Your Engines Ready!; Band store for fairgoers. They were: ed an enthusiastic George Organ Rally; and The Mechan- The New England Dog, with Frantzis II (left), an owner of ical Man. a hot dog wrapped in bacon Quassy Amusement Park in North American Midway with baked beans and cheddar Middlebury, Conn. Around Entertainment provided the cheese, and the Hot Diggid-E 80 NEAAPA members were midway with 47 rides this Dog, a Captain Nemo’s Gal- in attendance at the day- year. ley’s newest creation with a long event. Officials at The Big E chal- gourmet hot dog roll from Ber- COURTESY RON GUSTAFSON lenged food vendors this year nbardino’s Bakery.

“It’s all been done through the show actually fold up the The building housing

CIRCUS research and photos I have dat- way the originals did,” he said Brooke’s work is now called Continued from page 60 ing back to 1946 of the actual of the attraction. The Big E’s Circus Museum. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Other modelers have added in high school in 1957 and was Bailey circus,” the modeler at- Finding a home miniature carnivals and other on the road until 1993,” he re- tested. How his miniature circus circus displays in recent years, called. The 88-car railroad train, landed in Massachusetts is an- but nothing in comparison to When he eventually 26 trucks and 147 wagons in other story. the immense exhibit by Brooke moved to Kingston, Pa., his the display are on scale and In the late 1980s Brooke’s Evans. circus model made the trek each exquisitely appointed. creation was featured in O- Though retired, his hobby with him. Gauge Railroading magazine. keeps him busy throughout “Of course, it was growing Lions and tigers The article drew the attention much of the year. He can gen- all of the time as I continued to and bears, oh my! of showman Bob Commer- erally be seen during The Big work on it,” Brooke added. And no circus would be ford of Commerford & Sons E working on some new circus Today, Brooke Evans’ min- complete without a menagerie of Goshen, Conn., a company wagons at one end of the ex- iature circus world has a cast of animals. that brings petting zoos and hibit hall. of thousands. In fact there are “Everything that Ringling animal rides to The Big E an- “I sell some of my pieces around 10,000 hand-painted had in the menagerie that year nually. and donate circus wagons to people in the display — half (1946), I have in my menagerie “Bob showed the article the OABA (Outdoor Amuse- of which are seated inside the tent there,” Brooke said. to Wayne McCary (president ment Business Association) main tent in folding miniature That includes Gargantua, Brooke Evans is shown here of The Big E), and Wayne con- and the New York State As- chairs that actually work. the famous gorilla that report- working on a circus wagon tacted me and asked if I would sociation of County Fairs auc- As for the circus perform- edly saved the circus from at his home. be interested in having it on tions,” he said. ers and patrons, they are all bankruptcy after the Great De- COURTESY BROOKE EVANS display there,” Brooke said of In addition, he attends from a plastic castings firm in pression. the conversation. several circus model builders’ San Diego. Calif. In addition there are lots and paint them to work in In 1998 the miniature cir- shows throughout the nation “I repositioned the heads, of elephants, camels, zebras, different poses that I need,” cus went on permanent exhib- each year. arms and legs and repaint- giraffes, bears — every animal Brooke said of the process. it at the exposition grounds. As for the time he has ed all of them one by one,” that the circus featured during “The Big E considers it a spent creating his miniature Brooke said of the painstaking the 1940s. Favorite piece privilege to have Brooke’s dis- wonder, it’s “more than I want work. “Elephants are my favor- With dozens of circus play here,” noted McCary. to admit to anybody.” A stickler for detail, ite thing about circus,” he ad- wagons, trucks, railroad cars And Evans is thrilled But most gratifying for Brooke’s circus layout is pre- mitted. “I just think they are and even the circus big top about his creation being of- Brooke are the remarks he re- cisely what you would have amazing creatures — huge, to choose from, Brooke Evans fered a permanent home at ceives from fairgoers. seen on the Ringling Bros. and gentle and smart.” has singled out the sideshow such a prestigious venue. “A lot of older people tell Barnum & Bailey circus lot The animals on display banner as his favorite piece in “More people saw it in the me they remember it (the ac- during its heyday of tent per- are white metal castings from his collection. first two days of The Big E than tual circus) just as they see it formances. a company in Atlanta, Ga. “I had more fun building ever saw it in my home,” he there,” he said. “This has been From a sideshow, ticket They are a bit more challeng- that than anything else. I got recollected. “Now I see some a pure work of love.” booth, cookhouse and the big ing for the modeler to fashion pictures of the original banner of the same people year after *Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bai- and reproduced it to the exact ley and The Greatest Show On Earth are top, the display is nothing into his circus display. year coming into the building registered trademarks of Feld Entertain- short of spectacular. “I cut them apart, rebuild size (scale) and the wagons on to see the display.” ment, Inc. 62 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 South Florida Fair gears up marketing WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The South have been planning well over a year for this Florida Fair, West Palm Beach, has already year’s fair, said Bill Sneed, chairman of the kicked off celebrations for the event’s centenni- Centennial Event Committee. The fair will al birthday. Officials began offering 100 days of highlight the growth of the community from giveaways leading up to the opening day of the the fair’s beginning to 2012. fair Jan. 13. The fair will run through Jan. 29. New features will include the fair coupon The giveaway is an interactive media ex- book, which offers discounts for the fair itself. travaganza in which guests log onto the fair’s Other activities include the Jeans and Jewels Web site at southfloridafair.com, Facebook “Party of The Century.” Proceeds from the page at facebook/southfloridafair or follow event will go to the fair’s scholarship program on Twitter to receive a variety of discounts and and Ag Camps. coupons. Wade Shows, Livonia, Mich., will return to “Guests will get everyday deals and give- the 100th anniversary event in 2012 providing aways from South Florida Fair vendors and the midway with about 200 rides, attractions sponsors,” said John Picano, the fair’s public and games. relations manager, when announcing the pro- South Florida Fair President and CEO Rick motion. “They, then, also become eligible for Vymlatil was elected president of the Midwest the big weekly giveaways and prizes.” Fairs Association in March 2011. Fair staff and the Centennial Committee —Pam Sherborne Tulsa State Fair attendance up TULSA, Okla. — Atten- According to an article hensive media coverage and dance at this year’s Tulsa in Tulsa World, last year’s the quality of the fair itself as State Fair was up slightly from estimated attendance was the reasons attendance contin- 2010, marking the second 1,097,000. In 2009, the estimat- ued to grow this year. year in a row that attendance ed attendance was 835,000. “The planets lined up for has increased. An estimated Mark Andrus, Expo us again,” Andrus was quoted 1,123,000 people visited the Square president and CEO, as saying in that article. 11-day event. cited good weather, compre- Fair attendance has always been an estimate because of the many types of tickets sold — including multiday passes — and the large number of exhibitors and workers coming and going throughout the event. Andrus said he deter- mines the estimated attendance by comparing current year sales of fair tickets, midway ride tickets and food to the previous year’s sales. Murphy Brothers Exposi- tion, Tulsa, Okla., provided the midway. —Pam Sherborne

MENT E TO S D U A

M Y

E S 7 T. 1 9 9 VISIT US AT IAAPA Booth# 4215 November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 63 64 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 MIDWAY MIDWAYLIGHTS MARKET PLACE COMPILED: Pam Sherborne, [email protected] Rain on the first two days of the fair and Groundwater Guardians raised almost $50,000 then again on Saturday night negatively im- for the half-acre learning area. It will include a pacted attendance at the 2011 Oklahoma prairie maze, tree fort, rain garden and other State Fair, Oklahoma City, which ran Sept. 15- features to teach children about how and why 25, but attendance still reached about 900,000, groundwater is used. according to fair spokesman Scott Munz. That is The learning area is expected to be open an 18 percent decrease overall from 2010 when for next year’s fair. Groundwater Guardians says 1.1 million visitors attended the fair. it will also accessible year-round for education Even so, Wade Shows, the midway opera- activities. tor based in Livonia, Mich., grossed over the $3 The 2012 dates for the Nebraska State Fair million mark due to a strong ride line-up and are Aug. 24-Sept. 3. POP armbands offered throughout the run of • the fair. Wade Shows provided 75 rides, games Heralded as the largest single event in the and shows. state, drawing 1,059,182 people, the Puyallup The food gross also remained consistent (Wash.) Fair closed its gates for 2011 after a with last year. The available commercial ex- successful 17-day run, Sept. 9-25. hibitor space sold out prior to the start of the With a theme of “Make Your Escape,” fair and exhibitor’s confidence continues to be guests did just that, enjoying a variety of free strong. entertainment, delicious Fair food, fascinating Highlights included the Disney on Ice show. exhibits, and breathtaking rides. Total atten- The show this year was Disney On Ice presents dance was down 6,026 from the previous year. Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3, (10 performances The fair covered the gamut on the weather running September 15 – 20). There were a total charts, starting off with the highest tempera- of 10 performances and overall the show was ture of the year. While the middle weekend saw up 7.36 percent. rain, the rest of the fair boasted warm, pleasant The Xtreme Bulls show didn’t fare as well. weather – until the last day. Driving rain, high Originally scheduled for two performances, winds and sunshine rotated during the day, fin- Easton Corbin cancelled on the Friday night of ishing the fair in a dramatic way. the fair, which necessitated the fair refunding Selena was the highlight of the Puyallup 100 percent of the ticket sales. Munz said, due Fair Concert Series sponsored by Columbia to that, the resulting gross from one perfor- Bank with a sold-out concert. Popular artists in- mance was down 56.89 percent. cluded Larry the Cable Guy, Miranda Lambert, Even with the rain on opening day of the Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, Trace Adkins, fair, Eli Young Band drew the largest crowd ever and Chicago with the Tacoma Symphony. for the fair’s free national talent stage. Leon The Puyallup Rodeo Justin Boots Playoffs Russell, who performed Sept. 16, drew a nice featured the top athletes in the business Sept. crowd even though there was rain off and on all 9-11. With a purse of $560,000, rodeo fans saw day that day. Munz said the skies did clear that the thrills and spills of great rodeo action. evening in time for the show. The MBS Mountainboard Show and Big New grounds entertainment for 2011 in- Aerial Show brought drama high in the air with cluded The Butterfly House, the Science Muse- free entertainment all ages enjoyed. Traditional um Oklahoma, the Great American Duck Races, favorites included animals, agriculture, flowers, and the Mutton Bustin’ in the Centennial Fron- art, photograph rides, food, youth shows, and tier Experience. exhibits. • Funtastic Shows, Portland, Ore., provided Officials at the 2011 Kern County Fair, the midway for the fair. Bakersfield, Calif., were extremely pleased with • results, saying this was one of the most success- The 87th annual Cleveland County Fair, ful fairs in recent history. Total attendance was Shelby, N.C., fair drew 175,797 this year rep- 385,167 during its Sept. 21-Oct. 2 run. resenting an increase over 2010 of about 8,000 In information written by Bill Blair, who had fairgoers. Fair Manager Calvin Hastings said announced his impending retirement a few the busiest single day this year was recorded months back, the annual event has continued to on Oct. 1 when 31,154 people packed the be successful. There was an economic impact of grounds. The fair ran Sept. 29-Oct. 8. more than $30 million to Kern County, sales tax “Everybody was happy, it sounded like,” to the city and county of more than $500,000, Hastings said, in a local report at the close of and 400 jobs created. the fair. “We heard people say it was the best And, he said, that doesn’t even count the fair ever. All in all, it was really a great fair.” Ride Padding Specialists significant social impact. According to reports, fair organizers There were also less crime-related inci- have been and will continue their push to top Developers of Ride Hyde dences in 2011 compared to 2010. 200,000 visitors, hoping perhaps the 2012 fair Butler Amusements, Fairfield, Calif., pro- will be the time. The current all-time atten- www.rsalberts.comComposite Foam Systems vided the midway. dance record is around 185,000. The Kern County Fair board of directors Popular attractions included car and truck We Mold Our Services is now seeking a qualified professional to be- demolition derbies presented by Ellenboro- To Fit Your Needs! come chief executive officer of the Kern County based Ultimate Destruction, a monster truck Fairgrounds beginning on or about February 1, rally and performances by the trained Syrian Ralph S. Alberts Company 2012. brown bears of Hall’s Bear Mountain, Elvis im- Application materials were accepted personator Ryan Pelton, the Hansen’s Spectac- Tel: 570-368-6653 through mid-month last month (October). ular acrobats and illusionist Josh Knotts. E-mail:[email protected] • Hastings said the success of one new at- Construction has started on an outdoor traction — helicopter rides that took fairgoers Visit us at IAAPA booth #3024 learning area at the Nebraska State Fair, soaring over the midway for $15 per person — Grand Island, that’s designed to teach children exceeded expectations. about groundwater use. Reithoffer Shows, Gibsonton, Fla., pro- Keep our carnival and fair industry strong! According to local reports, the nonprofit vided the midway. Buy products and services from these suppliers. November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 65 Western Fairs Assn. to address “hard times” at January’s convention ANAHEIM, Calif. — It is over 50 companies had al- not surprising that the topic ready committed to show to be addressed by the 2012 their products. Western Fairs Association The WFA also has an ex- Convention and Trade Show tensive entertainment show- keynote speaker is “Making case annually. the Most of Difficult Situa- sionals representing more Disneyland, Anaheim, is tions.” than 150 fairs, festivals and offering discounted tickets Garrison Wynn will speak social events to be on hand. to WFA members and their during the event, set for Jan. As of mid-September, the families. 8-12, Anaheim, Calif. He will official exhibitor list showed —Pam Sherborne be speaking to many fair officials feeling the current money crunch in the State of California where govern- ment leaders last May slashed all $32 million in funding for California fairs. In some instances, the smaller county fairs may not survive this latest turn of events. This, most likely, will be the hottest topic at the up- coming convention. The Western Fairs Asso- ciation, which serves more than 800 members, representing fair-related businesses, fair management, fair board directors, festivals, and industry associations in the western U.S. and Canada, has made several changes for this 89th convention. One of those changes is registration fees for attendees. Culminating the end of the 200th anniversary year of fairs, the association lowered that price to $200, the lowest registration fee in 20 years. In addition, the convention and trade show is being held two weeks earlier than last year creating earlier deadlines. The association’s Web site, www.fairsnet.org, states that registration and hotel reservations must be made by Dec. 15 to guarantee the lowest rates. And, after three years, the WFA annual event will be located in southern California. “We are excited to be back in Southern California after a three-year hiatus,” said Car- rie Wright, WFA marketing director, when announcing the location change. “The new location brings new markets and new opportunities for attendees and exhibitors, and the new registration fee and low hotel rate makes it more affordable than ever.” Association officials are anticipating that more than 1,200 fair CEOs, directors, staff and fair-related profes- 66 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2011 November 2011 AMUSEMENT TODAY 67

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