Food & Concessions Trailers

April 2014 | Vol. 18 • Issue 1 www.amusementtoday.com Adventuredome’s El Loco newest thriller at Circus Circus STORY: Dean Lamanna [email protected]

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Over the last two decades, roller coasters in this desert destination have launched, looped, corkscrewed and even coiled languorously atop a tower almost 1,000 feet up. With at least two such high-profile rides and an entire theme park adjacent to one casino resort having also been dismantled in that time, The Adventuredome at Circus Circus Hotel & Casino — the indoor fun park that has survived the local vicissitudes of family entertainment since its debut as Grand Slam Canyon in 1993 — has done something exceedingly right: providing rides and attractions in a climate-controlled environment connected to a resort known for its kid friendliness for half a century. It took more than six years of planning and decision- making to choose and custom- Tom Nolan, vice president El Loco, from ize a new thrill attraction that of operations for the park, de- S&S~Sansei Technolo- would both compliment the scribed the coaster as “the per- gies, Inc., performs its park’s popular Canyon Blaster fect addition” to the enclosed wild mouse-on-steroids corkscrew coaster and fit into facility’s arsenal of two dozen acrobatics with precision the tight, dome-roofed foot- rides and attractions. and family-friendly com- print left by the Rim Runner “El Loco offers our guests fort within the dramatic flume ride. something they have never ex- confines of The But on Feb. 18, after sev- perienced before,” Nolan said Adventuredome at eral weeks of extensive test- in a chat with Amusement To- Circus Circus. It replaces ing and media teasing, El day just outside the coaster’s the park’s 20-year-old, Loco — an acrobatic, inverting exit on opening day. “Riders five-acre Rim Runner wild mouse-style coaster from enjoy El Loco’s twists, turns Shoot the Chute ride. S&S~Sansei Technologies, Inc., and drops in such close prox- COURTESY THE of Logan, Utah — finally cut imity to our other rides that, ADVENTUREDOME AT loose inside The Adventure- for an instant, they get the sen- CIRCUS CIRCUS dome for its official opening. 4See EL LOCO, page 4

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US POSTAGE US PRSRT STD PRSRT 2 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014 NEWSTALK OPINIONS CARTOON LETTERS AT CONTACTS EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] CARTOON: Bubba Flint Tidbits With this April issue, Amusement Today marks the beginning of our 18th volume. It’s hard believe that time has passed that quickly. One of the things readers will notice is our new logo and newly renamed section fronts. After requests from our ride supplier advertisers, we have now merged all park Slade news with carnival/state fair news into one bigger section where their ads can now tap into both audi- ences. Next month we will be releasing details on our new electronic editions for your electronic devices. Although that service will be offered FREE, users will have to be a PAID subscriber to access the online monthly edition. So if you are currently not a paid subscriber, call (817) 460-7220 today to get your print subscription current. • AT’s own editorial cartoonist William ‘Bubba’ Flint recently showed off some of his comical cartoon art styles with an art show at the Good Records store in Dallas. The exhibit had a great turnout on opening night and offered a peek into the World of Flint. This publisher has known Bubba for more than 30 years, when he was cartoonist for Times Chronicle Today, a group of suburban daily newspa- EDITORIAL: Scott Rutherford, [email protected] pers in North Dallas where I was a young city beat reporter. A family affair Along with AT, Bubba’s editorial cartoons can found in the Family-friendly and fami- fourth generation. These folks literally grew Dallas Morning News, Dallas Cowboys Star magazine and ly-oriented are phrases freely up in the park, living and breathing the busi- many other speciality publications. tossed about when describ- ness of running and maintaining a respected • ing amusement facilities and American amusement installation. The value It’s so good to see all the paint projects underway as their rides and attractions. of that experience cannot be over empha- parks gear up for the 2014 season. Baynum Painting has But that inclusive word ‘fam- sized. been busy with multiple ride projects at Knott’s Berry Farm ily’ is also important when And the Knoebels are but one example. and Kings Island as well as Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Rutherford used to describe the opera- Others include the Morey clan in Wildwood, Arlington. Million Painting recently completed the Pipe- tors themselves – as in this N.J., the family at DelGrossos (formerly line Plunge for Wonderland Park in Amarillo, where the establishment is family-owned-and-operat- Bland’s), the Canfields at the Santa Cruz paint theme was based off a recently completed job on the ed. Beach Boardwalk, the Kochs at Holiday same Hopkins-styled ride at Lake Winnepesaukah. AT also I’ve always admired and taken great World and the Dixon/Rhodes down at Lake learned of a local contractor repainting one of the B&M pleasure in visiting parks that are overseen Winnie. Over the decades, these families coasters at California’s Great America. Paint always has a by long lines of the same family. The impor- have nurtured and guided their individual tance of this aspect came to the forefront operations with dedication and fortitude way to make rides and facilities look new again. as I was working on a story for this issue that has made them so successful. Just stroll Congratulations to all on your reinvestment! about the new-for-2015 steel roller coast- down their midways and you’ll get the sense • er announced for Pennsylvania’s Knoebels that you’re in a very special place, one that Personal shout out to super Publisher H. V. O’Brien. Amusement Resort. During the research for feels familiar. And it should. Great job on the incorporation of all the county-wide that piece, I was made aware that the fourth Though corporate-run facilities have their papers into the new Eastland County Today brand. Bet you generationof the Knoebel family was taking place in the grand scheme, it’s refreshing to are wondering why you didn’t make the change sooner! I’m the reins on this major expansion project. All know that we also have several surviving tra- proud of you and your entire team! the innate knowledge and experience from ditional parks that still manage to keep it in —Gary Slade their ancestors in the business has been the family. I hope they continue to do so for distilled and passed down to this so-called many generations to come.

AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF Gary Slade, Founder Dean Lamanna Sammy Piccola Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Editorial Accounting / Circulation [email protected] [email protected] (817) 460-7220 [email protected] Deliveries Member of: Stacey Childress / Childress Media Pam Sherborne 2012 E. Randol Mill Rd., Suite 203 IAAPA, AIMS International, PAPA, Web & Graphic Design Editorial Sue Nichols Arlington, Texas 76011 NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, WWA, TTIA, [email protected] [email protected] Advertising NAARSO and IISF (615) 662-0252 Subscription rates are: 1 year (14 issues) $75 in the USA; $100 elsewhere; 2 years (28 issues) $140/$180; John Robinson / W.H.R. Inc. Scott Rutherford [email protected] 3 years (42 issues) $200/$250. Send check or money order (U.S. funds only, drawn on a U.S. bank) to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005-5427. Your cancelled check is your receipt. Daily E-mail Newsletter Editorial Please allow up to six weeks for your subscription request to be processed and the first issue mailed. [email protected] [email protected] Bubba Flint Cartoonist Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Today Inc., P.O. Tim Baldwin Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected] Box 5427, Arlington, Texas 76005. Presort Standard Postage (Permit No. 2069) pre-paid at Fort Worth, Texas. The entire contents of this newspaper and its related websites are copyrighted and trademarked Editorial Editorial / Special Projects by Amusement Today 2013, with all rights reserved. [email protected] [email protected] POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Amusement Today, P.O. Box 5427, Arlington, Texas Contributors: Andrew Mellor, Richard Munch, Janice Witherow 76005-5427. April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3 THIS MONTH IN HISTORY •1910: On April 28, a fierce Presented by MINUTE windstorm hit Saltair, outside Salt Lake City, Utah, 2 DRILL damaging the resort, in- STORY: Janice Witherow cluding several newly constructed bath houses. The Ken Whiting, Whiting’s Foods, Inc. storm, the third in two Ken Whiting’s professional months, threw large waves life is dedicated to managing his family’s food service on the pier structures, badly business at the Santa Cruz damaging the Old Mill and www.RollerCoasterMuseum.org Beach Boardwalk, where Roller Coaster. About 40 Whiting’s Foods, Inc., is the feet of railroad track, partly largest supplier of food and beverage to the California protected by a newly constructed concrete seaside amusement park. wall was also destroyed. Repairs would be Ken also founded WAVES made quickly in time for the park’s formal for Success, a system focus- opening in May. ing on improving workplace performance specifically geared toward teenagers; •1920: Ontario Lake Park, Oswego, New plus consults the recre- York would open its second season in May Munch ational industry on provid- with a new roller coaster. Owner Harry ing cost-effective solutions with guaranteed results. He Morton made the announcement April 2, adding that the is also the chairperson of park would have several new attractions, including the IAAPA’s Food and Beverage coaster. He reported that the designer would be on site Committee and is very ac- tive in his local community. later in the month to begin work on the new ride, which Ken’s “can-do” spirit, enthu- would take four weeks to construct. Maximum height was siasm and leadership skills to be 40 feet with an expenditure of about $30,000. The one thing I always seem to put off is … are keys to his success. He is an avid runner and has completed more than 50 Staying current on emails. They keep coming and marathons and triathlons. Ken and his wife Renee coming and coming. •1930: Keeping on top of the news, E.B. Merritt, the gen- have three daughters. eral manager of Luna Park, Coney Island (Brooklyn), New My “must-see” television show is … York, announced on April 22, that the famous park would The show “24” … and hopefully Jack is back. Title add a Cyclorama of Little America, Richard E. Byrd’s President, Whiting’s Food Conces- sions, Inc. If I could live next door to any celebrity it would base in the Antarctic. Set to open May 17, it would include Founder, WAVES For Success be … a 350 foot diameter painting costing $25,000 depicting Partner, North Star Food & Bever- It would have been Walt Disney. Sitting around Byrd’s first base on the seventh continent, which was origi- age Associates brainstorming with him as he transitioned this industry would have been amazing. nally established in January 1929. Number of years in the industry Nearly 40 and counting. I can’t Whiting The most adventurous thing I have done lately is … •1940: The Zanesville Signal newspaper visited Moxahala believe it’s been that long. That’s simple… training for an Ironman Triathlon, which will take place the end of March. Proves Park, in Zanesville, Ohio on April 30, to report that the Best thing about the industry that peer pressure is alive at any age! parks famous Blue Streak roller coaster was in the middle The people working in it, and the passion and of being dismantled. For many years one of the main at- creativity they bring to their workplace. Ultimate movie soundtrack tractions at the local park, the John A. Miller ride would It would have to be a compilation from all the be rebuilt at Americana Park, in Middletown, Ohio. Favorite amusement ride Rocky movies. The latest greatest roller coaster…that I don’t have to wait in line for to ride. Do you: stick to your plans or “wing it”? •1960: Freedomland, the new park in the Bronx, New I subscribe to one of the principles from the book York, saturated the newspapers nationwide with press re- Good To Great; planning is everything but plans If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry, I leases in late April announcing the parks grand opening would be … mean nothing. I wing it! Either on stage doing something or in a capacity to in June. The 205-acre park, which took only 11 months serve others. Something make-believe that you wish was real to construct, was designed to tell the “Whole American A government that works together to serve the Story” in themed areas reflecting two centuries of Amer- interests of all. Sadly, true leadership from our Biggest challenge facing our industry ican history. The Los Angeles Times would even report Given that we are all so labor intensive, I’d have to elected officials has become “make believe.” say the workplace readiness of our seasonal team that Freedomland was bigger than Disneyland! The park and development of our staffs. My secret talent is … closed after the 1964 season, blaming competition from Little known fact — I can ride a Unicycle. the New York World’s Fair, just 12 miles away. The thing I like most about amusement/water park season is … I really love my … —Compiled by NRCMA Historian, Richard Munch The ability to test new products and services and Wife, family, friends and work colleagues. get instant feedback from guests and staff My go-to cocktail is … The last time I ate fast food was … Corona Light is about as much as I can handle. Let’s just say I sell a lot more than I eat! P.O. Box 5427 5-time Award Winner My favorite dinner spot is … Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 (817) 460-7220 My all-time best vacation was … In a home with family and friends. Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397) Hanging out in Cabo (Mexico), doing nothing. When I say baseball, you say … Find us on Facebook It’s spring time! My favorite thing about this Time for me to check out the foodservice in differ- facebook.com/amusementtoday season is … ent ballparks. And… Go Giants! Longer days, sunshine…and visitors pouring in to If my life was a sitcom, it would be called … the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Follow us on Twitter The Best is Yet to Come. twitter.com/amusementtoday Favorite flavor of ice cream Banana Split Dippin’ Dots. Best rainy day activity Something indoors. Subscribe to our YouTube channel Get a free QR Code scanner for your phone youtube.com/amusementtoday by visting www.mobiletag.com. 4 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014

passengers are treated to a its many tons of concrete and EL LOCO custom soundtrack featuring artificial scenery, was enor- Continued from page 1 Latin, Hip Hop and rock mu- mous and took three months. sation that they may run into sic via a surround-sound sys- We also had to ensure that the Canyon Blaster or even touch tem built into each seat. coaster would have reasonable the top of the dome. It creates a The coaster’s brazen con- clearance from the dome’s truly thrilling experience.” cluding element — developed ceiling and other attractions.” exclusively for this installa- In addition to designing An extra-wild mouse tion — is a reverse 240-degree and engineering El Loco, S&S The undulating, expecta- roll that dives into an inverted built its controls in-house. tion-defying El Loco certainly drop. It provides an alarming Millennium Elastomers of packs a lot of action into its amount of pocket-emptying Gardena, Calif., supplied swift 72-second running time. upside down hang time just the coaster vehicles’ super- Its 1,300 feet of bright yellow before an abrupt but smooth quiet, urethane-based vehicle track include a rapid, 90-foot stop in the loading station. wheels, while the molded lift hill ascent followed by a Thanks to the constantly foam padding for the seats high lateral-G hairpin turn shifting visual, physical and and restraints was created by and a greater-than-straight- aural sensations of the coaster, the Ralph S. Alberts Co,, Inc., down diving drop. its re-rideability factor is ex- of Montoursville, Pa. Then things really get cra- tremely high. This, combined El Loco is but one of many zy. with the site constraints and improvements at the reener- Negotiating a spaghetti costs that prevent The Adven- gized Circus Circus property. bowl of unruly rails at peak turedome from introducing Guest rooms, gambling areas, speeds of 45 mph, each four- major new attractions regu- eateries and meeting space all passenger vehicle — sporting larly, was a key consideration have recently been refurnished a very compact, open-carriage in the decision by Circus Cir- or completely remodeled. The design — negotiates sudden, cus and its parent company, Race and Sports Book also has outwardly banked curves MGM Resorts International, to been renovated and now fea- and dips that catch riders off- go with El Loco. tures 32 large high-definition guard. While being tossed Characterized by Nolan television monitors along with Riders enjoy the thrilling drops and extreme track banking about comfortably by El Loco, as “the right attraction for our a 103-inch screen featuring the on the new El Loco, now open at Circus Circus’s Adventure- needs and budget,” El Loco is game of the day. dome. COURTESY THE ADVENTUREDOME AT CIRCUS CIRCUS only the second of its kind in El Loco is included in the FAST FACTS the U.S. — the other is Steel among local residents and me- Jack Morris, the property’s purchase of a $29.95 Adven- Hawg at Indiana Beach in dia. assistant chief engineer and turedome Premium all-day Name/Park Monticello, Ind. — and the “As with all our rides, senior project manager, who ride pass or a $10 single ride El Loco/ sixth in the world. It repre- safety is our No. 1 concern,” handled El Loco’s construc- ticket. Passengers must be at The Adventuredome, sents both the next generation said Nolan, who’s now in his tion, contracting and multiple least 48 inches to ride. Circus Circus, of thrills and a hybrid attrac- 23rd year with Circus Cir- permits, among myriad other •www.circuscircus.com Las Vegas, Nev. tion of sorts for S&S, which in- cus. “El Loco has a number details. “The demolition of the •www.adventuredome.com stalled the Big Shot tower ride of unique elements that make Rim Runner flume alone, with Type atop the Stratosphere Tower it a thrill-a-second ride, and Inverting wild mouse in Las Vegas in 1996 and seven this extensive testing process coaster years later acquired legend- ensures that every rider has a Tim Timco promoted at S&S ary, Utah-based steel coaster safe and fun experience. We Opening Date manufacturer Arrow Dynam- took our time and did it right.” LOGAN, Utah — Amid February 18, 2014 ics — maker of the Canyon news of the company’s re- Blaster and, in the Vegas gate- A dome deal cent product successes, in- Height/Length/Speed way of Primm, Nev., the Des- According to Chad Sever- cluding the February debut 90 feet/1,300 feet/ perado. ance, project manager of S&S, of its El Loco roller coaster 45 mph (maximum) Circus Circus first contact- creating an attraction for The at The Adventuredome ed S&S about a possible new Adventuredome with acrobat- in Las Vegas, S&S~Sansei First Drop coaster in 2006 and was nearly ics rivaling those of the long- Technologies, Inc., has an- 90 degrees-plus produc- ready to proceed in 2007 when running Big Top performance nounced the promotion of ing negative 1.5 vertical G the economy suddenly turned. above the main Circus Circus Tim Timco to the position of Consultations resumed in lat- casino floor required team- vice president of sales and Features ter 2012 and El Loco was an- work. marketing. 45-degree outward nounced in February of last “There was a lot of back In his new role, Timco banking curves, hairpin year. and forth between S&S, Circus will be responsible for the turns, barrel rolls As a cutting-edge small- Circus and site planners to get oversight of all sales and footprint attraction custom- El Loco to fit in here — it had marketing efforts and direc- Custom Element ized for The Adventuredome, to be brought in piece by piece tion of the company’s global Timco Reverse 240-degree roll which sits on a massive, five- through a ten-foot door,” Sev- sales team. into inverted drop at end acre concrete platform above erance told AT at the ride’s Timco joined S&S in aspects of operations. the main lobby entrance and opening, noting that logistical 2013, as a certified attrac- Timco’s promotion “will Number of Cars west parking area of Circus planning, design modification tions executive, bringing to only strengthen the posi- Six (4 passengers each) Circus, El Loco required rigor- and construction took about 15 the role more than three de- tion of S&S in the amuse- ous testing as well as a variety months. “We gave all the specs cades of experience within ment industry,” said Rich Duration/Capacity of technical considerations to the park’s engineering team the amusement, attractions Allen, president and CEO 72 sec./1,100 pph before it was even commis- for review. The early integra- and entertainment indus- of S&S. “His highly effective sioned. The park had to clear tion between us and the Circus tries. During his 26 years of planning abilities and integ- Designer & a few building code hurdles to Circus team minimized most working with major interna- rity will continue to enable Manufacturer obtain a Clark County operat- technical challenges.” tional ticketing suppliers, he the company’s organiza- S&S~Sansei ing permit and put the coaster “Building the ride inside oversaw planning, market- tional growth and business Technologies, Inc., through 2,000 “safety cycles” the dome required quite a ing and sales while also as- success.” Logan, Utah — causing a bit of impatience lot of coordination,” echoed sisting in management of all —Dean Lamanna April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5 6 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014

GTA Ad 06 2013.indd 1 8/22/13 2:01 PM April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7 SPOTLIGHT — FOOD & CONCESSIONS Outdoor food trailer manufacturers continue to meet customer needs STORY: Pam Sherborne [email protected]

GIBSONTON, Fla. — Food concession trailer manufacturers at this year’s International Independant Showmen’s Foundation Ex- travaganza exhibited their newest for attendees. Two of the industry’s top manufacturers of food concession trailers, Waymatic Inc. and Schantz Mfg. Inc., reached a milestone this year, celebrat- ing 60th anniversaries simul- Tom Nuttall, Trailex, stands under the new LED message taneously. board which can be installed into the corners of Trailex’s food One company, Trailex, concession trailers. Nuttall is the former owner of Caravans was not only sporting a new Unlimited. Trailex purchased that company last October. The ownership but also new LED Raymond Schantz, Schantz Mfg. Co., stands outside one of two companies had a long history of working together. the company’s newest trailers custom made for Ray Cam- programmable screens, while AT/PAM SHERBORNE another, Midway Stainless mack Shows. AT/PAM SHERBORNE Fabricators, exhibited new food carts. And, Hitch-Hiker Manu- facturing, showed off another of its new, tried and true custom designs food trailers. Waymatic had one of its newest trailers, made for Grif- fin Gillette’s Polar Bear Ice Cream, on exhibit, at the IISF event in February. Gillette had taken photos of his ice cream products and Waymatic used them on the signage. In addition, Gillette Midway Stainless Fabricators exhibited one of its newest had located a large fiberglass food carts at the IISF this year. The cart features the dome life-sized cow, painted it pur- trailer top as well as sneezeguards. ple and it now stands beside AT/PAM SHERBORNE the trailer. “The trailer has LED light- year, offers a variety of fea- pany’s new LED programma- ing inside and outside,” said tures, sizes and lighting for his ble signs. David Easterwood, whose fa- custom food concession trail- “We have put the signs on ther, T.J. Easterwood, started ers the corners,” Carbon said. “It the company 60 years ago. “Trailex and Caravans cost a little more, but they are “This is the first all LED light- Unlimited have a long histo- great for showing on the mid- ed trailer for the industry.” ry of working together,” said way.” Shantz was showing one Carl Carbon, Trailex, speak- Chabon said the signs can of its newest trailers at the Gib- ing on the new company that be programmed for up to 45 sonton show as well, a sweets combines the two companies different pictures. It is very trailer to go to Ray Cammack and uses the Trailex name. easy to program and change Shows. The trailer uses Shan- Tom Nuttall, former own- text and is bright even on a tz’s retractable trailer design er of Caravans Unlimited, is sunny day on the midway. so that its sits one step off the still in command of the design The signs can be changed on David Easterwood, left, and Dave Gilbert, Waymatic Inc., ground making it easier on the and building of all the units. site or an owner may load stand outside the trailer being exhibited at the 2014 IIFE backs of those working in the Trailex bought Caravans last changes on a jump drive and, trade show. The new trailer was built for Griffin Gillette’s Po- trailers. October. after arriving on location, can lar Bear Ice Cream. It is adorned by photos taken by Gillette Shantz, also in its 60th Carbon showed the com- 4See TRAILERS, page 9 of his actual products. AT/PAM SHERBORNE

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Toll Free: (800) 395-9980 • email: [email protected] • www.sippersbydesign.com 8 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014 SPOTLIGHT — FOOD & CONCESSIONS Berk inks agreement with Vegware has partnered with Lake Compounce and will open WARREN, Ohio and EDINBURGH, U.K. — a restaurant in the park, across from the Carousel Victor Products shows equipment at Gibtown Berk Enterprises, Inc. has entered into an exclusive this May. This family owned business was named by partnership with Vegware Ltd., a U.K. based com- Fox News as number one in a list of Top 10 Hot Dog pany that manufactures enviromentally friendly and Stands in the U.S., and attracts celebrities including biogradable spoons, forks, knives, plates and cups. Jay Leno, Martha Stewart, and Food Network super- “Berk is now the sole distributor of the product stars Giada de Laurentiis and Guy Fieri just to name line,” said Bob Berk, company president. “It is earth a few. This will be the only Pink’s location on the friendly and should become very popular for the East Coast. green movement.” “Their long standing history, family oriented Vegware makes its products from renewable or culture and guest service makes them a perfect fit for recycled materials. Lake Compounce”, says Lake Compounce General Aside from the Vegware line, Berk has an array Manager Jerry Brick. “The story of how they started of new products for the 2014 season. Some of those is really neat, and now it’s probably one of the most include beverage corn cups, lemonade toppers, plas- famous hot dog stands in the country.” tic mason jar cups and braided yard glasses. Signature dogs on the menu will include the The company also has new kids’ cups and kids’ Lord of the Rings, the Martha Stewart, and the Gia- Victor Products Co. exhibited a new fryer and a new da which is piled high with sautéed peppers, onions entree dishes that include a place to hold crayons. dough maker at this year’s International Independent and mushrooms, chopped tomato and shredded In addition, the company has a new double Showmen’s Foundation trade show held the first week of welled drink cup with a split straw. The cups are mozzarella. February in Gibsonton, Fla. The company supplies and dis- used to combine two different flavors as they come “Bringing Pink’s to Connecticut is like having a through the straw. little bit of Hollywood on the East Coast” says fam- tributes an array of products for the food concessionaires The company is divided into three division with ily member and co-owner Richard Pink. “We love such as pizza ovens, ice machines, grills, and refrigeration Berk Concession Supply handling the fair, festival that our hot dogs have been made famous in TV and for a variety of different companies. Company President and entertainment industry. movies and are the favorites of countless movie stars Mitch Zinder was unable to make the trade show this who visit our Hollywood location, and we’re excited year so Brian Lynn, left, and Marty Zinder, right, created Lake Compounce gets Pink’s Hot Dogs to bring that fun and delicious experience to Lake his image at the tradeshow booth by placing head shot of Compounce for their guests to enjoy.” him on a Liberace life-size poster. BRISTOL/SOUTHINGTON, Conn. — Pink’s opens at Lake Compounce on May 17. Pink’s Hot Dogs, a Hollywood Legend since 1939, AT/PAM SHERBORNE

Dollywood, Knoebel’s continue to offer some of the industry’s best foods STORY: Pam Sherborne [email protected]

In 2013 Dollywood, Pi- geon Forge, Tenn., and Knoeb- els Amusement Resort tied for Amusement Today’s Golden Ticket Award for Best Food. So, as both parks enter the 2014 season, park officials are tweaking food operations to continue to make them the best they can be. Dollywood, which has 35 food venues, offers an array of unique geographical foods “but also strive(s) to have the best in traditional theme park cuisine,” said Pete Owens, the park’s director of public relations. “We always add new food options, especially at the festi- Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tenn., tied with Knoebels Amuse- Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, Pa., has a number vals,” Owens said. “We test them ment Resort for Amusement Today’s 2013 Golden Ticket of regular customers that “eat their way through the park,” with our internal staff and then Award for Best Food. Dollywood has 35 food venues and according to park owner Dick Knoebel. There is an array of do a park tasting.” strives to offer a variety to include the flavors of its geo- food offerings for all ages. Catering (seen here) is a popular One interesting project un- graphical location. Dollywood park visitors not only love the aspect of the food operations with the barbecue chicken and derway is a custom flavor that aroma of the food but love being able to see the food laid all the fixin’s served along with it. Dippin Dots has created for Dol- COURTESY KNOEBELS lywood. It is called Fire Chaser out and cut in this open fashion. COURTESY DOLLYWOOD Cherry Bomb in honor of the are guests favorites,” Owens said. Knoebels’ park officials continue featuring the park’s food. Also popular at the park is park’s new FireChaser Express. Owens said trends he is see- to add new items every year and “I told them that it is because the catering aspect. Knoebel said It is a sour cherry limeade with ing are an increase in the number continue to tweak what is work- I eat all my meals here,” Knoebel they serve their barbecue chicken popping candy. of guests requiring gluten free ing and what is not. said. “And, that goes for today.” at the catering events and it is “It was really a favorite when foods along with guests with “In our food court, we have Right before the Food Chan- definitely a favorite. we tested it at the local Boys and multiple food allergies. four windows,” Knoebel said. nel visited the park, Knoebel For guests not attending a Girls Club,” Owens said. “I also think guests are look- “The original combination in- said they began offering alligator special event, they can find the The most popular foods at ing for a tie-in or a way to com- cluded an Italian food window, bites. barbecue chicken at the Oasis Dollywood remain the comfort plete the experience of the festi- but it just wasn’t working. We “We had people come Cafe on Saturdays and Sundays. foods and/or foods that have an val,” he said. changed it to a World Deli and through here on their way some- Knoebels’ has regular night- entertainment element to the Dick Knoebel, Knoebels that seems to be working much where else just to try the alligator ly specials that are listed on the cooking process, Downs said. Amusement Resort, Elysburg, better.” bites,” he said. “People eat their website so regular guests will Some of those foods include Pa., said his park has about 20 When asked what he thought way through this park. We have know ahead of time. chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, food venues and there is the pos- made the food operations top at free admission and free parking, Another favorite food, the philly steak, and sausage sand- sibility of adding another cotton his park, he said, “I was asked the so we have guests just come for stewed chicken waffles with gra- wiches. candy/Philadelphia cheese steak same question a couple of years the food. They have their own vy, can be found at the Alamo “After that, the three buffets stand this year. Like Dollywood, ago when the Food Channel was routes.” Dining Room. April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9 SPOTLIGHT — FOOD & CONCESSIONS TRAILERS Continued from page 7 just insert the drive. Trailex’s custom series of food concession trailers are available up to 28 feet in length and offer a variety of options. With Caravans Un- limited, Trailex now handles all aspects of trailer building from concept design to final delivery. Midway Stainless manu- Hitch-Hiker Manufacturing exhibited its new Mr. Sticky’s factures a variety of booths, food concession trailer at this year’s IISF trade show. At this year’s International Independent Showmen’s Founda- carts and kiosks for the out- AT/PAM SHERBORNE tion’s trade show in Gibsonton, Fla., Gold Medal displayed door amusement business in- ing was sporting its new Mr. four to six feet wide, with alu- its new “no more tools” cotton candy machines. The com- dustry. This year at the IISF Sticky’s trailer. Hitch-Hiker minum cabinet doors, retract- pany’s Bo Wilson said the machines are easily dismantled event, the company showed has been making custom food able axle option, LED lighting, for cleaning and maintenance with no tools, saving time and one of its newest carts, which trailers since 1969. advanced upper and lower efficiency. They also meet all UL (Underwriters Laboratories) features a trailer dome top, The company manufac- graphic packages including and NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) standards, as does as well as sneezegards. It is a turers anything from smaller the push-button controlled all Gold Medal products. Wilson said the machines, “were cart, but looks more like a por- ticket booths and kiosks to its marquee wings and formica or over a year in the making.” Gold Medal’s larger cotton candy table food trailer. grand “7 Series” food trailer, stainless counter tops, among machines are about two years away from being “toolless.” Hitch-Hiker Manufactur- which can be 21 to 28 feet long, other options. AT/PAM SHERBORNE 10 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014 SPOTLIGHT — FOOD & CONCESSIONS Enhanced and specialized menus on the rise Aquatica, SeaWorld San Diego symbolize improving park ‘tastes’

STORY: Dean Lamanna fresh and you can smell the sary of SeaWorld San Diego, [email protected] soy sauce in the air and hear Dirolf will also roll out savory the sizzle, that’s a ‘good wait’ hamburger specialties with in- SAN DIEGO, Calif. — — and one that connects team novative toppings like hoisin- Snack-oriented goodies like members with our guests, as honey pulled pork and warm cotton candy, funnel cake, hot well. My earliest observation coleslaw, as well as revamped dogs and pizza have formed upon entering this business desserts. “Every one of our the backbone of food service at is that we had team members major food service locations amusement and theme parks standing behind a line putting will serve a 50th anniversary for decades. But by the end their head down, focusing on specialty item,” he said. of the last century, attitudes what they were preparing. It The parks additionally toward the role of sustenance wasn’t that they were doing make menu and food prepa- in the overall park-going ex- a bad job; it’s just that they ration accommodations for perience began to shift — with weren’t connecting with our guests on gluten-free diets some corporate chains and guests. By interacting with our and those with food allergies. family operations offering guests, it creates more own- “We have a very strong al- healthier noshing options and ership — and therefore more lergen program across all the even first-rate gourmet eater- pride in creating fresher and SeaWorld and Busch Gardens ies. better food.” parks,” the chef said. Today, more than ever, Among the chef’s new Dirolf believes serving food service is being reevalu- Aquatica and SeaWorld offer- great food can give parks a ated and revamped by parks ings this year, with a Pacific competitive edge. to become a more memorable Rim flair: Shrimp Salad (with “I’m really blessed to be part of the overall guest ex- crispy miso noodles), Chicken surrounded by creative people perience. And in the trend- Tender Salad (with pineapple who are not afraid to be bold setting Southern California salsa) and Chocolate Macada- — and that’s one of our mot- market, SeaWorld San Diego mia Funnel Cake. He also will tos: ‘To be fresh and bold,’” and its new sister water park, roll out a cart-based gourmet he said. “If people stay in the Aquatica San Diego, are at the hot dog concept at both parks. park and eat with us, we’ve ac- vanguard of the in-park foodie To mark the 50th anniver- complished our goal.” movement. Food that makes you go “Ahhhh!”: Axel Dirolf, executive Axel Dirolf, executive chef of culinary operations for the SeaWorld and Aquatica chef of culinary operations parks in San Diego, shows off some of his fresh-chicken grill- for the two SeaWorld proper- ing skills at SeaWorld’s Dock House Baja Grill. ties, heads up the company’s COURTESY MIKE AGUILERA/SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO second-largest food depart- like me to stay current and park guests every day. “I send ment nationally and the larg- cutting edge,” Dirolf said with my ideas to the management est private bakery in Southern a laugh. and invite team members to California. He is given wide While traditional bestsell- look at them; they give me latitude to create and experi- ers like hot dogs and chicken honest feedback. It takes com- ment with the menus in order tenders will always have a munication, as well as the abil- to achieve max tantalization. place in the parks, demo- ity to adapt and adjust. “I don’t believe food in a graphics and personal obser- “I know we chefs are al- theme park should be exactly vations and research all come ways known for our having as it is expected to be,” said Di- into play in Dirolf’s develop- big egos — I have my own!” rolf, a native of Germany who, ment and continual tweaking he adds, chuckling. “But at the with extensive worldwide cu- of the varied menus at Sea- same time, what teaching has linary credentials, joined Sea- World and Aquatic. taught me is also to listen.” World in 2011. “I think it can “We are different than our Dirolf prides himself on be just like in an upscale resort sister park in Orlando simply using fresh locally available — it should be enjoyable, it because we have a different and/or California-grown in- The Islander Salad, should be fun. You can come group of guests coming to us,” gredients whenever possibil- with fresh strawber- for Shamu at SeaWorld or the the chef noted. “The classic ity, the flexibility SeaWorld ries, crispy wonton and slides at Aquatica, but you can California fusion has strong allows in adapting the menus feta cheese (above) also enjoy the food offerings Latin and Asian influences. By to accommodate the seasonal tempts the taste buds here.” infusing this into the park, by availability of fresh ingredi- of diners at SeaWorld’s Being a 20-year resident bringing in the diversity and ents several times a year. “It’s Pineapple Pete’s Island of the San Diego area — Di- creativity, we really have a not typical of a theme park to Eats, while guests can rolf was a full-time teacher at lot more people talking about change menus that often be- choose between two the culinary school of The Art the food. They’re recognizing cause it’s time-consuming and tacos, loaded nachos, Institute of California prior to what we’re doing with items expensive,” he said. a burrito tray or the landing at SeaWorld, and he like our French Fry Cone, The chef also is bullish on salad — all topped continues to lecture there — which is topped with pulled dish preparation and presen- with flame-broiled has helped the chef stay on pork and is unique and deli- tation as a key guest memory- citrus chili chicken — at top of food tastes and trends cious.” maker. the Dock House locally and regionally. Dirolf’s own R&D is an “There’s no such thing as Baja Grill. “That relationship with open process involving speak- a ‘good wait’ in a theme park,” COURTESY younger students and young- ing with his food service team said Dirolf, “but when you MIKE AGUILERA / er chefs inspires an old man members, his students and wait for your food being made SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 11 SPOTLIGHT — FOOD & CONCESSIONS Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine transforms restaurant into Lodge Wood Fire Grill STORY: Tim Baldwin Great Wolf Lodge [email protected] has seen higher revenue with GRAPEVINE, Texas — shareable appetiz- Operators of indoor water ers and the smaller park resorts know the ad- and tempting Mini- vantages of keeping guests Sweets for dessert. on property exploring all the AT/TIM BALDWIN retail, entertainment and dining options available. Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine has upped their game by upgrad- ing a restaurant previously opened as Camp Critter into a new dining experience called Lodge Wood Fire Grill. The restaurant makeover took about two weeks of re- modeling, making it inac- tive only for a short period of time. The columns of the restaurant had newly added ironwork and LED lights in- corporated to give a fire effect to the ambience. Michael Phelps, director of food and beverage for Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine, says the menu differs by the enhancement of the wood fired grill itself. Menu items now trend a little more upscale, with a strong variety of fish, steaks, chicken and other grilled items. Families can easily find a wide variety of options including burgers, elaborate salads, ribs and pas- ta, all accented by wood-fired meats and vegetables. “Our Family Shareable section is just that,” says Phelps. “Start- er items can be shared with the family, such as Crisp Chili Rubbed Wings.” This dish features 10 jumbo smoked wings basted with barbeque butter. Phelps also has a fond- ness for the Firecracker Cala- mari appetizer. Wood fired dinners are served with grilled vegetables, with other side items being available a la carte. Din- ers opting for baked potatoes to accompany their entrees will find a great presenta- tion upon serving. Toppings come arranged in a wrought iron ramekin stand that bor- ders between fancy and fun. It definitely makes one’s eyes light up in surprise upon the arrival of dinner. While the evening hours have more upscale options, burgers and sandwiches are available for both lunch and 4See GRILL, page 13 12 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014 SPOTLIGHT — FOOD & CONCESSIONS Luna Park keeps guests satisfied with varied dining options Improved dining options continue to enhance guest’s park experience

STORY: Scott Rutherford as well as take-out, while the [email protected] outdoor patio offers full ser- CONEY ISLAND, N.Y. — vice dining for guests. The ongoing revamping of Co- Carousell Grill ney Island’s amusement zone The Carousell Grill under the direction of Central opened in 2013 and offers fun Amusements International snack options for the entire (CAI) is not limited to only family to enjoy. rides and entertainment. CAI Luna Park offers many officials also made sure that a other dining options through- varied number of dining op- out the parks and on the board- tions were a major component walk, from Nathan’s Famous of their master plan to make Hot Dogs, Uncle Louie G. Ital- Luna Park and the Coney Is- ian Ices, Maui Wowi Hawaiian land Boardwalk an entire “day Smoothies, Pie Face Sweet and out” for visitors. Savory Pies and more. “Over the past four seasons, Luna Park has grown into an iconic destination for visitors from all across the world. We are constantly developing new thrills and family fun entertainment for “At Luna Park our guests guests of all ages, and working can enjoy a variety of deli- to ensure that their every need cious foods which include is met,” said Valerio Ferrari, traditional American cuisine president of Central Amuse- at the Cyclone Café, Mexican- ment International, which inspired dishes at Place to operates Luna Park. “With Beach and a variety of sum- the expansion of our food ser- mer favorites and snacks at vices, we have created a con- the Carousell Grill,” said Brian venient way for guests to not Williams, general manager of only enjoy our many rides, but CAI Foods. “We are looking also take in a delicious bite to forward to a great 2014 season eat.” filled with new culinary experiences and entertainment for all of our visitors.” Cyclone Cafe The Cyclone Cafe was At Coney Island’s Luna Park renovated prior to the 2013 guests can enjoy a wide season, and now offers a vari- variety of delicious foods ety of traditional amusement which include traditional park favorites. CAI Foods also American cuisine at the Cy- installed a brick oven and now clone Café (top), Mexican- offers guests authentic, fresh- inspired dishes at Place to tossed Brooklyn-style pizza. Beach (above and left) and a Place to Beach variety of summer favorites Place to Beach opened in and snacks at the Carousell 2013 and offers Mexican-style Grill. COURTESY CAI cuisine, signature cocktails and a large selection of draft beer. The boardwalk side of the restaurant offers seating

NEW Items! April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 13 SPOTLIGHT — FOOD & CONCESSIONS Enhanced GRILL décor and up- Continued from page 11 scale wood-fired entrées including dinner. salmon and this Dessert offers a lighter fancy and fun approach with Mini Sweets. setup for baked Small glasses of numerous potatoes make dessert concoctions such as dining a pleasure pudding, red velvet cake, at Great Wolf cheesecake, S’mores, ber- Lodge’s new ry trifle or salted caramel Lodge Wood Grill. brownie tempt the taste buds AT/TIM BALDWIN for just a little something following dinner. The restaurant also features a full service bar with FOOD & CONCESSIONS several beers on tap, craft beers and imports. Parents MARKET PLACE opting for wine or a signature mixed cocktail will find an ample selection to complement their vacation dinner. While dining, patrons are seated in an upper level of the restaurant. Windows overlook the outdoor waterpark portion of the resort, while a railing allows children and families to overlook the Scooops kids spa below, as well as the storytime area. When Amusement Today asked Phelps about the guest reaction to the new restaurant concept, he reports: “It has been very positive. From the taste and presentations to the price point. There is a significant increase in revenue due to the Family Shareables and Mini Sweets for 2.50 each.” He smiles, “You can’t refuse them.” Phelps says Great Wolf made a commitment in 2013 to upgrade the experience in the restaurant. Not only did they accomplish this just as the year was closing out, but Providing the Mason, Ohio, location also Mobile And Permanent took upon the transforma- Food Preparation And Sales Solutions. tion. He expects other Great HITCH-HIKER MFG. 330.542.3052 Wolf locations to be rolling out in 2014. Lodge Wood Fired Grill joins The Loose Moose Cot- tage breakfast buffet venue, which during peak periods also offers a dinner buffet. Spirit Island Snack Shop allows guests to ward off hunger without leaving the waterpark. Other snack options Our top priority is your bottom line are available to resort guests, including Bear Paw Sweets & Eats for those sudden sweet Knoxville: Ken Bell — (865) 661-9712 tooth cravings. The resort Atlanta: Jim Hartley — (770) 725-1400 boasts Executive Chef Nick Baker who has had 15 years www.paams.com of experience in the food and beverage industry following his training from the Culinary Keep our amusement park industry strong! Institute of America. Buy products and services from these suppliers. 14 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014 April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 15 INTERNATIONAL Hong Kong Disneyland enjoys record 2013; announces third hotel — See BUSINESS Page 37 Sea World Australia adds Mack Rides water coaster STORY: Andrew Mellor [email protected] GOLD COAST, Australia — A new water coaster from German manufacturer Mack Rides is now thrilling visitors to Sea World on Australia’s Gold Coast. The new Storm Coaster attraction, which has been built on the site of the now removed Bermuda Triangle water ride, is themed on the destruction of a shipping port which has been hit by a tropical storm. Boats, cars, shipping containers and other de- Sea World Australia’s Storm bris can be seen all around the Coaster is themed on a ship- ride area and the storyline is ping port (right) which has based on everyone in the vi- been hit by a tropical storm. cinity having to be evacuated Above, the ride features six, using Coast Guard Rescue eight-seater boats providing boats. the park with a 970 passen- With a track length of 475 ger rides per hour capacity. meters (1,558 feet), the expe- COURTESY MACK RIDES 4See SEA WORLD, page 16 Gardaland to debut new family area and more in 2014 VERONA, Italy — Gardaland in northern time themed machine. With its own compass Italy will debut a brand new area aimed at rose it will incorporate ramps, ropes and plat- young children and their families at the start forms so that youngsters can climb all over it to of the 2014 season, along with additions to the explore all its features. park’s Sea Life Aquarium and hotel. Completing Prezzemolo Land will be a spa- Prezzemolo Land will be the big new de- cious dining area in the shape of a gear wheel velopment at the Merlin Entertainments owned where families will be able to choose from a site and will be a water play area based on a col- wide range of drinks and snacks. The new area orful world of games. At the center of the area will be linked to the Escape from Atlantis at- will be a large medieval castle featuring five tractions through a new, medieval-style bridge slides and surrounded by a range of water that will cross the Dugale, a natural water fea- games. Water cannons will also be featured for ture within the park. youngsters to defend the castle, while a tipping At the Gardaland Sea Life Aquarium the barrel above the entrance to the castle will soak new Paradiso delle Tartarughe — Turtle Para- those beneath it once it is full. dise — will be dedicated to various specimens In a square opposite the castle, 13 water of freshwater turtle, while at the Gardaland spurts will spring up from the ground at vari- Hotel, two new rooms themed on the park’s ous times to catch passers-by unaware, while Sea Life Aquarium will be available, along with two high speed, hot air machine guns will dry new décor for some standard rooms for special off wet participants. The multi-colored land occasions and surprises, such as birthdays and will also feature a host of rope bridges, slides, honeymoons. A new gourmet restaurant is also Prezzelomo Land will debut at Italy’s Gardaland at the start tunnels and climbing structures, as well as an due to be opened. of the 2014 season. COURTESY GARDALAND attraction called the Planetarium, a space and —Andrew Mellor 16 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014

modern theme park in Rus- SEA WORLD sia during 2014, currently be- Continued from page 15 ing completed in the Winter rience begins and ends in a Olympics city of Sochi. themed show building, with The park is adjacent to the the first part of the attraction Olympic arenas and the Mack incorporating familiar coaster attractions being supplied in- elements and the end featur- clude a launch coaster similar ing the main splashdown. A to the Blue Fire megacoaster variety of water, fire, lighting that operates at Europa-Park and audio effects are also used in Germany, owned by the within the inside section. Mack family. With four inver- Riders are seated in four sions, the coaster will incorpo- rows of two in one of six, eight- rate an electro-magnetic mo- seater boats which utilize a lap tor catapult system and will bar restraint system and the have a maximum height of 38 ride lasts approximately 171 meters (125 feet). Maximum seconds. The maximum height speed will be 105 km/h (65 reached is 28 meters (92 feet) mph), the track length will be and the maximum speed is 70 1,056 meters (3,465 feet) and km/h (43.5 mph). Hourly ca- rider capacity will be 1,250 pacity is around 970 riders. passengers per hour. In other news from Mack, In addition, Mack will also the company has also recently supply the park with a Wild announced it will be installing Mouse family coaster and a A new launch coaster from Mack Rides will soon be thrilling visitors to Sochi in Russia. three attractions in the most Tea Cup ride. COURTESY MACK RIDES Northern Ireland’s newest FEC adds Innovative Leisure to mix BELFAST, Ireland — Ad- of Ireland’s first Mobile Zip danger while its continuous Utilizing the base of three success in the future of We venture attractions specialist Line fresh from its IAAPA belay system provides total of the course’s poles is the Sky Are Vertigo. Innovative Leisure has an- 2011 launch. Since then, the safety. Innovative Leisure’s Tykes Junior Ropes Course. “Having worked with nounced its involvement in company has expanded into unique design allows partici- At a less intimidating height, Innovative Leisure on the the installation of Northern premises in Belfast’s New- pants to choose which direc- Sky Tykes enables children Mobile Zip Line, we were re- Ireland’s first Sky Trail High townbreda area and boasts tion they wish to take and to between the ages of two and ally keen to work with them Ropes Course and Sky Tykes an impressive range of attrac- overtake others. seven to take on their very again,” said owners Gareth Junior Ropes Course, as well tions. The course is suitable for first ropes course experience. and Lorna Murphy. “The Sky as an ice-themed Climbing We Are Vertigo has opt- children and adults alike. At Parents are able to guide their Trail High Ropes Course and Tower, at Belfast-based FEC ed for a Sky Trail Discovery peak capacity it is designed to child by hand through nine the Sky Tykes Junior Course We Are Vertigo. model which consists of 10 accommodate approximately rope elements designed to really fit our demographic Innovative Leisure’s rela- vertical poles, linked by 17 100 participants per hour, improve balance and decision and enable us to offer some- tionship with We Are Vertigo different physically demand- providing a superb additional making and to increase inde- thing for everyone here.” began in early 2012 when the ing rope elements. The course indoor attraction at We Are pendence. The course utilizes The early success of We operator became the owner creates a perceived sense of Vertigo. the same continuous belay Are Vertigo has been in part system as the large Sky Trail due to strong social media course above and can accom- marketing, with the compa- modate 10 children at once. ny’s Facebook page receiving Its addition to the Sky Trail over 13,000 ‘likes’ within the course rounds off a ropes first quarter. course experience the whole The Murphy’s continued: family can enjoy regardless of “We’re of course ecstatic to age. have begun so strongly with Eager to strengthen the great visitor numbers and ex- We Are Vertigo adventure at- cellent feedback from many traction offering further, In- of our visitors. We hope the novative Leisure has also in- products supplied to us by In- stalled a unique ice-themed novative Leisure can continue Stationary Climbing Tower. to make us one of Northern A staple of the Innovative Lei- Ireland’s best family enter- sure range since its founda- tainment centers. Innovative tion, the four climbing route Leisure gave us a really pro- tower utilizes the Hydraulic fessional service from initial Auto Belay system which proposals through instal- has been a key element of the lation and nothing was too product’s long-established much trouble.” popularity. The wall provides Innovative Leisure U.K. a challenge for four climbers Sales Manager Simon Cock- of any ability at any one time. erill said of the project: “In- With the center’s ski sim- novative Leisure is extremely ulator pulling in visitors from excited to be a part of We Are Innovative Leisure has announced its involvement in the installation of Northern Ireland’s all around, backed up by soft Vertigo’s ambitious project. first Sky Trail High Ropes Course and Sky Tykes Junior Ropes Course, as well as an ice- play and the exciting line-up This unique centre is truly themed Climbing Tower, at Belfast-based FEC We Are Vertigo. The course is suitable for of Innovative Leisure spe- ground-breaking and is a children and adults alike. At peak capacity it is designed to accommodate approximately cialist adventure attractions, blueprint for the FECs of the 100 participants per hour. COURTESY INNOVATIVE LEISURE it seems there could be great future.” April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 17 Asian Attractions Expo 2014 to feature record trade show floor, innovative products Registration open for novative new products across floor space sold at Asian At- to visit some of Beijing’s pre- June 17-20 event at more than 8,000 net square tractions Expo 2014 is a sign of mier attractions. Session top- Beijing’s China National meters of exhibit space, the the unprecedented growth in ics include safety, employee largest trade show floor in the the region,” said IAAPA Presi- engagement and retention, im- Convention Center event’s history. Registration dent and CEO Paul Noland. proving the guest experience, is open to attractions industry “As new attractions continue to marketing trends, what’s new BEIJING, China — Asian professionals only at www. launch in China, India, south- in Asia, and more. Attendees Attractions Expo 2014, pro- IAAPA.org/AsianAttraction- east Asia, and throughout the will experience guided tours duced by the International As- sExpo. region, Asian Attractions Expo of Happy Valley theme park, sociation of Amusement Parks The attractions industry is has become a can’t-miss in- The Great Wall of China, and and Attractions (IAAPA), rapidly growing in the Asia- ternational event for industry The Forbidden City including is the premier international Pacific region as several large professionals. IAAPA is proud Tiananmen Square. trade show and conference in new resorts, theme parks, wa- to be a partner in the develop- Additional information the region for the attractions ter parks, and other attractions services including amusement ment of the attractions indus- about Asian Attractions Expo industry. The event will bring are in development. As the and theme park development try in Asia Pacific.” 2014 is available at www.IAA- more than 5,000 professionals industry grows, Asian Attrac- and design, rides, motion Asian Attractions Expo PA.org/AsianAttractionsExpo. from the global attractions in- tions Expo is growing with it. simulators, water attractions, 2014 will also offer attendees Asian Attractions Expo 2014 is dustry to the China National More than 3,500 buyers from video and skill games, them- top-notch education sessions only open to attractions indus- Convention Center in Beijing, 60 countries will explore the ing, technology, food and bev- in both English and Man- try professionals; it is not open China, June 17-20. More than trade show floor for new, erage, and more. darin Chinese as well as op- to the general public. 275 companies will display in- state-of-the-art products and “The record amount of portunities for participants IE Park adds tower rides to growing product portfolio REGGIO EMILIA, Italy—Ital- on all models is simultaneous and customer in Dubai. ian ride manufacturer IE Park has hourly capacities range from 160 to “We are delighted to have add- added another selection of attrac- 320 riders. ed a selection of tower rides to our tions to its product portfolio with The towers incorporate brak- product range,” said IE Park Sales the introduction of a new line of ing systems which represent the Director Andrea Munari. “Our de- tower rides. latest and safest units of their type signers and engineers have pro- The new attractions offer cus- available and each product has duced a range which is suitable for tomers a choice of size, capacity and been designed to operate either both indoor and outdoor operation theming options and all are manu- indoors or outdoors, the latter in and I am confident they will prove factured using the latest hydraulic winds of up to 93 mph, Custom to be popular with operators of a and steel cable technologies. A va- colors and theming are also avail- variety of different venues.” riety of “drop and bounce” experi- able and all the towers are pro- ences have been created by IE Park duced according to the EN13814 Italian ride manufacturer IE Park technicians to provide both gentle standard. has added another selection of and more thrilling rides and to ca- Several IE Park tower rides attractions to its product port- ter to as broad a customer base as have already been delivered, the folio with the introduction of possible. first in August last year. They in- a new line of tower rides. The A wide choice of models com- clude a 12-seat, 52-foot tower to new attractions offer customers prise the line, two of which have Chenfull outdoor park in Taipei, a choice of size, capacity and a seating capacity of eight riders Taiwan featuring a Treehouse theming options. The towers with the other three having capaci- theme; a 52-foot, 16-seat tower in range in size from 18 to 95 feet, ties of 10, 12 and 16. The heights the Philippines; an 18-foot indoor seat eight, 10, 12 or 16 riders of the towers are 18 feet up to 95 tower at the Landmark Shopping and offer a variety of “drop and feet and all have the option of in- Mall in Doha, Qatar; a 65-foot tow- bounce” experiences. cluding fixed or rotating passenger er in Israel; and a 28-foot, 12-seat COURTESY IE PARK gondolas. Loading and unloading model with rotating gondola for a COMING IN MAY! AMusement today exclusively for D IGITAL EDITION iPad print subscribers Access all of the high-quality printed content you’ve come to expect from Amusment Today right on your tablet, phone or laptop! Plus, it’s Android and iOS compatible! Subscribe Now! www.amusementtoday.com/subscribe (817) 460-7220 18 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014 April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 19 PARKS & CARNIVALS Len Soled scores touchdown with SBF Toboggan Run during Super Bowl XLVIII — Page 28 Larson / ARM drop tower introduced at Traders Village STORY: Tim Baldwin ness is shopping, we have found [email protected] that our customers really enjoy having family entertainment GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas available during their visit,” — Recently this winter, Traders says Tim Anderson, president. Village in Grand Prairie, Texas, “During the past three years we added their biggest thrill to its have added seven additional ride line-up. A Larson/ARM rides and activities in Grand drop tower made its debut in Prairie and six additional rides early February to screams of in Houston. We are currently eager riders. Despite its high adding six additional rides in thrill, those stepping aboard San Antonio as well.” Today, ranged greatly in age, to the the Grand Prairie facility has 11 bravest young thrill-seekers just rides and attractions among its making the height requirement line-up. to the older shocked onlookers Up to this time, the vari- watching first. ety of rides have been children Just mere days after Trad- oriented or family-friendly flat ers Village celebrated its 40th rides. The drop tower clearly anniversary this past Novem- amps up the thrill factor. ber, ground preparation began “The Larson Super Shot for the arrival of the ride at the has been a great ride for Trad- beginning of the year. Installa- ers Village,” beams Anderson. tion was a quick process and “The ride is very compact and now the facility’s ride package brings an extra element of thrill has grown by one. At 140 feet to our ride mix.” As Traders tall, the ride is the tallest struc- Village is a flea market, the ride ture at Traders Village. has been cleverly dubbed Flea “The new Super Shot Drop Fall. When AT asked Anderson Tower is the tallest ride at Trad- if he was the one who came up ers Village and can be seen from with the name, he smiled and The Flea Fall, a Larson/ARM the major highways I-20 and admitted he was. Super Shot tower, is the first Hwy 360,” says Jeff Novotny, Mike Gill, president of true thrill ride for Traders Vil- president of Larson Internation- ARM adds, “My opportunity lage, a flea market in Grand al. “The team at Traders Village to work with Tim Anderson is great to work with on all lev- and all of the members of the Prairie, Texas. AT/TIM BALDWIN els, including the decision mak- Traders Village organizations ers, the electricians, architects, was a pleasure. The Flea Fall is and we have received raving maintenance and operations.” a theme well suited and their positive feedback. We currently Traders Village opened in commitment to our drop tower own two of these rides and are 1973 and the flea market has as an enhancement to their op- already considering purchasing grown considerably over the erations is a compliment that a third.” past 40 years. Today, the facil- brings a strong sense of pride as Family friendly prices have ity is 160 acres and offers year a manufacturer.” kept the ride package at the round weekend flea market ex- Standing at 140 feet tall, the three facilities very popular. periences. There are thousands tower drops riders 12 at a time With the addition of the drop of vendors each weekend and, reaching 45 mph. A magnetic tower, the all-day wristband according to the park, people braking system brings the car- has been adjusted to $9.75, or are known to do a little wheel- riage smoothly to a stop each a single ticket for any ride is ing and dealing when making ride. $2.25. their purchases. Over the course “We found the ride to be “We (Larson) installed a goes back quite some time.” a new facility. When its expan- of its history, Traders Village attractively priced, offering a Star Dancer observation tower Traders Village Houston sion is complete, it will feature began offering rides as an- ad great bang for the buck for our at Traders Village Grand Prai- opened in 1989. Currently it is 11 rides that include an Allan ditional entertaining experience unique situation,” adds Ander- rie back in 1999 and have one more than 100 acres and also Herschel-designed antique car- during their visit. son. “Our customers have been in each of their facilities,” says has a ride package of 11 rides. ousel and a new Scrambler ride “While our primary busi- very excited about this ride, Novotny. “So our relationship Traders Village San Antonio is from Eli Bridge Co.

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 April 2014

Rewind Racers coaster to rev-up Adventure City Getting ready to roll Gerstlauer ride will have theming by R&R Creative STORY: Dean Lamanna [email protected]

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Straddling the border of this Disney-dominated town and the much smaller city of Stan- ton, and situated a few miles south of Knott’s Berry Farm on busy Beach Boulevard, Adventure City has held its own between the neighbor- As Amusement Today went to press, finishing work on ing amusement behemoths The Linq, a new outdoor shopping promenade in Las since 1994. Vegas, Nev., and its adjacent landmark attraction, The Replacing Adventure City’s previous star attraction, the be- The privately owned and High Roller, was moving apace. The 550-foot observation loved vintage Miler wild mouse known as Tree Top Racers, operated two-acre fun spot, wheel, with 28 party-size, climate-controlled cabins offer- the new Gerstlauer-produced Rewind Racers is a one-of-a- which bills itself as “The ing a leisurely, 30-minute scenic experience, will be the kind family coaster in North America and will have maxi- Little Theme Park that’s Big world’s tallest, and at night it already is providing one of mum visibility along the two-acre Anaheim park’s substantial on Family Fun!,” has found the city’s best light shows. Watch for complete coverage Beach Boulevard frontage. of this technological marvel in the print and digital edi- a niche as an affordable, eas- COURTESY R&R CREATIVE AMUSEMENT DESIGNS ily navigated, limited-time- tions of AT. America. And it’s likely to traction until it was closed in AT/DEAN LAMANNA AND commitment alternative in COURTESY DENISE TRUSCELLO/CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT this leisure-heavy corner of cause plenty of rubberneck- 2012. Orange County. And now ing along Beach Boulevard Rewind Racers features the characteristically humble with its expected opening this a single train of seven cars, Elitch to add Larson Giant Loop property has begun construc- summer. each holding two passengers, tion on an attraction that will Budgeted in excess of $2 that moves both forward and give it something it has never million — or about half the backward through the course. before enjoyed. original cost of building the A chain pulls the train up the Bragging rights. entire park — Rewind Racers first lift backward from the Rewind Racers, a unique is the largest single invest- loading platform, and then roller coaster from Gerstlauer ment in the park’s 20-year sends it speeding down back Amusement Rides GmbH by history. It replaces Tree Top through the loading area and way of Ride Entertainment Racers, a vintage Miler Wild along a twisting circuit. A sec- Group, is the first family shut- Mouse coaster that served ond lift lined with tire drives tle coaster of its kind in North as Adventure City’s star at- at the end of the run propels the train through the course in reverse. Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park has confirmed that With a height require- it will add a new Larson International Giant Loop attrac- ment of just 39 inches, the tion to its lineup for the 2014 season. The new seven- coaster’s design comfortably story thrill ride will be called Brain Drain and is expected seats both small children and to open this May. Brain Drain features a 360-degree steel adult passengers — fulfilling loop that sends riders forwards, backwards and upside- the park’s promise of family- down. COURTESY ELITCH GARDENS friendly fun. “For many of our visitors, an Adventure City coaster is Cypress Gardens icons reopen their first roller coaster ride,” said Allan Ansdell, park president, who chose the attraction and its race car theming based on their broad appeal and solid demographic fit. “We are so excited that this summer Rewind Racers will be many children’s first coaster ride… in reverse!” The dynamic theming for Rewind Racers — including all ride colors, banners, Legoland Florida recently paid tribute to the heritage of the queue, station and video Cypress Gardens during a ribbon cutting ceremony to re- production — is being pro- open the Florida Pool and Oriental Gardens. Former Cy- vided by veteran industry press Gardens southern belles in their billowing dresses visionaries Rick Bastrup and and the Lego belles, now iconic in the gardens, greet- Richard Ferrin of Anaheim- ed guests to the event. The Florida Pool was filled with based R&R Creative Amuse- brightly-colored floating Lego bricks and the perimeter ment Designs, Inc. The team was adorned with fresh Florida citrus, paying homage to is working closely with Gerst- the iconic citrus photos made famous by Dick Pope, Sr. lauer and Adventure City on during the mid-20th century. all finishing details. COURTESY LEGOLAND FLORIDA •adventurecity.com April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 21

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

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Flying ScootersTM Tilt-A-Whirl TM 22 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014 New Wildwood-themed Zierer Wave Swinger set for Moreys STORY: Scott Rutherford [email protected]

WILDWOOD, N.J. — The Wave Swinger on Mariner’s Landing has been a main- stay for Morey’s Piers since it was introduced in 1996. After thrilling more than 1.3 million guests over the past three decades, the Morey family knew it was time to replace the ride but that taking the attraction out of their lineup was not a wise option due to its popularity. So they contacted German Above, construction work- manufacturer Zierer and re- ers brave frigid winter quested another Wave Swing- temperatures and snow to er. But this new ride is not sim- assemble the new Wave ply a duplicate of the original, Swinger at Mariner’s Land- which featured a pleasing Vic- ing on Morey’s Piers. Mid- torian theme. This custom-de- dle, Morey’s recently retired signed ride will truly be some- Wave Swinger. Below, 72 thing to behold. vignettes depicting iconic The New Wave Swinger imagery of the Wildwoods is being placed on a 60-foot- through the years arrived diameter deck that sits 11 feet with the ride. COURTESY MOREY’S PIERS above the pier’s flooring. Dur- ing the ride cycle, 40 guests will be raised more than five stories over the beach. From this height they will have an amazing view of both the Top, among the 72 art vignettes are (top) Gus, William & boardwalk and beaches. The Bud Hunt; (above) Bill & Will Morey and (below) The Wipe ride will also feature a custom Out super slide. COURTESY MOREY’S PIERS “wave” railing, custom stairs and lighting package. The energy efficient LED illumination will reproduce traditional carnival lighting. Another characteristic that will set this ride apart from others of its ilk is the fact that the Wave Swinger will also feature 72 vignettes depicting iconic imagery of the Wild- Museum, operated by the project. Part of the selection woods. Some examples in- Wildwood Historical Society, was based on the availability clude the Starlight Ballroom, was very helpful in letting us and part was based on telling Hunt’s Auditorium and Castle comb through thousands of a story. Any good story is dif- Dracula. The panels will in es- old Wildwood photographs ficult to tell so it was quite dif- sence take guest on a journey and brochures so we could ficult deciding on what photos had to be touched up, colorized work and background panels. of Wildwoods’ yesteryears and find just the right imagery for to use,” he continued. “On the and digitized. So we hired our The photo images were then today. the ride’s design. The project ride, the older photos are in historic preservation architect e-mailed to Zierer who hired a AT spoke with Jack Morey, would not have been possible black and white with the newer and graphic designer, 3 North, professional printing company second generation partner of without their help,” explained photos in color. Perfecting all of from Richmond, Virginia, to to print all 72 photos to the ex- Morey’s Piers, about the proj- Morey. the historic photos was a proj- perfect all of the photos. They act specifications.” ect and how the artwork was “Getting the photos just ect in an of itself. Since many also selected the paint colors In a move that perfectly chosen. “The George F. Boyer right was so important for this of the photos were old they for all of the fiberglass scroll illustrates the Morey clan’s innovative mindset, pieces of the old Wave Swinger are being recycled as art on Morey’s Ad- venture Pier. The old cement foundations make a giant ‘W’ when all four pillars are posi- tioned in a certain way. This is yet another illustration of the Morey’s love for old amusement artifacts and art in public spaces. The new Wave Swinger will take its first riders when Morey’s Piers opens this spring for the 2014 season. April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 23 24 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014 Knoebels’ 4th generation spearheads new Zierer coaster project STORY: Scott Rutherford tion, allowing each to sound [email protected] off on the highly-anticipated ELYSBURG, Pa. — Knoe- Impulse project: bels is a family amusement park in every sense of that Brian Knoebel word. It’s a place built for fam- “A few years ago we sold ilies by a family whose mem- the Whirlwind [Vekoma, bers are intimately involved 1993-2004] coaster to make in all facets of the operation. room for the world’s only Just as the clan’s earlier gen- Flying Turns. Some of our erations worked tirelessly to guests were not happy to see make Knoebels the place it our steel coaster leave the is today, the fourth genera- property and (we) promised tion is slowly taking the reins them someday would replace on what is happening in the it. In 2012, the 4th Generation park’s future. began actively pursuing a Though Knoebels is firm- coaster that wouldn’t change ly dedicated to preserving its the face of Knoebels. We met history with an eclectic col- with many different manu- lection of classic and antique facturers slowly eliminating rides and attractions, it must rides that we didn’t feel were continuously adjust the bal- the perfect fit. We traveled ance to remain competitive in America and unanimously a region known for its num- agreed that Zierer was the ber of top-tier amusement clear choice. Knoebels is that parks. The first major project unique place where families for Knoebels’ next generation love to visit and are confident of overseers is a major new- this piece will attract more of for-2015 steel roller coaster the thrill seekers. Even our The first major project for Knoebels’ next generation of overseers is a major new-for-2015 installation dubbed Impulse. children, who were instru- mental in this decision, can’t steel roller coaster installation dubbed Impulse. Supplied by German ride manufacturer Zierer, the new ride will stand 98-feet tall and feature a 1,985-foot-long track that incorpo- Impulse - The Ride wait to ride Impulse. rates a number of twists, turns and airtime hills along with four inversions (Cobra Roll, Loop Supplied by respected “The ride will be replac- and In-Line Twist) and a 540-degree helix. COURTESY KNOEBELS German ride manufacturer ing the Bumper Boats which Zierer, the new ride will be are nearing their life expec- quickly abandoned, and oth- ily is blessed by an amazing to point out that our head located at the park’s main en- tancy as well as the Boat Tag ers much more closely pur- staff! The feedback has been electrician Jim Martini has trance on the site of the bum- attraction. Impulse will be sued. We visited a lot of man- overwhelmingly positive been very closely involved per boat and boat tag rides sandwiched between our en- ufacturers at the IAAPA Expo so far. In fact, we have been throughout this entire proj- that are being retired after the trance and our main midway. and listened to what each blown away by the amount of ect. Having Jim’s technical 2014 season. The 98-foot top hat [verti- had to say. After over a year love we have been given with analysis and input allowed us Similar to Zierer’s won- cal tower supporting the lift/ of looking, we finally agreed this announcement. The pub- to feel even more confident in derfully entertaining Wicked, first drop] will be in clear that Impulse was the coaster lic can’t wait to ride it. And our decision to choose Zierer. a tower launch coaster that sight as families are entering for us. It was a mishmash of frankly, neither can we!” “We took a very different opened at Utah’s Lagoon in the park’s property. We look some of the best parts of the approach to announcing this 2007, Impulse will feature a forward to seeing the exciting rides we enjoyed, sort of like Trevor Knoebel new attraction to the general 98-foot-tall tower that sup- expressions on our guests’ an amateur cook playing with “It seemed Knoebels was public. Instead of the tradi- ports both the vertical lift and faces as they gaze at Impulse his tastiest ingredients. It is 90 ready for the next big signa- tional press conference, we equally steep first drop. The upon their arrival.” up, 90 down, and Fun! Fun! ture attraction. We saw the decided to be the old fash- 1,985-foot-long track will in- Fun! throughout the rest of need to satisfy the more ag- ioned park that utilized the corporate a number of rapid- Rick Knoebel the ride. gressive thrill seekers and progressive ways of getting fire twists, turns and airtime “While Knoebels packs a “When looking at the Knoebels does not have a news out there through our hills along with four inver- lot of fun for the family, some coasters on our journeys, larger steel coaster. We knew social media following. With sions (Cobra Roll, Loop and of our guests were looking for Zierer really stood out. They from the start, we did not over 260,000 fans on facebook In-Line Twist) and a 540-de- even more thrills. We were were made extremely well want to try to acquire the big- and close to 4000 followers on gree helix. Instead of an LSM noticing that some families, and maintenance seemed to gest, or the tallest, or the fast- Twitter, it was a sure fast way launch like Wicked, Impulse when children reached a cer- be very pleased with them. est coaster out there. It has to spread the news. The ex- will utilize a traditional chain tain age, had started visiting This was not a hard decision. to fit our atmosphere, values citement and buzz was almost lift, which park officials feel parks with more intense rides Coming up with a name was and traditions. Having said instant. After a few weeks of will help to build anticipation. than what we had to offer. So far more difficult. that, we still want something giving some hints and clues, Riders will be accommodated we started to add some thrill “We announced the ride that packs a punch and could it was so much fun to read in one of three eight-seat ve- rides to keep the families to- to our staff in the late fall deliver the thrill many of our the comments our fans posted hicles. Seated four-abreast, gether here at Knoebels. Lis- [2013]. We only made a re- guests feel is missing. after we made the final an- the back row seats will be ele- tening to feedback from our quest not to tell anyone or The third generation of nouncement. These are very vated above the front row for guests, thrill rides, such as a put it on social media. There our family saw this as an op- proud moments and great re- equal visuals for all passen- steel coaster, is what many were no non-disclosure agree- portunity to allow us, the minders of why we have such gers. The ride’s top speed is people wanted. ments or disciplinary action fourth generation, to work on a deep rooted commitment to expected to be approximately “We [Brian, Rick and discussed. We simply said something very significant. our family business and this 56 mph with a total ride time Trevor Knoebel] started look- “Please.” Our staff delivered. This project would require a industry. It made us realize of about 70 seconds. ing for a good signature steel It was kept very quiet until lot of teamwork on our part, that this project is a big way AT contacted the leading coaster in the summer of 2012. the recent announcement on all while empowering us to for us to reinvest into smiles team members that comprise Some ideas of exactly what our Web page, Facebook and take that next big step for the and family memories for gen- the Knoebels’ fourth genera- we were looking for were Twitter. The Knoebel fam- park’s future. It is important erations to come.” April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 25 26 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014 April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 27 OABA’s 2014 award winners and new directors announced STORY: Pam Sherborne Featherston conducted the Manufacturing. [email protected] election of new directors, add- Earl “Butch” Butler, own- ing Holly Swartz, Hitch-Hiker er of Butler Amusements, who TAMPA, Fla. — Award Manufacturing, Tony Cassata, passed away in 2011, was hon- winners were announced and Bob’s Space Racers, and Rick ored with his induction into new officers installed at the Reithoffer, Reithoffer Shows, the Hall of Fame, with his 49th annual meeting of the to the current group of 24 di- family present to receive this Outdoor Amusement Business rectors. There were two al- OABA recognition. Association, held here Feb. 7. ternates elected as well. They Guy Leavitt, OABA Trust- The meeting was held were Charlene Leavitt, Ray ee and co-owner of Ray Cam- during the International Inde- Cammack Shows, and Doug mack Shows, along with his pendent Showmen’s Associa- Birch. wife, Charlene Leavitt, was tion’s annual trade show, the OABA’s 2014 Industry also inducted into the Hall IISF Extravaganza, Gibsonton, Pioneer Award was present- of Fame. He is a second gen- Fla., Feb. 4-8. ed to Bob Childress, who has eration showman of the Cam- Last year’s chairman Mike spent 60 years in the outdoor mack/Leavitt carnival family. Featherston, Gold Star Amuse- amusement business associa- Bob Childress, center, Childress Shows, was awarded the ments, now a trustee, ushered tion including being owner OABA’s 2014 Industry Pioneer Award Feb. 7. Here he is with in the 2014 Chairman Chris of owner of Childress Shows, his family, from left, granddaughter Emily Tyner, son-in-law Lopez, Ray Cammack Shows Hendricks Bros. Circus, Lewis Curtis Tyner, granddaughter Katie Tyner, wife Margaret Chil- (RCS). & Clark Circus and Childress dress, and daughter Jan Tyner. AT/PAM SHERBORNE IISA show draws over 10,000 for the 2014 event STORY: Pam Sherborne [email protected]

GIBSONTON, Fla. — In Rhode Island Novelties’ line 2015 the International Inde- of licensed merchandise has pendent Showmen’s Associa- been doing very well in- tion will be the scene of the cluding this line of Teenage 100th anniversary of the orga- Mutant Ninja Turtles seen Knoebel wins nization’s trade show extrava- at the IISF Extravaganza, ganza. Gibston, Fla., Feb. 3-8. In 2014 Showman And, as planners begin the last year, Rhode Island looking forward to that cen- has purchased both Nanco of the Year tennial celebration, final num- and The Toy Network. AT/PAM SHERBORNE HERSHEY, Pa. — The bers were tallied from the 2014 Pennsylvania State Show- International Independent men’s Association named Showmen’s Foundation trade Richard “Dick” Knoebel the show, held Feb. 3-8. This year 2014 Showman of the Year it drew 10,554 attendees, just when it presented that award a slight decrease from 2013’s on Jan. 24, at the association’s annual meeting held number of 10,641. this year in Hershey, Pa. “We were really close to Although not a carnival our last year’s number,” said owner by trade, the Knoebel spokesperson Teresa Rimes. family has been a huge sup- “We really feel that it was a long time, from Carousel Soft- porter of the outdoor amuse- successful show. We have toys (a division of Caravan ment business association in some ideas for our next year’s Concessions),” she said. “He Pennsylvania for generations as owners and operators of show, but we don’t really want told us it was the best show Knoebels Amusement Resort, he had ever had. But, I guess to disclose that until we know Elysburg, Pa. for sure.” there might have also been a In fact the land the park But, Rimes said if the idea little grumbling outside.” sits on has been in the Knoe- comes to fruition, they will be Yet, grumbles aside, the bel family since 1828, but really excited and no doubt IISA is keeping business with it wasn’t until 1925 that the will disclose it right away. other events. Rimes said they actual first attraction was con- Rimes said the IISA is very take their double-decker float structed, a swimming pool. on eight parades a year. Other “I was very surprised and well aware of the decrease in very honored to receive that attendance over the years. But, events such as the Bike Fest award,” Knoebel said. “I was as she said in January before has become extremely suc- honored especially to have the IISF event, technology has cessful. The club is also rent- my good friend Steve Swika made it very easy for industry ing out facilities for parties, presenting the award to me.” members to get whatever they picnics and other events. The Pennsylvania State want done. But, she hopes in- The hiring of David “Doc” Showmen’s Association, as dustry members will continue Rivera as curator of the IISA’s it is known today, began in 1967 when two groups of American Carnival Museum to support the show and come showmen in Pennsylvania out. has brought an abundance of Ross Owen, Owen Trailers, exhibited his Wacky Shack trailer came together to form the And, as she also pointed kudos from members, Rimes at the 2014 IISF Extravaganza. The trailer belongs to Swyear one showmen’s association. out, it all depends on who is said. Rivera was hired full- Amusements and was delivered to that show last October. The mission of this group has asked as to whether this year’s time last summer in that po- Reithoffer Shows had another of Owen’s trailers at the Flori- been to keep the outdoor show was a success or not. sition and worked on estab- da State Fair during the same time. He had also just finished amusement industry alive and “I spoke to one of our ex- lishing new exhibits in the a trailer for West Coast Amusements. strong. —Pam Sherborne hibitors that has been here a museum. AT/PAM SHERBORNE Frederiksen 1/7x3 b/w 3/14/02 11:22 AM Page 1

28 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014

“The #1 Leading Slide Manufacturer in America” FREDERIKSEN Len Soled slides easily “World’s Largest 5 Lane, One Trailer Slide - 108 Ft.” INDUSTRIES, INC. 5212 St. Paul St. • Financing and Leasing Available to Super Bowl Boulevard • Trades Considered Tampa, Florida 33619 (813) 628-4545 • Order Slide Bags or “New Rain” Bags STORY: Pam Sherborne raised,” Soled said. “The NFL • 6 New Slides In Stock FAX (813) 621-3679 [email protected] wanted it themed to football • Have 20 Used Rides www.funslide.com GIBSONTON, Fla. — Len including yardage markers • 90 Ft. Fiberglass Slide Soled, Rides 4U, had a unique along the side. We also did the • 65 Ft. Fiberglass Slide experience for Super Bowl XL- LED lighting for it.” VIII this year. Soled said the slide turned He ended up in Times out to be a huge success. Square with the 65-foot-tall “There were 1,000 riders SBF Toboggan Run slide. per hour, 10 hours a day, four The National Football days a week,” he said. League had purchased the The NFL was charging a slide from Soled and negoti- $5 ticket to ride the slide with ated with him to construct and that ticket price going to a operate the most visible attrac- charity. tion of the fan friendly Super “People stood in long lines Bowl Boulevard, which ran just to get the tickets,” Soled from Jan. 29-Feb. 1, leading said. “They sold out very up to the big game on Feb. 2 at quickly. There were actually MetLife Stadium, East Ruther- scalpers selling the slide tick- ford, N.J. ets on the streets for $20 each.” The slide was set up at In addition, Soled said the 41st Avenue and Broadway NFL gave Rides 4U first rights in Times Square. It was only to resell the ride at the conclu- a part of the 13-block section sion of the event. Which, of of New York City set up with course, Soled had no trouble an abundance of activities for doing. He sold the ride to the football fans. Daytona (Fla.) Lagoon com- Soled worked with North pany for a Daytona Lagoon American Midway Entertain- property. ment to man the eight-lane “It was a win/win thing slide with John Yonkers man- for me,” Soled said. “The NFL aging the attraction. bought it, insured it, then gave “It was constructed lay- me the first right to sell it.” ing on the ground; then it was

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Your own custom show available from Producer in Florida. Len Soled, Rides 4U, sold a Service, if needed, available from service center in Southern US. SBF Toboggan Run slide to the NFL. It was a definite hit when it showed up in Times GREAT ATTRACTION FOR A DRY PARK Square as an attraction for the NFL’s Super Bowl Reason for selling – Our Water Park Guests leave before dark. Boulevard. Soled said the NFL purchased the ride and insured it. He oversaw the construction and operation, Paid $335,000, asking $200,000 then, the NFL gave Soled first rights to sell it after the For More Information, please contact: event, which he did to Daytona (Fla.) Lagoon Sam Haynes | Blue Bayou Water Park Company for one of the (225) 931-6000 company’s sites. COURTESY RIDES 4U April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 29

Eli Bridge introduces new CARNIVAL touchscreen technology for wheels MARKET PLACE JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Patty Sullivan, Eli Bridge, shows off her new touch screen computer operational system for the company’s wheels. More than six months in the making, Sullivan said the system “takes away the opportunity for bad decisions to be made by operators.” The screen is set up to stop and start according to manufacturer guidelines for operation. It takes any guess work out of the operation making it safer and more efficient. In addition, Sullivan said it gives her company remote access Patty Sullivan, Eli Bridge Company, demonstrates how her for trouble shooting. company’s new touch screen technology will be used to aid The new system is be- wheel operation. AT/PAM SHERBORNE ing installed on a new wheel going into Scheels All Sports version packages for other Ore. Other locations are in the in Sioux Fall, S.D., in March, Scheels locations with wheels planning. and they are putting in con- and at Oaks Park in Portland, —Pam Sherborne

CARNIVALlights COMPILED: Pam Sherborne, [email protected]

In a departure from tradition, the 2014 Final attendance for the South Flori- Eastern Michigan Fair, Imlay City, Mich., da Fair, West Palm Beach, Jan. 14-Feb. 2, will not be held during the second week of may have shown a decrease, but per cap- August. Instead, the 2014 fair will begin on ita spending increased and food spending July 29 and conclude on August 2. showed a very good uptick. Fair Board Manager Ian Kempf said the Attendance to the 2014 event was change stems from a decision by Jeff and 550,173 (the 2013 total was 579,918). This Joyce Brady, owners of Alma-based Play- year the fair experienced two full days of world Amusements, to cut back on their rain. carnival business. One of the major changes this year to To fill the void, Kempf and the Eastern the South Florida Fair was a reduction in Michigan Fair board inked a new contract the size of the midway layout. The fair was with Arnold Amusements of Traverse City, required by a government regulation to in- to provide midway and carnival services at crease the capacity of rainwater retention the 2014 Fair. pools. To do this, the fair had to redesign • the midway resulting in a decrease of mid- The 2014 State Fair of Texas, Dallas, way space. Sept. 26-Oct. 19, will include a Texas Sports Wade Shows reduded the number of Hall of Fame exhibit and an effort to fight ride offerings from 80 to 72. Frank Zait- hunger by turning canned foods into art shik, carnival owner, said even though the when it runs Sept.-Oct . midway was reduced, the midway renvue Fair officials announced the theme for increased. the fall expo: Deep in the Heart of Texans. • An exhibit from the Texas Sports Hall of The first grandstand linup acts have al- Fame in Waco will include memorabilia from ready been confirmed for the 2014 Kansas sports stars recognized since the athletics State Fair, Hutchinson. They are: Hunter group began in 1951. Hayes; Sawyer Brown with Aaron Tippin; Giant arrangements at the State Fair will and the Country Gold Tour — starring coun- be built with cans of food, with the items lat- try legends Leroy Van Dyke, Jimmy Fortune er donated to the North Texas Food Bank. of the Statler Brothers, T.G. Sheppard and The State Fair of Texas runs Sept. 26- Eddy Raven. P.O. Box 238 Oct. 19. The Demolition Derby, set for Sept. 8, Merino, CO. 80741 The State Fair of Texas announced ear- and Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pull, Sept. 14, lier that it would cancel the 2014 version of will also return this year for high-action en- 800-634-6097 970-522-7515 Fax: 970-522-2902 Summer Adventures at Fair Park, the sum- tertainment on the fairgrounds. mer amusement park the fair opened for This year’s fair will run Sept. 5-14. [email protected] www.wisdomrides.com the first time in 2013. Low attendance was Have news for Carnival Lights? the reason for the cancellation. Email Pam Sherborne at: • [email protected] Keep our carnival and fair industry strong! Buy products and services from these suppliers. 30 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014 April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 31 WATER PARKS & RESORTS WWA’s World’s Largest Swim Lesson signups now at 27 states and 3 countries —Page 32 Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas brings ProSlide Tornado to Sin City LAS VEGAS, Nev. — ager. Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas is Canadian-based bringing the world’s pre- ProSlide Technology is a mier funnel water slide to leading developer of innova- Las Vegas and Nevada with tive water rides and winner the acclaimed Tornado by of many industry awards, ProSlide Technology. The more than other manufac- award-winning extreme wa- turers combined. ter slide simulates a natural “Finally Nevada thrill storm experience and will seekers can enjoy the most join the water park’s more popular iconic water ride in than 25 slides and attrac- the world at Wet ‘n’ Wild Las tions in providing outdoor Vegas,” said Rick Hunter, water fun and lasting mem- ProSlide president and CEO. ories for families and thrill “The ProSlide Tornado is the seekers. While the park only ride anywhere with a opens April 12 for Spring true funnel shape. With its Break, the Wet ‘n’ Wild Tor- perfectly round opening and nado will launch during the curved walls, this patented official start to summer, -Me shape generates an unbeat- morial Day weekend. able excitement level with The Tornado is a four- a big drop into the massive person raft attraction that funnel and zero-g sensa- catapults riders from 36 feet tions.” in the air through a 110- Other 2014 Wet ‘n’ Wild foot tunnel before dropping additions include more into the 45-foot-wide funnel The ultra popular ProSlide operating days, late night where they spin back and Tornado slide is coming hours, shade areas, parking, forth through swirling wa- to Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas, lounge chairs, heated water ter before plummeting into opening during the Memo- in the children’s area, and the eye of the storm. As the rial Day weekend, just in VIP pass and early entry op- raft sweeps up the Tornado time for the summer sun of tions, among other park im- wall and crosses its cen- Las Vegas. provements. terline, guests experience COURTESY WET ‘N’ WILD Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas LAS VEGAS weightlessness. is Nevada’s premier water “The Tornado is an ex- park, located at 7055 S. Fort citing new shared extreme slide that’s a favorite among Roadshow Theme Parks, erators and Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Apache Rd., near I-215 and slide experience for our water park attendees,” said one of the world’s leading Vegas’ majority owner and Sunset Road. guests and a must-have Tim Fisher, CEO of Village water and theme park op- day-to-day operations man- •wetnwildlasvegas.com Waterworld California announces six-story looping slide for summer CONCORD, Calif. — Waterworld Cali- of providing the largest variety of water park fornia in Northern California, is getting a new attractions and absolute best entertainment world-class attraction for 2014 — Break Point value in the region,” said Paul Kimura, general Plunge, a dueling, freefall body slide experi- manager for Waterworld California. “We’re ence that launches two riders simultaneously. confident this exhilarating, new high-thrill ex- Scheduled to open early summer, Break perience will be an instant favorite amongst Point Plunge begins six-stories stories up our guests and a fantastic complement to our where guests will enjoy a breathtaking view waterslide collection.” of the park before stepping into an enclosed, Construction of Break Point Plunge is cur- launch capsule where the countdown begins rently underway. Interested parties can follow for what will happen next. Within seconds, the the progress of the ride with exclusive updates, floor below drops out, sending riders through interviews, statistics and renderings at Water- a 270-foot long looping adventure before reach- worldCalifornia.com. ing the runout below. Break Point Plunge also Waterworld California will also increase promises to be as thrilling to watch as it is to the amount of seating with new lounge chairs experience, allowing spectators to view riders throughout the park. In addition, an upgraded This artist’s rendering taking the plunge through its translucent or- Calypso Cabana Village will also be introduced shows the thrilling ange and lime green tubes. The new attraction for daily rental. freefall and loop design is a Dueling SuperLoop from ProSlide Technol- Waterworld California will also give guests featured on Waterworld ogy of Canada. several reasons to visit throughout the season California’s new “The addition of Break Point Plunge further with an exciting line-up of new special events, Break Point Plunge. solidifies Waterworld California’s commitment multi-cultural celebrations and concerts. COURTESY WATERWORLD CALIFORNIA MEDIA

32 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014 NEWSPAPER EMPLOYEE IN GOOD STANDING WhiteWater acquires FlowRider B.NEWS JEFFREYDEREK SHAW L. SEIFERTSPLASH RICHMOND, B.C., Canada — WhiteWater West Indus- EDITORIALEDITORIAL tries has announced the acquisition of WaveLoch’s innovative, COMPILED: Jeffrey L. Seifert, [email protected] award winning line of products including FlowRider, FlowBar- rel, FlowCurl, FlowRider Wave-in-a Box, and WaveOz. Previ- SandcastleMEDIAMEDIA Indoor Waterpark, Blackpool kart track, sporting facilities, a mosque and ously, WhiteWater had been the exclusive worldwide licensee England, isCREDENTIALCREDENTIAL finally thriving after a new man- multiple restaurants. WhiteWater West sup- VALIDVALID of WaveLoch’s FlowRider business. This marks the third major aging director was brought2010 in. Sandcastle plied a water play structure, but suppliers opened in THROUGH1986THROUGH as a joint2012 venture between for the slides and pools have not been made acquisition in the past two years for WhiteWater. Wave Loch founder, Tom Lochtefeld will continue to mar- the Blackpool City Council and a private part- known. ner. Somewhat ahead of its time, the park ran “…Al Montazah Park will become a new ket the WaveHouse and work on his surf pool business. Aquatic into financial trouble and had to be bailed out regional competitive tourist destination in Development Group will continue to be the exclusive marketer by city council,GARY SLADE who then took over operation terms of quality, design, state-of-the-art ame- and manufacturer of the FlowRider product line in the U.S. and PUBLISHER, AMUSEMENT TODAY of the park. The park came very close to being nities, and high quality services that will eastern Canadian market. written off as a drain on public resources, but richly add to Sharjah’s and the UAE’s cap of In making the announcement, WhiteWater President & CEO a new manager, John Child, managed to res- tourist landmarks and enhance the country’s Geoff Chutter noted, “We are not only adding another original urrect the park. Child had spent his youth at presence on the local and regional tourist product to the WhiteWater portfolio but also adding the creative the park, first as a lifeguard, then a supervisor map,” said Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al talents of another original waterpark pioneer to the family.” and trainer, before being moved into manage- Qasimi, chairperson of Sharjah Investment WhiteWater’s goal is not just about creating a collection of ment at the Blackpool Operating Company and Development Authority. great products, but forming an invaluable team of people with that had a lease with the council to run with With a population of more than 800,000, amazing talent and skills. park. He recognized that the park was under- Sharjah is the third largest Emirate in the “We are tremendously excited about the momentum this selling itself, and not raising enough money to country. It is a monarchy ruled by the Sultan addition brings to WhiteWater’s innovative group of compa- reinvest back in the park and give guests what bin Mohamed Al Qasimi since 1972. Sharjah nies,” said WhiteWater’s Marshall Myrman who will head the they wanted. has its own International airport seven miles FlowRider and Waves business unit. “Keep your eyes on the ho- Sandcastle is now one of the top water from the city center, and it is less than 10 miles rizon,” he said, “because the best flowboarding is yet to come!” parks in the world and John Child currently from Dubai International Airport. serves on the board of the World Waterpark • Association as the European representative. Flint Creek Waterpark, Wiggins, Miss., Last year the Blackpool city council showed will receive a $5 million makeover as it is trans- its confidence in the operators by granting formed into Splash of Fun. The in-ground a 15-year extension to the existing lease. waterslides that were fed with creek water His position with the World Water park has will be removed. New slides, swimming pools allowed him to swap ideas with some of the and hot tubs will be added and all will feature most successful water parks from all over the closed-system, chlorinated water. Plans call world — Europe, America and the Middle for sports complex, golf course, boat marina East. and convention center to be introduced in • phases. Aquatica, SeaWorld San Antonio’s water Pat Harrison Waterway District park, got an early start to the season with Executive Director Hiram Boone said, “It’s a March 8 opening, ahead of all the other going to attract a lot more people from parks in that part of Texas. The March 8 open- Alabama, Louisiana, all over. We’re hoping ing coincided with the start of spring break snowbirds from up north will come in. This for most of the schools throughout Texas. will be a great place for families to come Aquatica was open every day from March and enjoy this. It will be similar to going to 8–15, then weekends throughout the remain- Branson, Missouri only you just come right der of the spring season. here to Flint Creek.” • • The new Wet ‘n’ Wild Sydney, Australia, Waldameer’s Water World water park in water park just can’t seem to stay out of the Erie, Pa., is sprucing up its existing waterslides The innovative Flow- news. In January, an eight-year-old girl fell with new coatings on two body slides and new Rider lets non-surfers off the Bombora waterslide and landed on colorful paint on five other slides. Although try their skills in on the her back. She was taken to the hospital as nothing new is being added for the upcoming board, all while in an a precaution when she complained of back season, the park has announced an expansion, ultra safe environment. pain and had trouble walking, but fortunately to begin at the end of the season, that will COURTESY WHITEWATER there were no injuries. Bombora is a ProSlide double the size of the current water park. Tornado Wave that utilizes four-person clo- • verleaf rafts. The young girl may have lost her On Friday, June 20th, 2014, Team World’s grip on the raft as it hit a buildup of water Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL) will near the end designed to slow the raft before attempt to set a fifth Guinness World Record entering the splash pool. This seems to be a for the largest simultaneous swimming les- rare and isolated occurrence, as there are a son ever conducted. The international team, number of installations all over the world that made up primarily of kids, is coming together WHAT DO YOU SELL FOR have operated without incident. Since open- to prevent childhood drowning by participat- ing in December more than two million rides ing in a global swim lesson to spread the vital have been given throughout the park. message Swimming Lessons Save Lives. • Team WLSL holds the current Guinness Sharjah, one of the seven Emirates that World Record for the largest simultaneous ? comprise the country United Arab Emirates, swimming lesson, which stands at 32,450 FUN is hoping to jump on the tourism bandwagon participants hosted by 432 facilities in 13 with the March 13 opening of Al Montazah countries. The 2013 record saw a 30 percent Park, which includes a 26,000 square-meter increase over the previous year’s record of (6.4 acre) water park — the first water-themed 24,873 and generated more than 50 million facility in the Emirate. The new park replaces media impressions. the 30-year-old Al Jazeera park that occupied Tragically, drowning remains one of the GET A FREE SAMPLE at Big Squirt! Inc. the same site. leading causes of unintended, injury-related www.bigsquirt.com/freesample 1741 Torrance Blvd., Ste. D In addition to the water park, Al Montazah death for children under the age of 14. or call 1-888-388-8872 Torrance, CA 90501 includes green spaces, a lake for boating, go- April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 33

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Visit us at DEAL - Booth E28 34 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014 April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 35 36 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014 April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 37 BUSINESS & CLASSIFIEDS BOOK REVIEW: The Happiness Machine — Page 42 | CLASSIFIEDS — Page 43 New third hotel to feature 750 rooms, open in spring 2017 Hong Kong Disneyland enjoys record year in 2013 STORY: Andrew Mellor [email protected]

HONG KONG — Hong Kong Disneyland (HKDL) has recorded its fourth consecutive record-breaking year with a doubling of net profits and record revenue, attendance, hotel occupancy and guest spending for the fiscal year 2013.

In total, the HKDL Re- sort generated H.K. $4,896 million (U.S. $631 million) in revenue, up 15 percent from the previous year, while net profit more than doubled to H.K. $242 million (U.S. $31.2 million). In making the announcement, the resort also The third hotel at Hong Kong Disneyland will add a further 750 rooms to the resort’s accommodation offering. With the new revealed that it plans to build hotel, the Disney resort will have a combined 1,750 rooms. COURTESY HKDL a new hotel, which will add a further 750 hotel rooms to its Additionally, other new initia- records reached an all-time existing room count. The new tives in the pipeline include high of 7.4 million guests, the hotel will offer guests an im- a brand new night time spec- results being attributed to ex- mersive and uniquely Disney tacular called Disney Paint the pansion efforts, strong mar- resort-style experience that Night in 2014, 10th anniver- keting, effective management will be dedicated to the spirit sary celebration offerings in strategies and positive tour- of exploration and celebrate 2015 and a new themed area ism growth during the fiscal exotic locations from around based on Marvel’s Iron Man year. the world. The hotel is slated franchise in late 2016. The successful opening of to open by early 2017, pending Andrew Kam, Manag- Mystic Point in May of 2013 all necessary project approv- ing Director of HKDL, com- marked the completion of the als, and will increase the total mented: “The HKDL Resort 2009 expansion work, which number of hotel rooms in the enjoyed a successful fiscal year has increased the park’s total resort to 1,750. in 2013. We are pleased to be size by about a quarter and Combined with the suc- able to contribute to the Hong brought the total number of cess of the resort’s recent ex- Kong tourism sector and look attractions and entertainment pansion, the new hotel plan forward to another year of offerings to over 100. Like Toy and other upcoming guest of- growth and improvement that Story Land and Grizzly Gulch, ferings will continue to under- continues to meet our high Mystic Point has proved to be Hong Kong Disneyland Managing Director Andrew Kam re- pin the growth momentum as standards.” a huge hit with guests. veals plans for the resort’s newest hotel, scheduled to open seen in the fiscal 2013 results. The resort’s attendance in early 2017. COURTESY HKDL

EUROPEAN SPARE AND REPLACEMENT PARTS IMPORTER SINCE 1982 NORTH AMERICAN PARTS INC. 61C AERO DRIVE, BUFFALO, NEW YORK USA 14225

PHONE: (716) 839-4791 FAX: (716) 839-4506 EMAIL: [email protected] www.nap-inc.com SERVING THE AMUSEMENT INDUSTRY WE’VE KEPT YOUR RIDES IN MOTION SINCE 1982 38 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014 Severn Lamb offers new tracked Trolley, electric COMPILED: Scott Rutherford, Mini Mover vehicles [email protected] WARWICKSHIRE, United Kingdom — Transport engineer- Quassy Amusement & Waterpark has Break. The exhibit features animals that can ing systems manufacturer Severn Lamb has introduced two plenty in store for guests when it opens for its all be found near the Coastal Bend shore line, new products to its line of passenger transport solutions. 106th season this spring. Children will enjoy a from the back marshes with alligators to mas- Among the latest additions is an electrically powered, au- new play area called Quassy Zoo, which will sive hermit crabs on the beach. The re-mod- thentically hand-crafted, double-deck trolley. The first example make its formal debut on May 3 with a vari- eled exhibit will also have birds of the Coastal of this has been delivered to Vialand in Instanbul, Turkey, a new ety of fiberglass animals. A new group sales Bend flying above, interacting with visitors. theme park which opened during 2013. The trolley operates as building has been constructed adjacent to the • a transit system in an outdoor shopping mall that is part of the main ticket booth, which will help alleviate Starting in September, visitors to Lincoln new park. It runs on rails around a large kidney-shaped route lines when groups are visiting the park. Season won’t be able to see the Museum of Nebraska through the shopping mall complex. pass photos and other guest services will also History with its exhibits chronicling the state’s be available at the new group sales building. founding and development. The museum will The trolley seats up to 50 passengers, 32 on the lower deck Quassy Restaurant and the park’s main rest- close Sept. 1 in preparation for an $8 million and 18 on the outward-facing top deck. This particular vehicle rooms have also been updated during the fall renovation set to begin in October. Paid for has been designed and manufactured on standard gauge track and winter and the park will feature Wi-Fi ser- largely by state funds appropriated last year although Severn Lamb can also build to 36 and 24-inch gauge vice for visiting guests. The redemption arcade by the Legislature, the renovation includes track. Custom theming and styling is available on the trolley and midway games will also incorporate a new replacement of the 1967-era building’s heat- while it can also be adapted to individual operational require- swipe card system, allowing guests to use re- ing, air-conditioning and plumbing, as well as ments. chargeable plastic cards to participate in their carpet and other finishes and Americans with Severn Lamb has also recently introduced the SL Mini favorite games. Disabilities Act upgrades, including accessible Mover, a modern, “green,” economical and cost effective people • bathrooms. mover. With seating capacities ranging from eight to 29 passen- KidZania has been recognized as “2013 • gers, the Mini Mover is electrically powered and is available in Best Franchise Abroad” at the 17th Mexican Chinese theme park operator Haichang open or enclosed models with either right or left-hand drive. Franchise Association (AMF) Annual Awards, Holdings has raised $316 million from an initial Made of fiberglass, the lightweight vehicles have a range of held on March 5, 2014. This is the fifth time public offering of shares. The company priced optional extras that can be added and are particularly suitable as that KidZania has won the award and the third one billion shares at H.K. $2.45 per share car park shuttles, tour vehicles, transit systems, VIP carriers and consecutive year. KidZania teaches kids about slightly above the middle of its initial price more. The Mini Mover provides easy access to its bench style the world of work through role play, at the range of H.K. $2.18 and H.K. $2.68. Based on seats for both passengers and driver, while wheelchair access same time providing a publicity medium for the term sheet, the total amount raised could can also be built into some models. their corporate partners and enhancing their rise to $363 million if a greenshoe option is ex- local communities. ercised. • • The Beast at Kings Island celebrates its Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Dis- 35th anniversary in 2014 and shows no signs neyland park — “The wildest ride in the wil- of slowing down. In fact, the ride remains as derness” — reopened to guests on March 17, popular as ever with park visitors. When The 2014. In addition to an upgraded track, resto- Beast opened to the public April 14, 1979, it ration of the historic Rainbow Ridge Mining was acclaimed America’s ultimate roller coast- Town, repainting on portions of the mountain er. It broke all existing records as the longest and updates to the ride vehicles, the refurbish- and fastest ride in the world. It is still listed in ment also includes some new surprises. the prestigious Guinness Book of World Re- • cords as the longest wooden roller coaster in Jim Dilbeck, general manager of Cireon, the world at 7,359 feet. recently announced that the LED systems • manufacturing company has completed a The Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade major outdoor lighting project for Universal has arrived at Magic Kingdom park in Walt CityWalk Hollywood at Universal Studios Disney World. The parade, which serves as a Hollywood. Completed in conjunction with tribute to New Fantasyland, officially debuted Tako Tyko, Signs & Lighting of Los Angeles, as the park’s new daily afternoon parade on the parking lot project encompassed 600 park- U.K.-based transport engineering systems manufacturer March 9, 2014. The procession features nearly ing spots and a footprint of more than 70,000 Severn Lamb has introduced two new products to its line of 100 performers and Disney characters, with square feet. The project included 75 Cascade people moving transport solutions including this electrically floats specifically telling the stories of Tangled, 145-watt fixtures, replacing 290-watt metal ha- powered, double-deck trolley (above) and the electrically Peter Pan, Brave, Sleeping Beauty and many lide fixtures. powered SL Mini Mover, below. more. Additional highlights include seeing Ma- Los Angeles County has stringent light COURTESY SEVERN LAMB leficent appear as a fire-breathing dragon, and pollution guidelines and Cireon was asked to an appearance by Anna, Elsa and Olaf (from develop a custom solution that would not only Frozen) on the Princess Garden float. increase the light levels for the attraction, but • do so without spilling unwanted light into the A traveling exhibit based on the Star Trek adjacent residential areas. TV series will be the latest such walk-through “It was great working with Universal,” attraction at the Mall of America. Officials at said John Gilmore, national sales manager the Bloomington, Minn. megamall confirmed for Cireon. “We performed numerous tests the Star Trek exhibit was coming, though de- with various optics to ensure that CityWalk tails are still being worked out. The exhibit will was satisfied with our solution. Not only did be the latest such attraction to fill space at the we improve their light levels for their massive former Bloomingdale’s. The mall has room for outdoor space, but we were able to do so with three exhibits on the third floor, and two spots 50 percent less energy. This will save Universal are already filled with The Barbie Dreamhouse a considerable amount of money over the life experience, and CSI: The Experience. of the system while dramatically reducing their • environmental impact.” The Texas State Aquarium, in Corpus The Cireon Cascade luminaire has become Christi, has re-opened its newly remodeled one of the fastest-growing products in the LED Near Shore Exhibit just in time for Spring industry today. April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 City of New Orleans receives proposal for former park site STORY: Jeffrey L. Seifert [email protected]

NEW ORLEANS, La. — The latest request for proposals (RFP) issued by the city of New Orleans for the blighted area once occupied by the Jaz- zland/Six Flags New Orleans theme park received just one response by the February 28, 2014 deadline. A second company turned in a summary proposal but did not include the $5,000 deposit required for consideration. TPC-NOLA, a division of New Orleans-based Paidia Company submitted an elaborate plan that includes rede- velopment of the amusement park as well as a water park, film backlot and backlot shop- pes to be introduced in stages. These artist’s renderings show the proposed Jazzland layout (above) Although the Industrial and the interactive river ride (left). COURTESY TPC-NOLA Development Board that owns appears to date back to 2011, million required for the first return to the original Jazzland and nature exhibit are among the property did not release has submitted other proposals phase is already in place. The theme. The proposed plan will the items included in the pro- any development details, TPC- — including one for Rye, New first phase includes develop- celebrate Louisiana’s rich art, posal. NOLA published the proposal York’s Playland. The company ment of the theme park and musical and cultural heritages Should the proposal be on the website JazzlandPark. specializes in site selection backlot. with four themed areas: The accepted, an aggressive con- com. and feasibility determination Citing Six Flags propen- Quarter, Sportman’s Paradise, struction plan calls for site The Paidia Company bills and has worked with various sity to modify park themes to The Beach and The Bayou. preparation and equipment itself as a themed entertain- brands including Merlin En- fit their licensed brands, and Restoration of the MegaZeph removal to begin as early as ment venue design, develop- tertainments. adding thrill rides with limit- and Jester roller coasters, a re- May 2014, with construc- ment, and management com- According to the proposed appeal as one of the reasons build of the log flume, a new tion beginning in June and a pany comprised of industry al, 90 percent of the financing for the park’s decline in atten- river rapids ride, wild mouse soft re-opening scheduled for veterans. The company, which needed for approximate $45 dance, the new group plans to coaster and animal habitats Spring of 2015. Cedar Point adding cabins to Lighthouse Point Resort SANDUSKY, Ohio — Cedar Point announced on March 4 that it is adding 52 new deluxe cabins to its Lighthouse Point Resort. These new cabins can accommodate up to 10 people and will feature two full bathrooms, Front view of new Lighthouse four flat panel televi- Point cabins. sions, a dorm-size refrig- COURTESY CEDAR POINT Safari Outpost erator, microwave, coffee maker, outdoor charcoal Holiday World teams up with PGAV Destinations grill and picnic table. In addition, all of the cottages, cabins SANTA CLAUS, IND. — Visitors to Holi- and souvenirs; and full hook-up campsites in Lighthouse Point will now offer day World & Splashin’ Safari will be treated to •New interior and exterior designs for free wireless internet access. A new registration building will enhanced theming in the parks this season. Mrs. Klaus’ Kitchen in Holiday World’s Christ- help speed up the check-in process and get guests to their “Holidays are so magical and fun,” says mas section — sweets and treats, plus a new cabins and RV sites quicker than ever before. the parks’ president, Matt Eckert. “Starting home for visits with Santa Claus. Reservations for the new cabins can be made immediately this season, we plan to amp up the experience Eckert says PGAV’s experience with theme and room nights will be available beginning May 23. families have with us by adding more theming and water parks such as SeaWorld and Univer- Cedar Point opened Lighthouse Point in 2001, then dou- throughout the park.” sal Studios helped to make their design team bled the number of cottages and cabins in 2004 bringing the Eckert says Holiday World is partnering the right choice for Holiday World. total number of units to 104. The outdoor resort also offers 97 with PGAV Destinations, a design firm in St. “PGAV is in tune with the story we want to luxury RV campsites. The centerpiece of Lighthouse Point is Louis, for several projects for the 2014 season: tell,” says Eckert. “We are excited to add to the the historic 1862 Cedar Point Lighthouse — the oldest exist- •Wildebeestro restaurant in Splashin’ magic our park has offered since we opened as ing structure on the Cedar Point Peninsula. Safari — a “grab and go” food outlet serving the very first theme park back in 1946.” Guests who stay at Lighthouse Point or any of the Cedar wraps, seafood, salads, fruit and more; Holiday World opens for the season on Point Resorts lodging facilities receive special deals on admis- •Safari Outpost shop in Splashin’ Safari — May 3 with the premier of the Mayflower sion tickets to the park as well as early entry into the park one one-stop shopping, with swimwear, sundries swinging ship ride, supplied by Chance Rides. hour before the gates are open to the general public. 40 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014 BUSINESS WATCH MARKETWATCH Britton Gallagher adds staff CLEVELAND, Ohio — Britton Gallagher recently announced COMPANY SYMBOL MARKET PRICE HIGH LOW the expansion of its staff with the recent hiring of industry veter- (3/11/14) (52 week) (52 week) ans Rick D’Aprile, Gene Berger, Rodney Gerbers, David Gal- Apollo Global Management APO NYSE 32.78 36.51 20.86 lace, Randy Ebens, Tammy Catterton, April Merino and Jen- nifer Wolfe. The Blackstone Group BX NYSE 34.44 35.33 18.76 The group brings decades of experience in the entertainment and specialty insurance industry and are experts in creating Merlin Entertainments Group/ MERL LSE 391.50 391.50 3.20 unique risk management solutions. This team will support Britton Legoland Gallagher’s specialty insurance division, which has already experi- Cedar Fair, L.P. FUN NYSE 53.76 54.40 36.85 enced large success with niche markets such as pyrotechnics, professional athletes and entertainers along with amusements and Comcast Corp./ life sciences. CMCSA NASDAQ 51.22 55.28 38.75 NBCUniversal Media “The entire Britton Gallagher team is excited to welcome the Comcast Corp./ new staff additions,” said Dennis Laughlin, president and CEO of CMCSK NASDAQ 50.06 53.10 37.34 NBCUniversal Media Britton Gallagher. “We are eager to develop new programs which utilize the team’s extensive experiences and expertise which will The Walt Disney Company DIS NYSE 81.05 83.65 55.76 allow us to offer a level of unprecedented service to niche markets in the entertainment industry.” Fuji Kyoko Co., Ltd. 9010 TYO 902.00 1289.00 646.00 Quassy inks deal with Core Cashless Haicahang Holdings Ltd. 2255HK SEHK 1.85 N/A N/A MIDDLEBURY, Conn. — It’s “game on” at Quassy Amuse- ment & Waterpark this coming season as the lakeside property Leofoo Development Co. TW:2705 TSEC 12.00 15.50 11.40 will launch the first phase of a new state-of-the-art cashless system, park officials have announced. MGM Resorts International MGM NYSE 27.05 28.75 11.72 The huge redemption arcade as well as midway games will incorporate a cashless payment system, allowing guests to use SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. SEAS NYSE 33.60 39.65 27.48 coded swipe cards to play. Provided by Core Cashless of Lenexa, Kan., the new system Shenzhen Overseas Chinese Town 000069 SZSE 4.39 6.77 4.30 will encourage customers to purchase swipe cards from service Co., Ltd. (OCT) kiosks in the arcade. Guests may select any denomination they Six Flags Entertainment Co. SIX NYSE 42.46 42.61 31.86 would like added to a card when they make their purchase. “We are enthused about our new partnership with Core Tivoli A/S DK:TIV CSE 3009.00 3080.00 2880.00 Cashless,” said Quassy President Eric Anderson. “We are currently taking the first steps in transitioning our operations to be Village Roadshow VRL ASX 7.29 8.05 4.68 cashless, starting this season with the redemption arcade and midway games.” STOCK PRICES ABOVE ARE GENERALLY QUOTED IN THE FOREIGN Quassy’s arcade will have more than 100 of its most popular CURRENCY IN WHICH THE COMPANY IS LOCATED games ramped up on the cashless system when the park opens on April 26. In addition, the park’s midway and group games will Worldwide Markets: ASX, Australian Securities Exchange; CSE, Copenhagen Stock Exchange; LSE, London Stock Exchange; NYSE, also honor the cards. New York Stock Exchange; NASDAQ, National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations; SEHK, Hong Kong Stock Exchange; SZSE, Shenzhen Stock Exchange; TSEC, Taiwan Stock Excange, Corp.; TYO/TSE, Tokyo Stock Exchange —SOURCES: Bloomberg.com; Wall Street Journal Haichang Holdings Ltd. conducts IPO HONG KONG — The international law firm Milbank, Tweed, DIESEL PRICES Hadley & McCloy advised Haichang Holdings Ltd. (Haichang) in the approximately U.S. $316 million global offering and initial Region As of Change from public offering of its shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (U.S.) 03/10/14 year ago (2255), the first global offering by a theme park operator in Hong East Coast $4.158 $0.038 Kong. Dalian-based Haichang is a leading developer and opera- Midwest $4.013 -$0.030 tor of theme parks and ancillary commercial properties in China Gulf Coast $3.814 -$0.222 and is the largest marine theme park operator in China in terms Mountain $4.000 -$0.010 of admission attendance in 2012. Haichang currently operates six West Coast $3.960 -$0.205 marine theme parks in Dalian, Qingdao, Tianjin, Yantai, Wuhan California $4.112 -$0.168 and Chengdu with a focus on polar animals. As part of the corporate reorganization, Haichang will com- CURRENCY plete the acquisitions of two additional theme parks in Dalian and On 03/11/14 $1 USD = Chongqing by the end of 2014. Haichang’s marine theme parks 0.7204 EURO and two newest properties together hosted more than 9.4 million 0.5992 GBP (British Pound) visitors in 2012, and was ranked the second largest theme park operator in China and one of the top 10 theme park operators 103.19 JPY (Japanese Yen) worldwide. Haichang will use part of the proceeds of the IPO on 0.8775 CHF (Swiss Franc) the development of the Shanghai Haichang Polar Ocean World 1.1067 AUD (Australian Dollar) and Sanya Haitang Bay Dream World. 1.1106 CAD (Canadian Dollar) BNP Paribas Securities (Asia) Limited and Merrill Lynch Far East Limited acted as the joint sponsors of this IPO. Through the smiles, the seasons & the miles – Financing everything for the outdoor amusement industry since 2000. Prairie Financial The outdoor amusement Division of Boulevard Bank Paul Muller [email protected] Mark Walker A division of [email protected] Wade Muller blvdbank.com/outdoor-amusement [email protected] 816-554-3863 Albert G. Mangels (1929-2014) Born and raised in Coney Island, he was the last member of the family to oversee the production of amusement rides and shooting galleries at the W.F. Mangels Company, and later, the A.G Mangels Company. Established by his grandfather in 1892, the company was an integral part of the historic success of Coney Island, as well as the modern outdoor amusement industry. At their factory on W 8th St., and in Bay Shore NY, four generations of Mangels produced such popular attractions as the Whip and the Tickler, as well as shooting galleries, kiddie rides, and the signature Mangels carousells. Known for their reliability as well as their artisanship, Mangels rides can still be found operating in Coney Island, Rye Playland, and across the country. These include the beloved B&B Carousell, recently restored and reopened on Coney Island's boardwalk, and the 1940's-era shooting gallery currently on exhibit at Coney Island USA. Although he stopped making rides in 1983, Mr Mangels never forgot his roots, and loved to share stories about his experiences in the industry. As a father and a friend, he will always be remembered not only for the amusements that he built, but also the amusement that he shared with his quick wit and dry humor. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor, and his children and grandchildren. April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAY 41 PEOPLE WATCH Coney Island’s Albert G. Mangels, dies at 84, last Mike Howard named Coney Island VP/GM surviving owner of Mangels amusement factory Mike Howard, who first began working at Cin- cinnati’s Coney Island Amusement Park 28 years CONEY ISLAND, N.Y. — ago, has been promoted to the position of Vice Pres- Albert G. Mangels, the final ident/General Manager for the historic family enter- surviving owner of the famed tainment venue. As such, Howard will be responsible Mangels amusement factory, for all park operations, maintenance, park security, passed away Feb. 1, 2014. He capital projects, landscaping, food service, group was 84. sales and marketing. He will also continue to work with Riverbend and Belterra Park on all operational Howard issues involving Coney. OBITUARY “Mike’s in-depth Coney Island background, dedication and hard work make him a perfect choice to lead this important heritage park Born in Coney Island in into the future,” said Vic Nolting, Coney Island president. 1929, Mangels was raised next Howard, whose first job at Coney Island was as a seasonal park- door to his grandfather, pro- ing attendant in 1986, previously was Coney Island’s vice president of lific amusement ride manufac- Operations & Maintenance, a title he has held since 2007. turer William F. Mangels. The Albert G. Mangels elder Mangels is credited with Core Cashless adds two to staff producing some of the most lege and the Pratt Institute as Throughout the remain- Lenexa, Kansas-based Core Cashless recently announced the ad- popular and enduring classic well as served in the U.S. Air der of his life, Mangles is dition of two individuals to the team. They are Sydney Shaw, manag- amusement rides ever built in- Force. He eventually assumed said to have been thoroughly ing director of Finance & Accounting and Min Hunter Hu, embedded cluding The Whip, which can control of the family business proud of his family’s many systems developer. still be found at a number of and re-branded it as the A.G. accomplishments and con- Shaw has been with Core since mid-2013 and is now taking on an parks today. The factory also Mangels Company. tributions to the amusement even bigger role in 2014. Sydney oversees the operations of Finance built the Pony Cart at Deno’s Albert married his wife El- industry. The Mangels as well & Accounting and he works to ensure best business practices are fol- Wonder Wheel Park, and the eanor in 1951. They had four as other famous Coney fami- lowed throughout the organization. Previously, he worked in finance children, which they raised lies have been honored by and accounting management capacities for several multinational beloved B&B Carousell, which firms across various industries, including technology, pharmaceutical, was recently restored and in East Islip N.Y. By the early Coney Island USA during its wholesale distribution, retail, insurance and private equity. placed back into operation in 1970s, he relocated the fac- First Families galas on Coney Hunter Hu comes to Core after five-plus years of working at Gar- Coney Island. tory to Long Island where it Island. min. His expertise with Linux and Embedded Systems makes him the As was the case with his continued to produce kiddie According to published perfect candidate to expand the development of the new cloud-based grandfather, father, and uncle, rides and shooting galleries reports, Mangels was pleased Paydia platform being offered by Core. At Garmin, Hunter Hu helped Albert Mangels worked in vir- for amusement parks. After to see one of his grandfather’s perfect the rock-solid Linux and Android GPS devices that are used tually all aspects of the family more than eight decades of shooting galleries restored on in many vehicles today. He graduated with a B.A.Sc. in Electrical and business. In addition, he stud- success, the Mangles business Surf Avenue last summer. Electronics Engineering from Concordia University in Montreal. ied engineering at City Col- finally closed in 1983.

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The Happiness Machine chronicles community effort to save historic carousel STORY: Jeffrey L. Seifert ots in a 3-row configuration. [email protected] Pellissier operated Mountain Park for more than 20 years Like so many parks in eventually selling it the Col- the eastern half of the coun- lins family in 1952. try, Massachusetts’ Mountain Mountain Park prospered Park began life as a trolley for several decades, surviving park. Located on 385 acres the Great Depression and two of former cow pasture on the hurricanes to become one of side of Mount Tom, it was the most popular attractions developed in 1894 as a “plea- in the region. But by the 1980s sure resort” by William Loo- Massachusetts had entered a mis, who owned the Holyoke recession and Holyoke, once Street Railway Company. The a wealthy and bustling city, line was extended to the park known as producing more to increase customer service paper than anywhere else especially on weekends. in the world, had lost many of its paper mills and other BOOK REVIEW industries. At the end of the 1987 season, Mountain Park Loomis, along with his was put up for sale for a mere assistant, Louis Pellisier, ex- $4 million dollars that includ- panded the resort adding a ed 268 developed acres as casino, theater, dance hall, well as rides, concessions and picnic grove and beautiful merchandise. When no buyer gardens with reflecting pools came forward, most of the and arbors. They created a rides and merchandise were These two photos show place that people loved to vis- sold off. One ride, however, how PTC carousel #80 it and spend a day. was not immediately listed — out of 87 units built As personal vehicles be- for sale. — looked at Mountain came more popular, the trol- Collins knew the merry- Park (right), and what it ley eventually disappeared go-round was a valuable as- looks like today (above). and parking lots were added set. He also knew that col- ALL PHOTOS COURTESY to the grounds. Pellissier took lectors were snatching up FRIENDS OF THE HOLYOKE ownership of the park in 1929 individual horses, sometimes MERRY-GO-ROUND and added a midway with paying up to six figures for rides and a roller coaster. one horse. But a local citizen Among the new rides was named John Hickey, planted PTC carousel #80, originally the idea in Collins mind that built in 1927. The carousel, re- the carousel should stay in lion and agreed to offer it to Hickey and his monumental with a prelude and postlude. claimed by PTC when the pre- Holyoke. It was an idea that the city for $850,000 giving effort to save Mountain Park’s The book is printed by an on- vious owners failed to make Collins liked, so much so that them a year to raise the mon- vintage merry-go-round. The demand publisher, bears a payments, featured 28 jump- he turned down an offer from ey. odds were not in his favor; glossy paperback cover and ing horses and 20 standing a Chinese businessman to The Happiness Machine the city was in need of more is printed on plain white 8 1/2 horses along with two chari- purchase the ride for $1 mil- is an inspiring story of John practical things like sewage by 11 inch paper. It has some- treatment plants, better roads what of a homemade look and new school buildings. with the no columns of text Convincing an impoverished — just full paragraphs that city to spend nearly $1.2 mil- span the page, interspersed lion to build a carousel in a with an occasional color downtown state park would photo. That, however, should not be an easy task. But Hick- not discourage anyone from ey accomplished what he making a purchase. It is very needed to do, and in doing well written, is a pleasure to so united a community and read, and belongs in every guided them on a path that amusement-related book con- would allow them to reclaim noisseur’s collection. Further- a treasured item from their more, author Jay Ducharme is past. Not only did the citi- donating all proceeds directly zens save the carousel, those to the nonprofit organization efforts set in motion a chain that runs the Holyoke Merry- of events that eventually lead Go-Round. to a downtown renaissance. The Happiness Machine re- The carousel, that for years tails for $25 and is available drew people away from the directly from the Holyoke city, was now bringing them Merry-Go-Round’s website, downtown. www.holyokemerrygoround. The story of the efforts org, as well as Amazon.com that took place that resulted in and Barnes & Noble. It is also Left, one of the many campaign posters used to bring awareness to the campaign to save what is now known as Holy- available as an ePub edition the Mountain Park carousel. Right, author Jay Ducharme (right) with John Hickey, the man oke Merry-Go-Round is told on lulu.com. responsible for saving what he termed The Happiness Machine. on 53 pages of the book, along May 2010 AMUSEMENTSeptember TODAY 2009 39 AMUSEMENT TODAY 39 April 2014 AMUSEMENT TODAYCLASSIFIEDS 43 CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS AmusementToday.com www.AmusementToday.comwww.AmusementToday.com AUCTIONS EQUIPMENT OPPORTUNITIES SERVICESTo place an ad call (817)To 460-7220place an ad call (817) 460-7220

AUCTION FOR SALE FOReM SALEploYMenT FOReM SALEFoploYMenR Sale T FoFoRR SaleSale FoFoRR SaleSale FoR Sale SeRVIceS Smokey Mountain Smokey Mountain East Coast Beach Location Canned Spiel Repeaters Amusements Inc. Amusements Inc. Great for game booths and ride queue needs Ride Help - In All Departments lines. Complete with 24-watt amp needs Ride Help - In All Departments 12 Rides Ride Superintendent - For Green Unit and weather-tight speaker. Up to fourCan Ride Superintendent - For Green Unit 13 Games 2-minute custom sayings or one self- Electrician - For Green Unit Electrician - For Green Unit Profitable, owner looking to diversify repeating custom canned spiel. Contact: with existing operations. Contact: Brian (Beaver) Bitner $350 - Go to www.ACsound.net® for Brian (Beaver) Bitner and (919) 272-5627 If interested, please contact: more information or call Anthony at (919) 272-5627 ChanceBilly Sea Clark Dragon - (863) T/M 738-1689...... $149,000 Len Soled (865) 742-1394 Billy Clark - (863) 738-1689 MAY Winter Quarters Now Open! Rides-4-U, Inc. FOR SALE Moser Top Spin T/M...... $449,000 Winter Quarters Now Open! Paratrooper (843) 362-0022 TFN (908) 526-8009 help grow your business? (843) 362-0022 TFN Zamperla Mini Jet 10 Sweep P/M...... $24,000 Spin out T/M (Huss) ...... $299,000 ...... $19,000 SeRVIceS Indiana Location LOOPINGLOOPING COASTERCOASTER EclipseTwister/ -Fabbri Maverick T/M= (Moser) ...... $399,000 ...... $599,000 [email protected] Zamperla Swing 20 P/M...... $14,900 SkyDrop Master Tower -ARM T/M (ARM) T/M ...... $179,000 ...... $299,000 J&D Carnival Services offering ser- eQUIpMenT WanTed eQUILaunchLaunchpM LoopLoopenT Shuttle Wan CoasterCoasterTed Zamperla Fire Chief T/M...... $99,000 1998 TM Chance Gondola Wheel vices to you for a low, low price. OTHER RIDES AVAILABLE ArrowArrow Dynamics Dynamics all steelsteel with with DropRio Grande Tower -ARM(Zamperla) T/M ...... $399,000 ...... $19,000 $410,000 - Completely rebuilt July SLIDES SLIDES S & S Frog Hopper T/M...... $59,000 G-ForceG-Force 4, 56’ high xx 635’635’ longlong RioCrazy Grande- Dance Zamperla (Fabbri) ...... $325,000 T/M ...... $19,000 2009. All eight motors and gearboxes We offerYOU the following services: BETCHA! Wanted used 90+ft. slides, FOR SALE Built in1977, 1977, Excellent excellent condition condition in are made to 100% / over 6,000 new •Ride setup Zamperlaportability Family Coaster not needed. T/M...... Wanted used 90+ft. slides, Scooter 1800 T/M (Majestic) ....$224,000 Paratrooper: $24,000 Indiana.Indiana. $100,000$200,000 Chaos -Chance T/M ...... $99,000 LED lights, new electrical wiring, new •Ride tear down portability not needed. •Ride painting Troika: $65,000 ...... FUNHOUSES $79,000 ForFor photos photos and details: ScooterCrazy Bus 1400 T/M -Majestic (Zamperla) T/M ...... $99,000 ...... $109,000 PIC drive. All updates. Ask•Ride washing us how you can tap into over Calypso: $22,000 WantedChance Pharaohsused “Carnival Fury T/M Funhouses”, Completely [email protected]@vestil.comFUNHOUSES Tornado T/M (Wisdom) ...... $99,000 mobility not necessary Crazy Bus -Zamperla T/M ...... $99,000 Please call Gene Dean: (978) 375-2542 •Ride repair work House of Glass Maze: $1,000 2222 OtherOther RidesRides •Concession250 million cleaning potential customers. Rebuilt...... $695,000 Drop Tower (Moser) ...... $89,000 or e-mail [email protected] Dual Flume Water Slide: $15,000 Wantedwww.funspotpark.com used “Carnival Funhouses”, Tornado -Wisdom T/M ...... $129,000 •Concession work Contact Sunny (612) 332-5600 mobility not necessary Americana Carousel 28’ (Chance) ...$119,000 Bayern Curve: $19,500 Moser Flipping Action Arm P/M...... Angola, Indiana and much, much more. TFN Orient Express -Wisdom ...... $139,000 OPPORTUNITY Traffic Jam T/M (SBF) ...... $219,000 TO SIGN UP FOR affinitymm.com/twitterbook ...... $169,000 Contact Sunny 612 332-5600 Turbo Force -Zamperla T/M ...... $199,000 THIS2 Bob FREE Space NEWS Racers SERVICE WeWe will travel travel the the East East Coast. Coast. Our Our [email protected] 1989 Orbiter T/M ...... $205,000 Vertical Water Race Games Tivoli Remix T/M...... $425,000 TFN GO TO WWW.AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM office hourshours areare M-FM-F 88 a.m.a.m - 5 p.m., Angola, Indiana BINGO / BEANO GAMES FOR SALE Americana Carousel 28’ ...... $199,000 1 14-player, 1 12-player park models Saturday 9 a.m. - noon. wanted for Bangor State Fair, Bangor, WHITEWATER 10 YEAR INSPECTIONS Truck Stop (Zamperla) ...... $18,000 in mint condition. Saturdy 9 a.m. - noon. Zamperla Truck Stop T/M...... $24,000 Traffic Jam -SBF T/M ...... $219,000 Publication & Ad Design Maine 7/30-8/8 and Skowhegan Fair, 3rd party FoinsuranceR Sale and safety inspec- Sea Ray T/M (Mulligan) ...... $249,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM 1. SKEE BALLS CallPoint-of-Purchase (207) 825-3944 ask Materials for Jamie Design or FOR SALE Skowhegan,Call LenMaine or 8/12-8/21. John Call tions. California QSI inspections. Former Funny Freight T/M ...... $29,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMRetiring - Priced to Sell! Danielle. Or call our cell at 2. CLAW MACHINES Kamikazi T/M (Fabbri) ...... $149,000 Great price. Call (718) 266-8384 or Disney Safety Manager. Amusement and AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM Web & Flash(207) 659-4069.Design Communications Gene(908) Dean 526-8009 - Fiesta Shows 3. STACKERS KiddieMini Rocking Scrambler Tug T/M -Eli (Zamperla) T/M ...... $ .....$49,000 29,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM(718) 614-0597 FAX:(978) (908) 375-2542 526-4535 waterparks.4. SPORTS ARENAS TV & Radio www.affinitymm.com DizzyDrop TowerDragon 806- (Sellner) Moser ...... $54,000 T/M ...... $99,000 AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM [email protected] Majestic Midways Equipment 5. AIR HOCKEY TABLES AMUSEMENTTODAY.COM Whatever Your Project Calls For www.safetycertify.com KamakaziPower Surge -Fabbri T/M T/M(Zamperla) ...... $149,000 ....$349,000 (817) 564-3843 JUN 6. POOL TABLES AMUSEMENTTODAY.COMFor Sale: Waterslide molds from AMUSEMENT TODAY (916) 772-26987. VIDEO GAMES For Sale: 1987 Huss Condor Sellner Apple T/M ...... $29,000 reputable company. Four complete CLASSIFIEDS OPPORTUNITY Call Len or John systems ready for production with 1) Chance “Americana” 2 Abreast Carousel ...... $135,000 Great Condition. YOUR USED RIDE claSSIFIed QUARTERTIME AMUSEMENTS Call(908) Len 526-8009 or John two additional systems available. Ground mount, B&K horses, handicap accessible, wood platform, like new Looking for a qualified and experienced Tower rehabbed in 2004. (908) 526-8009 claSSIFIed MARKETPLACE P/M. Excellent ride for FAX: (908) 526-4535 Please contact [email protected] 2) 2011 SBF / Visa “Hog Wild” Motorcycle Ride ...... $50,000 all arounddeadl maintenanceIne personS that Call Michael: (410) 358-8311 FAX: (908) 526-4535 posses traveling amusement rides main- mid-sizedpark. deadlIneS MAY Like new tenanceAMUSEMENT and repairs. Full TODAY’S time position Ride is operating and available 3) 2003 Seller “Monkey Mayhem” ...... $52,000 fromClassified April- October pages closeor year the round 10th in of the October 1st. AMUSEMENT TODAY’S Newmonth England prior area. to Wage the issue depends date. on Location - Eastern USA. Classified pages close the 10th of Spin ride, very nice experience. StartingRates: pay $15- $20/hour. month prior to the issue date. • Rates: 4) 2007 Capco Football Toss ...... $30,000 •Regular classified ad– 99-year-oldMAINTENANCE Carousel MECHANIC w/1924 WurlitzerWANTED Please email resume to: $20 minimum up to 30 words; Professionalorgan. Located Diesel in &USA. steam Major engine rehab •Regular classified ad– Video and sound, stocked and ready to go [email protected] or mail to $1 per additional word. mechanicin 2004. neededIndoor location.for a fast growingAvailable $20 minimum up to 30 words; Fanelli Carnival 5) Denny’s Electronic “Hot Stuff” Water Game ...... $25,000 •Display classified ad –$50 company. ExperienceSeptember is 2009. a must. Wage $1 per additional word. PO BOXper 249column inch. A 1-point •Display classified ad –$50 Excellent shape, new marquee willFour depend rows, on35 experiencejumpers, 23 & standers, Rindgerule NH.03461 will appear around ad. per column inch. A 1-point knowledge. Hours2 chariots. based on season. www.amusementtoday.com 6) 1926 Model “T” Ford Pickup with Ragtime Band Organ ...... $40,000 •Company logos, screens and rule will appear around ad. 7) Qty 2 – 96” Ford E-350 Cube Vans ...... $5,500 each Arcade/Gamesreverses also Manager/Technician are available on PleaseAvailable send through resume International to: Ride •Company logos, screens and display ads upon request. [email protected] or mail to reverses also are available on 7.3-liter diesel display ads upon request. Full time, year-round position at EdavilleCall (609)SUBSCRIBE USA 920-0252 or (609) TODAY 827-1316 RECEIVE 14 NEWS-PACKED ISSUES PER YEAR STAY INFORMED 8) 1996 Excalibur Cobra Sports Car ...... $34,000 ConnecticutAT amusement CLASSIFIEDS park. 7 Eda Ave Experience with new and classic arcade 7,000 original miles YOUR USED RIDE MARKETPLACE Carver, MA 02330 AT CLASSIFIEDS and group games equipment preferred. (508) 866-8190 YOUR USED RIDE MARKETPLACE 9) 1997 Southwind 35’ Motorhome ...... $17,000 Manage large on-site arcade and games GAMES FOR SALE LOOPING COASTER MAIL THIS FORM TO: AMUSEMENT TODAY • P.O. BOX 5427 • ARLINGTON, TEXAS 76005 USA TO SUBSCRIBE FAX THIS FORM TO: 817.265.6397 • SUBSCRIBE ONLINE: www.amusementtoday.com 40k miles, generator, 2 AC, TV, awnings, one pullout, auto level concessions in-season and assist with  local rental/route business as needed. SUBSCRIPTION1. SKEE BALLS FORMLaunch Loop Shuttle Coaster 10) Qty 8 – Paint Booth Ceiling Lights ...... $2,500 or $400 each RIDE MECHANIC2.R CLAWNew MACHINES WANTEDSubscription Arrow Dynamics all steel with Qualified candidates may e-mail ExperiencedR3. ride RenewalSTACKERS mechanic wanted for a G-Force 4, 56’FIRST high AND LAST x 635’ NAME long CREDIT CARD NUMBER Explosive proof – retail for $1,000 each 4. SPORTS ARENAS [email protected] with “Arcade/ seasonal toR fullChange time operation of Address at Built 1977, Excellent condition in 11) Qty 10 – Skat Cat Machines and Lanes ...... $2,000 Games Manager” in subject line. Include Edaville5. USA AIR HOCKEY TABLES Indiana. $200,000 COMPANY NAME EXPIRATION DATE 3-4 DIGIT SECURITY CODE contact information, brief employment “A Growing6. Company”POOL TABLES USA OUTSIDE USAFor photos and details: history and qualifications. 7.R VIDEOOne Year GAMES $50 $70 [email protected] Phone: (717) 292-2556 Must be NAARSOR Two YearsCertified $90 $130 ADDRESS NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD (Company Name and/or Cardholder Name) QUARTERTIME AMUSEMENTS P.O. Box 5427 Pay basedR on experience.Three Years $130 $190 Email: [email protected] NEED RIDE HELP IN ALL AREAS P.O. Box 5427 SupervisorArlington, to lead Texas crew of76005-5427 five. Move Call Michael: (410) 358-8311 CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE (or Province and Postal Code) TELEPHONE NUMBER (REQUIRED) Please sendR resumePayment to: Enclosed Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 and maintain Chance/Wisdom rides; 1) • [email protected] or mail to AMUSEMENT Century Wheel/Pharaoh’s Fury, Zipper, COUNTRY • EMAIL ADDRESS FOR SALE FOR SALE OPPORTUNITY (817) 460-7220 Edaville USA Merry Go Round 2) Super Sizzler Charge to Credit Card: (817) 460-7220 Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397) 7 Eda Ave TODAY SIGN ME UP FOR FREE EMAIL NEWS ELI #5 FERRIS WHEEL FREE FOR SALE BAND ORGANS SMOKEY MOUNTAIN AMUSEMENTS Carver, MA 02330 Fax (817) 265-NEWSNEWS! (6397) EXTRA! EXTRA! YOUR DESKTOP EDITION • Basic hydraulic/electrician• knowledge RRSerial# 1161-69 R QUESTIONS? CALL AT: 817.460.7220 R “60 Horse Chance Grand Carousel- 125 Wurlitzer band organ with 13 brass INC. Needs Ride Help In All (508) 866-8190 CLASSIFIEDS • Outside row of Bradley & Kaye horses. horns, 14 whistles and drums. All origi- Departments: • CDL Class WeA license accept: helpful G/M, sand blasted ready for repair and paint We accept: 2 loads (4 pup trailers) $425,000 nal - needs tuning. Ride Superintendent - For Green Unit. • Drug test mandatory • Seasonal position for approximately 45-foot trailer YOUR I WANT TO HELP BY MAKING A TAX DEDUCTABLE DONATION IN THE AMOUNT BELOW TO Electrician - For Green Unit. To subscribe , callPRESERVING YES! THE NATIONAL ROLLER COASTER MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES. MORE INFO: ROLLERCOASTERMUSEUM.ORG Reverchon Flume II – Excellent condi- $15,000 9 months, could develop into annual MAKE A Contact: $6,000 cash ROLLER COASTER tion, 8 boats, new liner, Bob Kissel - (812) 839-3255 employment (817) 460-7220 HISTORY USEDDONATION RIDE$10 $25 $50 OTHER AMOUNT: $ Brian (Beaver) Bitner • Competitive salary and benefits R R R R 5 trailers. $565,000 Call John Fanelli (919) 272-5627 package or visit (978) 343-4881 MARKETPLACE Call EJ Dean 978-375-2542 com Billy Clark amusementtoday (863) 738-1689 Email resume or work experience to amusementtoday.com [email protected] 44 AMUSEMENT TODAY April 2014

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