SOMERVILLE, N.J. — Success in the attractions industry is not just about dollars and cents, its about relationships and continuing working towards success together. New Jearsey-based attraction supplier Rides 4 U is celebrating its mutually beneficial relationship with Fun Spot America. The latter’s three locations — owned-and-operated by the Arie family — feature multiple attractions provided by the ride broker and that partnership looks to continue in the coming seasons.

“We are honored to continue our longstanding business relationship with Fun Spot, America which has spanned more than 25 years,” commented Len Soled, owner of Rides 4 U.  “It is always a pleasure to work with the Arie family, and to bring new excitement to their Orlando, Kissimmee and Atlanta locations.”

Recently, Fun Spot America has acquired five additional rides from Rides 4 U, adding to the parks’ already impressive lineup. The Hook and Slice (an SBF Mini Reverse Time) will be going to Atlanta, a Teacup ride (Visa) will be added to the Orlando location and an Umbrella Swing (Visa) will be coming to Kissimmee location. 

Two additional attractions — a Tower Planes ride from Visa and SBF Space Guns attraction — have been purchased and are awaiting final placements by the Arie family.

“We are thankful and appreciate the trust and support the Arie family has shown us,” added Heller. “We look forward for many more projects together in the future.”

Rides 4 U celebrates 30 years in the amusment industry in 2024, and Soled attributes that the company’s success and its ongoing relationships to the loyalty of his personnel and the relationships they build, both with one another and with customers.

“We have eight people in-house who have been here for years, a couple of satellite sales staff and around a dozen subcontractors,” stated Soled. When I need them (contractors), they drop everything to get on our job.”

Alvin (Al) Joseph DeRusha passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 88 on November 4, 2024.

Al was born to Mary and George DeRusha on November 8, 1935, in St. Paul, MN, and was raised on the Westside Flats adjacent to the Harriet Island on the Mississippi River. He was the youngest of 11 children. Al (Porky) as he was known to those on the Westside, was enormously proud of his roots and forever cherished his childhood memories.

In the summer of 1944, when Al was only 8 years old, the Bazinet Carnival had their show set up on Harriet Island. Al got a job with Leo Magel’s carnival game concessions while the carnival was in town. When the same carnival returned the following Spring, he again worked for Leo Magel and Leo’s daughter Leone Flanders in the games. Impressed with his work ethic, Al was asked to travel with the show for the rest of the summer. His mother’s only request was that he was back in time for school, so off he went. At this young age, Al found his niche in games of chance. He fell in love with the “carnie” life, the music, food, and atmosphere. He went on to travel and work with the Magels on several different carnivals including the Minnesota State Fair for the next ten years. The money he made during the summers helped to support his family. One summer he earned around $400, which Al used to buy a load of coal so his family would stay warm in the winter. When he was 14, he met his future wife Marlene Flanders when she arrived by train in Wausau, Wisconsin to work in her Grandpa Magel’s carnival games. They started dating when they were 17 and were married when they were 19 on July 9,1955 at Visitation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, MN. Al would always joke that he couldn’t remember a time when he didn’t know Marlene. This past summer, Al and Marlene celebrated their 69th Wedding Anniversary.

Al was a dedicated student from the start, receiving a perfect attendance award in kindergarten. Yes, he had to walk to school uphill. His grandchildren can attest to this, as he did this same walk with them as part of his “Westside Tour”. His exceptional academic abilities allowed him to skip the 5th grade. He also volunteered to tutor other students in reading.

Al attended Humboldt High School in St. Paul, where was heavily recruited by the football and track coaches due to athleticism and great speed. Unfortunately, he was unable to participate in sports as he had to work to help support his family.

Al worked picking weeds in the celery fields in Roseville with his brother Mickey and set pins at the local bowling alley. On league nights he would work two lanes so he could earn double the pay.

As a senior, he enrolled in the schoolwork opportunity program that placed him in various part time jobs. In 1953, though this program, he began working as a mail boy and prop man for WMIN TV, later becoming WTCN Channel 11. This would be the beginning of a long and distinguished career in television. Al worked for two decades producing and directing live shows that are some of the most memorable for Minnesotans- “Lunch with Casey,” “Romper Room,” “Popeye & Pete” and the “Mel Jazz Show.” He was quoted as saying “I couldn’t wait to get to work because it was so much fun.” Al also directed all Minnesota sports including the Twins, North Stars, and Vikings as well as college and high school sports. He was an eight-year veteran of the Naval Reserve and was certified as a correspondent to produce military documentaries.

In 1961, while still directing for WTCN, Al accepted the role of television director for the American Wrestling Association (AWA) with Verne Gagne and Wally Karbo. He directed the wrestling shows on weekends for the next twelve years. He became good friends with many of the AWA Stars, such as the Crusher, Jesse “The Body” Ventura, Mad Dog Vachon, and Baron Von Rashke. Closest among them was his dear friend Wally Karbo. The two of them did a great deal of hunting and fishing together for many years. From 1968 to 1973, Al left the control room and went into advertising sales for WTCN. In 1973 he left WTCN after 20 years, and went to work for the AWA full time, as a producer, promoter, ring announcer, and even stepped into the ring as a referee. In 1983, when the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in New York, (later becoming the WWE) emerged and squeezed out the smaller market wrestling organizations, Al was hired by Vince McMahon as the Executive Producer of all WWF television shows. He had the good fortune of working with his youngest son Gary who was also hired by McMahon as an associate producer.

Back issues forced him to leave the WWF and return home for surgery that required a long recovery. In 1985, Al reopened his independent wrestling promotion company with partner Roger Kent. They promoted AWA shows in the secondary markets throughout the Midwest, featuring all the top AWA stars. At their peak, they did 92 shows in one year. Al’s three sons and brother George were also involved in running the shows. They traveled hundreds of miles together, creating many fond memories.

Al’s crowning achievement of his decades of contributions to the television and broadcast industry, was his induction into the Minnesota’s Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2017. (View his induction video on YouTube under 2015 MN Hall of Fame-Al DeRusha)

At the end of his days in the wrestling industry, Al’s career came full circle when in 1990, he took a position as the Senior Vice President of Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA), trade organization for circuses and mobile carnivals. Al traveled throughout the country and into Canada to hold what came to be known as “Jammin Jamborees,” at as many as 25 fairs and festivals every summer. The Jamborees raised money for the organization’s lobbying efforts and post-secondary scholarships. Most of the funds were raised by the live auctions conducted by Al. He was a lively and effective auctioneer, raising over $4 million during his time with the OABA. Al also attended many conventions and trade shows during the winter months. He and wife Marlene attended the industry’s largest tradeshow and OABA convention in Gibsonton Florida for 30 straight years. It is truly remarkable that Al worked up to the age of 85.

As a true “carnie” Al was highly respected and very well-liked by those throughout the industry. He developed many great and lasting friendships along the way.

Al served a term as President of the Midwest Showmen’s Association and was inducted into their Hall of Fame, Chicago’s Showmen’s League of America Hall of Honor, and the Outdoor Amusement Business Association Hall of Fame.

Despite his demanding professional life, Al always found time for his family. Married at the age of 19, Marlene and Al had four children by the time they turned 26. They raised Glenn, Julie, Gregg, and Gary in South Minneapolis. Al was a loving and concerned dad, always making time to be a part of his kids’ activities. The entire family, including Al’s mother, always looked forward to their vacation every summer at Kare Phree Pines Resort on Big Sandy Lake in McGregor, MN.

Once grandchildren came along, Al and Marlene found immense joy in being a part of their lives. They were the “fun” grandparents. Willing to babysit on short notice or take them on excursions, including any local fair, to the park or just playing in their backyard. They rarely missed a school concert, play or sporting event.

Al and Marlene owned a boat for many years, and in the late 70’s, discovered the charming river town of Alma, Wisconsin, as a great place to vacation with easy access to the Mississippi river. They spent many glorious days cruising the river including treks across Lake Pepin. Alma became the go-to place for the entire family.

When the grandkids came along, they all had their own weekend in Alma with grandma and grandpa every summer for many years. One highlight of being in Alma for Al was the trains that would come through town at all hours of the day and night blasting their whistle. Al’s love of trains led he and Marlene to travel to ride several trains throughout the country. The Verde Canyon Railroad in Sedona, Arizona was one of his favorites. Al and Marlene traveled the country extensively, visiting many of our nation’s great cities and significant sites from the cherry blossoms in Washington D.C. to the return of the swallows in Capistrano California. Between his time in the navy, his job with the OABA, and travel with Marlene, he spent time in all 50 States.

Al’s siblings held a special place in his heart. The struggles they shared growing up in a cold-water flat on the “West Side” formed an enduring bond and deep love for one another that never waned. He was especially close to his older brother George. He credits his strong Catholic faith to George who insisted he go to church every Sunday. George was a WWII Veteran, so it was the highlight of both their lives when they went with son Gregg and son-in-law Mark to Europe. They were able to travel to famous battle sites including a solemn walk the two of them shared on Omaha Beach where George landed on D-Day. Al often reminisced about the memorable road trip he took with his sisters Delores, Lorraine, and brother George to North Carolina to visit their sister Patricia. One of the highlights of the trip was their stop at Tootsies Orchid Lounge in Nashville.

When Al’s daughter Julie married into the Pritchard family in 1991, he was introduced to Area 10 Special Olympics Minnesota via her brother-in-law Erik. He quickly went from cheerleader to active volunteer and strong supporter. Al loved participating in the area games announcing competitors and award winners. His passion for the athletes and the mission of the organization led him to spearhead the Midwest Showmen’s Association’s involvement. For over two decades, they generously supported the Area 10 Annual Holiday Party. A crew of dedicated association members came every year armed with wonderful gift bags for every athlete. The highlight of the party was when “Santa Al” would take the stage and greet the athletes. They loved his corny jokes and dancing to Santa’s favorite song “Achy Breaky Heart”.

Al led a truly remarkable life. He leaves behind an incredible legacy and a loving family that will miss him dearly.

Al is survived by his loving family, his wife of 69 years, Marlene and their four children, Glenn, Julie Pritchard (Mark), Gregg, and Gary (Jane). Grandchildren, Kayleen (Harold Placencia) Lindsey (their mother Leanne DeRusha) Elizabeth and Caroline Pritchard, Kenny Miller (Olena) Aaron Miller (Michelle), Dalton (their mother Susan Miller- DeRusha) Angela Gredyk (Nic), and Daniel (Lindsay) (their mother Merci DeRusha) 11 great-grandchildren, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and life-long friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and 10 siblings. Pearl, Patricia, Marie, Mildred, Delores, Lorraine, Beverly, George, Ernest (Bud) and Robert (Mickey).

A Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Gill Brothers Funeral Home, 5801 Lyndale Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55419. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 11:00 am at Annunciation Catholic Church, 525 W. 54th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55419. Immediately following Mass, the burial will be at Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 55408. Following the burial, please join the family for lunch at the Mendota VFW Post 6690, 1323 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota, 55150. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Pavek Museum of Electronic Communication (pavekmuseum.org) 3517 Raleigh Ave, St. Louis Park, MN 55416 or Midwest Showmen’s Foundation, P.O. Box 18204, West St. Paul, MN 55118.

From November 19 to 22, at the renowned IAAPA Expo 2024 in booth #606, Sacoa Cashless System will be exhibiting five of its latest technological advancements, a new single-show record for the global leader of cashless solutions. Visitors of the booth will have the opportunity to explore Sacoa’s latest developments, including the triple-award-winning K4 Kiosk, QRPlay, Zodiac, online modules, and much more.

Pol Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa International, highlighted the importance of IAAPA Expo to the company, saying, “This year promises to be a record-breaking year for Sacoa, both in terms of the scope and sophistication of our offering, and we are delighted to be officially launching five innovative products designed to meet the evolving needs of operators and enhance the customer experience. The IAAPA Expo is more than a showcase for our latest products, it’s also an invaluable platform to connect with entrepreneurs, operators and friends in the industry and gain information that drives innovation.”

Sacoa’s dedicated team of experts will be on hand at the company’s booth throughout the show to offer demonstrations and personalized guidance on how these innovations can benefit operators and their customers. The new products have been specifically designed to elevate operations, improve customer engagement, and streamline processes within the entertainment industry.

PLAINVIEW, Texas — The magic of Disney is growing at the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA). Disney Parks have graciously donated a highly-themed Arrow Development vehicle from the Magic Kingdom’s Snow White’s Scary Adventure and Mystic Rides bumper car from the defunct Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters attraction at DisneyQuest family entertainment center.

“Our partnership with Disney parks has been incredible over the last several years. We started with a Matterhorn vehicle celebrating the birth of the modern steel roller coaster,” Jeff Novotny, NRCMA chairman said. “With this Snow White vehicle and unique Astro Blaster car, the museum collection is expanding assets that showcase the importance of storytelling in the theme park industry.” 

After several refurbishments, Snow White’s Scary Adventure was retired in 2012 with the expansion of Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters operated like a bumper car, but with an added twist of balls that could be launched from each vehicle. DisneyQuest closed in 2017.

With the addition of these new artifacts, the NRCMA continues to execute its mission of preserving and protecting the history of the amusement industry. While construction continues at the museum’s main facility in West Texas, the NRCMA is still reliant solely on the generosity of industry suppliers, fans and facilities.. Donations can be made online at rollercoastermuseum.org or by mailing the NRCMA at P.O. Box 5424, Arlington Texas 76005.

BOTTROP-KIRCHHELLEN — Ho-Ho-Hollywood in Germany will soon be knocking on the studio doors! The second season of the winter event “Movie Park’s Hollywood Christmas” once again offers an experience for the whole family. Entertainment and shows will take center stage and immerse guests in an original American Christmas atmosphere with more than ten moments of entertainment and shows. This year, further investment has also been made in lighting. Over 800,000 lights will shine in four differently themed areas. From November 29, 2024, to January 6, 2025, Movie Park will create a festive, American Christmas program suitable for all generations on 23 selected event days.

“Christmas wishes will once again come true on our movie set this winter,” says Managing Director Thorsten Backhaus. “We are already looking forward to building on last year’s successful premiere of ‘Movie Park’s Hollywood Christmas’ and letting our guests experience Christmas just like in an American movie.”

Studio 7 is making the Christmas season magical again. The winter show “A Magical Christmas Tale” by and with illusionist Christian Farla will return with a small update and let the whole family once again take part in a merry Christmas story. The winter parade along Christmas Boulevard USA and Rockefeller Plaza will be upgraded this year. The Meet Santa & Friends at the Western Saloon will also be further developed to make children and younger visitors smile even more. Last but not least, the grand finale of each event day will be a new closing show with fire, laser and light effects, which is developed in cooperation with the renowned Bottrop-based company FOG fireworks.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Adventure Golf & Sports (AGS) has announced it will be the exclusive selling agent and installer for RemarkaBall in the United States and Canada. RemarkaBall is a turnkey, tech-infused, pre-designed series of indoor miniature golf course holes and skill games handcrafted by Jora Vision in the Netherlands. RemarkaBall’s interactive gameplay shifts mini-golf from a relatively passive classic family game to a competitive social game with universal appeal where, unlike traditional mini-golf, the highest-score wins. The game can combine time battles, physical challenges, point multipliers, questionnaires and timed shots – creating an unpredictable entertaining experience that will increase visits and repeat visits to a variety of indoor venues. Depending on the number and type of holes selected, RemarkaBall mini-golf generally requires a minimum of 2,200 square feet of space for presenting an extraordinary attraction.

“We’re excited to be working with Jora Vision and introducing RemarkaBall to local markets,” says Scott Lundmark, president of AGS. “RemarkaBall mini-golf holes are easily installed and combine well with bar and restaurant operations as well as other venues since they provide entertainment that increases guest time on site. RemarkaBall’s integrated technology helps speed up the game and leaves guests ample time to sip on their favorite beverage, enjoy some savory bites or socialize with friends.

“Clients are able to choose from a library of existing golf hole and game designs to build their own unique high-tech mini-golf attraction. For example, some golf holes actually use eye / hand coordination with the golf ball, such as Foosball or Tilt, instead of always putting the ball. There’s even one mini-golf hole available that’s reminiscent of the game Twister which requires you to balance your hands and feet on specific spots on the hole layout, making each shot a physical challenge as well!”

A RemarkaBall mini-golf hole will be displayed by AGS and Jora Vision at the IAAPA EXPO in Orlando, Florida November 19 – 22 in the AGS booth #4867. 

RemarkaBall games begin when each team receives an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) wristband and enters each player’s name on a console. After checking in on a hole, players see a video explanation of how to play the hole. Holes automatically count the bonus points while players input their own number of putts on the hole console.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — In 2022, Intercard and FEC Financial Group (FECFIN) partnered to provide Intercard customers with savings on credit card processing services from a company that knows the amusement industry. Now the partnership has expanded to offer equipment financing in the United States, and they are launching the program with a special offer at IAAPA Expo.

Customers who apply for an equipment finance loan at Intercard’s or FECFIN’s booth during the show can take advantage of special terms, either no payments for 60 days or a reduced monthly payment of $99 for three months. Loans must be approved by December 31, 2024 to qualify for these special terms.

“For several years FECFIN has helped our customers save big on credit card processing fees,” says Scott Sherrod, CEO of Intercard. “We are excited to announce that FECFIN now offers equipment financing that will make it easy for customers to acquire Intercard’s industry-leading cashless technology including the QR-based iQ system.”

“FECFIN’s pre-approval for financing of Intercard systems will allow loan applications to be approved within 24 hours, says Scott Heit, FECFIN’s founder and CEO. “Customers will be able to quickly start the process at www.fecfin.com/intercard-loan/.”

Intercard and FECFIN will be at the IAAPA Expo in November. You can visit them at booths #1327 and #1634 respectively.

NEW YORK CITY — It’s tiiiiime! Merlin Entertainments’ Madame Tussauds New York is thrilled to reveal a brand-new wax figure of the elusive chanteuse and best-selling female artist of all time, Mariah Carey, ahead of the kickoff of Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time Tour. In a magical moment that only she could deliver, Carey met her wax twin in New York City, and dahling, it’s safe to say the holiday season just got a whole lot more festive.

Adorned in a dazzling ensemble inspired by Marilyn Monroe and reminiscent of the promo shoot from her 2020 Apple TV+ Original holiday special, Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas, this wax figure is serving full-blown holiday diva. The look features a sparkling red sequined gown, with her iconic curls cascading over her shoulders —exuding all the glamor and joy we’ve come to expect from the Queen of Christmas. Surrounding the figure is a massive wreath with twinkling lights, topped with a red bow. 

The snow draped scenery also features life size nutcrackers complete with Jack Russel Terrier detailing on the buttons, a unique design element crafted by Carey herself to celebrate her beloved canine companions.  

The figure took just over nine months to create as 20 studio artists sculpted, painted and individually inserted each piece of hair to achieve the perfect likeness of Mimi’s timeless essence. “Oh my gosh, it’s surreal. I never would have believed how life-like my wax figure would be!” said Carey. “The whole room is a complete transformation into Christmastime and it feels like the perfect home for my wax figure!” 

Carey’s wax figure will reign in the new Seasons of New York City area of the museum, where guests are invited to stroll through NYC’s four magical seasons. From summer in Central Park to winter wonderlands decked with snowflakes, visitors can mingle with the stars and take in the essence of the city that never sleeps. The Seasons of New York City area expands on a multimillion-dollar investment into North America’s flagship Madame Tussauds attraction, following the recent reveal of its revamped Music area this past summer. Guests are invited to cozy up with Timothée Chalamet in a romantic fall setting, grab a bite at the Park Corner Café & Bar, and—of course—bask in a Christmas wonderland with Carey herself! The interactive experience continues as visitors hail a cab with Taylor Swift, wander under cherry blossoms with Selena Gomez, and take home a piece of their own artistry as they make a wax hand at Andy Warhol’s famous New York factory.

“We are absolutely honored to welcome the iconic Mariah Carey to the museum,” said Tiago Mogadouro, Head of Marketing, Madame Tussauds New York. “As a living legend whose music and influence have shaped generations, she is the perfect figure to highlight in the Christmas portion of the new Seasons of New York. We couldn’t imagine a more fitting addition to this special area of Madame Tussauds New York.”

ORLANDO, Fla. and HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Legacy Entertainment, a globally renowned, premiere design and production studio based in Hollywood CA, USA, is arriving at the 2024 IAAPA Expo atop a wave of unprecedented momentum. The company recently revealed two mega projects totaling over $500-Million USD of investment, while also announcing remarkable performance milestones having recently been achieved by several previously completed projects. 

“With the return of China’s entertainment market to the global community, as well as our strengthening position in both the Middle East and Central Asia, the past few months alone have marked one of Legacy’s most exciting periods of growth in our entire history,” says Legacy’s Managing Director Eric Carnagey, who is also one of its owners.

MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE
** In Uzbekistan, the capital city of Tashkent will soon be home to Central Asia’s largest and most opulent entertainment destination – The Grand Serai. Designed by Legacy and inspired by the country’s rich cultural heritage, the 287,000 square meter (70-acre) resort will be anchored by a next-generation Water Park, Hotel, and Immersive Retail Promenade.

** In China, historically Legacy’s strongest market, the firm recently won an international tender to design a neighboring project to Beijing’s Universal Studios resort. Envisioned as “The Aquarium of the Future,” Beijing Haichang Ocean Park promises to wow visitors with over 4 hectares (10-acres) of indoor exhibits and attractions spread across multiple floors. Design and planning is currently underway for the new park’s groundbreaking marine life habitats, which be unlike any others in the world. Construction of the new attraction is expected to commence before the end of 2024.

Over the last decade, Legacy has grown in popularity as one of the world’s preeminent aquarium design companies, with nearly $2-Billion USD since 2018 from other recently completed aquatic projects based in both Vietnam and China.

** The Legacy team is also currently at work on several incredible, yet-to-be-announced experiences and destinations around the world. These include: a Safari Park, a Snow Park, a Sports Park, and an IP-based Theme Park. In addition, the company is also presently pursuing its first foray into the Cruise industry.

A LEGACY OF SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS
Beijing Haichang Ocean Park will mark the follow-up to the highly successful Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, also designed by Legacy Entertainment, which debuted in 2018. The popular Shanghai destination, which features both aquarium and Theme Park attractions, broke its own record when it hosted over 4.2 million visitors in 2023. The park continued to shatter records during October 2024 during China’s National Day holiday period, when attendance exceeded 50,000 visitors per day, and the resort’s hotels operated at 95% capacity for 10 consecutive days.

Legacy also recently celebrated the first anniversary of the debut of the Chimelong Spaceship in Zhuhai, China, which the company designed. The 379,000 square meter (4,000,000 square foot) facility has been recognized with Seven Guinness World Records, including those for World’s Largest Indoor Theme Park and World’s Largest Aquarium. That venue serves as an all-weather second gate to the successful Chimelong Ocean Kingdom next door.

Legacy’s other major 2023 opening, Batavia: The Floating City Mall at Indonesia’s PIK Development, has been so enthusiastically received since its debut that construction is now underway to literally double its size. Once completed, the leasable venue count at the site will increase from 53 to over 100 unique shopping and dining experiences.

ABOUT LEGACY ENTERTAINMENT:
For more than two decades, Legacy Entertainment has been one of the most successful entertainment design firms in the global industry today. The company has developed, designed, and produced over 40 successful projects worldwide, spanning mediums that include Theme Parks, Hotels/Resorts, Casinos, and Aquariums.

Signature Legacy projects to date have included: the Galaxy Macau Resort, the Macau Studio City resort, the Georgia Aquarium, the Lotte World expansion, and the Kingdom of Poseidon resort.

Recent Legacy project openings include: the Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, the all-new Chimelong Spaceship in Zhuhai, China, the Lotte World Adventure Busan theme park in Busan, Korea, and The Sea Shell Aquarium at VinWonders Phu Quoc in Vietnam.

PHOENIX, Ariz. — In a landmark collaboration that marks a significant stride towards the integration of STEM education in everyday experiences, STEM.org Educational Research (SER) is thrilled to announce its formal partnership with the Museum of Illusions, the global visual, sensory, and educational experience that celebrates the science behind optical illusions. This initiative will officially launch on Friday, November 8, National STEM Day, aimed at enhancing the museum’s experience with uniquely tailored learning resources

This partnership reflects a concerted effort to infuse STEM education into the fabric of cultural and educational attractions globally, aligning with SER’s mission to make STEM learning more accessible and relatable to diverse communities. The Museum of Illusions, with its impressive global presence across 50 locations in 25 countries, and its renowned reputation for its educational approach with its guests, continues to prioritize STEM disciplines through engaging, hands-on experiences that enhance learning in fun and immersive ways.

The initiative will combine the Museum of Illusions’ immersive, visually striking exhibits with SER’s educational resources to foster curiosity and inspire learning in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The partnership is rooted in the shared goal of making STEM more accessible, engaging, and fun for people of all ages, leveraging the educational expertise of SER and both the experiential and educational nature of the Museum of Illusions.

“Together with the Museum of Illusions, we are crafting an educational journey that starts with curiosity and ends with profound insights,” said Andrew B. Raupp, Founder, STEM.org. “Our collaborative efforts will result in exclusive educational content that complements the illusions and exhibits, making every visit entertaining and enriching. ”

The new educational programs developed by SER for the Museum of Illusions will serve as a model for how entertainment and education can seamlessly merge. These programs are designed to stimulate inquiry, enhance critical thinking, and make STEM education a memorable part of the Museum of Illusions experience. This initiative broadens the educational reach of the Museum of Illusions while strengthening SER’s commitment to fostering foundational STEM skills worldwide.

Teachers and school administrators can take advantage of this program, too. The Museum of Illusions offers free admission for teachers year-round, making it easy for educators to explore and integrate STEM themes into their field trip planning.

“We’re proud to provide an engaging, educational experience for students and teachers,” said Kim Schaefer, CEO, Museum of Illusions. “By combining our captivating exhibits with STEM-focused educational resources, this partnership ensures that every visit is both fun and educational, making the Museum of Illusions the ideal choice for school field trips.”

This strategic partnership underscores both organizations’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional learning, utilizing the power of play, creativity, and curiosity to inspire the next generation of STEM innovators.