As Kings Island gets ready to open for the 2025 season on Saturday, the amusement park is inviting guests to experience the reimagining of one of its classic roller coasters. Launching today is “Queen City Stunt Coaster”, the renamed Backlot Stunt Coaster, which celebrates its 20^th anniversary this season. The coaster, which accelerates to 40 mph in just 3 seconds, has been renamed to honor Cincinnati by featuring its beautiful skyline and iconic landmarks. Season Passholders will be the first to ride the refreshed coaster today from noon to 9:00 p.m. at the park’s passholder preview event. The park opens to everyone on Saturday. 

Have you ever watched an absolutely insane chase scene in a movie and thought, hey, I could totally be a stunt car driver like that? At Kings Island, we’ve got the chance of a lifetime to star in your own stunt car race through the streets of the Queen City! It’s a closed movie set with a state-of-the-art linear induction motor launch that delivers a no-holds-barred, high-speed movie chase unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Your stunt-driver training begins with an unheard-of acceleration of 0 to 40 miles per hour in three seconds. Yes, seconds! Race through a parking garage via a series of crazy helixes and then up, down and around high-banked turns. Your adventure may even take you through part of the city’s abandoned subway system!  Worn out yet? We’re just getting started! Queen City Stunt Coaster is non-stop, white-knuckle action from start to finish. Lights! Camera! Action!

ALTOONA, Iowa — The park gates will swing open at Adventureland Resort just one month from today. Saturday, May 17 will mark the official Opening Day of the park’s 51^st season. This year, park-goers can expect a full lineup of thrills, beginning with the opening of the all-new water slide experience, Hyperlight, on Saturday, May 24. The entertainment and new park-wide improvements continue throughout the season as Adventureland expands its event and food and beverage offerings and adds even more reasons to visit during the summer and fall months.  

There are even more enhancements this year at Adventureland Resort, as the park unveils three all-new food locations, adds more events, and introduces Hyperlight. The new Lighthouse Lemonade,located across from Convoy, will serve freshly squeezed and frozen lemonade to help visitors quench their thirst. The newly reimagined Iowa Smokehouse, located in Rivercity Foods, will offer freshly smoked meats including ribs, brisket and jalapeno smoked sausage. The all-new Snack Barn, located along the Boulevard, will serve a variety of snackable options including churros, pork chop on a stick, bacon on a stick and turkey legs.

In addition to new bites for guests to chow down on, the park has added even more events onto the 2025 lineup. Details include: 

·       NEW Bacon & Brews – Every Friday in June, Iowans are encouraged to wear their stretchy pants and meet at the park’s newly re-imagined Oink’s restaurant for dishes made from Berkwood Pork while also enjoying local suds with their best buds through June 27;

·       NEW Nerveless Nocks Stunt Show – This electrifying Jetpack Water Circus features jaw-dropping aerial stunts as a flying water jetpack soars more than 40 feet above water, multiple shows will take place daily June 16 through June 29; 

·       NEW Father’s Day Flop – Sunday, June 15, it’s all about the dads, as the park hosts its inaugural Father’s Day Flop. Guests will have a chance to compete for the red belly badge of honor and unique prizes for first, second and third place;

·       NEW Off Axis Stunt Show – This adrenaline-pumping spectacle combines extreme sports and circus artistry in an action-packed 25-minute performance, with multiple shows daily from July 7 through July 20; 

·       NEW Neighbor Days – Each weekend, families will be delighted by meet and greets with characters from some of their favorite PBS KIDS shows. Visitors can expect to meet characters from hit Fred Rogers Productions series including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Donkey Hodie, and Alma’s Way on a rotating basis each week throughout August;

·       Drone Shows – More than 300 drones take to the night sky above Adventureland for a spectacular drone show, Friday, August 15, Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17, launching shortly after 9 p.m.; 

·       Oktoberfest – This 21-plus event offers exhilarating rides, live music, delicious food and, of course, plenty of beer, from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Saturday, September 13; and 

·       Phantom Fall Fest – Horror reaches new heights select days from Saturday, September 20 through Sunday, October 26 as Iowa’s Largest Halloween Event debuts an all-new haunted house this season.

“We are just one month away from Opening Day and our team is hard at work putting the final touches on the park before we reopen to our guests” General Manager Mike Lusky said. “This season, there’s something new for everyone to enjoy from the debut of the all-new Hyperlight water slide to delicious bites at our new Iowa Smokehouse, and insane stunts from the Nerveless Nocks, to screams taken to the extreme during Phantom Fall Fest, the 2025 season offers entertainment for the whole family.”

To get the most out of the 2025 Season, Adventureland guests can purchase a 2025 Season Pass for the same price as a day ticket, just $69.99 when they buy online. Select Season Passes include additional perks like free parking, free soda, discounts on food and merchandise and more.

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Fort Wayne Zoo earns the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation, which is awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This certification recognizes organizations that have completed an autism-specific training and certification program through IBCCES to enhance their services and equip staff with knowledge of the best skills and resources to assist autistic and sensory- sensitive individuals. Additionally, IBCCES conducted an onsite review, offering the Zoo valuable insights on improving their facilities and developing detailed sensory guides as part of the certification process.

“This certification is just one way we are working to ensure the Fort Wayne Zoo is accessible to each of our guests. We know this is one more tool that helps the Zoo not only make a great experience for guests, but also for current and potential employees as we strive to create a ‘Zoo for All’ and continue our quest to be an employer of choice for those with disabilities,” says Rick Schuiteman, executive director. “Thanks to our partner, AWS Foundation, for funding the extensive autism sensitivity and awareness training our staff has undergone. I am very proud that the Fort Wayne Zoo is the first zoo in the tristate area to become a Certified Autism Center.”

Families often face challenges when choosing attractions and recreational activities due to uncertainties about available accommodations and how they will be received. With the CAC designation, Fort Wayne Zoo aims to alleviate these concerns by demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

“Fort Wayne Zoo becoming a Certified Autism Center™ is a significant step towards creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all families. This achievement reflects their dedication to enhancing the visitor experience for autistic individuals and their commitment to continuous improvement in accessibility and staff training. We are proud to recognize their efforts and the positive impact they are making in the community,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman.

For over 20 years, IBCCES has led the industry in cognitive disorder training and certification for professionals in education, healthcare, and corporate sectors worldwide. IBCCES offers evidence-based training and certification programs developed in collaboration with clinical experts and autistic individuals, aiming to equip professionals with a deeper understanding of how to effectively communicate and interact with individuals who have cognitive differences or sensory needs. These programs emphasize industry best practices and incorporate the latest research.

Additionally, IBCCES created CertifiedAutismCenter.com, a free online resource for parents that features certified locations and professionals. Every organization listed on the site has met the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) standards.

DALLAS, Texas — The State Fair of Texas Board of Directors has appointed Gilbert Gerst as its new chairman of the board during their annual meeting for the nonprofit organization. Gilbert succeeds Bruce Sifford following the completion of his three-year term. By accepting this position, Gilbert continues the legacy of the many distinguished community leaders who have provided leadership for the State Fair of Texas since its original charter was established in 1886.  

Gibert Gerst has served on the volunteer board of directors for the State Fair of Texas for the past 17 years. In addition, Gilbert currently serves as the Fair’s chair of the Finance and Audit Committee and has previously served on the Fair’s Chairman’s Task Force and Advisory Board.  

“Gilbert has been dedicated to the State Fair of Texas and its mission since 2008, and we are thrilled to see him step into his new role as board chairman,” said State Fair of Texas President Mitchell Glieber. “Gilbert brings a wealth of knowledge to the table through his experiences, and his steadfast support of the State Fair of Texas ensures the future of our organization is in good hands.”  

Gilbert holds a Bachelor of Science from The University of North Texas and a master’s degree in commercial real estate from the University of Texas at Arlington. He is currently the Senior Vice President, Manager of Community Development Banking for BOK Financial (BOKF). Gilbert joined BOKF in June 2011 after more than 25 years with JPMorgan Chase. He has corporate-wide responsibility for the bank’s community development lending and investment activities and is a key partner in the bank’s CRA compliance and examination process.                         

Gilbert is actively involved in the community and currently serves on multiple boards and committees including Board Chairman of the Dallas Black Dance Theater, Tulsa Economic Development Corporation; Past President – Dallas Development Fund, a NMTC Community Development Entity; The Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers; Vice Chairman and Member of the Executive Committee for the Dallas Economic Development Corporation; Roundtable Member – Texas Association of Community Development Corporations.    

Gilbert’s other board membership and participation include the AT&T Performing Arts Center; The Texas Mezzanine Fund; Board Member – DFW Regional Housing Consortium; The Real Estate Council Community Loan Fund; Board Member and Treasurer – Forest Forward; Past President, Board Member – University of North Texas Foundation; Lifetime Member and Board Member of the UNT Alumni Association.  

“The State Fair of Texas is not just a tradition for the City of Dallas but for the entire state of Texas. It is a family tradition to attend every year,” said State Fair Board Chairman Gilbert Gerst. “I have had the opportunity to be involved with the State Fair for more than 15 years though my initial involvement as a member of the Chairman’s Task Force. I am honored to continue my engagement with an incredible group of community leaders on the board of directors as we continue the long tradition of providing a safe atmosphere for family and friends to build memories while also being a key community partner.”   The Fair is deeply appreciative of Bruce Sifford’s leadership for the past three years and for his dedication to the Fair’s commitment to the community. As immediate past board chair, Bruce will continue serving on the board of directors. Since 2002, Bruce has volunteered with the Fair in many capacities, including serving on the Big Tex Scholarship Committee, Heritage Hall of Honor Committee, Long Range Livestock Facility Improvement Committee, Livestock Committee, and Development Cabinet. Additionally, Bruce has served on the board of directors since 2002 and served as chair of the Finance and Audit Committee from 2020 to 2022.  

DES MOINES, Iowa — Get ready to step back in time! This summer, Blank Park Zoo will undergo a prehistoric transformation, temporarily becoming Dino Park Zoo from July through the end of October. The zoo will be filled with larger-than-life dinosaur-themed experiences, educational programs, and special events that will transport visitors to a world where dinosaurs once roamed.

At the heart of Dino Park Zoo will be 15 animatronic dinosaurs, located all throughout the zoo. The massive dinosaurs were created by Dino Don, Inc., the world’s leading provider of life-like animatronic dinosaurs. Guests will encounter a towering 40-foot-long T. rex and a Triceratops the size of a mail truck. These scientifically accurate animatronics don’t just move, they breathe, roar, and some even fart and pee, creating a truly immersive, prehistoric experience.

The exhibit was designed by Don Lessem (also known as “Dino Don”), a world-renowned dinosaur expert who advised Steven Spielberg on Jurassic Park and has written more than 40 books on dinosaurs. Lessem and his team build each dinosaur with painstaking attention to detail, using scientific supervision to bring these ancient giants to life.

“Dino Park Zoo will be an immersive experience where guests can encounter new dinosaur-themed attractions, hands-on learning opportunities, and exciting events for the whole family,” Anne Shimerdla, President & CEO of Dino Park Zoo, said. “But just like the dinosaurs, it won’t last forever, so be sure to visit before it goes extinct in October!”

Fan-favorite zoo events will also get a prehistoric twist this summer. Zoo Brew will feature dinosaur-themed elements throughout the season. Visitors 21 and older can enjoy evenings at the zoo with live music, local food trucks, and, of course, plenty of beer. Featured all summer long will be Pseudo Sue from Toppling Goliath Brewing Company in Decorah. Named after the famous T. rex “Sue,” Pseudo Sue is perfect for dino-lovers and craft beer fans alike.

Then, in October, see the dinosaurs in a whole new light—literally—during the 35th annual Night Eyes! As the sun sets, the dinosaurs will come alive in a dazzling new way, with illuminated prehistoric creatures guiding trick-or-treaters through Des Moines’ most beloved Halloween tradition! 

The prehistoric fun will go extinct after Night Eyes to make way for Blank Park Zoo’s  Diamond Jubilee Celebration. The celebration will usher in a year-long commemoration of the zoo’s history, future, and impact on the community.

“As we say goodbye to the dinosaurs, we’ll be welcoming a massive celebration of 60 incredible years,” Shimerdla said. “2025 is already shaping up to be a year unlike any other. There is so much to see and do at Dino Park Zoo!”

Experience it all with a Zoo Membership. Members save on events like Zoo Brew, Night Eyes, and Wild Lights, which is going on now through Memorial Day. For updates, event details, and ticket information, visit dinoparkzoo.com or follow the zoo on social media.

SAN DIMAS, Calif. — Raging Waters Los Angeles, California’s Largest Water Park, is opening the 2025 summer season on Saturday, May 17, with even more new offerings than last year to enhance the guest experience providing the most chill water park experience on the West Coast. Starting opening day guests can visit the brand-new Señor Solis, a fresh take on Mexican cuisine, offering a robust menu of flavorful options including tacos, burritos, and bowls. The park has also continued its massive park-wide enhancement project, which launched in 2024, to improve the guest experience with new lockers, more shading, all-new eco-conscious and water-saving turf and MORE for this summer season.

“The upcoming season will continue to deliver more fun, more thrills and more amenities for our Season Passholders and water park guests to enjoy at Raging Waters Los Angeles this summer,” said Donald Spiller, general manager, Raging Waters Los Angeles. “The team continues to make massive investments into the park – some you can see and some you can’t – so that every ride, every meal and every interaction delivers the best summer day you’ll have all season long.”

2025 Summer Season Debuts Include:

• All-New Mexican Restaurant, Señor Solis – A new take on classic Mexican fare. The menu includes a wide range of tacos, burritos and bowls that are fast and fresh, featuring carne asada, chicken, rice, beans, and mini churros, with more to come!
• MORE Enhancements to the Guest Experience – Part of the park-wide enhancements that began in 2024, this year’s improvements feature:
  • More locker space with nearly 1,000 new and upgraded lockers
  • More shaded areas by the Aqua Rocket queue line and Dragon’s Den platform
  • More all-new eco-conscious and water-saving turf seating areas
  • More ways to celebrate special occasions with family and friends:
    • Additional extra-large VIP Cabana
    • New Birthday Package Ticket & Meal deal for birthday groups of 15+ people
• Continued Technology Upgrades – Making sure wherever you are in the park, you can be connected to your experience including mobile season pass, new mobile app + a self-service ticket kiosk.

Raging Waters Los Angeles will open for the season on Saturday, May 17 at 10 a.m. With over 50 rides, slides and attractions from the high thrills of Aqua Rocket to the big drop from Bombs Away, this 60-acre Southern California water park is a timeless summer tradition. The whole family is invited to enjoy a wide variety of tube and body slides ranging from mild to wild, a 30,000-square-foot water playground, a one-million-gallon wave pool and a lazy river.

Merlin Entertainments today announces the appointment of RWS Global, the world leader in live moments, as its preferred entertainment production partner for six global destinations.

RWS Global will collaborate with Merlin to produce, deliver and operate premium guest entertainment experiences, beginning with leading Merlin locations on both sides of the Atlantic:

• in the UK: Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort; and
• in the US: LEGOLAND California Resort, LEGOLAND New York Resort and LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

The partnership will complement Merlin’s core in-house entertainment offering, allowing the Resorts to scale up to deliver brand and guest experiences throughout the year – including during seasonal special events.

RWS Global is developing more than 100 experiences at these Merlin Resorts in 2025 alone, building upon beloved shows with exciting new entertainment offerings for all to enjoy and experience. Guests can expect new, innovative productions, immersive storytelling, all designed to bring even more core memories to the guest experience.

Kathy Bagshaw, Global Director of Events and Entertainment Operations at Merlin Entertainments, said: “Merlin is committed to providing world-class entertainment for every guest. Through this exciting new partnership, we have the opportunity to continue delivering first-rate entertainment that guests have come to know and love at our Resorts and elevate it to an even higher level. RWS Global’s vast network of creative talent, innovative production resources and operational expertise will help us bring bigger and better entertainment experiences to life, ensuring that guests enjoy new, innovative offerings year after year.”

Ryan Stana, Chairman & CEO at RWS Global added: “We are delighted to join Merlin in building the future of in-park experiences, ushering in a new era of entertainment, and elevating the guest experience at its attractions around the world. By leveraging RWS Global’s worldwide resources, these Resorts will deliver more memorable moments and maximize value for guests.”

As RWS Global and Merlin expand entertainment offerings at resorts around the globe, the two businesses will work to bring together the best people from around the world to bring immersive experiences to life. As a leading provider of high-quality entertainment, RWS Global is dedicated to nurturing talent at every stage, providing performers with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Through this collaboration, Merlin and RWS Global are opening new doors for performers to elevate their craft and bring unforgettable magic to audiences

ORLANDO — Vekoma Rides, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of roller coasters and attractions for theme parks, opened their new and expanded office in Orlando, Florida. This strategic move highlights the company’s commitment to enhancing its presence and delivering exceptional products and services to its growing customer base in the region.

Vekoma Rides selected Orlando as the site of its new office, which will serve as its official headquarters for operations across the Americas. Located at 420 South Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando, the new location is expected to create new jobs over the next 18 months. The Orlando office expansion comes as the company continues to strengthen its presence in key global markets.

With their headquarters in the Netherlands, Vekoma is internationally recognized for its innovation in the design and production of roller coasters and other major amusement attractions. The company’s projects span theme parks around the world, including many of the most iconic and high-profile rides in the industry.

Since 2020, the company has been significantly growing its presence in the U.S. market, both by expanding its local team with different disciplines, as well as developing and installing new groundbreaking rides throughout the region. The list of new projects accomplished by Vekoma in the last few years in the region includes Big Bear Mountain at Dollywood, Good Gravy! at Holiday World, TRON Lightcycle Run at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers at Kings Island, and The Flash™: Vertical Velocity at Six Flags Great Adventure, among others. There are  several new projects in the pipeline in the region in the next few years.

“Our new and expanded office is a result of our growth in the market and a testament to our solid plans to increase our presence and our support to local customers in the Americas market,” said Ricardo Etges, VP of Sales & Marketing, Americas. “We needed more space to accommodate our increasing number of team members, as well as to create room for further growth of the local group.”

Anne-Mart Agerbeek, CEO of Vekoma Rides, highlighted the company’s dedication to serving its local clients: “We have a clear customer-centric mentality at Vekoma and we are always looking for ways to better service our clients. Having a team in Orlando to support our clients and to enhance our position in the local market is critical.”

“Vekoma’s growth in Orlando reflects both their commitment to the industry and the strength of the relationships built through IAAPA. From a one-person team to a growing regional headquarters, they’ve shown what’s possible when innovation and collaboration come together. We’ve been proud to support their journey and look forward to seeing how they continue to help shape the future of the attractions industry,” said Jakob Wahl, CEO of IAAPA.

The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) began working with Vekoma following an initial meeting at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo, held annually in Orlando.

OEP supported the company’s site selection process by identifying and touring potential locations and facilitating introductions with key stakeholders, including the City of Orlando.

“Vekoma’s’ decision to relocate in Orlando underscores the region’s global reputation as a hub for the attractions and tourism industry — not just for destination experiences, but for the companies that power them behind the scenes,” said Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the OEP.

The project was made possible through close collaboration between the OEP, the City of Orlando’s Economic Development Division, and Foundry Commercial who played a key role in securing the location for Vekoma Ride’s new Americas headquarters. 

“Orlando continues to be the place where companies like Vekoma choose to grow and thrive. As a global leader in the attractions industry, their expansion here reinforces our city’s reputation as a hub for innovation. We’re proud to welcome Vekoma Rides Americas’ headquarters to downtown Orlando and look forward to supporting their continued success,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

Mall of America will celebrate Earth Day with its annual Ladybug Release at Nickelodeon Universe! This Earth Month, 144,000 ladybugs will be set free into the plants within the theme park to serve as a natural pesticide. There are more than 30,000 plants throughout the Mall, upholding the retail and entertainment destination’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly plant care.

The public is invited to join this yearly tradition and see the ladybugs in action as they set off to protect the plants throughout Nickelodeon Universe. This unique event offers a close-up look at an environmentally friendly approach to landscaping and provides a meaningful way to celebrate Earth Day.

HENDERSON, Nev. — H. Betti Industries Inc, the leading distributor of amusement and gaming equipment and parts, is proud to announce the appointment of Todd Cravens as President of Betson Gaming. In this expanded leadership role, Cravens will oversee all aspects of its growing gaming division, with a focus on expanding market share, building the product portfolio, and accelerating growth in new and existing markets.

Since joining the Company in January 2025 as Senior Vice President of Gaming, Cravens has made an immediate and measurable impact across the business. His leadership has helped sharpen Betson’s gaming strategy, align the team, and focus on new revenue streams, while also bringing operational discipline and strategic vision to other areas of the company.

“Todd has quickly proven himself to be a dynamic and transformative leader and a key member of our senior Leadership team,” said Bob Geschine, President of H. Betti Industries. “In a short period of time, he’s elevated not just our gaming business but added value across the entire enterprise. We’re excited for what’s ahead as he takes this next step.”

With decades of experience in gaming and amusements, including prior roles as CEO of Galaxy Gaming and other executive leadership positions in the casino and amusement industries, Cravens brings a unique blend of industry expertise, customer focus, and entrepreneurial energy.

As President of Gaming, Cravens will focus on:

• Expanding Betson’s gaming footprint in key regulated markets
• Driving new product partnerships
• Leading legislative strategy for emerging markets
• Building a high-performance sales and service organization
• Enhancing Betson’s brand as a leader in both gaming and amusements

“The Betson name has a rich legacy in gaming and amusements, and I’m honored to lead our efforts to take that to the next level,” said Cravens. “This is a growth story — and we have a talented team, a great product portfolio, and a tremendous opportunity to grow our business and help our customers win.”

Cravens will continue to be based in Betson’s Henderson, Nevada office and will report directly to Bob Geschine, President of H. Betti Industries.