ST. LOUIS — Two Southern bowling centers have chosen Intercard’s latest cashless technology to manage their arcades.

The big arcade at Player Two Strike and Spare FEC in Louisville, Kentucky boasts more than 65 games. The new center totals 45,000 square feet with 34 lanes of bowling including an 8 lane VIP suite, a full bar and restaurant, party areas, and the arcade. The Intercard system is integrated with the center’s Qubica bowling software so that they can sell bowling and food and beverage via the Intercard system as well.

Strike and Spare operates several other centers in the Louisville area. Player Two is their first location to incorporate cashless technology. Tyler Henson of Intercard handled the installation.

Station 300 is a 24 lane bowling center in Bluffton, South Carolina with a 50 game arcade. They recently replaced another vendor’s system with Intercard. The Station 300 chain also operates centers in Saline and Grandville, Michigan; Akron, Ohio and Gainesville, Georgia, all of which use Intercard. Sol Scribner of Intercard did the installation in Bluffton including integration with the center’s Qubica system.

NEW YORK, N.Y. — RWS Global has hired award-winning casting executive, Judy Bowman, as its new Vice President, Talent Casting & Recruitment. 

The addition of Bowman to the team comes as RWS Global expands turnkey entertainment operations for cruise ships, resorts, theme parks and major sporting events. RWS Global fills more than 8,000 roles around the world annually, creating opportunities for singers, actors, dancers, musicians, technicians and creatives on land and at sea. This appointment underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to sourcing top-tier talent for its global entertainment productions.

Bowman has over 30 years of experience in casting for theater, film & television, including Broadway and off-Broadway productions, numerous regional theaters and musicals, plays and experiential entertainment throughout New York, Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles markets.

Her large-scale and international projects include touring productions for Broadway Asia, the National Drama Centre of Orleáns, Toneelgroep Amsterdam, Bard Summerscape, the American Repertory Theatre and interactive theatrical events in New York City’s Central Park. Additional work includes feature films as “Hurricane Bianca,” “Mean Girls,” “Something’s Gotta Give” and “Shortbus;” series for Carsey-Werner, Amazon Prime, Hallmark and PBS. 

Judy has been a faculty member at Harlem School of the Arts, an Adjunct Professor in Columbia University’s MFA Film Department and a guest teacher at NYU, Harvard University and Carnegie Mellon University. Judy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Drama & Spanish from Tufts University.

“Judy’s innovation and creativity will be invaluable to RWS Global,” said Ryan Saab, Executive Vice President, Talent and Creative Casting. “Her extensive industry expertise and proven ability to lead dynamic casting projects, coupled with her commitment to building strong and diverse teams, position RWS Global to continue delivering exceptional talent to our clients worldwide.”

WILDWOOD, N.J. — Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Waterparks, a leading amusement and water park destination in the Mid-Atlantic region, today announced the creation of a new Director of Games Operations position and the promotion of long-time Games Manager Mike Weimar to this key role.

Weimar, a seasoned amusement industry veteran with over 20 years of dedicated service to Morey’s Piers, will now oversee the overall management, including budgets, expenses and revenue of the park’s expansive Games program, which boasts over 30 thrilling games across three iconic piers.

In his previous role as Senior Manager of Games for the past 15 years, Weimar played a pivotal role in all aspects of Games operations, including meticulous inventory management, comprehensive staff training, prize flash, and driving overall success.

This new leadership position was established in recognition of Mike’s contributions, from representing Morey’s externally on the New Jersey Amusement Association Board of Directors, to being an integral part of the team that conceptualized and brought to life the popular and now nationally available, Sunny Seagull plush.

Will Morey, President and CEO stated, “Mike’s unwavering dedication and proven success within our Games department make him the ideal candidate for this leadership role. We are confident that under his expert guidance, the Games department will continue to flourish and provide our guests with unparalleled levels of entertainment.” Weimar expressed his enthusiasm for this exciting new chapter, stating, “I am deeply honored to be appointed Director of Games Operations at Morey’s Piers. I am committed to working collaboratively with our talented team to ensure we continue to deliver an unmatched level of fun and excitement to our guests for years to come.”

MABLETON, Georgia — Six Flags Over Georgia will open this spring with a new family attraction, Georgia Gold Rusher. The first-of-its-kind ride combines high-speed adventure and soaring elevation with free-spinning gondola seating and dynamic water features.

“Georgia Gold Rusher hearkens back to a nostalgic era of our park, where thematic storytelling was at the forefront of everything we did,” said General Manager Greg Fuller. “This revolutionary attraction and the investments made throughout the park will help enhance our guest experience around every turn.”

Unique ride elements include:

• Spinning gondola seating with guests facing outward
• 590 feet of U-shaped track
• Multiple high-speed launches
• Speeds of up to 60 miles per hour
• 144-foot peak
• Dynamic water element featuring a scenic splash

Inspired by Georgia’s historic 1885 gold rush, Georgia Gold Rusher introduces guests to the eccentric prospector William “Willy” Gibson—a clever, young entrepreneur with a mischievous streak—and brings a rich new narrative to this exciting experience.

The story of Gibson and his hydraulic mining machine, told by immersive theming and scenic elements like a mining sled and mine cart as well as additional décor and signage, extends beyond the ride itself and integrates seamlessly into the Lickskillet section of the park. Lickskillet, which was the park’s first major expansion in 1968, calls back to the mining towns of old.

Originally announced with the name Georgia Surfer, Georgia Gold Rusher’s new name and reimagined theming is part of the park’s renewed investment in overall guest experience. Enhancements in dining, décor, storytelling, retail and park décor will accompany the new attraction in beloved areas of the park, including Lickskillet, Retro USA and Promenade.

Guests can experience Georgia Gold Rusher all season with an active Season Pass. Currently, 2025 Silver Passes are on sale for only $49 and includes unlimited fun all season long, free parking, food and merchandise discounts and access to Hurricane Harbor Atlanta. To purchase a 2025 Season Pass and learn more about Georgia Gold Rusher, guests should visit sixflags.com/overgeorgia.

Sacoa Cashless System, the global leader in cashless systems for family entertainment centers (FECs), is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the highly anticipated IAAPA FEC Summit 2025, taking place from January 19 to 21 at The Westin in New Orleans, Louisiana.

As a distinguished sponsor, Sacoa invites all attendees to visit their space in the Sponsors Zone, where they can learn about the new and innovative solutions and updates Sacoa offers to help FEC operators grow their businesses, such as the K5 Kiosk, the all-new Redemption Kiosk, Redemption 2, KwikPay, Time Tracker, and more.

This unique event brings together industry professionals from around the world to share best practices, explore the latest trends, and enjoy an experience filled with fun, connections, and excitement.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with industry experts and discover how Sacoa can transform your business. See you in New Orleans!

MONTREAL, Canada — Vortex Aquatic Structures International (Vortex), a manufacturer and world leader in aquatic solutions, is proud to announce the expansion of its manufacturing capabilities in the United States with the acquisition of a 50,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility in Plattsburgh, New York. This strategic move underscores Vortex’s commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and its leadership in the aquatic structures industry.

The new facility will enhance Vortex’s ability to meet growing customer demand across municipal and commercial markets in the United States. By reducing lead times and increasing production capacity, Vortex is poised to de-liver high-quality aquatic play, wellness, and water park equipment more efficiently to its valued customers.

Supporting Local Communities
The expansion reflects Vortex’s dedication to fostering positive local impact. The company is committed to sus-tainable operations and building long-term partnerships with suppliers and stakeholders in the Plattsburgh area and across the United States.

“This expansion is a pivotal moment for Vortex,” says Stephen Hamelin, President & CEO of Vortex. “It reflects our dedication to meeting the needs of our US customers while supporting the Plattsburgh community through job creation and sustainable practices. We’re excited about the opportunities this new facility will bring to strengthen both our operations and our partnerships across the United States.”

“The North Country Chamber of Commerce has been very pleased to work actively with Vortex in their selection of Plattsburgh as the site for their new U.S. manufacturing operation,” adds Garry Douglas, Chamber Presi-dent. “They come with an outstanding reputation as a manufacturer in a specialized field and as an employer, and are just the latest company to take advantage of our special role as a site for growth in the U.S. market by Quebec businesses. We thank them for their confidence and look forward to working with them on their start-up and suc-cess here. Special thanks to the team including Empire State Development, Clinton County I.D.A. and CDC Real Estate. Onward and upward!”

Operations Begin in Q1 2025
Operations will begin in the first quarter of 2025, marking a significant milestone in Vortex’s ongoing growth and innovation strategy.

“With this new facility in Plattsburgh, we’re taking a significant step toward enhancing our production capabilities and delivering greater value to our partners,” says Sylvain Dugas, COO of Vortex. “This is not just an investment in infrastructure, but an investment in our customers and their continued success.”

“At Vortex, we believe in creating joyful moments and memories for families worldwide,” adds François Lafor-tune, CCO of Vortex. “This new facility will help us do just that—ensuring that our innovative products reach our customers faster and more efficiently than ever before.”

30 Years of International Success
For nearly three decades, Vortex has been shaping the way kids and families play in urban environments, water parks, and resorts worldwide. With iconic solutions such as Splashpad®, Elevations™, waterslides, Dream Tunnel™ and the new CoolHub™, Vortex has created more than 10,000 custom installations spanning 50 countries and five continents. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, the company has regional offices in the United States, Spain, and the Netherlands, and an extensive distribution network supporting Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and Latin America.

Innovating Sustainable Aquatic Spaces
As a leader in the aquatic play industry, Vortex sets high standards for environmental, social, and governance practices. Vortex has always been committed to sustainability and innovation in water management, continuously striving to innovate for future generations. From day one, the company’s dedication to sustainability has grown, allowing it to responsibly manage water resources. By combining advanced water controller technology with tailored water management solutions that comply with local environmental regulations, Vortex provides solutions that best meet customers’ ecological objectives. Responding to the challenges of climate change, Vortex introduced CoolHub™, an urban oasis designed to provide refreshing spaces for all citizens. This initiative aligns with many cities’ objectives to mitigate urban heat, promote sustainability and enhance the well-being of their population. CoolHub™ creates an inviting public environment that fosters healthy, equitable, and resilient communities.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Kennywood, Pittsburgh’s Thrill and Entertainment Destination, is gearing up for Opening Day, which is right around the corner, kicking off the season with an all-new Easter event. Opening the park gates on Pittsburgh’s beloved 412 Day, Kennywood will hop into the 2025 season with the brand new Eggcellent Easter Celebration. The start of the new event and the re-opening of the park gates marks the official start of the park’s longest season ever. Sister parks Idlewild & SoakZone and Sandcastle Water Park will open on Saturday, May 17 and Saturday, May 24 respectively.

The 2025 season at Kennywood begins egg-stra early and promises to be jam-packed with even more reasons to visit throughout the year. The fun all begins as the park’s newest costume character, Tuft the Kennywood Easter Bunny, makes his official debut for the Eggcellent Easter Celebration running weekends April 12 through April 27. Visitors can enjoy their favorite Kennywood rides and attractions, exclusive meet and greets with Tuft, an easter egg scavenger hunt, seasonal food and drink options and more. Plus, Kennywood will host brunch on select days throughout the event offering an unlimited buffet and exclusive photo opportunities with Tuft.

In addition to the park’s first-ever Easter event, 2025 will bring Kennywood’s best event lineup ever, featuring:

• Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival – Beginning Friday, May 23 and running Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through June 29, Bites and Pints will feature food and drink booths offering unique bites and drinks from around the world;
• Celebrate Pittsburgh – The park’s annual celebration of all things Steel City will begin on Friday, July 4 by honoring America and will then continue weekends through July 27 to celebrate the Steel City;
• Fall Fantasy Parades – Celebrating 75 years in 2025, the annual entertainment extravaganza boasts more than 130 bands from local high schools, colleges and universities, daily from August 2 through August 17;
• Phantom Fall Fest – This September the fear kicks into gear with Kennywood’s longest and most terrifying Halloween event ever featuring a new haunt in 2025. The frights begin Friday, September 12 and will run select days through Saturday, November 1; and
• Holiday Lights – Pittsburgh’s Home for the Holidays will close out the park’s 2025 season offering more than three million lights, spectacular light shows, meet and greets with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and friends and more, select days from November 14 through January 4, 2026.

“We’re going BIG in 2025 with the park’s longest season ever, in its 127-year history, and the debut of our best and most robust event lineup ever,” said General Manager Ricky Spicuzza. “Plus, 2025 brings even more surprises to Kennywood as the Steel Curtain makes its grand return and we unveil an all-new re-themed area debuting at the park this spring.”

Kennywood’s sister park, Idlewild & SoakZone located in Ligonier, PA will open for the 2025 season Saturday, May 17 and will also offer a full season of family friendly events including Kids Fest, Neighbor Days, Celebrate America and the beloved HALLOWBOO! from mid-September through the end of October. Sandcastle Water Park will open for its 36th season on Saturday, May 24 marking the unofficial start to summer in Pittsburgh.

As peak whale watching season approaches, Sea Life Park Hawai‘i is offering whale watching opportunities on Saturdays and Sundays starting January 2025. Guests get to enter the park one hour prior to normal park hours, at 9 a.m., and meet with a member of the park’s education team for a brief informative talk on humpback whales before the viewing session. Binoculars will then be provided for use to all participants, who will be escorted to Seaside Gardens–an optimal viewing point within the park for land-based whale watching. Following the activity, participants head to the park’s Beach Boy Lanai restaurant where they will have a choice of either hot coffee or hot chocolate and choice of a breakfast pastry.

Cost is $15 (plus tax) per person, and the experience can be purchased at the park’s ticket booth. This cost covers the 9 a.m.-10 a.m. whale watching activity. For those interested in spending the day at the park, separate general admission may be purchased either online or at the ticket booth prior to the morning activity. Active Sea Life Park Annual Passholders can enjoy the early entrance and whale watching activity for free, with an option to also purchase the breakfast package directly from Beach Boy Lanai at a discounted rate of $8.99 (plus tax).

BOTTROP-KIRCHHELLEN — A successful winter season at Movie Park Germany leaves its mark and Ho-Ho-Hollywood in Germany slides into the season break with a very positive result: With its original American winter event “Movie Park’s Hollywood Christmas”, Germany’s largest movie and amusement park was able to achieve a strong increase in guests of 20 percent compared to the previous year and thus managed more than successfully to build on last year’s premiere of the event.

“We are delighted that our winter event has been able to grow significantly in its second year and has been well received by our guests,” says Managing Director Thorsten Backhaus. “Especially as a movie and amusement park with American roots, we can continue to showcase our identity and at the same time offer more opening days for our guests.”

More than ten entertainment moments and shows, strikingly colorful American decorations and over 800,000 lights in four themed areas awaited the whole family on a total of 23 event days. The program included a large Christmas Tree Celebration, Christian Farla’s “A Magical Christmas Tale” show, a winter version of the parade, a “Meet Santa & Friends” and a 360 m² ice skating rink. A new closing show with fire, laser and light effects formed the grand finale of each event day.

The park also achieved a solid result for the full year 2024 and including the opening days in January 2025, with visitor numbers exceeding the previous year and the highest total number of visitors since 2002. In addition to more visitors to “Movie Park’s Hollywood Christmas”, this is also primarily due to a successful fall season with a new visitor record for the Halloween Horror Festival and some successful special events.

Movie Park Germany is now on a season break. The studio gates of Hollywood in Germany will reopen on April 4, 2025, kicking off the new 2025 season.

Spanish-Language Amusement Ride Inspection Track Sponsored By Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA)
We’ve received a great response from our announcement of the Spanish-Language track of courses being offered. This track has been graciously sponsored by the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA). Their contribution is greatly appreciated, and cannot wait to see their members in attendance!

Topics For 16 Hours Spanish Training:

• Inspection Tools
• ASTM
• Intro to Hydraulics and Pneumatics
• Basic OSHA Overview
• Wire Rope
• Basic Electrical and Generators
• Blocking
• Basic inspection Techniques
• Signage
• Welding and NDT 
• Fasteners and Hardware
• Fire Extinguishers
• Fence Steps and ramps
• … And a Review class to close out the program.

Registration Information: Registration for the Spanish-language track opportunity opened on January 2, 2025. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

• In-Person Registration: Register Here
• Virtual Registration: Register Here

Don’t miss this chance to expand your knowledge and advance your skills in amusement ride inspection with NAARSO’s first-ever Spanish-language program. For more information, visit https://naarso.com or contact: [email protected]

Last Reminder for Hotel Group Rate
Tuesday January 14th, 2025 is the last day to secure your hotel booking at the Hilton Charlotte Airport using the group rate. Use this link or call 704-357-1414 and use the code RSO.

Share Online You’re Attending!
If you’re attending or instructing at the Safety Seminar, be sure to let your network know. Sharing your involvement shows your commitment to amusement ride safety and bettering the industry.

Get your image here and share on social media. Be sure to tag us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! Examples of what to post are:

Attending:
I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be attending the NAARSO Safety Seminar this year! This event is a fantastic opportunity to deepen my knowledge of safety procedures and best practices in the amusement industry. Looking forward to connecting with industry experts, learning from insightful sessions, and bringing back valuable insights to enhance our safety standards.

Instructing:
I’m incredibly honored to be an instructor at this year’s NAARSO Safety Seminar. Sharing my knowledge and experience with fellow professionals in the amusement industry is a privilege. I look forward to engaging discussions, interactive sessions, and contributing to the collective goal of elevating safety standards. Let’s make this seminar a memorable and impactful experience!