American Coaster Enthusiasts’ 35th National Convention set for Dollywood, Carowinds

By | June 14, 2012

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. and CHARLOTTE, N.C. — More than 600 roller coaster enthusiasts from across the U.S. will descend on Dollywood (June 17-20) and Carowinds (June 21-22) to celebrate Coaster Con XXXV. A six-day celebration of all things roller coaster, the 35th annual convention of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) will include hours and hours of roller coaster riding exclusively for attendees before and after the park is open to the public and the debut of a first-of-its-kind museum exhibit.

Attendees will enjoy camaraderie with like-minded people and share stories of coasters ridden in all corners of the world as many ACE members have traveled to Europe, Central America and Asia. Anywhere there is a coaster, you will find an ACEer. The Dollywood portion of Coaster Con XXXV concludes with a banquet at the convention hotel featuring Anthony Esparza, Corporate Vice President Guest Experience, Herschend Family Entertainment as the keynote speaker.

The convention marks the debut of America’s Roller Coasters & Amusement Parks, the inaugural National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives exhibit, which spotlights the history of the roller coaster. Produced through a special partnership between National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives, American Coaster Enthusiasts and Dollywood, the 1,250-sq.-ft. facility will operate through Labor Day weekend and admission is free to Dollywood guests. The walk-though exhibit chronicles the development of the roller coaster, dating back to 1550, in a compelling story told through iconic and rare coaster trains, photos, signs and memorabilia.

More information on the event is available at www.AmericanCoasterEnthusiasts.org and www.CoasterCon.com.