Utah set to welcome 2023 IAFE Annual Convention, Trade Show

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusementtoday.com

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Officials with the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) are excited about the upcoming annual IAFE Convention and Trade Show set for Nov. 26–29, at the Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, Utah.

The annual event is the largest gathering of the fair industry. People from fairs of all sizes — from small county fairs to the largest events in the world — come together to learn, share ideas, network and visit the trade show. All throughout the week, there are many learning opportunities, entertainment and, of course, fun and games.

Marla Calico, IAFE president and CEO, said in mid-November that attendee registration was going very well and the floor plan at the convention is set for 310 booths. It will be sold out. The 310 booths represent about 200 exhibitors. The trade show will be open 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 27, and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and reopen at 3 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

“What we are most pleased to see is an increase in registrations from the Western United States,” Calico said. “For many, Salt Lake City is already their hub for flights, but especially with the travel ban lifted for fairs in California, we are seeing many folks from those fairs that we’ve not seen since 2017.”

In mid-September of this year, California Governer Gavin Newsom signed a law that had been in place since 2016 that banned publicly funded travel to states with laws that discriminate against LGBTQ people.

The IAFE convention has been moving to different states, testing if those moves would make it easier for some of its members to attend. In 2022, the convention was held in Indianapolis, Indiana. The three years prior to that, it was in San Antonio, Texas.

“As we move to different cities each year, there will likely be subtle differences in attendance,” Calico said. “Indianapolis in 2022 afforded many members the opportunity to bring more people to the convention than normal as they were within easy driving distance. Salt Lake City is entirely different as there are very few member fairs within a reasonable driving distance.”

Still the numbers are looking very good.

In answering the question about what new activities attendees can expect to see in 2023, Calico said the educational content for workshops is always new.

“They are on timely topics of importance to our members,” she said. “These ideas bubble up from our educational committees and are then pushed out to the entire membership for voting, as well as to add their own ideas.”

One of the unique topics this year is a series on Life Happens — Even During the Fair. Each session will focus on a different situation in life that everyone has to deal with and tips on how to deal with it while working. One will be on working while raising active teens, young children or caring for an elderly parent.

The panelists in each will speak “from the trenches,” Calico said and share their tips for balancing it all.

Another new and limited-attendance session comes under the IAFE as Educational Experiences. There are four different sessions in all.

The Learning with Legends, which is a 2.5-hour-long session, is one of the experiences featured. It will include a panel of industry legends, followed by time for the attendees to network with the legends in order to gain meaningful insights and forge new networks.

The remaining three are the Utah State Fairgrounds tour, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints facilities and operations tour, and the University of Utah Football Stadium facilities and operations tour.

Some of the workshop and educational topics this year include: A World Where Cash isn’t King - Best Practices for Managing Products and Payments; Maintaining the Value of Your Commercial Exhibitor Profile; Artificial Intelligence for the Fair Industry; Does Your Future Include Construction — Things You Need to Know; Recruitment and Training of Fair-time Employees and Volunteers; Group and Corporate Sale Packages; Connectivity Across Your Grounds and Difficult Discussions in Sponsorships.

Aside from the traditional scheduling of topic sessions, there will be three sessions of Institute of Fair Management on Sunday, Nov. 26, and one each on the three remaining days of the convention.

During registration, registrants were asked what was their primary job/role in their organization. This information was used to assign attendees to a network circle. Each “circle” will be made up of people with similar job duties. There will be ample scheduled opportunities for attendees to meet throughout the event. This time will not include any presentations, workshops or organized discussions.

Calico said it is never really easy to predict what any one highlight will be, but... “We’ll have a great opening night kick off celebrating Utah’s outdoor lifestyle with the S’More Fun event sponsored by the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) and a few of the carnival companies,” she said. “We are expecting a good response to keynote speaker, Damian Mason and of course, networking remains the most beloved and valuable aspect of IAFE events of all kinds.”

From visiting fairs and speaking with colleagues throughout the year, Calico said, in general, results were good, except where weather became a factor.

“Nothing new in that story,” she said. “But, per-cap spending has been reported to be very strong, although it seemed to be a significant trend that concessionaires raised prices to try to keep up with their increasing costs.”

Finding and keeping fair-time staff remains a challenge, not only for the fair itself, but its subcontractors as well for everything from garbage details to security.

“What seems to be an increase in unruly guests is of significant concern, and more fairs went to admission policies for minors as well as clear-bag policy implementation,” she said.

“On a positive note, we are seeing more and more fairs focus on the metrics that matter as they prepare their end-of-fair wrap-ups, switching the conversation from sheer attendance numbers to things like the impact upon the community.”

For example, she said the Erie County Fair, Hamburg, New York, generated over 140,000 pounds of food on opening day for FeedMore WNY. That is a 46% increase over the previous year fair’s donation.

The number of scholarships awarded to youth was successful. For example, Tri-State Fair in Amarillo, Texas, gave out $100,000 in scholarships this year.

There have been increased efforts to reach and involve underserved audiences. For example, Ohio State Fair, Columbus, provided ASL interpretation at over 70 events.

“Countless fairs have added special times and spaces set aside for people with sensory impairments,” Calico said. “More and more fairs are adding special livestock show programs similar to Bacon Buddies at the Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, pairing differently abled children with 4-H and FFA youngster to take an animal into the showring.”

•fairsandexpos.com

Frank Zaitshik evolves Wade Shows into premiere carnival provider

AT: Ron Gustafson

Special to Amusement Today

RALEIGH, N.C. — Wade Shows owner Frank Zaitshik admits he has one of the largest carnivals in the nation, but his real aspiration has always been to be the best, not necessarily the biggest.

“There's always room for improvement,” the veteran showman said during an extensive interview with Amusement Today during the North Carolina State Fair.

And who's to argue with Zaitchik, now 77, who was born into the outdoor amusement industry?

“I'm a second-generation carnival guy,” he reflected. “Mom and Dad were concessionaires on the former Olson Shows, and I grew up picking up milk bottles in the One Ball game and spinning the wheel and retrieving the mouse in what we called the rat wheel.

“My dad (Irving) created the 14-color crazy ball game after it became hard to find field mice for the wheel operation,” Zaitchik noted. “Crazy Ball was a huge success and it was the beginning of financial security for my parents.”

Working his way up

In 1966, Olson Shows was sold to Rod Link (World Of Pleasure and Link Shows) and the Zaitshiks stayed on with the new ownership.

“We worked under Link for a number of years, and Rod taught me how to lay out lots,” Zaitchik said of that era. “Dad made me a partner in the family operation, but Dad and Link didn't get along, so Dad went to Thomas Shows, but I remained with Rod.”

In 1971, at age 25, Frank became the youngest concessions manager in the industry when Link promoted him to that position.

With years of experience under his belt, Zaitchik seized the opportunity in 1980 to purchase Michigan-based W.G. Wade Shows. The operation had 33 rides at the time and played exclusively in Michigan.

“Our first operating season was actually 1981,” he said of the acquisition. “In '81 and '82 I had a partner, and it was supposed to be a marriage made in heaven. We each took out different units the second year of operation, but it became clear that it wasn't going to work out.”

Zaitchik bought out the partner and started to rebuild the business by acquiring new equipment and trading in some of the duplicate rides.

Working with Wisdom

“The market was good in Mexico then and allowed me to trade in equipment to Wisdom (Wisdom Rides of America, Merino, Colo.) for new rides,” he recalled.

Rides acquired through trade-ins with Wisdom were a Go Gater coaster, Raiders and Gravitron.

The first major piece purchased by Zaitchik was a new Pirate (SDC of Italy) in 1986 — a deal made possible by trading in an Allan Herschell Sky Wheel. The pact was brokered through Ken Smith, who worked the contract with the late Mack Duce of SDC. The ride still operates on Wade Shows today.

Under the leadership of Zaitchik, Wade Shows continued to add new attractions and today can play multiple locations at once with three units on the road and an arsenal of more than 120 rides.

Family affair

“I never intended to become this big,” he admitted. “It's challenging, and how the heck I do it — I say not very good. Honestly, the key to our success is our people.”

What he calls the “Midwest” unit is managed by his son, Gary, and Alex Danton. Jimmy Danton, Alex's dad, was 16 when Frank purchased the show and has been with the carnival ever since, today serving as general manager of the East Coast unit.

Daughter Shel-Lee and son-in-law Kevin Bosley are in charge of another unit, while Zaitchik spends time on each of the three.

“I'm on what I call the East Coast unit here in North Carolina,” Zaitchik said. “I spend six to 10 weeks with each unit but don't really call one home.”

Daughter Marina Zaitshik Small and son-in-law Johan Small own Iconic Midway Rides, playing major fairs with Wade Shows, as well as operating as independents elsewhere.

“I'm proud of the job Johan has done in refurbishing rides — especially the Larson Loop, which we themed Infinity. They have a new XXL from KMG (Netherlands) being made now, and it will be the first portable ride of its type in North America.”

The giant pendulum ride stands 80 feet tall with the swing action rising to a jaw-dropping 147 feet. The spectacular attraction is expected to make its debut on the Wade Shows midway at the Florida State Fair in February.

19th time in Raleigh

The 2023 edition of the North Carolina State Fair marked the 19th time Wade Shows has been on the midway. For the past 18 seasons Powers Great American Midways (PGAM) has held the contract, with Wade providing around half of the rides.

Zaitchik admits the partnership with Corky (Les) Powers, PGAM owner, is rather unprecedented in the industry.

“Corky and I were kidding just the other day, that when we hit 20 years together in Raleigh, we might get it right,” he quipped.

But by all indications, the show owners had the right stuff in the formula as “all 91 rides were ready and stickered for opening” on Oct. 12.

In addition, the massive midway incorporated 48 automated ticketing kiosks to bolster the guest experience.

“Corky and I are really ahead of the curve on digital ticketing within our industry,” Zaitchik asserted. “While working together here (Raleigh) since 2006, there has never been a cross word between us.”

The two showmen were both inducted into the Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA) Hall of Fame in 2020.

Big route

Wade Shows touts one of the strongest fair routes in the country, playing the state fairs in Florida, Delaware, New York, Nebraska and Oklahoma, as well as the Alabama National Fair, Fiesta San Antonio (Texas), and the San Antonio Livestock Exposition.

Following Labor Day, the carnival trims down to two units.

“We don't have all of our rides in service at one time,” Zaitshik said of the large inventory the carnival carries. “Over the past two years, we have sold some older equipment, and in some cases sold some rides which are no longer feasible to move, such as the RC-48 (Pinfari) coaster.”

The massive ride requires eight trailer loads to move it over the road as well as a crane to erect it.

“It is very costly to operate, and the assembly bolts have to be changed out several times a year,” he noted.

The show's Fighter (Mondial), an exclusive spectacular with the carnival, was undergoing refurbishment when the pandemic struck in 2019. The ride is 75 percent completed and will be on the road again when finished.

Another coaster, Comet II (Schwarzkopf), is also in the shop and was last used at the Florida State Fair in 2018.

“It's our largest coaster and needs $150,000 worth of work,” Zaitshik added. “We're not holding a fire sale by any means. It just comes down to Gene Chaffee (refurbishment and maintenance director) having time to complete some of these projects.

“We have great-looking equipment coming out of there,” he said of refurb operations coordinated in two Florida shops. “When they made him (Chaffee), they threw away the mold.”

Another shop operates in Missouri under the direction of Dave Brewer, where most recently two Owen glass houses got facelifts.

Big wheels keep on turning

Raleigh featured five gondola Ferris wheels at the fair, the largest being the SkyGazer, a 155-foot observation ride located off the main midway.

Zaitshik partnered with Michael Wood of Wood Entertainment, San Antonio, Texas, to purchase the giant Lamberink (Netherlands) ride in 2017, and it has become a staple at numerous locations played by Wade Shows.

“His dad was an owner of Wade before I bought the carnival,” Zaitshik said. “Michael is 100 percent in charge of the giant wheel operation. Reaching out to him to be my partner was one of the smartest things I've ever done.”

The wheel is moved on 12 trailers with an additional three support vehicles.

Looking ahead

Fair officials were treated to a first look and exclusive ride on Wade's new double-deck carousel (Chance Rides) prior to the fair's opening. The menagerie carousel was reportedly a big hit with fairgoers during the 11-day event.

“I'm really anxious to see another project we're working on — a combination fun house/glass house with a 120-foot front,” Zaitshik said. “It's being built by Chuck Wheeler of Amusement Wraps in Ohio and should be ready for our Florida spots.”

Zaitshik admits his life in the carnival industry has been a marathon, but he just doesn't know how far the distance is.

“At my age, we still have an attitude and philosophy that if you are not going forward, you are going backward,” the show owner emphasized. “We've made purchases as if we have 30 more years in the business — obviously I don't, but my family does.”

Fairs remain more than fairly relevant

INDUSTRY VOICE: Marla J. Calico, International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE)

When I have a chance for media interviews, it seems that at least a few times a year I am asked “What is the relevance of fairs today?” My answer is almost always the same: “Fairs are more relevant today than ever before.”

Fairs play a vital role in their community — whether a small rural community, a large region or when that “community” is an entire state. The showcasing of agricultural is still part of the vital mission of the fair, but there’s recognition of the obligation to connect guests — further and further removed from the farm life — with the food on their plates. The IAFE will be releasing results of a North American consumer research study in 2024 that will support this important mission for fairs today.

The competitions for youth, whether it be cookies or cattle, are key components of the projects of 4-H, FFA and other youth organizations providing leadership development. When a kid is learning how to take an animal into the showring, he or she is learning budgeting, time management, organizational skills, teamwork and mental preparedness. Isn’t that what we want in every leader?

Finally, fairs are doing so much more in their communities, and we are seeing a greater emphasis on these “Metrics That Matter” as we see fairs share stories of hundreds of thousands of pounds of food raised for a local pantry; thousands of gallons of blood donated; and millions of dollars of scholarships are awarded — just to name a few metrics!

I will continue to emphasize that fairs are more relevant today than ever before.

Living up to it, not on it

AT NOTEBOOK: John W.C. Robinson, jrobinson@amusementtoday.com

I've spent my entire life as a fan of the rock band Kiss. Their flamboyance and over-the-top spectacular shows have lured me in since childhood. But the band's overall popularity has gone up and down a few times over their 50 -year career.

In the early 1990s, I remember an interview with co-founder Gene Simmons where he talked about the band refocusing its efforts and returning to prominence. He commented: "We've spent too many years living on our reputation, when we need to be living up to it."

Those words stuck with me then. More importantly, I find them truer than ever on a broader scale within our industry right now.

In recent times, I've heard story after story about attractions and suppliers touting themselves as "the top" of what there is, but not living up to that promise they once delivered on so brilliantly.

It does no good for a provider to be at the top of the game in technological innovation if the same company fails to properly maintain and service the tech they sold their clients just a year or two earlier. It reduces the numbers moving through our turnstiles when attractions offer new events that dramatically fail to live up to the standards they've set for themselves in previous years, simply counting on visitors to shell out extra dollars only to be disappointed once through the gates.

We're an industry built on fresh ideas, trendsetting, innovation and imagination. But our job doesn't stop with one idea or one success. We have to keep pushing every day, making sure the ideas of yesterday still delight tomorrow, making sure the world within our gates that customers have come to expect lives on.

Every single day, it's up to us as an industry to continue to live up to the bar we've set for ourselves ... and then exceed it.

A change of scenery

BLUE ASH, Ohio — Mark Rosenzweig and Matt Waldenmeyer prepare to embark on their own adventure by steering the ship of 3dxScenic. As the owners of the company, previously a subsidiary of L!VE Technologies, the two are excited about the fresh energy that the new structure and reinvigorated direction that this new chapter brings. Before coming aboard 3dxScenic, Rosenzweig developed industry experience with Zamperla and Ride Entertainment. Waldenmeyer, scenic fabricator and carpenter, served as director of operations for more than seven years with 3dx under its former structure. COURTESY 3DXScenic

IAFE keynote speaker,

Damian Mason

Damian Mason speaks to corporations, associations, trade groups and agricultural organizations. He delivers business insights, information and inspiration in an entertaining package. He is the author of two books, Do Business Better and Food Fear, both published in 2019.

COURTESY IAFE

Carousel Gardens grows; Christmas season bolsters attendance

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

NEW ORLEANS, La. — Jazz music and French/Cajun cuisine will always be associated with New Orleans. Unfortunately, part of the city’s legacy will forever be tied to Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, part of New Orleans’ City Park, took a terrible hit that year. Most of the rides and attractions were devastated. The park’s namesake carousel, while taking damage, managed to fare better owing to its elevated environment. Still, the floodwaters were up to the horses’ hooves.

Today, the park continues an ongoing resurgence. Eighteen rides call the park home, most of them new. Shrouded in the captivating canopy of moss-draped Live Oak trees, Carousel Gardens maintains its place in the city’s history.

“Being born and raised in New Orleans, Carousel Gardens was my first carousel ride,” said Waymon Morris, director of recreational services, City Park Conservancy (formerly New Orleans City Park). “I remember it vividly. When Hurricane Katrina hit, I was working at Six Flags New Orleans. Carousel Gardens was such a devastating loss. We lost all the equipment.”

Morris has now been with Carousel Gardens for more than 10 years. He learned that there was dedicated support to bring the amusement park back better than ever. It was beloved by the city and its residents.

“It’s important to understand the city park is a 1,300-acre urban park,” Morris told Amusement Today. “There are many, many things within the park — we have football stadiums, two golf courses, all these different things. The pride and joy is Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. That is probably one of the most iconic parts of the park. When you think of City Park, you think of the carousel, the train and the Ladybug roller coaster.”

The Looff carousel was built in 1906 and has always been a part of the park. Much restoration was involved in the reopening of the carousel, but fortunately, it was accomplished. Leadership continues a 10-year restoration where horses are routinely done.

Morris states the rides at the park are for the family demographic — from toddlers to 12-year-olds.

“We like to think of our park where you get your ‘firsts’ — your first carousel, your first roller coaster ride, your first train ride,” he said. “I like to think we train the public to indulge in our industry.”

Zierer supplied a new roller coaster in 2015 to replace the original. The Ladybug is an ideal fit for the family audience.

“It is so smooth. Technology advanced so incredibly fast,” said Morris. “When we installed it, it was a beacon of hope for us. It brought the park into the new age.”

The park also boasts a 15-minute, two-mile ride through the property aboard a Chance C.P. Huntington train.

The park opens the first weekend of March but has a long season. Beginning in November, the park puts on “Celebration in the Oaks,” a holiday festival, running from Thanksgiving to December 30. The park is decorated with lights and scenes.

“It is the New Orleans holiday tradition,” Morris told AT. “When you think about Christmastime in New Orleans, Celebration in the Oaks is No. 1.”

The celebration is more than 30 years old.

“When I was a little boy, Celebration started as the Christmas Tree Festival in the botanical garden adjacent to the amusement park,” he said. “Unlike other parks, City Park is 80 percent self-funded. Everything we do inside City Park is for the public, but every dollar comes right back into it. The amusement park plays a huge role in running a 1,300-acre park with no funding. What started as the Christmas Tree Festival became one of the most popular things in the city of New Orleans.”

Morris stated it is the busiest time of the year.

“It grew and grew and grew. It started in the botanical gardens and then into the amusement park. Then, it expanded into the two-mile train ride. We started placing [scenes]. It became the thing to do. You had to get on the train ride,” he said.

He jokes people have to get a cup of hot chocolate in the city’s “cold” 60-degree weather.

“I remember as a little boy that the train was the last thing we did,” Morris said. “Decades later it has become the quintessential part of New Orleans’ holiday time.”

Before Katrina, City Park had a driving tour. The hurricane damaged all the sets, as it took months to erect everything for the automobile experience, and they were up in August. With the effects of COVID a few years ago, people couldn’t get out as they could in the past, and the driving tour was reimagined, along with the walking tour. The popularity of it has made it such a fixture that the driving tour isn’t expected to leave again.

The rides are also in operation during the Christmas festival.

“We’re a different culture here. It’s the togetherness of New Orleans,” Morris said. “We cram everyone into a 20-acre event.”

Six Flags Fiesta Texas produces new Christmas Carol musical

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

SAN ANTONIO — For more than 30 years, Six Flags Fiesta Texas has established a reputation for providing outstanding entertainment for its guests. Originally built by USAA and Opryland, the park’s theaters are made for large audiences. Since the park sees substantial crowds during its fall and winter festivals, Fiesta Texas’ award-winning shows have something special for its Christmas lineup of offerings in 2023.

Called “Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: A New Spirited Musical,” this new show has been long in the works.

“This is a concept we have been talking about for years,” said Park President Jeffrey Siebert. “This year we said, ‘This is the year.’ With the event enhancements going on, and the quality we are trying to offer, it’s time to introduce a new A-level signature show when shows matter most to our guests, which is during Holiday In The Park.”

“The show has been a passion project for Jeffrey for a couple of years now,” added Ben McTyre, director of entertainment. “We wanted to create another signature holiday show for Six Flags Fiesta Texas that will be as grand in scale as our ‘Majesty of Christmas’ production and complement the rest of our Holiday In The Park show product. We’re excited to bring it to life this year. We decided to make it a musical version with a cast of 25.”

McTyre has a great deal of pride, owing to the fact that the show was produced in-house. The songs and score were written and arranged by Darren Dalton and Wendell Vaughn. The choreography was done by in-house choreographer Carla Sankey. The scenic and lighting design and scenic fabrication were provided by SRO Associates, a local company that the park has collaborated with on past productions, including, most notably, “The Majesty of Christmas.” Costuming design and direction are in-house as well, with additional costumes being provided by Starline Costumes, another local provider.

“When we decided we wanted to do it, the team, as you can imagine, embraced it. We wanted to do it correctly and create our own original score, our own music and lyrics and new sets,” Siebert told Amusement Today. “We wanted it to be another iconic show experience for the park. We’ve had ‘Majesty of Christmas’ for decades, and we wanted to deliver that quality experience. So, what’s better than A Christmas Carol? It’s an extremely well-known and loved tradition by our guests. We refer to it as an evergreen; regardless of generations or when you’ve grown up, A Christmas Carol is truly a timeless classic.”

The show takes place twice nightly in the park’s Rockville Theater, which underwent a restoration during the fall. The debut of the new show was on November 25 and continues through December 23.

Instead of using two small casts, the park utilizes 25 performers that appear in both “Majesty of Christmas” and “A Christmas Carol: A New Spirted Musical,” making the productions more impressive.

“It makes me very proud that we have created this production in-house,” said McTyre. “The first time I heard the music, my eyes teared up. Even in their unfinished state, I was blown away by how great and heartfelt the songs truly are.”

“This is the beginning of a brand-new tradition we hope guests will enjoy for generations to come,” said Siebert.

In addition to lighting, animated and fountain shows, Six Flags Fiesta Texas offers six live-performance shows to bring seasonal cheer.

Jollywood Nights jazzes up Disney’s Hollywood Studios

AT: David Fake

Special to Amusement Today

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — There has been much excitement and anticipation surrounding Disney Jollywood Nights, a new separately ticketed party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, since its announcement back in June of this year.

The four-hour party (8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.), scheduled to take place on 10 select evenings Nov. 11 – Dec. 20, 2023, has been marketed as more adult-oriented yet still kid-friendly. The experience is intended to be an alternative but not competing party to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom.

Walt Disney World is known for its entertaining separate-ticket events that provide guests with exclusive-to-the-event novelty food offerings, shows, parades and nighttime fireworks spectaculars, with many of those selling out well in advance.

Jollywood Nights was no exception. The event features the “Disney Holidays in Hollywood” show which included an orchestra, dancers, live singers and appearances by Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog, Disney Princesses, as well as Mickey and Minnie. The 30-minute show was well produced and well received, with guests queuing up before the show.

Another event offering was the Twilight Soirée at the Tip-Top Club, a “club” set up on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Terrace. No reservations were necessary to enter and enjoy a live singer and band performing holiday songs.

The 20-minute “What’s This? Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas Sing-along” show was a breakout hit and crowd pleaser. Its inventive scenic design, Jack Skellington puppet, projections and use of two non-speaking character actors was an overwhelming success. The IP’s inclusion in the event can be attributed to Tom Vazzana, creative director with Disney Live Entertainment, who stated that not only is it his personal favorite aspect of the event, but it is also one that he has attempted to work into an event that just “didn’t seem to fit” until Disney Jollywood Nights.

The culmination of the party was a showing of “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!,” a short projection-mapping, laser and fireworks show that takes place on and over the Chinese Theater. The show is not a new show, but a slightly enhanced version of the show that ran as the park’s holiday fireworks offering from 2016 to 2020.

Holiday celebrations are all about delicious treats and a popular one among Disney Jollywood Nights’ food offering was a Christmas-themed Gertie sugar cookie with mint icing. The Gertie Cookie is only available for purchase at the cost of $4.29 per cookie at Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction on the edge of Echo Lake.

Three of Disney Jollywood Nights’ 10 parties sold out, sight unseen, before the first one took place on November 11.

SeaWorld welcomes new smalltooth sawfish pups

ORLANDO — The wonders of the world’s oceans have inspired imaginations for generations. And in turn those imaginations have inspired the desire to better understand, protect and conserve the marine life that lives within the mysterious blue water. Since 1964, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment has focused on sharing the wonders of the ocean with guests of all ages, while also serving the life under the sea through conservation and education.

On October 17, International Sawfish Day, SeaWorld Orlando announced it had experienced a wonder all its own with the incredible — and surprise — birth of three smalltooth sawfish shark pups. The live birth of two females and one male took place at 5:45 a.m. on Tuesday, July, 11, 2023. Each pup measured in at close to two feet long in size. The proud parents, SeaWorld Orlando’s only pair of smalltooth sawfish, have lived in the park’s Shark Encounter for many years.

“SeaWorld Orlando is the only place in the United States with this species of sawfish,” shared Becki Orze, one of the specialists for the 700,000-gallon habitat. “The pair that live in the Shark Encounter have been part of the SeaWorld family for quite some time, and while for many years we hoped they would successfully have pups, we began to believe they may have grown too old.”

“That is why,” Orze continued, “This birth is so amazing. It is the first successful smalltooth sawfish birth in the United States. The proud sawfish mom is in her thirties and doing quite well since having the pups.”

Orze went on to share the pregnancy was discovered during a routine health exam of the female. The first hint and suspicions was excitedly confirmed with additional scans, ultrasounds and checks. “If you are part of the sawfish nerd science community, you share in our awe.”

Adam Brame, sawfish recovery coordinator with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, echoed Orze’s excitement. While discussing the historic birth at SeaWorld Orlando’s International Sawfish Day park passholder event, he stated, “This is an amazing milestone for this special species. The birth of smalltooth sawfish here at SeaWorld marks the first time smalltooth sawfish have successfully bred at an aquarium in the U.S.”

In April 2012, Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas, celebrated the birth of four endangered smalltooth sawfish. Atlantis has remained the first and only facility in the world to have reproductive success of the smalltooth sawfish, and now, SeaWorld Orlando can share both bragging rights, pup updates and joy.

With a smile and nod to Orze and the SeaWorld team, he added, “I hope SeaWorld’s news helps inspire more people to join those of us in the sawfish nerd community.”

Although shark-like in appearance, sawfish are actually rays; their gills and mouths are found on the underside of their bodies.

“Sawfish are unique creatures. The smalltooth sawfish is one of five species of sawfish, and they are cool,” Brame continued. “Their long nose, the rostrum, looks like a hedge trimmer. The middle of their body resembles a stingray, and their back end looks like a shark. By mixing all these parts together, you have a sawfish.” He further shared the rostrum has unpaired teeth. Like all sharks, the teeth will fall out and grow back continually throughout the sawfish’s lifespan, but will never pair up. Sawfish can have between 20 to 29 teeth at a time.

SeaWorld’s only pair of smalltooth sawfish are located at the Orlando park, the fitting location for the species. Smalltooth sawfish are the only species of sawfish native to Florida. Atlantic Ocean dwellers, they once were found in almost all of Florida’s surrounding waters, the Gulf of Mexico and along the East Coast as far north as North Carolina. Continued waterfront development, the destruction of Florida’s mangroves and incidental catch from the mass use of fishing nets and equipment including shrimp trawls, bottom longlines and recreational hook-and-line gear have drastically decreased the population.

“The birth of these three pups is an important step in helping us to better learn about them so that we can better protect the remaining sawfish in the wild,” Brame stated.

—Susan Storey

Altitude Trampoline Park continues growth with new locations

AT: Pam Sherborne

psherborne@amusementtoday.com

COLLEYVILLE, Texas — Altitude Trampoline Park, a leading family-friendly entertainment franchise headquartered in Colleyville, Texas, announced in late October the addition of 20 new park locations to its development pipeline across multiple target markets.

With more than 20 parks signed and eight leased and under construction, the developments are set to expand the brand's presence in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Georgia, California and Illinois.

Earlier in 2023, the company announced its entrance into additional markets such as the Greater Atlanta area, Greater Pittsburgh, Buenos Aires and the Greater Tampa area.

Currently, there are close to 100 locations worldwide. There are franchises in nearly 30 U.S. states alone.

"At Altitude, we aim to expand our footprint with passionate partners and determine target markets to drive growth strategically," said Mike Rotondo, Altitude's chief executive officer. "As we continue to reach our goals, we utilize our knowledge and contacts in project management and real estate to ensure franchisees are set up for success. We feel that this trend of multi-unit expansion will continue into 2024, bringing family-friendly fun across the nation."

The announcement of Altitude Trampoline's new locations builds on the brand's goal to be conveniently located centers for family fun. These niche entertainment venues expanding across the country are state-of-the-art trampoline parks that focus on safety, offer next-level birthday parties and provide a variety of activities for both children and adults.

Meghan Bronner, Fish-Consulting, responsible for corporate public relations, said that not all of the Altitude Trampoline Parks franchises will look the same on the outside and they may also offer different attractions on the inside.

Some franchise owners have even paired the trampolines with virtual realities.

"As the brand expands, more efforts are being made to add tech and virtual reality experiences to locations across the nation," she said.

But guests will find a high standard of equipment and floor-to-floor trampolines at all of the Altitude Trampoline Parks.

Some of the activities promoted at the different locations include rock walls, monkey bars and an adventure course where guests may try out their Ninja force.

Guests can come together and form teams to play trampoline dodgeball and basketball.

Some franchises will include interactive games such as hunt-the-lights. There normally is a Kid's Court for the youngest jumpers.

High-performance trampolines are offered to see just how high a guest really can jump.

Some locations offer a sweeper, which is a padded arm and spins over a trampoline area. Guests have to jump over the arm in order to not be knocked down.

Altitude Trampoline Park franchises have been very successful in promoting the brand's $10 Endless Jumps Membership program.

The franchises' party packages have also been extremely popular with their wide selection of offerings. Small parties and large ones can be accommodated. Corporations may even rent out the entire park.

Some Altitude parks offer an array of programs. For example, there are the Junior Jumpers Jams for younger jumpers during the daytime hours and Friday Night Friendzy events.

Altitude Trampoline Park was founded in 2012.

•altitudetrampolinepark.com

State Fair of Texas attendance and midway revenue both down

AT: B. Derek Shaw

bdshaw@amusementtoday.com

DALLAS, Texas — Throughout the 24-day State Fair of Texas, 2,341,449 people attended, down approximately 8% from 2022 when 2.5 million fairgoers went through the turnstiles. This is due in part to the first week being one of the hottest on record for Texas, with an average high of 94 degrees. The highest was on day nine, Saturday, October 7 when 208,731 folks decided to “Explore the Midway,” which was the 2023 theme.

The State Fair of Texas operates with an independent midway, which had 74 total rides; 29 were kiddie rides. There were 26 carnival providers bringing anywhere from one to seven rides. Operators included Alamo Amusements, Inc, Amusement Management International, Bishop Amusement Rides, B-Thrilled Attractions, Caprice Enterprise, D&K Amusements, Fair of Fun, Fair Ride Entertainment, Great American Entertainment, Iconic Midway Rides, JOY RIDE, Laser Fair, Lauther Amusements, Lone Star Entertainment, M&C Attractions, McBubbles LLC, Mr. Ed's Magical Midways, Pinnacle Fair Equipment Inc., Prime Pacific Entertainment, Sky Spectacle, Inc, State Fair Spectacular, Talley Amusements, Texas Skyway, Inc., Triple T Amusement, Wanderlust Amusement and Wood Entertainment Company. Making her first appearance at the fair was Marina Zaitshik, owner of Iconic Midway Rides, bringing one ride.

There were three new rides at this years’ fair. They included Infinity (larger Ring of Fire), Larson International) Iconic Midway Rides; Toy Cars (IROSA) Tom McDonagh’s McBubbles, LLC and Kiddie Bumper Boats (Christiani Rides, Inc.) Joey Weaver’s Fair Ride Entertainment. The three top-grossing rides were Texas Star wheel (SDC) run by Tom and Mary Talley, Texas Skyway (Doppelmayr) run by Mike Demas and Love Bug (Mack Rides) run by Maurice Haworth. Revenue for rides and games was down by 12% from 2022.

“Our top priority every year is safety for not only our fairgoers but our vendors and employees. This is exactly why we handpick every single ride that enters the State Fair of Texas midway, to ensure that it meets every one of our extensive safety requirements,” said Rusty Fitzgerald, senior vice president of operations. "The ride and games owners here bring the highest level of service and ‘Texantude’ to our Fair for our fairgoers, and this year was no different.”

Special promotions provided the opportunity for increased savings and value to attendees. These included season passes for all 24-days, a premium one-day admission, special pricing Monday-Thursday with discounted admission tickets of $15, $10 for seniors and children, $5 senior day every Thursday, reduced general admission after 5pm every evening and discounted tickets from participating McDonalds with $5 off weekdays and $7 off on weekends.

Other companies and organizations had special promotions too. By bringing two jars of peanut butter on opening day, attendees got in for $10 benefiting the North Texas Food Bank. That same organization also benefitted when fairgoers brought five canned goods on Wednesdays, they got in for $5. Tuesdays and Thursdays were Dr Pepper value days if fairgoers purchased online, reducing admission to $10.

Tuesdays allowed riders to enjoy most midway rides for four coupons, with kiddie rides discounted to three coupons. Thrifty Thursday’s discounted food program, presented by T-Mobile, gave guests savings while snacking, as participating food vendors offered one of their signature menu items at a reduced price, ranging from mini versions to regular-size items.

The advertising budget was approximately $1 million. The marketing mix focused on growth and sales conversion within internal communications channels (website, email, text messaging, and organic social media). The media mix included integrated print — 22%, broadcast — 20%, radio — 18%, internal communication channels — 10%, paid social media — 10%, direct mail and direct-to-home — 10% and outdoor — 10%.

Food finalists in the savory category included deep fried cheesy crab tater bites, deep fried pho, loaded fries pizza, OX'cellent soul roll and turkey ribs. In the sweet category the finalists were Biscoff delight cheesecake, bourbon banana caramel sopapillas, Fernie's fried cherry pie in the sky, sweet Encanto waffle and trail-ade, lemonade with fruit, cucumber and mint.

New food vendors included EATALY, Pound Cake Experts, Sandoitchi sandwich and Stay Cheesy. New fair food included butchers block — the ultimate carnivore bowl, churreos (cookies and churros), cornbread sausage bombs, cotton candyrita (cotton candy and margarita), and creole etouffee beignets. In the deep-fried department were candy pecan bacon bread pudding, honey butter brisket swirls, surf & turf empanada, sushi bombs, Texas oatmeal pie and Vietnamese coffee.

The wonders of the prehistoric area made their way to Fair Park for the new Dinosaurs at the Lagoon exhibit that featured 10 life-sized dinosaurs found in Texas, a kids’ play area, along with seating and dining. Visitors were able to get their picture with a 57-foot-tall Alamosaurus.

The Hall of State had two brand-new exhibits: the Texas Ranger bicentennial exhibit and the Texas Tech centennial exhibit focused on Texas Tech’s first 100 years.

“With safety as a top priority here at the Most Texan Place on Earth, we have maintained several COVID-related safety measures put in place for 2021 to mitigate any further spread of COVID-19 at the 2022 and 2023 event,” said Senior Vice President of Public Relations Karissa Condoianis.

Safety measures the fair kept in place from previous years included 500+ hand sanitizing stations, a cleaning team frequently cleaned and disinfected tables and high-touch surfaces and Active Pure technology was in the vast majority of the buildings at Fair Park to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 indoors.

Over 30 free concerts were offered on the Chevrolet main stage, including Lonestar, CeeLo Green, Bowling for Soup, X Ambassadors, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and We the Kings. Lil Jon and Yahritza y Su Esencia drew the largest crowds at their concerts. All concerts and live music were included with admission.

The fair was asked about employment challenges. “We saw fewer challenges with hiring and onboarding seasonal employees for the 2023 fair than the 2022 fair. This can be attributed to the all-new Tex Team Resources Center — Employee Service Center, which was a new program dedicated to streamlining everyone's hiring journey,” said Condoianis. “Each year, we promote thousands of job opportunities with the state fair, working to reach folks across the DFW metroplex, with a special focus on our neighbors in South Dallas. With the integration of our new resource center, we were able to assist even more employees with completing their applications and necessary paperwork in person. We’re very fortunate to have folks who return every year, and for those who have worked three or more fairs, we offer a scholarship opportunity for our employees or their dependents to pursue higher education.”

She added, “We are incredibly thankful to all the fairgoers who joined us to celebrate all things Texan. Greeting over 2.3 million people has been a privilege, and by simply coming out to have some fair fun, you have helped us to support our vendors and small businesses as well as helped us to support some of the fair’s signature programs. We look forward to welcoming you all back next year at the 2024 State Fair of Texas.”

“Thank you to all who came out to join us at the Most Texan Place on Earth this fair season,” said Mitchell Glieber, state fair president. “Through your continued support during our largest fundraiser of the year, the State Fair of Texas, you have aided in making a difference in our community. The funds raised will help us further our nonprofit mission initiatives, which give us more opportunities to award scholarships, feed those in our South Dallas community, and give back to other nonprofits like ours in the Dallas area that are making an impact in our community.”

The 2024 edition takes place September 27 through October 20.

•bigtex.com

More than 900,000 attend the 11-day North Carolina State Fair

AT: Ron Gustafson

Special to Amusement Today

RALEIGH, N.C. — Sunny skies welcomed patrons on the final weekend of the North Carolina State Fair, helping propel attendance of the 11-day exposition (Oct. 12-22) to 926,425, officials said.

“I am grateful to our fairgoers, vendors and businesses that support the fair,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “It is a celebration of the best of North Carolina and feels like an annual reunion that brings everything together that makes North Carolina a great place to live.”

Rain hampered attendance on the first Saturday (Oct. 14) of the fair with 62,501 passing through the gates. In comparison, the same day in 2022 saw more than 115,000 attend under sunny skies. The record for the first Saturday is 131,699, set in 2010.

Scattered showers also swept through the area on Friday, Oct. 19, with attendance recorded at 71,540, down 20,000 from the previous year.

Though no single-day records were set, the final weekend saw strong attendance with 135,545 on Saturday and 114,607 on Sunday.

Total attendance at the fair has eclipsed the one million mark during five runs, the most recent in 2017. Last year, 960,172 passed through the turnstiles, which was four percent higher than this year.

“The 2023 fair was a success by all measures,” noted Fair Manager G. Kent Yelverton.

As for the weather, Yelverton said: “We had steady rain until late afternoon on the 14th, and on Oct. 20 we had three periods of rain and storms. The later storm caused a severe thunderstorm warning and closed outdoor activities and entrance gates for 45 minutes in the early evening.”

The fair official also pointed out that there were impacts from three major concerts at the adjacent PNC Arena, a venue that shares parking with the fair. One concert was canceled only hours before showtime.

For the 18th consecutive year, Powers Great American Midways (PGAM) was contracted to provide the enormous midway. Show owner Corky (Les) Powers has worked with Frank Zaitshik of Wade Shows at all 18 fairs to field rides, games and food concessions on the carnival midway.

“The season started off wet, but thankfully we got good weather for most of our fairs,” Powers said at Raleigh, the last spot of 2023 for PGAM. “When we had the weather, we were ahead of last year. Rain the first Saturday here certainly hurt.”

The Raleigh midway featured 91 rides, all of which were inspected and stickered prior to opening on Oct. 12.

Four gondola Ferris wheels were placed at key vantage points on the T-shaped layout, the largest being Powers' 33-meter (Lamberink) adjacent to kiddieland. Wade provided its Chance Rides Giant Wheel on the main section of the midway with Powers' Itsy Bitsy spider wheel (AMC) anchoring one end of the “T,” while Wade's Friendly Wheel (Technical Park) was at the other end.

Wade and Wood Entertainment (San Antonio, Texas) again presented their 155-foot State Fair SkyGazer wheel (Lamberink) on the 344-acre fairgrounds near the Graham Building and Gate 3. The massive wheel offered birds-eye views of the fair and surrounding area. Tickets were sold separately for the ride at $7 per person, $6 pre-sale.

Fairgoers were treated to new rides from Powers, including Tesla AC, a Tivoli-themed Orbiter; a mini Reverse Time themed as Wipe Out (SBF/Visa) and Techno Jump (Sartori). Wade stole the limelight in kiddieland with its new double-deck carousel (Chance).

There was no shortage of spectaculars as Powers fielded F5, Khaos, and Air Raid (KMG); Air Maxx (SBF/Visa), Wave Swinger (Zierer), Flying Bobs (Chance), Inferno loop (Larson International); and Rock Star, Vertigo and Sky Hawk (A.R.M. USA).

Two coasters, Mighty Mouse (Zamperla) and Super Cyclone (Interpark), were among the spectaculars presented by Wade. Also, Super Himalaya (Reverchon), Street Fighter (Technical Park), Mega Drop (Fabbri), Alpine Bobs (Chance), Quasar themed as Music Express (A.R.M. USA/A.R.M. UK) and Wave Swinger (Bertazzon).

Family and other thrill rides were in the mix along the midway with kiddieland having more than a dozen attractions such as Crazy Cabs (SBF/Visa), Dragon Coaster (Jung-Max), Fun Slide (Frederiksen), Jumbo Circus (Klomax), Grand Carousel (Chance), Wacky Worm (Fajume) and more.

The carnival provided dozens of automated kiosks which allowed guests to purchase all-day wristbands or ride ticket cards.

It was the first time Raleigh's FunTagg digital ticketing was used for all of the rides, Yelverton said. “Powers Great American Midway was a great partner, again, for 2023.”

Unlimited rides were $40 per person ($30 pre-sale), with credits on ride ticket cards $1 each ($10 for 18 credits pre-sale). Rides required 5-6 credits each. The SkyGazer wheel ($7, $6 pre-sale) and State Fair Flyer chair lift ($7 and roundtrip $10; $6 and $9 pre-sale respectively) were not included in the midway offers.

The fair also offered discounted pre-sale admission and ride packages as follows:

•Dizzy pass: $38 for one gate admission and one all-day ride wristband

•Flyer package: $34 for two gate admissions and two roundtrips on State Fair Flyer

•SkyGazer: $14 for one gate admission and one SkyGazer ticket

A Tools For Schools deal also bounced back money to participating schools when fair admissions were purchased online in advance using designated school codes. The fair donated $2 per adult and $1 per child ticket. Pre-sale ticket prices were $10 for adults, and $5 for kids 6-12. Five and under were free with seniors (65+) $5.

At the gate, admission was $13 for adults and $7 for kids. Active military and their dependants were offered $8 admission.

Hunger Relief Day, presented by Smithfield Foods, was held Oct. 19 which afforded fairgoers who donated six cans of food free admission to the fair. Officials said 253,000 pounds of canned goods came in this year, compared to 214,000 in 2022.

There were 4,000 classes of competitions as well as a grandstand and other entertainment throughout the 11-day event. More than 21,600 general competition entries were received and 2,819 entries in livestock competitions.

Most notable was a watermelon weighing in at 308 pounds, said to be a world record thus far this year.

Rand Grandstand highlights included tractor pulls Oct. 13-15; Motorsports Mayhem Monster Trucks and Quad Racing, Oct. 20; Monster Trucks, Quad Racing, Demolition Derby, Oct. 21; and Monster Trucks, Quad Racing, Mini Van Derby, Oct. 22. Admission was $10 for all events.

The Hunt Horse Complex staged draft horse and mini horse pulls with admission also $10.

Free fair entertainment at the fair included Dale Jones, one-handed juggler; Rock-It Robot roaming in kiddieland; Melody Farm Follies animatronics theater; and The Birdman: World Class Bird Shows.

Also, the Homegrown Music Fest with entertainers from throughout the state was featured at the Waterfall Stage.

The 2024 edition of the North Carolina State Fair is slated for Oct. 17-27.

•ncstatefair.org

Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair enjoys a solid run

AT: Ron Gustafson

Special to Amusement Today

LUMBERTON. N.C. — While attendance remained on par with 2022, officials with the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair expect revenue to be up when the books are finally closed on this year’s exposition.

“Attendance appears to be in line with last year,” Fair President Timothy Taylor told Amusement Today. “Our treasurer is still totaling numbers, but revenue appears slightly higher than last year.”

Good weather also played heavily into the success of the nine-day fair (Sept. 29 – Oct. 7).

“This was probably the best weather the fair had in almost a decade,” Taylor noted. “It certainly didn’t hurt that folk felt comfortable on the grounds with temperatures in the upper 70s, a slight breeze and sunny skies.”

New acts were added to the fair’s free lineup, including Doc Magic children’s variety show and Ember Fire Art. Johnny Rockette’s high-flying cycle show was also presented along with local acts and livestock shows.

“Ember Fire and local entertainer Zach Oxendine were the most highly praised by guests,” the fair official said.

Big Rock Amusements, Chesaning, Mich., again provided the midway with 35 rides, including eight spectaculars, 12 majors and 15 in kiddieland. Spectaculars included: Air Flyer (AK Rides), Himalaya (Wisdom Rides of America), Ring of Fire (Larson International), Rip Tide (A.R.M. USA), The Beast (KMG), and a Technical Park Street Fighter booked in through Wade Shows.

Other featured attractions included Yo-Yo and Zipper (Chance Rides), Gondola Wheel and Sea Ray (Mulligan), Sizzler (Wisdom) and Tilt-A-Whirl (Larson).

All-day ride wristbands were $25 Monday – Thursday and $30 Friday and Saturday. Sunday of the fair was sponsored by Univision with $25 wristbands from 2 to 8 p.m. Big Rock offered free rides from 1 to 2 p.m. for early fairgoers with the $10 admission waived for military and first responders. Individual ride tickets were $1.25 each or 20 for $20 during the event’s run. Kids 4 and under were admitted to the fair for free.

Oct. 5 also featured a canned food night with free admission to the grounds for each person donating 10 canned items.

The fair also offered pre-sale combo admission and ride packages for $25.

A number of improvements were made at the fairgrounds for 2023, including new entry software to streamline exhibits and entries.

“Our new mega pass express booth also cut down on lines, so there was virtually no waiting to get into the fair,” Taylor added. “We were also set up to take credit cards for gate admission and ride wristbands, which increased our online sales thanks to the specials we offered.”

Parking was free with admission, including all the entertainment, livestock shows and competitions.

Taylor said the fair board has already hit the ground running, holding a meeting the Sunday after the fair closed. The 2024 edition of the event is slated Sept. 27 – Oct. 5.

Island H20 Water Park extends operations with Holiday Nights

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Water parks are typically known for having summer seasons. Warmer climates can stretch operations from an earlier spring opening to dates into early fall. Only a handful can operate year-round in the United States. Even Central Florida’s water parks can be limited from opening 12 months out of the year. While Island H2O Water Park has a long season, it has stretched operations into December with a new event, Holiday Nights.

In support of Give Kids The World Village, Island H2O agreed to host Night of a Million Lights in 2022. That event had taken place at the Village when it was closed to families due to the global pandemic. As a fundraiser, it was a popular solution to help keep Give Kids The World healthy.

“When we hosted Night of a Million Lights last year for Give Kid’s the World Village, we saw the amazing work that they are doing; it moved us all,” said Ron Sutula, general manager. “They started this event during COVID at their Village when there were no kids there and with the village being full with families again, they have changed their focus back on making those kids' experiences amazing. We saw the value in what they are doing and decided to take on the event this year with the donation back to them to be able to support the real work the Village is doing to change these families' lives.”

While Give Kids The World is bringing fundraising holiday events back to the Village, Island H2O is introducing its own all-new event. Even though the festival in 2023 has been brought in-house by the Kissimmee water park, Island H2O is still making a donation to the nonprofit Give Kids The World Village.

“This is a brand-new event!” Sutula told Amusement Today. “Everything is different from last year except how many lights will be used. Though we are not using the water slides for this event, we wanted to play into the Island Holiday that you can experience here at the water park. We do have a couple of holiday-themed inflatable slides and a trackless train for the children to enjoy. We are excited to offer a tropical island vibe during our Holiday Nights event.”

Holiday Nights began on November 8 and will continue through the end of the year, operating daily from December 13 on. In its initial weeks, it was open Wednesday through Sunday.

“One of the focal points of the event this year is the Tropical Trail walk-through experience that we have under and around one of our slide towers,” said Sutula. “From the moment you walk in, you are hit with bright fun colors of hibiscus flowers and pineapples. Every turn you take there is another element that will wow you. Holiday Nights is a very unique holiday event and many of our decorations are special. Our surfboard Christmas tree is something that really brings the island and holiday experience to life and is an iconic piece.”

On select dates in November, the water park was open until 5:00, and then new audiences were allowed in starting at 6:00 for the holiday transformation.

“Fortunately, the water park was only open weekends, so we were only challenged two days a week to transition to our nighttime holiday event,” Sutula said. “The park hosts our traditional foods during the day but then brings our Holiday Market and specialty eateries to life at night. We have everything from candied apples and roasted candied nuts to hot chocolate and s'mores and more!” 

The Holiday Market has vendors in cabanas around the wave pool.

Other offerings include a train ride through the water park, inflatable dry slides, a letters-to-Santa station, s’mores and local choirs singing holiday carols on weeknights. A DJ keeps the fun hopping on Friday nights. On Saturdays and Sundays, a Hawaiian Luau Show takes place.

“When planning this event out, we really wanted to focus on the community and interactive experience,” Sutula told AT. “On weeknights, we host local choirs and bands from throughout Central Florida. On Friday nights, we have a DJ that will focus on interactive games with the crowd like Reindeer Relays and Christmas Trivia. Then on Saturdays and Sundays we will have a full Holiday Hawaiian Luau with a traditional hula dance and a fire breather. Once again, bringing together the magic of the holidays with an island vibe.” 

New Orleans welcomes World Waterpark Association Trade Show

AT: Jeffrey Seifert

jseifert@amusementtoday.com

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — The 43rd Annual World Waterpark Association Trade Show and Symposium took place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The last time the show was held in The Big Easy was 2016. Close to 1,700 attendees enjoyed quality time in educational classes, networking opportunities or checking out the latest products or innovations on the trade show floor. The four-day symposium took place October 24 through 27, 2023, two of the days included the trade show exhibition hall.

Education, of course, is key to the symposium. More than 120 speakers shared best practices on topics that meant the most to attendees. These included operational safety, new revenue streams and maintenance.

Although the WWA convention officially ran from October 24 through October 27, events and certification courses started on Sunday, October 22, with the first of two- or three-day certification courses. On October 22, the first day of a two-day Aquatic Factory Operator Certification Course took place. Another two-day course, the Certified Pool Operator Certification Course, likewise began on October 22. The first of three courses of the Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Instructor Licensing Program also began October 22.

Several WWA University offerings took place on October 24, including courses in water park design, water quality certification and water park maintenance. StarGuard Elite offered its lifeguard supervisor course. October 24 was also the day of the WWA Annual Golf Tournament at the Lakewood Club in New Orleans.

When asked about the education sessions, Matt Massey, general manager, Cowabunga Canyon told AT: “I’ve been to three classes. The education program is critical, especially for the new people who come each year. It’s so important that they go to these classes and learn from people who have been in the industry for so long. I always take something away. This is my tenth show, and I still get something from every show I go to.”

“It is always an honor to be asked to speak alongside colleagues or mentors in the industry that you look up to. It is that feeling of validation that not only have you been succeeding, but you’ve been noticed by your peers to have something worth sharing,” said Jessi O’Daniel, general manager, Typhoon Texas, Austin.

“I will never forget the inspiration I felt during my first WWA and IAAPA shows. I use presenting at these shows as a way to help pass that inspiration along to fellow colleagues and young leaders coming up in the industry,” added O’Daniel.

Wednesday began bright and early for a few attendees with some committee meetings starting as early as 7:30 a.m. The rest of the morning was full of activity with more workshops, roundtable discussions and meetings. Finally, as the afternoon drew near, everyone clamored to find a seat for the opening general session at 11:30 a.m.

Beginning with a welcome from WWA President Rick Root, the multi-media session included an address from several WWA board members, WWA news and announcements, and a plethora of recognition and awards leading up to the 2023 Hall of Fame inductees, including Gary Slade, founder and publisher of Amusement Today (see sidebar). After the opening general session, everyone headed to lunch on the show floor, and the main part of the WWA Show 2023 was underway.

On Wednesday and Thursday, attendees had the opportunity to spend time on the exhibit floor talking with knowledgeable people eager to introduce their products and answer questions. The trade show floor also served as the location for lunch on both days, allowing for more interaction between attendees and exhibitors. The usual players were there with WhiteWater and ProSlide Technology grabbing the spotlight with large booths, huge TV monitors and colorful display models showing off each of the company’s catalog of attractions, SplashTacular, Fibrart and Polin Waterparks — which had been absent last year — also had booths on the trade show floor. Many designers such as Aquatic Development Group, Martin Aquatics, Counsilman-Hunsaker and Wet Engineering, to name a few, had a steady stream of visitors throughout the show.

Suppliers CPI, Rave Sports, Tube Pro, Zebec, and Zpro, were touting their particular brands of inflatables, tubes, rafts, mats, lifejackets and other water park essentials.

Those familiar with the industry know a water park is a lot more than just pools, slides and lazy rivers. Water has to be pumped and filtered and treated and sometimes heated. Several companies were showing off products that pump, filter and clean. Both water chemical and chemical alternative treatments were displayed to make certain that water quality never becomes an issue.

Vendors for just about anything needed to successfully run an aquatic facility could be found at the WWA show. Two days provided ample opportunity for facility owners and managers to discuss concerns, look for new items or have the opportunity to meet with current suppliers face-to-face.

A highlight of the week was the Annual Reunion Party. The event venue Generations Hall was the location for the party. Although walkable, bus transportation was provided from the Hilton Riverside for those who had done enough walking around the trade show floor. With food and drink provided by host ProSlide Technology, attendees had plenty of time for social interaction to network and simply have fun. Generations Hall was originally built in the early 1820s as a sugar refinery. The space had been completely redesigned to capture the essence of old New Orleans.

Keynote sessions took place on Thursday and Friday. Thursday’s Keynote speaker Chad Porter, captivated attendees with a humorous, although somewhat disturbing recount of his personal journey to overcome a heartbreaking tragedy at a young age. Porter, who was an Eagle Scout, class president and MVP recipient, had hopes of becoming a professional athlete but lost his leg in a horrible waterskiing accident at the age of 15. His amazing story of reconstructing purpose and not letting obstacles stand in his way was truly inspirational.

On Friday, John Drebinger Jr, presented “Safety for Effective Leaders — Empowering People To Work Safely.” Drebinger discussed how to provide the tools, energy and passion to get people to work more safely and comfortably. By putting these skills into practice at facilities, attendees can be assured their teams never feel the regret of knowing they could have prevented an injury.

By the end of the show, most attendees had met their goals and left knowing they had a positive experience.

Cade Vareen, regional general manager, Cowabunga Vegas Waterparks told Amusement Today: “The takeaway from the show this year is our community of industry professionals and industry leaders are stronger than it has ever been before. We’ve never seen collaboration and inspiration and true innovation in the industry like we have today. This show is the water park event of the year that is truly not to be missed.”

Stephen Sims, general manager, Somersplash Waterpark offered this feedback: “I’ve been coming since 2007. There’s always something you can pick up and take back home. The show is always the highlight of the waterpark industry itself. You can come to this conference and take at least one — if not more — thing from some of the information that you receive here and incorporate it into the upcoming season. It’s well worth coming to it.”

Sims added, “All the education sessions have value to them. To see how the large water parks and small water parks have the same issues. It’s nice to see where we can all come together as an industry. We see a lot of similarities, but we go about things a little differently. It’s always interesting to see how they do it.”

The World Waterpark Association will host its 44th Annual Symposium & Trade Show at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino on October 8 through 11, 2024.

•wwashow.org

WWA Hall of Fame 2023 inductees

The WWA Hall of Fame exists to recognize individuals who have made noteworthy achievements in the development and advancement of the water attractions industry. Four outstanding individuals were inducted in 2023.

John Child, Blackpool, England

Child grew up in Blackpool, England, and started as a lifeguard in 1986 at the newly opened Sandcastle Waterpark in Blackpool. He won the Preston and Ribbie Lifesaving Championships and applied as a supervisor at the new facility. He worked his way up to water park manager, then operations manager, general manager and eventually became the managing director.

In 2003, as the facility began to age, he took on a 10-year, three-phase, $20 million investment that eventually transformed Sandcastle into the largest water park in the United Kingdom achieving global recognition.

Child’s work in tourism, advocacy for the disabled and community service was recognized by King Charles in the King’s birthday honors where he was awarded an MBE in 2023.

Gaylee W. Gilliam, Attorney at Law

Raised in Louisville, Kentucky Gilliam, along with her husband Ed Hart, rescued Kentucky Kingdom when it filed for bankruptcy after its first season. An integral part of their plan was to incorporate the water park into the amusement park, a practice that was practically unheard of at the time.

Gilliam joined the International Amusement and Leisure Defense Association in 1994 and served as an officer for more than 25 years.

In 2021 she worked with several waterparks in Kentucky along with Ellis & Associates and StarGuard Elite to help revise the Kentucky Department for Public Health lifeguarding guidelines.

Gilliam has served two terms on WWA’s Board of Directors. She received the WWA Executive Board Award in 2017 and continues to serve on the WWA Government Relations Committee.

Rob Lawson, Daldorado

Lawson has made significant contributions to the aquatic industry with his groundbreaking product designs.

He began his journey in the 1990s when he introduced a new type of PVC perpendicular grating that was a significant improvement over other grating designs that were on the market at the time. Lawson’s tireless commitment to innovation with an emphasis on safety has not only advanced and changed the industry for the better but has also earned him the respect of his peers and customers.

In addition to his product designs, Lawson has been an active advocate for water safety. Lawson’s tireless commitment to innovation with an emphasis on safety, has made him a leader in his field.

Gary Slade, Amusement Today

Slade grew up in a small West Texas oil boom town where he took advantage of his photography and darkroom skills to provide photographs to the local newspaper.

While attending college in Arlington he started working as a ride operator at Six Flags Over Texas and helped with the employee newsletter as well as college publications. He joined the newly formed American Coaster Enthusiasts fan club and started traveling all over the country visiting amusement parks and water parks. During his travels, he photographed the parks and eventually started to provide photo documentation for ride manufacturers. Through his travels and association with theme park operators, he became friends with several major players in the industry.

He was encouraged to use his newspaper background skills as well as his knowledge of the amusement industry to start a trade publication. In April 1997 he published the first issue of Amusement Today.

The following year he introduced the Golden Ticket Awards to honor the best of the best in the amusement and water park industry. Since its founding 27 years ago, Amusement Today has published 356 issues, featuring 16,349 total pages and presented 598 Golden Ticket Awards.

CEC Entertainment, LLC., announced the appointment of marketing veteran Mark Kupferman to the position of chief insights and marketing officer for the company's flagship brand, Chuck E. Cheese, and its virtual kitchen brands, including Pasqually's Pizza & Wings along with overall enterprise responsibility for all insights and research. Kupferman is a marketing leader with expertise in brand development, digital media, menu innovation, and in leading high-performing teams to deliver transformational growth throughout his career.

"I am thrilled to have Mark join CEC Entertainment to lead the marketing strategy for the world's largest family entertainment center brand, Chuck E Cheese," said David McKillips, president and CEO of CEC Entertainment. "His proven expertise and success across the restaurant and family entertainment business is a perfect complement with the most aggressive brand transformation in the company's history."

Kupferman will lead all marketing functions, menu innovation, communications, as well as the brand's digital marketing and consumer journey initiatives. He will be responsible for developing and executing strategies that position Chuck E. Cheese for long-term growth, both domestically and internationally. Additionally, he will oversee the entire company's insights and research responsibilities.

"Chuck E. Cheese is an iconic brand and I am truly honored for the opportunity to join the amazing team and lead the brand for the next generation of fans," said Mark Kupferman. "The Chuck E. Cheese brand potential is unlimited. I look forward to working with the entire CEC Entertainment Team and franchise community to build and accelerate the brand's momentum in the years to come."

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) announced the appointment of Chloe Hausfeld as global director of strategic partnerships. The newly established position is responsible for the generation and growth of non-dues revenue stream and plays a critical role in helping TEA reach its strategic, operational and financial goals.

As a member of the executive leadership team reporting to TEA’s Executive Director, Hausfeld will lead the effort to identify and prioritize key partnerships and industry alignments.

“We are thrilled Chloe, a legacy TEA member, has accepted this position where she will build upon existing partnerships and identify new strategic relationships for TEA and its members. She understands TEA’s unique value proposition and will be the best person to tell our story to the rest of the world as a global representative for our organization,” said Lindsey Nelson, Executive Director of TEA. “The formation of our new Industry Relations Division, of which Chloe will lead, represents the first in a series of actions TEA plans to take in the coming months to better prepare the organization to capitalize on opportunities for the future.”

Hausfeld brings extensive experience to her new role. With a long tenure in the entertainment and attractions industry, many remember her serving JRA as vice president, where she traveled around the world connecting with current and future clients. She greatly enjoyed her most recent position with Baynum, where she cultivated key client and vendor relationships for amusement solutions. Hausfeld is credited with helping direct growth efforts as one of the industry’s top service providers.

Har Kupers, who has been working at Vekoma Rides BV (and its legal predecessor) for more than 30 years and is currently CEO of the global market leader in roller coasters, has been appointed as corporate executive officer of Sansei Technologies Inc. as of January 1, 2024. In this new role, he will also become chairman of Vekoma and its American sister company S&S Worldwide Inc.

Kupers' base of operations remains in Vlodrop, Limburg, from where he will divide his time between Vekoma Rides BV, S&S Worldwide Inc. and the Japanese parent company Sansei Technologies Inc.

The position of CEO at Vekoma Rides BV will be taken over by the current CFO, Anne-Mart Agerbeek. Agerbeek, who has extensive experience in the manufacturing industry and has a broad background in finance, IT and sales, has been CFO and statutory director at Vekoma since 2018. She got to know Vekoma well because, in addition to her financial, IT and legal role, she was also jointly responsible for Commerce within Vekoma together with Kupers.

"Vekoma is first and foremost a team. This also applies to the current management team," stated Kupers. "We operate as a team, each with their own tasks and responsibilities. I am very pleased that we have found the ideal candidate for the CEO position within our current team in the person of Anne-Mart. The composition of the rest of the management team remains unchanged.

Industry legend, ride developer

Jon Eyerly passes at the age of 82

SALEM, Ore. — Jon Eyerly, 82, the third generation of the family to run the former Eyerly Aircraft Co., passed away Nov. 6 after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease and related complications.

He was born in Salem on March 17, 1941, to Jack V. and June Eyerly and spent his early years at Cascade and South Salem High Schools.

After high school he joined the family business, which was founded in 1930 by his grandfather, Lee. Jon's first task was sweeping floors before being promoted into the manufacturing process to assemble light strings for the rides.

At age 21, Jon operated the family's new spectacular Monster ride at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. He then drove trucks to deliver equipment to customers before being named manager of the Eyerly shop.

Though Lee Eyerly first made a name for himself as an aviation expert, it was the development of amusement rides that propelled the business into the spotlight.

By the late 1930s, the company changed its focus from flight simulators to the production of thrill rides such as the Loop-O-Plane and Roll-O-Plane. Despite transitioning into the ride business, Eyerly didn't change the company name or logo.

Other popular attractions patented by Eyerly included the Octopus, Spider, Rock-O-Plane and Monster. Many Eyerly rides still operate at amusement parks and with traveling shows today. It is said that the company produced around 1,800 rides during its years in business.

Jack Eyerly took the helm of the company when Lee retired in the 1950s and Jon operated Eyerly Aircraft during its final years leading up to 1990.

Jon Eyerly carried on the family legacy and held several patents of his own — most notably the Krazy Kars. He finished a long, distinguished career in the industry with Funtastic Traveling Shows of Portland, Ore.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Susan; his two daughters, Tara Isaac and Mandy Harrell, both of Salem; and his stepchildren Adam Albrich, Annandale, Va., and Amy Albrich, Salem. He has 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Showman Graham Robert Putnam of Michigan passes away at 76

DEXTER, Mich. — Graham Robert Putnam, born in Lansing, Michigan, passed away under hospice care in his home in Dexter, Michigan, on October 31, 2023. He was 76.

After earning an MBA at the University of Michigan and service in the Army National Guard, his long standing interest in magic led to his career as owner of Chicago-based FUN Inc, manufacturing magic tricks and novelties.

For many years, Putnam enthusiastically coached youth baseball in Oak Park, Ill., where he raised his family. He was active in the Showmen’s League of America and received its Hall of Honor Award. He annually attended Abbott's Magic Get Together and Michigania Alumni Family Camp where he enjoyed sharing memories with friends. He valued his relationships dearly. He was honored that his friends and family went out of their way to spend time with him.

In retirement, Graham became an avid duplicate bridge player and took opportunities to travel. He was a supporter of the performing arts and had a lifelong interest in theater. He honored the careers of his mother and sister through contributions to scholarships for educators.

Perspectives on safety displayed along the WWA tradeshow floor

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

NEW ORLEANS, La. — Attendees at the recent WWA Show in The Big Easy could find various services and products to improve a park operator’s commitment to safety.

Safe Slide Restoration has been in the water park industry for 15 years. With more than 400 projects per year, Safe Slide Restoration inspects, restores and maintains fiberglass.

“We start with an onsite inspection. Then we work on surface preparation. On the interior ride path, [the process] involves sanding, cleaning and applying gelcoat 24 mils thick,” said Tony Perry, vice president of customer relations. “For the most of the large water parks, the majority of the waterslides are made out of fiberglass. Safe Slide comes in to help inspect, restore and get into a maintenance process with these large slides and steel structures.”

When asked by AT if restoration leans more toward a safety issue or aesthetic issue, Perry said, “These two lines intersect. Aesthetics and safety come in line in the ride path area. On the exterior, we’re protecting the investment and the aesthetics. With the ride path, you’re getting better safety because you are offering protection from the bare fiberglass.”

An upcoming project will take place at Universal’s Volcano Bay. While a relatively young park, Perry observed: “The normal season can be about 100 days. But someone at the Universal [level] or Great Wolf Lodge are running more like 360 days; they are accelerating the life expectancy of fiberglass.”

Other projects on the horizon for the company include Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii, Aquatica San Antonio and Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari.

Perry pointed out the company was finding more attention at the show in areas in which Safe Slide was branching out such as inspections and nondestructive testing, both visual and ultrasonic.

“That really helps [the operator] get ready for the season and have a fresh set of eyes,” he said.

Installations is another branch that Safe Slide offers, be it waterslides or steel towers.

Ramuc has been around for almost 90 years providing specialty aquatic coatings. Tuff Coat is a newer product, just a few years old. Tuff Coat is a rubberized non-skid surface.

“It’s a water-based urethane that has recycled rubber. It can be applied with a roller or sprayer,” said Gary Furgeson, vice president of sales.

When asked about the effects on surface temperature, Furgeson told Amusement Today: “We’ve done internal testing for [temperature]. Tuff Coat reduces surface temperature by 10 percent.”

Aquatic blues and sandy colors are the most popular, but numerous colors were available. With 50 gallons or more, Tuff Coat will match the color to a park’s “brand.”

Furgeson and his team, while there for the WWA show, noted the importance of the product outside the water park industry.

“Trips and slips aren’t just inside water parks. There are all kinds of applications — property management and assisted living communities,” he said.

Slide Guys Restoration has been in the business for 11 years. Jordan Bakeman, co-owner, enjoyed a great show.

“We restore and refurbish waterslides, from exteriors to interiors and any of the hardware to the slide towers themselves,” Bakeman said.

“We train our guys five years before they can be certified technicians, which is way above industry standards. We’re trying to be the best — the No. 1 restoration company out there — and I think we are achieving that. We don’t just send someone into the field. And the ownership is out there,” Bakeman noted of involvement from the top down. “Our project managers have been with us for 10-plus years.”

Bakeman also acknowledged the need for the beautification that comes with restoration.

“We push safety at tradeshows and when we visit parks. But you also want a nice, clean-looking park, an attractive park for customers to want to go there,” he said.

Projects on the docket for Slide Guys Restoration include the city of Dublin, California, and Jellystone Park in North Texas, which began in early November.

Bakeman feels training makes Slide Guys Restoration distinct.

“We focus heavily on training and on leadership. We focus heavily on the products we use — what we use and why we use them. We use superior products, from our vinyl-ester resins to the brand of our gelcoat and additives,” he said.

For attendees that stopped by Wonky Ware, they were impressed with what the company had to offer. At first look, it seemed like typical glassware or hard plastic, both of which can break and create foot hazards. Wonky Ware can provide a company’s branding on the drinkware, but the material is shatter-resistant and durable while offering excellent transparency.

Bill Johnson, president, was quick to demonstrate the flexibility of the sturdy drinkware by attempting to crush it in his hands.

Daldorado is known for its swimming pool products, most notably the advancements made in grating and drains. Robert Lawson, CEO, was inducted into the WWA Hall of Fame at the 2023 tradeshow. In addition to what one would expect to see along those lines of safety, he had an atypical item to spotlight at the Daldorado booth.

Sporting many colors, the product he was sharing was an edged food tray with an edged spot for a drink cup (included).

“In this particular version, it has a drink holder, or a glass of wine with a stem can be carried,” he said.

Because of the ingenious slot placed in the tray, either a stemmed piece of glassware or the included plastic cup could make for easy carrying.

Although the product can apply to all sorts of businesses, the allure to the water park industry is the “non-breakable” aspect, as well as the branding opportunities on the tray itself.

“They are usually sold in packs of four for retail, but in an amusement park or water park, you can offer them in the food areas instead of cardboard, which they take home as a souvenir.”

Brands can be placed on the tray itself as a marketing ID, as well as making the product a fun collectible.

“Instead of throwaway paper cups and things, this can be reused around pools. It reduces waste and reduces trash. It’s very much brand enforcement.”

When asked how he became associated with the product, Lawson told AT that a connection between the inventers of the product (friends of his) and Lawson’s familiarity with the water park industry made for a suitable fit for the WWA Show.

PACE Seminar trained more than 50 at Kennywood, in classrooms

AT: B. Derek Shaw

bdshaw@amusementtoday.com

MONROEVILLE and WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. — The annual ride safety education seminar offered by the Pennsylvania Amusement Parks and Attractions (PAPA) and the Pennsylvania State Showmen’s Association (PSSA) took place in late October/early November. The educational portion of the program was presented by members of the National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO). Known as the Parks and Carnival Education (PACE) seminar, there were 55 attendees,

Seminar classes were held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. One full day of instruction was conducted at Kennywood Park, West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, where attendees were able to take an "up close look" at a dozen rides during the training.

PACE Seminar Coordinator Gary Chubb was assisted by Seminar Administration Manager Lisa Bartlebaugh (Bartlebaugh Amusements), Assistant Seminar Coordinator Mike Funyak (DelGrosso’s Park & Laguna Splash), and NAARSO Education Chairman John Hartman. In addition, Matt Palko from Kennywood coordinated the “Hands On” day at the park, and Yvonne Brown from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Rides assisted with Pennsylvania state paperwork and testing. Dick Knoebel again assisted in securing sponsors for the four-day session.

Instructors included John Hartman of Wagner Consulting, Ed LaSalle — independent inspector/ consultant, Tom Jones McGowen Allied Specialty Insurance, John Riggleman — retired from Universal Parks, ASTM F24 Committee, Joe Filoromo Pennsylvania Bureau of Rides inspector supervisor, and Gary Chubb of GC Amusement Consulting, LLC.

Attendees represented a variety of amusement parks, traveling shows, and inspectors. Traveling shows represented included Bartlebaugh Amusements, Lynam’s Amusements, LAM Enterprises, Gambill Amusements, Houghton Enterprises, Huey’s Amusements, C&L Shows, and Majestic Midways. Amusement park attendees included Kennywood Park, Hersheypark, DelGrosso’s Park, Bushkill Park and Funland (Rehoboth Beach, DE). Inspectors included representatives from The Connecticut State Police, West Virginia Department of Labor, Pennsylvania Bureau of Rides, and Allegiant Safety Consulting along with several independent inspectors.

Class instruction topics included: Pennsylvania update, Eli Bridge rides, Basic PLC and ladder logic, ASTM F770, investigating issues, evacuation/weather, limited specialties, basic NDT/ASNT, comprehensive evaluation, signage, wire rope, basic OSHA, culture of safety, inspection tools, ride training, life safety code 101, preventative maintenance, waterslides and play structures, midway inspections, fences — steps — rails, accessibility, risk reduction in Go Karts, personal protective equipment, documentation & SOPS and an inspector round table.

“This year was the first time we presented a class at the PACE Seminar on ‘Basic PLC and Ladder Logic.’ John Hartman gave the class using a computerized simulator. To the surprise of many attendees, this ended up being one of their favorite classes,” said Chubb. “For our ‘Hands On’ day at Kennywood, we had a wonderful time. The Kennywood folks exceeded our expectations.”

Seminar sponsors included Kennywood Park, Amusement Today, A.R.M. USA, Chance Rides, Great Coasters International, Haas & Wilkerson Insurance, International Rides Management, Larson International, Majestic Rides, McGowen Allied Specialty Insurance, Naughton Insurance, Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Premier Rides, Ralph S Alberts Company, Inc., Rides 4 U and Sally Dark Rides.

The 2024 PACE Ride Seminar will be held in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania (for the classroom portion) and Knoebels Amusement Resort will serve as the location for the hands-on portion. The tentative dates are October 28-31.

NOTE: From 1985 through 2006 this seminar was known as the Pennsylvania Ride Safety Seminar. In 2007 it became known as the PACE Ride Safety Seminar. On or about 2007, Phil Slaggert, a private ride safety consultant, picked up the name of Pennsylvania Ride Safety Seminar and has been running two additional seminars in the Commonwealth per year since that time.

Auction items sought for AIMS International Safety Seminar

DALLAS, Texas — AIMS International, the world leader in amusement safety education, is seeking items to auction at its annual safety seminar scheduled for January 7–12, 2024 in Orlando, Florida.

Typically offering more than 60 items, seminar attendees, instructors, and volunteers bid on items donated from across the globe to support AIMS International, a non-profit 501(c)(6) association. From corporate swag to limited edition prints and exclusive ride engineering drawings, no donation is too big or too small.

Funds raised through the auction will be used to support the AIMS mission. That mission includes promoting safety in the amusement industry through the annual AIMS International Safety Seminar; speaking at industry functions; participating in the development of safety standards for the amusement industry; establishing working relations with local, state, and federal government entities; and establishing cooperative and working relations with other amusement industry trade associations, amusement park owners and operators, concessionaires, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, carnivals, fairs, water parks, family fun centers, adventure parks, and other segments of the amusement, entertainment, leisure, and recreation industry.

Auction items can be shipped to:

SeaWorld Orlando

ATTN: AIMS Safety Seminar

7007 SeaWorld Drive Orlando, FL 32821

Items must be received by January 5, 2024. For further information or questions please contact info@aimsintl.org.

This year, the AIMS International Safety Seminar is introcucing a week-long Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) Track. This new track focuses on the safety of guests and staff members through regulatory efforts. The curriculum is designed for both new and experienced amusement industry professionals and state regulators. Students will learn to understand regulations, learn their objectives and explore methods to improve the inspection process for all of those involved.

Back by popular demand, Ellis & Associates (E&A) will deliver the seminar’s aquatics curriculum. E&A will ensure a comprehensive and innovative program providing the most current industry information and sharing global trends. Also returning in 2023 is the International Ride Training (IRT) certification with a new curriculum, instructors and an expanded Operations Track. Additionally, this year’s seminar will again include over 20 hours of operations, inspection and maintenance education delivered entirely in Spanish.

California's largest solar project begins at Six Flags Magic Mountain

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Six Flags Magic Mountain, in partnership with Solar Optimum and DSD Renewables (DSD), announced the official ground breaking of a new 12.37-megawatt solar carport and energy storage system. The Six Flags Magic Mountain project is the largest single-site commercial renewable energy project in California and largest solar project allocated toward a for-profit organization in the U.S.

“We’re thrilled to be breaking ground on this monumental project and taking the next step towards a cleaner, greener future,” said Six Flags Magic Mountain Interim Park President Jeff Harris. “We’re continuing to make advancements towards improving and protecting the environment and are honored to be industry leaders, paving the way for other theme park companies around the world. Our partners and established solar and renewable energy industry experts at Solar Optimum and DSD Renewables, as well as our partners with Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s Office, have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition, allowing us to break ground at an increased timeline. Getting a glance at what this massive structure will bring to our parks and community is simply remarkable.”

The Six Flags Magic Mountain project is the third solar installation for Six Flags. Properties in Northern California at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and New Jersey at Six Flags Great Adventure have also developed on-site solar capabilities with more than 30 megawatts of fully operational solar power systems installed. These three sites will rank as the largest volume of onsite Solar PV systems for any U.S. organization with a combined total of 42.37 megawatts.

“We are excited to break ground on this solar-plus-storage project at Six Flags Magic Mountain and watch the Solar Optimum team work their installation magic. Solar canopies have always been an excellent use of otherwise underutilized space and this site, with its wide open parking lots, provides the perfect canvas to build on,” said Danielle Fidel, senior director, Developer Network at DSD. “Partnering with Solar Optimum through DSD’s Developer Network has allowed us to make this project a reality for Six Flags and we’re looking forward to it coming to life!”

"The Six Flags Magic Mountain solar project stands as the largest of its kind in the nation, boasting an impressive area exceeding 637,000 square feet of shade structures," said Arno Aghamalian, CEO and founder of Solar Optimum. "The magnitude of this undertaking is a marvel in itself, and as we initiate the construction phase, we are excited to offer a glimpse into what this project will evolve into by the year's end."

"Not only does this project rank as a remarkable national achievement, showcasing the integration of solar technology, carports, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging, but it is also a testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit of all those involved," continued Aghamalian. "From the offices of the Governor and LA County Supervisor to SCE, our development partners, and a dedicated team of individuals, we are rapidly ushering this project to completion."