CARY/CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. — The American Amusement Machine Charitable Foundation and the AMOA Coin-Op Cares Education and Charitable Foundation today unveiled a $20,000 charitable donation to OPERATION BLESSING to assist with ongoing hurricane relief efforts. AAMCF Executive Director, Tina Schwartz, and AMOA Coin-Op Cares Executive Vice President, Lori Schneider, were on-hand at the AAMA headquarters for a check presentation to Operation Blessing representative, Paul Mager.
OPERATION BLESSING is a non-profit, humanitarian organization headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA providing hunger relief, medical care, clean water and disaster relief across North America and around the world.
“In the wake of Hurricane Helene, with roads impassable and communities stranded, helicopter supply drops proved to be a lifeline for families across Western North Carolina,” stated Holly Hampton, AAMCF president. “Given the devastation to communities across North Carolina, Georgia and Florida, the AAMCF unanimously agreed to direct funds for the ongoing hurricane relief efforts.”
In addition to water filtration systems, OPERATION BLESSING has delivered solar lamps and emergency meal kits to hundreds of hurricane victims.
“OPERATION BLESSING is on the ground in North Carolina, Georgia and Florida providing vital assistance to survivors of Helene and Milton,” said Bob Burnham, president of AMOA Coin-Op Cares. “The significant and ongoing need for victims of these devastating hurricanes made it easy to direct funds to this humanitarian effort.”
“We are grateful to the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) and the Amusement & Music Operators Association (AMOA) who have come together to provide a $20,000 disaster relief grant to Operation Blessing. Your generosity allows us to continue to support Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton survivors as they recover. Together with amazing partners like the AAMA and AMOA, we go to the hard places to carry the light of hope into dark situations.” – Drew Friedrich, Chief Operating Officer, Operation Blessing
The AAMCF and AMOA Coin-Op Cares have come together on numerous occasions for philanthropic efforts such as the AEI Charity Fund and other donations for disaster relief such as the recent Maui fires. It is due to the generosity of AAMA, AMOA, and industry members that make it all possible.
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — One of Dolly Parton’s greatest dreams—the little theme park named Dollywood that opened in her home county in 1986—has now become one of the world’s leading family destinations and is set to celebrate its 40th season in 2025. Dollywood Parks & Resorts looks a lot different than it did when it opened on May 3, 1986, but the mission at its heart remains the same—to create a welcoming environment where families can enjoy making memories together.
Dollywood has special events, new celebrations and several returning favorites planned to commemorate the milestone anniversary. The fun begins at Tripadvisor’s #1 US theme park with Season Passholder Preview Day set for Friday, March 14.
“I can’t believe that we’ve been making memories for folks here at my Dollywood for 40 years,” Dolly explained. “That’s a lot of laughter, hugs and smiles, and I’m glad that we’ve been able to be part of it for so many years. When we opened Dollywood, the main thing I wanted to do was to give families a fun place where they could enjoy time spent together. I’m so proud of all the people who have worked to make Dollywood what it is today, and I want to thank all the guests who have supported us and trusted us to help them create those days they’ll never forget.
“And just think, I spent opening day watching the parking lot because I was worried that people might not show up,” she added with a laugh. “But look at how far we’ve come since then—and we’re just getting started!”
A new 40th anniversary show, which debuts Memorial Day weekend and runs through the end of summer, highlights moments from guest-favorite shows during the park’s illustrious history of entertainment offerings. Additionally, a new drone and fireworks show honoring the 40th anniversary season takes place as part of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City, and a new opening ceremony will occur at the beginning of each operating day during the 2025 season.
The Imagination Playhouse, which features plays based on books from Dolly’s Imagination Library, becomes a permanent fixture this season, offering its much-loved shows for younger guests from March through the end of September. The theater will offer a rotation of playhouse favorites guests have enjoyed through the years. During Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, new story time and character meet & greets are part of the Imagination Playhouse experience.
Also in celebration of the 40th anniversary, “Heartsong: The Movie” will be remastered and moved—appropriately—to Dreamsong Theater as part of The Dolly Parton Experience. “Heartsong: The Movie” will run in conjunction with “Heidi Parton’s Kin & Friends.”
The Country Fair area of the park also receives a bright refresh during the 2025 season to celebrate the classic fun and family togetherness of this special area of the park. In addition, Country Fair transforms during the Harvest Festival to become Candy Corn Country, with decorations and theming to highlight the “corny” fun of this fall treat. The special festival fun doesn’t end there, however. A favorite of years past, Peppermint Valley returns during Smoky Mountain Christmas to provide a bright red and white lighting scheme in Country Fair.
“I’m excited to welcome guests to celebrate our 40th anniversary season with us in 2025,” said Dollywood Parks & Resorts President Eugene Naughton. “We are thrilled to have earned the Tripadvisor #1 US theme park designation last year along with being the highest ranked US park in Golden Ticket Award voting for Best Park last year. We’ve worked hard for 40 seasons to make the Dollywood experience the best theme park experience in the country, and our guests are telling us we’ve done just that through these awards. And remember what Dolly said, ‘We’re just getting started!’”
The season begins with the I Will Always Love You Music Festival, March 15- April 13. Returning for 2025 is the show honored as the Golden Ticket Award winner for Best New Show of 2024, “From the Heart—The Life & Music of Dolly Parton.” In this instant classic, Dolly’s remarkable story is told in an inspirational and uplifting way as guests experience the emotional pull she faced as she left everything she had known in Sevier County to move to Nashville in pursuit of her dreams. “From the Heart” phenomenally tells Dolly’s exceptional story through her own narration and legendary music catalog. The show takes place in Celebrity Theater and runs through the Flower & Food Festival.
Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival (April 18-June 8) blooms bright with iconic Mosaiculture displays throughout the park. Vivid larger-than-life flower sculptures create an immersive atmosphere for park guests with more than half-a-million blooms during this stunning festival. Dollywood’s culinary team showcases their world-class abilities during the event with a menu full of delicacies to highlight the tastes of spring in the Smokies.
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration presented by Food City (June 14-August 3) is everyone’s favorite summer tradition, and once again includes Dollywood’s Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show each night. Even more drones take to the skies this year to present a mesmerizing show that honors Dollywood’s 40th anniversary season. Two more guest-favorite shows, “Bubble Evolution” and “Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience,” provide popping bubbles and playful pooches to help every guest feel like a kid this summer.
A family tradition for many, Dollywood’s Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 12- Oct. 27) celebrates the beauty of fall with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented singers and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Great Pumpkin LumiNights, which previously has been named the best theme park harvest event in the world, features elaborate displays that are fun for every member of the family. Creative culinary items, accomplished artisans, and fall fun in the Smokies make this a picture-perfect time to enjoy Dollywood.
The industry’s Best Theme Park Christmas event—Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana (Nov. 1- Jan. 4)—concludes the park’s 2025 season with six million lights, festive holiday shows, and the warm Christmas atmosphere guests have come to expect during this joyous time of year.
With 40th anniversary season surprises ahead, guests should consider a season pass to ensure they can experience all the fun! Three season pass levels—Diamond, Gold and Silver—provide great options for every guest, while the popular Pre-K Imagination Season Pass offers free admission all season long to any child born in 2020 or 2021. Passes are on sale now to current 2024 season passholders and go on sale to the general public on Monday, Oct. 28. Anyone visiting during this season’s Smoky Mountain Christmas festival (opens Friday, Nov. 1) can receive full value from their admission ticket to upgrade to a 2025 season pass! It’s the perfect Christmas gift for every member of the family.
Dollywood Diamond Season Passes provide a premium experience for guests. In addition to admission all season long, Diamond passholders receive four Bring-A-Friend Free tickets, free general parking, the largest discounts on dining, merchandise and lodging, an all-season unlimited 40th anniversary refill mug, as well as discounts on TimeSaver passes, VIP tours and preferred parking. Diamond Season Passes also provide the passholder season access to Dollywood’s Splash Country.
The Gold Pass represents tremendous value for guests thanks to two Bring-A-Friend Free tickets, free general parking, a one-day unlimited refill mug, as well as discounts on dining, merchandise, and lodging. Both Diamond and Gold passholders receive access to special events and activities just for them. Only the named passholder can receive the perks associated with each pass type.
Gold and Diamond passholders can take advantage of another great perk—complimentary TimeSaver line access the first hour of every operating day. This great benefit allows the named passholder expedited boarding on Dollywood’s world-class rides and attractions including Big Bear Mountain, the two-time winner of the Golden Ticket Award for Best Family Coaster.
Silver Season Passes also are available and include two Bring-A-Friend Free tickets and a discount on Dollywood lodging. Select blackout dates apply to adult and senior Silver Season Passes and Silver Bring-A-Friend Free tickets. Child Silver Season Passes do not have blackout dates.
Guests at this world-class family vacation destination can experience even more fun at one of Dollywood’s award-winning resort hotels, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa or Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort. Both properties offer unbeatable hospitality and exclusive complimentary privileges, including TimeSaver passes, door-to-door transportation, preferred parking at Dollywood parks, and package delivery for purchases made at Dollywood theme park.
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — After becoming the first theme park in the world to be designated as a Certified Autism Center, Sesame Place Philadelphia will once again pave the way as an industry leader in accessibility as the first theme park in the United States to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. The program, which helps people with non-visible disabilities, will launch at the park in early 2025.
The Sunflower, a global initiative, is a wearable tool that signals to Sesame Place Ambassadors that a guest of the park may need extra help, understanding, or time due to a disability that may not be immediately apparent. According to Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, approximately 1 in 6 people live with a disability – approximately 1.3 billion people globally. While some people experience a disability that may be visible, many have a non-visible condition or experience a combination of both visible and non-visible conditions. These invisible disabilities can be neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental as well as physical, visual, auditory and include sensory and processing difficulties.
The Sunflower program is completely voluntary, and guests who choose to participate are not required to disclose any personal information or a diagnosis. Guests who would like to participate will be able to pick up a complimentary Sunflower-branded identifier at designated locations around the park to discreetly signal that they may need additional support.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sesame Place as the first theme park in the United States to join the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Sesame Place has committed time and passion to implement the training to ensure that Sunflower wearers are recognized by their Ambassadors to receive the additional support, understanding and kindness they may need,” said Lynn Smith, Regional Sunflower Director, United States.
As a Sunflower member, Sesame Place Philadelphia will provide Ambassadors with additional accessibility training resources to increase disability awareness at the park. The introduction of Hidden Disabilities Sunflower will complement the park’s existing accessibility programs, including its Ride Access Program and Special Access Pass, which guests can enroll in at the park’s Welcome Center.
“Sesame Place Philadelphia is proud to be an industry leader in accessibility,” said Cathy Valeriano, President of Sesame Place Philadelphia. “Our new program furthers the park’s commitment to providing an inclusive environment and helps create memorable, meaningful experiences for our guests.”
Sesame Place Philadelphia has established itself as a leader in inclusivity, highlighted by its industry-lead designation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) as the as the first theme park in the world to become a Certified Autism Center (CAC) in 2018. As a CAC, Sesame Place provides comprehensive training to staff, a branded IBCCES Sensory Guide, and on-site accommodations for autistic individuals and those with sensory sensitivities. Earlier this year, Sesame Place renewed and expanded its certification, with Ambassadors completing additional training in neurodiversity. Just last week, the park announced ASL Saturdays, a new program featuring a Certified ASL Interpreter stationed at shows throughout the park on select days.
The addition of the Sunflower program complements Sesame Place’s current accessibility initiatives and CAC designation while fostering an environment in which all guests, regardless of their abilities, can participate in and fully enjoy the park’s offerings.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — This November, LEGOLAND Florida Resort proudly salutes our naIon’s heroes— first responders, military members, and veterans with free Park admission as a hearPelt thank you for their dedicated service to our country. This limited-time offer is valid between Nov. 1 and Nov. 30.
LEGOLAND Florida welcomes frontline heroes to enjoy a well-deserved break with their families and build lastng memories out of LEGO bricks. Families can experience more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions, including the thrilling new LEGO Ferrari Build and Race, where creativity, interaction and cutting-edge technology come together for an unforgettable journey!
In addition to free admission, service members can also enjoy 50% off one-day Ickets for up to six accompanying guests, making it the perfect opportunity to bring the whole family for an unforgettable day of fun. To claim this special offer, tickets must be purchased in advance through local Military Offices, ID.me, or the GOVX website.
DALLAS — Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue (www.minecraftexperience.com) will continue in the Dallas area (Plano) through the end of the year before the touring experience visits additional cities (to be announced) around the world in 2025 and beyond. Single ticket prices for Dallas start at $32, and friends and family multipack tickets start at $28 per person.
Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue made dreams come true for those who have always wanted to be “inside” the Minecraft game in real life. Bear Schneider and Adam Baertlein, content creators based in Grand Prairie who focus on Minecraft, attended a sneak peek of the exhibit last week. Baertlein told the Dallas Morning News, the main daily newspaper in the Dallas–Fort Worth, that he thought the exhibit was true to the aesthetics of the original game. “They do a really good job of bringing aspects of Minecraft into this setting,” Baertlein said. Other guest comments included:
- “It felt like walking into my server and I wish my friends were here to play with me.”
- “The experience is as authentic as I could have ever imagined.”
- “I don’t know who did this, but this means everything to my son. Today is his 14th birthday. He’s autistic and all he talks about is what it would be like to be in Minecraft. This is everything he dreams of. It is amazing.”
- “I’m reliving my childhood.”
- “I was so excited to be here I even forgot I got a cape. That’s amazing too.”
Minecraft is one of the most popular video games of all time at over 300 million copies sold, with players from around the world adventuring and creating together in their Minecraft worlds. Now, that Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue will spawn in cities around the world, they can take part in an epic rescue mission and story-based experience where iconic places and characters from the game are brought to life before their eyes.
At Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue, attendees begin their one-hour journey through the 20,000 square-foot space by entering the forest, where they will learn the ropes, give tips to other players, or just bask in the blocky nature. They’ll move through multiple Minecraft biomes while building structures and interacting with iconic mobs. Using dozens of projectors and hundreds of speakers, the exhibit surrounds guests with multiple elements and sounds of the game. To further immerse participants in the experience, each guest uses an Orb of Interaction with haptic feedback and lighting, that engages and interacts with the world around them. The journey concludes at the Minecraft Experience Trading Post where they can acquire crafty mementos from the adventure. Each Dallas attendee will also receive a unique code via email with instructions to claim a commemorative, half-zombie, half-villager cape that can be used to customize their in-game character in Minecraft: Bedrock Edition.
No prior knowledge of Minecraft is required to enjoy Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue. New players, creators, and longtime Minecrafters will experience the game in an entirely new and unforgettable way.
Minecraft Experience: Villager Rescue is located at 2712 N Central Expressway in Plano, just North of I-635 adjacent to DART’s Parker Road station.
PLAINVIEW, Texas — At their annual board meeting, the National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives, the world’s largest collection of amusement ride vehicles and other historic artifacts, voted to add Mark Rosenzweig, Principal and Chief Business Officer of 3dxScenic, and Kris Rowberry, long-time museum volunteer to its Board of Directors.
“Bringing aboard these two gentlemen was an easy decision,” said Jeff Novotny, President of the NRCMA Board of Directors. “Both of them have shown unparalleled commitment to the ideals of our industry. Their shared passion for sharing it with others will make our organization even stronger as we work towards finishing this dream.”
About Mark:
Through his long-lasting career in themed entertainment that started back in 1998, Mark has worked both on the operations and supplier side of the industry with roles ranging from operations to project management to business development having worked on the development and installation of over 50 major attractions around the world.
Mark joined the 3dxScenic team in August of 2020 and in the Fall of 2023 became co-owner of the company.
About Kris:
Initially volunteering his time with the NRCMA for social media duties back in 2020, Kris has overseen remarkable growth with the museum’s digital presence. He also oversees the organization’s retail operation, both in the creation of merchandise and order fulfillments.
Kris has previously worked in the attractions industry with Paramount Parks and Six Flags. He currently serves as the Communications Manager for Ride Entertainment.
NEAAPA is proud to announce that two of the organization’s Past Presidents will be inducted into the NEAAPA Hall of Fame on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
Stephen Lipkin served as NEAAPA President in 2005 and 2006. During his address after receiving the gavel, he said one of his goals was establish a treasury with enough backup funds to ensure the organization’s future. Under his leadership, NEAAPA was able to accomplish this goal, providing the solid financial footing that has allowed the Association to grow and offer more benefits to its members. Stephen was no stranger to NEAAPA. Working for his family’s business, Nancy Sales or NANCO in Chelsea, Massachusetts, he was the company’s president during his time as NEAAPA’s president.
Kevin Naughton served as NEAAPA’s president in 2001 and 2002. During his time as President, he worked with the Board to reshape NEAAPA’s mission, making sure that it stayed relevant in a changing industry. This work allowed for members other than amusement parks to join, such as Family Entertainment Centers, Roller Skating Centers, and more. NEAAPA now boasts over 200 member locations throughout the region and around the United States and Canada. Kevin “grew up” in the industry, joining Naughton Insurance the family business started by his grandfather in Rhode Island. Kevin is currently the President of Naughton Insurance.
Please join NEAAPA as we honor these two outstanding leaders of the attractions industry in the Northeast on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at the Hilton Mystic Hotel in Mystic, Connecticut, part of NEAAPA’s 112th Anniversary Education Conference and Annual Meeting, held March 3-5, 2025. More information can be found at neaapa.com/events/annual-meeting/.
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — The Four Oaks Golf Course at Lincoln Park in the City of Pittsburg, Kansas, opened a new 18-hole ADA compliant miniature golf course this summer. The course was designed and built by Adventure Golf & Sports (AGS) using their Modular Advantage Mini Golf System. It replaced a traditional style concrete course that had been rebuilt in 1996, but had poor drainage. “It had affected playability enough that our numbers were decreasing,” says Toby Book, Director of Parks & Recreation for the city. “It was not economically repairable… With the Modular Advantage …you get good subsurface drainage to take the water away so it’s not pooling. That appealed to me …because we knew the traditional (concrete) style was going to present some challenges financially, drainage-wise and maintenance-wise.”
According to Book, a 28-year veteran of the City of Pittsburg Parks & Recreation Department, the drainage issue has been solved. “We had a couple rains that were like four or five inches overnight. There might have been one or two spots where we had to take a blower and blow some water out of a (hole) cup, but it proved without a doubt that it was a very much improved drainage system and took the water away. It was playable the next day.
“…We didn’t build what I call the ‘Branson style’ course with the 40-foot volcano or the big laughing clown and we’ve got some community members that want to come back and put some theming in there to give it some more eye appeal. I’m not against it as long as we can do it within the guidelines of ADA acceptability…
“…I think from hole one to the sixth hole there’s almost a three-foot elevation change and not noticeable because they (AGS) kept it in all within the ratios for ADA. But the holes themselves have contour; they have cup placement so that it’s not just a straight shot. It’s not 18-holes of playing billiards. There’s some strategy. There’s some challenge to it.”
The Modular Advantage system AGS used to build the course consists of interlocking, flexible, patented panels that provide the look and feel of a concrete course, can be shaped to resemble a variety of topography and are 100% permeable for water drainage.
To create natural obstacles on the course, “AGS used different types of synthetic turf,” says Book. “So you have your ‘fairway-type’ putting green surface and then you have the rough and then you have sand traps. They did re-use our (old course) cannon for an obstacle and our local college athletic teams are the Pittsburg State Gorillas so we have a gorilla.
“In my opinion anybody can design a miniature golf hole with a dinosaur or anything on it, but I like the fact they (AGS) came in and treated it like a golf course green where it has slope, has contour, has some challenges that are naturally born into the hole…”
To prepare for the new course build, the City of Pittsburg removed the existing concrete-built course. “AGS actually designed in the same footprint of our old miniature golf course,” says Book. “We got rid of everything there so we gave them basically a fresh piece of earth to contour and build back. The only thing we left was our existing light system because we knew we could save some money by re-using those light poles and they designed around those. The only criteria I gave them was we wanted a nice, playable course that was 100 percent ADA compliant…. They (AGS) came in and did all the micro-grading, all the subsurface work. They had a lot to do but they were proficient at what they did.”
Book believes the Modular Advantage build was less expensive to install compared to a typical concrete course. “And the build was a lot faster, too,” says Book. “AGS came in and they worked hard. There was no time wasted. They brought in a crew of four or five guys and they were all approachable; all easy to work with… The whole experience was pretty positive.
“We did make some in-the-field design changes…they would adjust on site. I wanted to make sure we got 18 quality holes. Then we could go back and add some flavor to it… We have built shade structures out there. And we will probably go back and put some shrubbery or greenery in there but not a lot. We want to keep it maintainable because honestly what we’re hiring to maintain it are 17-, 18-, 19-year-old kids.”
While Book says the new miniature golf course is appealing to all ages, he adds, “It doesn’t play as fast and hard as the old traditional style putt-putt golf course where everything’s a par-2. There’s par-3s, par-4s. So there are challenges out there for real golfers, too.
“We charge for play…16 and over is $6 a round, ages 4 – 15 are $4 a round and toddlers 3 and under are $2 a round. We’re still working on family passes, senior discounts, all of that…
“We ran a special this Fourth of July where for $5 you get a wrist band and you can play as many rounds as you want from ten-to-four, plus we’ll throw in an admission to the pool and the first 50 get a free ice cream cone. We’ll continue to run specials like that.”
Adventure Golf & Sports (AGS) is a global leader in the design and installation of fun, interactive, cost-effective entertainment attractions like Miniature Golf, Pickleball,
Shuffleboard, Bocce Ball, Duck Pin Bowling and other recreational courts. Besides traditional concrete-poured installations, AGS has long term experience installing interlocking panel system versions like the environmentally-friendly Modular Advantage Mini Golf system and Bunkers & Bumps for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications for municipalities, businesses, family entertainment centers, amusement parks, campgrounds, retail centers, hotels and resorts, as well as installations on rooftops, piers and cruise ship decks.
It is with deep sadness that the family of Carlo Guglielmi announces his passing on October 13, 2024 in Nashville, TN, at the age of 73, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Carlo was born on July 1, 1951, in the charming city of Vicenza, Italy, to Mildred and Dante Guglielmi, who preceded him in death, along with his beloved brother, Roberto Guglielmi.
Carlo led a life rich in love, adventure, and accomplishment. From a young age, his larger-than-life personality and energetic spirit captivated all who met him. Known for his ability to speak five languages — Italian, English, Spanish, French, and German — Carlo had a unique gift for connecting with people from all walks of life.
His journey took him from serving in the Alpini, the Italian mountain infantry, to pursuing higher education at the University of Padua, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. In the 1970s, Carlo ventured to the United States as a sales representative for Zamperla Group. This marked the beginning of a remarkable career in the amusement industry that would see him become the president and founder of Ital International and Bertazzon America, a renowned amusement ride brokerage firm. Carlo’s expertise as a new and used rides salesman brought exceptional attractions to traveling carnivals and amusement parks around the world. He is well known in the amusement industry as proficient, hard working and loyal.
Carlo’s life was filled with the love of family and friends. In March 2009, he married the love of his life, Cindy, with whom he shared countless cherished moments. Carlo has three wonderful daughters Giuliana (Avery), Nicoletta, and Logan, who survive him and carry forward his legacy of love, warmth, integrity, and adventure. Additionally, he is survived by his beloved nieces, Anna (Luigi) and Laura (Pier Antonio), nephew Andrea (Emanuela), his cousin Mario who he loved like a brother, and wife Luana, as well as innumerable cugini, zie, zii e amici.
Carlo’s passions extended beyond his professional achievements. He found joy in hiking, swimming, watching sports, and traveling. His ability to inspire and uplift those around him was a testament to his character, and he was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s general medicine and palliative care teams, as well as the friends and family who offered unwavering support during this difficult time.
In accordance with Carlo’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held in Nashville on November 9 at a location to be announced. He will be laid to rest in the Guglielmi Family mausoleum in Asiago, Italy.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Carlo’s name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, a cause close to the family’s heart. https://act.alz.org/donate
Carlo Guglielmi’s legacy will forever be one of love, laughter, and boundless energy. He touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed. May he rest in peace, knowing his spirit continues to guide and inspire those he loves.
WOW! Entertainment, a premier music and live theatrical show production company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dewey Joe Beene Jr. asVice President of Development & Production. With over three decades of experience in the live entertainment and theme park industries, Beene will play a pivotal role in both shaping WOW!’s future creative projects and spearheading the company’s expansion into providing full-scale production services for its clients. His addition is a key move as WOW! builds its reputation not just for delivering high-quality family entertainment, but also for comprehensive production solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industry.
“With his expertise in both theme parks and live event productions, Dewey is an excellent addition to the WOW! team,” comments WOW! Entertainment founder Mark Brymer. “As we expand our focus to include more production services work, Dewey’s leadership and deep understanding of large-scale event logistics will enhance our ability to offer an even higher level of service to all our existing and future clients.”
Beene’s journey into the entertainment world began at the age of 15 when he took his first job as a magician’s assistant at Frontier City Theme Park in his hometown of Oklahoma City. This early experience launched a career that saw him quickly rise through the ranks to become Vice President of Production by the age of 23 for an entertainment company that primarily serviced the theme park industry, mostly under the Six Flags brand. During his tenure, he oversaw productions across 36 theme parks nationwide, managed the development and implementation of over 200 live shows annually, and built a reputation as an industry innovator capable of launching large-scale productions on time and within budget.
“I’ve always been drawn to the magic of creating live experiences that connect with people, whether it’s through a theatrical production, a theme park show, or an immersive attraction,” said Beene. “Starting in the entertainment industry at such a young age taught me to adapt quickly and seize opportunities whenever they arose. My career has been built on identifying a need, delivering more than expected, and constantly evolving.”
While working with Six Flags, Beene was known for his ability to turn challenges into opportunities, whether that meant stepping in to perform when a lead performer needed to be recast, developing summer concert series, or launching fully immersive experiences for Halloween, which proved to be some of the most popular and profitable events at the time. His approach combines a deep understanding of audience engagement with a relentless drive to push the boundaries of live entertainment.
Reflecting on joining WOW! Entertainment, Beene added, “This opportunity felt like a full-circle moment for me. I’ve been fortunate to work on some incredible productions over the years, but joining WOW! is the perfect chance to leverage everything I’ve learned and contribute to a company that’s dedicated to creating experiences that leave a lasting impact. I’m excited to help bring new ideas to life and take WOW! to the next level.”
Beene’s career includes notable highlights such as creating the largest outdoor haunted attraction in central US, the critically acclaimed Scream Acres Haunted Hike, and launching, Innovative Event Solutions, a boutique A/V production services company that he grew from the ground up well into a seven-figure business. During the pandemic, he pivoted into consulting, helping companies adapt their entertainment offerings to virtual formats, all while maintaining the energy and engagement of live events.
As Vice President of Development & Production at WOW! Entertainment, Beene will oversee the development and execution of all major productions, with a strong emphasis on expanding WOW!’s offerings to include a broader range of production services and technical capabilities. His arrival comes at a critical time for the company as it ramps up for several high-profile projects slated for 2025.
Founded in 1995 by Mark Brymer, WOW! Entertainment is a Dallas-based, full-service production company that has been delivering high-quality family entertainment for nearly three decades. From theme parks and theaters to corporate events, WOW! is celebrated for its immersive, memorable experiences that captivate audiences of all ages. With a client roster that includes Disney, Six Flags, and Warner Bros., WOW! continues to set the industry standard while evolving its creative and production capabilities. The addition of Dewey Joe Beene Jr. marks a key step in the company’s strategy to build on recent successes and establish WOW! as a leader in both innovative entertainment experiences and comprehensive production solutions in the ever-changing live entertainment landscape.
