DOSWELL, Va. — Kings Dominion announced a robust lineup of special events for the 2025 season to celebrate the park’s 50th anniversary. The golden anniversary begins with the spring launch of the park’s newest rollercoaster, Rapterra, and continues all season long with new and fan-favorite special events. Guests will enjoy a jam-packed lineup of family entertainment, live shows and unique food and beverage items beginning during Spring Break and continuing through the fall, all included with Kings Dominion Gold Season Passes.  

“Kings Dominion is dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages, and we are living up to that commitment this year with the launch of our world record-breaking rollercoaster Rapterra and the expanded offerings we have in store for our 50th anniversary,” said Bridgette Bywater, park vice president and general manager. “We’re delivering more entertainment, unique experiences and ways to make lasting memories all season long.”

Highlights of this season’s event series include:

• March 28 – Season Passholder Preview Night: Season Passholders are invited to enjoy the park’s amenities, including the all-new Rapterra launched wing coaster, at an exclusive park preview night. The night is open only to Silver, Gold and Prestige Season Passholders. Season Passes can be purchased on the Kings Dominion website.

• March 29 – Opening Day: Kings Dominion kicks of the 50th anniversary season, opening to the public on March 29.

• March 29 to April 6 – Spring Break Days: Kings Dominion is open to the public all week for Spring Break Days. Guests can conquer thrilling rides and create memories that will last a lifetime while enjoying a break from school.

• May 24 to Sept. 1 – Soak City Water Park Opens: Soak City water park opens for the season Memorial Day weekend and operates all summer long.

• July 4 and 5 – Star Spangled Nights: At the region’s premier, two-night 4th of July celebration, guests can experience a breathtaking fireworks display synchronized to patriotic music for an unforgettable show for all ages.

• May 31 to Aug. 3 – AGolden Summerbration: Kings Dominion’s 50th anniversary celebration is filled with exclusive, limited-time experiences including:
  • New Live shows – Two new live shows will take residence in the Kings Dominion Theater with fun for the whole family.
  • New music for the singing mushrooms – Back from their one-park world tour, the world-famous singing mushrooms have a hot list of never-before heard tracks to delight your ears.
  • New Street Party – A mobile celebration with music and dancing on the midways will celebrate 50 years of Kings Dominion thrills.
  • Kings Dominion Clown Band – They’re back – the Kings Dominion Clown Band will roam the park, delighting fans of all ages with music and hijinks.
  • New Nighttime Spectacle – Celebrate Virginia’s most iconic amusement park with a party along International Street.
  • New & Exclusive Merchandise – Throughout the year, the park will offer exclusive merchandise recognizing Kings Dominion’s rich history of making lifetime memories.
  • Unique food and beverage items – New specialties are cooking alongside past favorites that celebrate Kings Dominion’s rich history.

• Sept. 19 to Nov. 2 – Halloween Haunt: Spine-chilling mazes and elaborate scare zones return to the park along with spooky live shows and exclusive food and beverage selections on weekends and select nights.

• Sept. 20 to Nov. 2 – Tricks & Treats: Our family-friendly Halloween event returns with fun activities for kids and adults including costume contests, delicious seasonal treats and special entertainment for all ages on weekends and select days.

• Sept. 20 to Nov. 2  – Oktoberfest: This fall daytime event returns to celebrate the spirit of Germany’s world-famous festival with authentic German cuisine, a selection of craft beers, music, and performances for the whole family on weekends and select days.

Additional details for all events, including specific dates and times and detailed descriptions will be available on the Kings Dominion events web page. https://www.kingsdominion.com/events Please note that all events, dates and availability are subject to change. Kings Dominion encourages guests to check the official website or follow on social media for the most up-to-date information regarding special events and schedules.

The FEBRUARY 2025 issue includes:

• More rides, increased numbers expected at 2025 IISF Trade Show
• New Netherlands’ indoor theme park Bommelwereld underway
• OABA to be on hand with activities during IISF trade show week
• Universal Studios to retire Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit after 15 years
• Kentucky Kingdom announces new land, family-themed rides
• EnterTrainment Junction closes permanently, displays will live on
• Good weather yields excellent attendance at Greater Gulf State Fair
• Wall of Death continues to shift midway spectacle into thrilling gear
• 2024 edition of Pensacola Interstate Fair one its best attended
• Carnival industry’s fairer side shines brighter than any midway
• Cannon Beach: Surf lagoon, adventure park proposed for North Texas
• Original Kalahari Resorts location sets expansion
• RWS sustains its growth with new offices in Shanghai, Orlando
• Success continues for annual IAFE convention and trade show
• The Gravity Group acquires new facility to accommodate growth
• Woman of Influence: Molly Piveral, Fivestone Studios
• Education, connection lead to successful AIMS safety seminar
• VLocker just one part of Brundage Mountain Resort’s 10-year plan
• Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park continues progress
• Baynum Solutions updates perspective, widens offerings “Beyond The Brush” … and much more!

ATLANTA, Ga. — Fun Spot America Theme Parks is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the new Hook & Slice ride at Fun Spot America Atlanta in Fayetteville, Georgia this Saturday, February 1. The exciting new attraction, a Mini Reverse Time ride by SBF-Visa Group, delivers high-energy fun and heart-pounding excitement for guests of all ages.

“Bringing Hook & Slice to Atlanta is part of our commitment to continually enhance the guest experience,” said John Arie Jr., CEO of Fun Spot America. “Hook & Slice is a fantastic addition to our Atlanta park, and we can’t wait to see the smiles of our guests as they laugh and create memories together.”

The golf-themed Hook & Slice ride combines spins and twists with high-flying action. Guests will soar as the ride rotates in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions,  as its  mechanical arm elevates the excitement to new heights. “It’s the perfect mix of adrenaline and fun for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned thrill-seeker or just along for the ride,” Arie continued.

The addition of Hook & Slice is par for the course of Fun Spot America’s mission to bring fresh, exciting attractions to its parks while creating lasting memories for guests. Last fall Fun Spot announced it would open five new attractions across its three parks in 2025 and Hook & Slice is the first to debut. Fun Spot America Atlanta’s Season Passholders can experience unlimited access to ride Hook & Slice, the incredible ArieForce One roller coaster and the rest of the park’s rides and attractions, as well as enjoy access to Fun Spot America’s parks in Kissimmee and Orlando, Florida. Fun Spot’s Season Passes are always valid at all three parks, providing unbeatable value and HUGE fun for everyone.

Sacoa Cashless System is proud to announce its participation as an exhibitor at Atrax Expo 2025, taking place from January 30 to February 1 at the Istanbul Expo Center in Turkey. Visitors to the show are invited to stop by Booth #A-170 to discover Sacoa’s comprehensive range of cashless solutions.

At Atrax, Sacoa’s team of experts will be on hand to guide attendees through the latest innovations designed to meet the evolving needs of the entertainment and leisure industry. Highlights include the cutting-edge K5 Kiosk and Redemption Kiosks, along with groundbreaking additions such as KwikPay, a revolutionary payment solution tailored to operators with small- and route-based operations, and Time Tracker, an ideal tool for operators managing time-based attractions.

Visitors will also learn about other transformative technologies designed to optimize operations, boost revenue, decrease costs, and improve the customer experience.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore how Sacoa’s solutions can help elevate your business. Join us at Atrax Expo Istanbul 2025 and discover the future of cashless technology!

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

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

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

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

NxGn Arena, a revolutionary FEC that blends cutting-edge technology with thrilling activities, has officially opened its doors in Edgewater, NJ. Strategically located in a prime area, the new, 7,000-square-foot-venue offers an array of next-level entertainment experiences for guests of all ages.

NxGn Arena has partnered with Sacoa Cashless System, the global leader in revenue management systems, to equip their establishment with the latest Spark Readers and Sacoa’s POS, the all-in-one, comprehensive solution designed to streamline payments and operations.

Mourad Elayan, owner of NxGn Arena, shared his enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We decided to go with Sacoa Cashless System for simplicity, and we see sales continuing to steadily increase since the installation!”

Sebastian Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa USA, commented: “We are very happy to work with Mourad and are excited to continue helping them increase sales, decrease costs, and improve their customer experience.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unique ride elements include:

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

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

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

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

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