Noah’s Ark Waterpark’s popular Salute to Heroes weeks continue this month, aimed at honoring heroes with free admission to the Wisconsin Dells water park. America’s Largest Waterpark is paying tribute to educators, farmers and EMS on dedicated weeks throughout August. To receive free admission, Heroes will need to present an educator employee ID, farming association membership (one per household), or EMS badge on the designated week. Each Hero can also purchase up to four discounted tickets for just $29.99 each. Tickets can be purchased at the gate only.

• Educators Week – August 5 – 11
• Farmers Week – August 12 – 18
• EMS Week – August 19 – 25

GLEN, N.H. — Happy Hauntings, New Hampshire’s Best New Way to Halloween, will take center stage at Story Land this fall. The Place Where Fantasy Lives will introduce its first-ever Halloween event opening one week earlier than anticipated on Saturday, September 28, marking the park’s longest season ever. Happy Hauntings closes out the park’s 70^th Celebration Season and will be a little Spookley and a whole lot of silly as the larger-than-life Spookley the Square Pumpkin makes his debut at Story Land.

Happy Hauntings extends the park’s season with two additional weekends and 10 new kid-friendly Halloween traditions including:

• Story Time and Meet and Greets with Spookley the Square Pumpkin: everyone’s favorite square pumpkin will be on-site every day during Happy Hauntings for a story time and meet and greets with the entire family;
• Special Halloween Themed Shows: two spectacular shows, Unhappily Ever After and Cinderella’s Royal Celebration: Villains Takeover take center stage select times throughout the day;
• Daniel Tiger Shows: it’s a grr-ific day for shows with Daniel and his friend Katerina Kittycat from the PBS KIDS show Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood every day in the Loopy Lab Theater;
• Halloween Hay Maze: a timeless fall tradition joins the Halloween lineup at Story Land as a hay maze pops up challenging guests to make their way through the interactive maze and onto their next fall-themed adventure;
• Cinderella’s Pumpkin Patch: visitors can pick their very own pumpkins and even have the opportunity to paint pumpkins and show them off to Cinderella herself when they visit her castle;
• Fairy Tale Trick-or-Treat Trail: everyone is invited to collect candy as they make their way through the park’s storybook area with delicious treats and beloved characters like The Old Woman in the Shoe, Little Red Riding Hood and more; and
• Exclusive Halloween Activities: each weekend will bring select activities to the park including a Halloween scavenger hunt, Halloween Bubble Bash, scream contests, scary-oke and a kid’s costume contest.

“Our first-ever Halloween event, Happy Hauntings will offer activities the whole family can enjoy,” said Chris Kearsing, General Manager. “New Hampshire’s Best New Way to Halloween is our final birthday gift to anyone visiting the White Mountains this fall, as they are invited to close out our longest season ever while making new family memories.” 

Happy Hauntings will run every Saturday and Sunday from September 28 through October 27 plus Monday, October 14. Families are invited to enjoy the park from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. with fall décor throughout and select rides and attractions including Antique Cars, the Pumpkin Coach, Great Balloon Chase, Polar Coaster and more. 

Visitors can save up to $50 on 2025 Gold Season Passes when they purchase online now and can enjoy the rest of the 2024 season free, get access to the all-new Happy Hauntings event and the entire 2025 season. 

ALTOONA, Iowa — Iowa’s largest drone show will take over the skies above Adventureland theme park in honor of its 50^th Celebration for the first time ever. The Altoona theme park will host a three-night event August 16-18, while kicking off its fall season of events. The massive 3D drone show will incorporate more than 300 drones and will include iconic park images representing the Home of Iowa’s Best Thrills as Iowa’s largest drone show takes the skies.  

The three-night show will kick off exactly 50 years to the day that the rides originally opened at Adventureland on August 16, 1974. Each show will start at about 9:10 p.m., extending the park’s hours later into the night with rides closing at 9 p.m. The drone show is included with admission to Adventureland. In addition to the later closing times each night of the drone show, the park will be opening one hour earlier at 10 a.m., every single day from August 8 through 18.  

Right now, Adventureland is looking for the public’s help to finalize the designs of its first-ever drone show. A link to vote on which ride will be included in the show can be found on Adventureland’s Facebook page now through Thursday, August 8. Rides that can be voted on include Monster, Underground, Tornado, Outlaw and Draken Falls. 

“This drone show is the first in Adventureland’s history and shows the evolution of entertainment offerings the park has become known for over the last five decades,” Adventureland General Manager Mike Lusky said. “As we continue to celebrate our 50th season, we wanted to create an unforgettable experience that highlights our commitment to providing thrilling and unique entertainment.” 

Event Details: 

• Dates: August 16-18, 2024 
• Extended Ride Hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. each day 
• Drone Launch Time: 9:10 p.m. 

The show marks the launch of the park’s busy fall lineup with the popular 21-plus Oktoberfest event on September 14 and the return of Phantom Fall Fest, Iowa’s Largest Halloween Event, starting September 21. 

SYDNEY, Australia — Prepare to embark on a captivating cinematic journey that blends nostalgia with cutting-edge immersive technology. Visitors at Luna Park Sydney will now be able to take on a magical journey inside LITE-BRITE: Worlds of Wonder. Enchanting audiences in Toronto, Las Vegas and now Sydney, LITE-BRITE: Worlds of Wonder is set to launch at Luna Park Sydney on 17th August and tickets are available to purchase now.

Hosted within Sydney’s Immersive Big Top, a sprawling 3,000 sqm multi-purpose entertainment venue, this 40-minute cinematic experience is designed to inspire creativity and fun for both kids and adults. This unique experience has been created by Secret Location, a Toronto-based Emmy® award-winning content company, in collaboration with Hasbro, a leading toy and game company.

Diving into a world illuminated by thousands of colourful lights, guests will immerse themselves in three themed worlds, rekindling a sense of childlike wonder and the real-life magic of LITE- BRITE. From exploring the depths of a magical ocean, to lush forests where dinosaurs roam, to a futuristic sci-fi city, guests can let the light of their imaginations shine.

Staying true to the original toy created by Hasbro, the visuals are entirely driven by the distinctive hexagonal peg pattern and only use shades of colours from the six original pegs: orange, pink, green, blue, yellow and clear.

“Audiences today crave immersive adventures and experiences that ignite their imagination and offer escapism. LITE-BRITE: Worlds of Wonder delivers exactly that,” said John Hughes, CEO at Luna Park Sydney. “As a world-class amusement park, we’re excited to continually offer more than just rides, bringing captivating experiences to Sydneysiders and visitors all year-round. We want to be known as the best experience destination in Australia.”

“LITE-BRITE has captured imaginations for decades, allowing kids of all ages to dream, create and discover,” said Ryan Andal, President and CEO at Secret Location. “When we developed LITE-BRITE: Worlds of Wonder, we aimed to create the feeling of stepping into the beloved magical toy. We hope that audiences feel wonder, excitement, anticipation and endless joy from this new immersive experience.”

“For more than 50 years, LITE-BRITE has sparked creativity, lit up imagination and inspired countless works of art,” said Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President, Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro. “LITE-BRITE: Worlds of Wonder is a perfect example of how the spirit of LITE-BRITE can be translated into a new and truly immersive experience for fans of all generations.” LITE-BRITE: Worlds of Wonder is designed to captivate visitors of all ages, from children seeking shared moments of wonder to adults rediscovering the joy of imagination.

Giant bugs have taken over the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Join us throughout the month of August for the Big Bugabaloo to see larger than life bug displays and learn about the important role bugs play in our ecosystem.

Come face to face with some of the unique bugs in our care and take part in a pollination activity, all while giant bugs invade the Zoo.

The Big Bugabaloo is free with paid Zoo admission.

With grieving hearts, Gold Medal Products Co. announces the sudden passing of our esteemed former president, CEO and chairman, Dan Kroeger. On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, he passed away at the age of 72. Our sincere condolences go out to the Kroeger family and friends at this time of devastating loss.

Dan was truly a visionary leader with an unwavering commitment to excellence. He got his start at Gold Medal by answering a newspaper ad for a sales position at Gold Medal in 1979. When he told his wife, Janet, that he was in the popcorn business, she was skeptical and asked how he could support a young family that way. Yet, Dan went on to build a highly successful 40-year career, culminating in his position as the president and CEO. Under his leadership, overall company sales grew a striking seven times over, marking some of the largest periods of growth for Gold Medal. However, Dan’s greatest impact went beyond sales. His gift was in his relationships with others. He was known throughout the concessions industry and served with such notable groups as National Association of Concessionaires, the Outdoor Amusement Business Association, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, and the Gibtown Showmen’s Club. His impact on the industry was valued as he was distinguished with numerous awards and recognitions. It has been said by colleagues within the industry, “Everybody knows Dan!” He was influential yet down-to-earth. Dan was candid, open, and honest with everyone. Whether you’ve just met him or known him for decades, he would make you feel like you’re his best friend.

Third-generation owner and chairman of Gold Medal, Dave Evans said it best, “What made Dan successful was not just his passion for the concession industry itself but his heart for the people. He was a friend, mentor, and leader to all who knew him. Dan would talk to anyone and everyone. He never met a stranger. To his wife Janet, I thank you for graciously sharing Dan with Gold Medal for four decades. You can trust that his legacy will live on in the lives of all who knew him.”

Those who knew Dan also knew he was a devoted family man. Married to his beloved wife, Janet, of nearly 50 years, the couple were parents to three adult children and thoroughly enjoyed being grandparents to six wonderful grandchildren. Dan retired from Gold Medal in 2019 to spend more time with his family and enjoy traveling.

Dan spent more than half of his life with Gold Medal and his influence of innovation, integrity, and dedication will continue to be an inspiration.

Current president of Gold Medal, Adam Browning reflected on Dan’s legacy stating, “Dan was a fundamental part of Gold Medal’s success. His remarkable leadership and vision guided the company through years of growth and prosperity, setting the foundation for continued success. I greatly respect both Dan’s accomplishments and his character. He will be greatly missed by the Gold Medal family.”

Details regarding memorial services and arrangements for Dan Kroeger will be shared at a later date. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this difficult time. Thank you for your support and sympathies.

CARLSBAD, Calif. — Witches, mummies, and vampires, oh my! Monsters of all kinds are taking over Merlin Entertainments’ LEGOLAND California Resort as the epic Brick-or-Treat Monster Party returns this Halloween season. Kicking off September 14th, Brick-or-Treat will transform the Park into a fun-filled Halloween getaway with candy, mesmerizing shows, and LEGO characters. The event runs on select Saturdays and Sundays through October 27th, and all frighteningly fun festivities are included with general admission.

The Monster Party begins when guests enter the Park, and Monster Security Checkpoint Street Performers ensure only “real monsters” are entering the party! Meet LEGO Monster characters, including Spider Lady, Monster Rocker, Mummy, and more, before “brick-or-treating” through the Park’s candy trails.

It wouldn’t be a Monster Party without shows and entertainment including:  

• (NEW) Prehistoric Pumpkin Patch: See as LEGO T-Rex Guy transforms LEGOLAND California’s newest land, Dino Valley, into the best fall festival complete with a Prehistoric Pumpkin Patch! Plus pick up sweet treats from Dino Costume Guy and his friend Scarecrow and build your very own LEGO pumpkin.
• (NEW) Monster Meet and Greet: Come face-to-face with new costume character Monster Scientist and his full Halloween crew including Mummy, Monster Rocker, Green Witch, Tiger Woman, and Spider Lady!
• Zombie Cheer Crew: Back and bigger than ever, join LEGO Zombie Cheerleader and her crew as they conduct cheer tryouts with some drop-dead killer moves at the Fun Town stage.
• Lord Vampyre’s Very Important Monsters (V.I.M) Costume Party: Everyone is invited to compete in the famous costume contest and party hosted by Lord Vampyre. Make sure you wear your best monster costume to dance your skeletons off. Stick around for a “vamp cha cha cha” after the contest.
• The Monster Rock Off: Witness Monster Rocker, Tiger Woman, Wolf Guy, and Zombie Cheerleader in their LEGO Monster band as they battle it out for the title of best rocker. This is an epic, live rock concert full of classic rock n’ roll songs – plus, you get to decide who wins the rock off!
• Jam Out with Monster Rocker: Enter the Dead Beats Studio and meet Monster Rocker! Select your rock song and jam out in the studio.
• “The Great Monster Chase” 4D Movie: This exclusive 4D movie features exciting chases, tongue-in-cheek humor, plus wind, bubbles, water, and other special effects to keep guests jumping and laughing in their seats!
• Disco Dragon Coaster: For more electrifying excitement, the Dragon is getting a disco makeover with festive decorations, a groovy monster soundtrack, and an illuminating party atmosphere.
• The Candy Cauldron Trail: This is a wicked walkthrough experience with witches and cauldrons of candy.
• Once Upon a Brick – The Tale of the Wolf Guy: Learn the story of Wolf Guy, a monster who gets himself into a hairy situation. This silly comedy is sure to have all guests giggling and smiling.

For a limited time, LEGOLAND California Resort is offering Early Bird savings of up to $20 on Brick-or-Treat admission. Visit LEGOLAND.com/California for details.

Parkgoers on weekdays can celebrate Halloween all season long with costume characters, Halloween theming and décor throughout the Park, and monstrously delicious seasonal treats. Plus, LEGOLAND Hotel and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel guests will enjoy access to the Brick Boo-gie Bash. The exclusive kid’s nightclub transforms with a light up dance floor, a playlist packed with kid-approved tunes and interactive dance-offs. Entertainers keep the party popping from 6 – 9 p.m. every night.

LEGOLAND believes awesome is for everyone. To ensure every visitor has a fun Halloween experience, all LEGOLAND Resorts in North America are Certified Autism Centers and work with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards to train and certify staff in sensory, environmental, and emotional awareness.

ORLANDO — In 2025, Universal Orlando Resort will debut its third captivating installment of its wildly popular Harry Potter-themed lands with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic – one of five worlds coming to Universal Epic Universe in 2025. Set in wizarding Paris from Warner Bros. Pictures Fantastic Beasts films and the British Ministry of Magic from the Harry Potter film series, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic features an awe-inspiring collection of experiences that includes fantastical dining, whimsical retail, spellbinding entertainment and the most ambitious, groundbreaking ride Universal has ever created.

Developed by the award-winning Universal Creative team and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic builds upon the global phenomenon that began in 2010 with the debut of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade at Universal Islands of Adventure and continued with the 2014 launch of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida. Next year, the bar for theme park entertainment will be raised once again with the addition of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic – creating an exciting trilogy of wizarding adventures across Universal Orlando.

MAGICAL CREATURES AND THE MINISTRY AWAIT…
Beyond the world’s ornate portal, guests will first journey from a Muggle park in Paris into the breathtaking spectacle of 1920’s Place Cachée – a hidden, bustling shopping district in wizarding Paris lined with Haussmannian buildings, shops, sidewalk cafés, and historic Parisian domes rising in the distance. Here, wizards and non-magiques alike will be enamored with the majestic grandeur and enchanting ambiance of the city as they cast dazzling spells throughout the magical streets using interactive wands, encounter fantastic beasts at a traveling circus, and – for the first time ever within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – travel across countries and time to 1990s London using the Métro-Floo for a thrilling adventure set inside the iconic British Ministry of Magic.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic will feature the unmatched levels of immersion and attention to detail fans have come to expect from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Below is a look at the exciting new wonders waiting to be discovered in this spectacular new world:

• Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry – Withits unique combination of massive environments, powerful storytelling and first-of-its-kind ride technology, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry builds upon the historic theme park innovation Universal is known for – and will be one of its most impressive attractions to date. The adventure begins when guests travel by Métro-Floo – a unique mode of wizarding transit inspired by the iconic Floo Network seen in the films – to journey from wizarding Paris to the British Ministry of Magic for the long-awaited trial of the infamous Dolores Umbridge. Upon arrival, guests will enter the Ministry’s jaw-dropping grand atrium and venture through other departments before boarding magical, omnidirectional lifts to watch the trial take place…until Umbridge attempts to escape. Guests then join Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger and a house-elf named Higgledy in a thrilling chase that will propel them up, down, forward, backward, sideways and more throughout the Ministry as they try to capture Umbridge – all while dodging attacks from Death Eaters, rampaging creatures and more along the way. 
• Le Cirque Arcanus – For the first time ever in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, guests will enjoy a live, full-scale theatre experience in the heart of the land with Le Cirque Arcanus. This spectacular show features live performers and aerialists, amazing puppetry, brilliant special effects and more to take guests on a whirlwind journey where they’ll encounter fantastic beasts like never before. The show follows Ringmaster Skender, who has stolen Newt Scamander’s suitcase – where Demiguise, Diricawl, Mooncalves and more reside – to try and bring the failing Le Cirque Arcanus back to its former glory. It’s then up to circus employee Gwenlyn to rescue these creatures before they end up in Skender’s greedy hands forever.
• Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique – Guests can shop some of the world’s finest wands designed by esteemed artisan wandmaker, Cosme Acajor, in the premier Parisian wand shop, Cosme Acajor Baguettes Magique. In addition to popular imports from Ollivanders, visitors will find a selection of exquisite wands packaged in unique three-sided boxes – each containing a list of locations throughout the wizarding world where guests can practice casting spells.
• Inspiring Wand Magic – As guests explore the streets of wizarding Paris, they can use their interactive wands to create magical experiences as they cast spells at various locations, interact with fantastic beasts such as Nifflers, Bowtruckles and a Demiguise, and engage with enchanted objects in many of the storefront windows plus other areas throughout the marvelous Place Cachée.
• Captivating Entertainment – While exploring the streets of Place Cachée, guests will also encounter other visitors, officials and residents from the wizarding world, including exchange students from the Hogwarts and Ilvermorny Schools of Witchcraft and Wizardry, an Auror from the Ministère des Affaires Magiques de la France who roams inquiring of suspicious characters, talking portraits of delightful wizards who engage with locals about the happenings in Place Cachée, and more.

Guests can also enjoy delicious international fare and shop for souvenirs and merchandise during their visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic at highly-themed dining and retail locations, including

• Café L’Air De La Sirène – A wonder of French architecture adorned with fabulous carved marble and details of fantastic beasts hidden in the tile and mosaic designs, Café L’air De La Sirène is a charming café where guests can delight in French sandwiches, plats du jour and desserts.
• Le Gobelet Noir – In the shadowy corners of Place Cachée is a mysterious timeworn auberge, where international Dark witches and wizards gather to escape the prying eyes of the Paris Ministry and have a hearty meal over hushed conversation. Menu offerings include starters such as soups and salads as well as a variety of entrées and desserts.
• Bar Moonshine – American witches and wizards can enjoy a taste of home at Bar Moonshine, where they’ll find exclusive beers, wines and cocktails served amid U.S. Quidditch team pennants and other items of wizarding Americana.
• Bièraubeurre Cart – No visit to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is complete without Butterbeer! Guests can stop by the Bièraubeurre cart during their visit to Place Cachée for a frosty, delicious mug of the fan-favorite beverage.
• Guests can also shop for wizarding gear and memorabilia in Les Galeries Mirifiques, satisfy their sweet tooth at the French confectionary shop, K. Rammelle, or make a stop for Ministry of Magic-inspired items at the Métro-Floo gift shop, Tour En Floo.

Sacoa Cashless System is proud to announce its latest installation at Mulligans Hemel Hempstead, in partnership with SEGA Amusements International and Adventure Leisure. This new setup elevates the entertainment experience at Mulligans, a 15,000-square-foot venue in Jarman Park.

The double-award-winning K4 Kiosks make it easy for visitors to acquire and recharge Mulligans cards. e-Tickets can be redeemed at the redemption counter, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests.

Mulligans offers a variety of attractions, including the largest arcade area to date with over 40 games in collaboration with SEGA Amusements International, an 18-hole Crazy Golf course, Electro-Darts, pool tables, ping pong, virtual reality experiences, and more.

For operators, Sacoa provides numerous benefits, including streamlined operations, real-time income data, enhanced visitor analytics, expanded offerings for customers, the elimination of coin jams and cash theft, reduced staff overheads, and more. These advantages have led to operators seeing up to a 30% increase in sales.

Pol Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa International, stated, “[…w]e are thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with SEGA Amusements International and Adventure Leisure on the installation of our Sacoa Cashless System at Mulligans Hemel Hempstead. This partnership promises to deliver an exceptional entertainment experience for all visitors while providing significant benefits for the operator. We look forward to continuing our mission of enhancing entertainment venues worldwide.”

With thousands of installations in more than 70 countries, Sacoa continues to lead in managing and controlling entertainment facilities. As more operators adopt its cashless solutions, SEGA Amusements International plans to expand new installations, keeping Sacoa at the forefront of future arcade and entertainment centers.

Sacoa is proud to announce the grand opening of Pinstack’s newest location in San Antonio, Texas, marking the sixth installation of their cutting-edge technology with the esteemed entertainment franchise. This expansive, 53,000-square-foot venue features state-of-the-art bowling lanes, massive arcade, a high ropes course, led-lit rock-climbing wall, immersive laser tag arena, bumper cars and more. Setting it apart further, Pinstack offers a Modern American menu on the lanes, in the restaurant and on the climate-controlled patio.

Brian Cohen, Vice-President of Operations at Entertainment Properties Group, Inc., said about Sacoa “Sacoa has been a valued partner since we opened our first PINSTACK location in 2015 and continues to evolve their product over time to better serve our guests and elevate the amusement experience.”

Pinstack’s continued trust in Sacoa is made evident through their choice to yet again incorporate several of their latest innovations, including the Spark Reader, K4 Kiosk, and advanced POS and redemption systems. This collaboration underscores Pinstack’s continued confidence in Sacoa’s products and services.

“Sacoa’s ongoing partnership with Pinstack highlights our commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment solutions and look forward to many more successful projects together” said Sebastian Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa USA.