DALLAS, Texas — The State Fair of Texas Board of Directors has appointed Gilbert Gerst as its new chairman of the board during their annual meeting for the nonprofit organization. Gilbert succeeds Bruce Sifford following the completion of his three-year term. By accepting this position, Gilbert continues the legacy of the many distinguished community leaders who have provided leadership for the State Fair of Texas since its original charter was established in 1886.  

Gibert Gerst has served on the volunteer board of directors for the State Fair of Texas for the past 17 years. In addition, Gilbert currently serves as the Fair’s chair of the Finance and Audit Committee and has previously served on the Fair’s Chairman’s Task Force and Advisory Board.  

“Gilbert has been dedicated to the State Fair of Texas and its mission since 2008, and we are thrilled to see him step into his new role as board chairman,” said State Fair of Texas President Mitchell Glieber. “Gilbert brings a wealth of knowledge to the table through his experiences, and his steadfast support of the State Fair of Texas ensures the future of our organization is in good hands.”  

Gilbert holds a Bachelor of Science from The University of North Texas and a master’s degree in commercial real estate from the University of Texas at Arlington. He is currently the Senior Vice President, Manager of Community Development Banking for BOK Financial (BOKF). Gilbert joined BOKF in June 2011 after more than 25 years with JPMorgan Chase. He has corporate-wide responsibility for the bank’s community development lending and investment activities and is a key partner in the bank’s CRA compliance and examination process.                         

Gilbert is actively involved in the community and currently serves on multiple boards and committees including Board Chairman of the Dallas Black Dance Theater, Tulsa Economic Development Corporation; Past President – Dallas Development Fund, a NMTC Community Development Entity; The Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers; Vice Chairman and Member of the Executive Committee for the Dallas Economic Development Corporation; Roundtable Member – Texas Association of Community Development Corporations.    

Gilbert’s other board membership and participation include the AT&T Performing Arts Center; The Texas Mezzanine Fund; Board Member – DFW Regional Housing Consortium; The Real Estate Council Community Loan Fund; Board Member and Treasurer – Forest Forward; Past President, Board Member – University of North Texas Foundation; Lifetime Member and Board Member of the UNT Alumni Association.  

“The State Fair of Texas is not just a tradition for the City of Dallas but for the entire state of Texas. It is a family tradition to attend every year,” said State Fair Board Chairman Gilbert Gerst. “I have had the opportunity to be involved with the State Fair for more than 15 years though my initial involvement as a member of the Chairman’s Task Force. I am honored to continue my engagement with an incredible group of community leaders on the board of directors as we continue the long tradition of providing a safe atmosphere for family and friends to build memories while also being a key community partner.”   The Fair is deeply appreciative of Bruce Sifford’s leadership for the past three years and for his dedication to the Fair’s commitment to the community. As immediate past board chair, Bruce will continue serving on the board of directors. Since 2002, Bruce has volunteered with the Fair in many capacities, including serving on the Big Tex Scholarship Committee, Heritage Hall of Honor Committee, Long Range Livestock Facility Improvement Committee, Livestock Committee, and Development Cabinet. Additionally, Bruce has served on the board of directors since 2002 and served as chair of the Finance and Audit Committee from 2020 to 2022.  

DES MOINES, Iowa — Get ready to step back in time! This summer, Blank Park Zoo will undergo a prehistoric transformation, temporarily becoming Dino Park Zoo from July through the end of October. The zoo will be filled with larger-than-life dinosaur-themed experiences, educational programs, and special events that will transport visitors to a world where dinosaurs once roamed.

At the heart of Dino Park Zoo will be 15 animatronic dinosaurs, located all throughout the zoo. The massive dinosaurs were created by Dino Don, Inc., the world’s leading provider of life-like animatronic dinosaurs. Guests will encounter a towering 40-foot-long T. rex and a Triceratops the size of a mail truck. These scientifically accurate animatronics don’t just move, they breathe, roar, and some even fart and pee, creating a truly immersive, prehistoric experience.

The exhibit was designed by Don Lessem (also known as “Dino Don”), a world-renowned dinosaur expert who advised Steven Spielberg on Jurassic Park and has written more than 40 books on dinosaurs. Lessem and his team build each dinosaur with painstaking attention to detail, using scientific supervision to bring these ancient giants to life.

“Dino Park Zoo will be an immersive experience where guests can encounter new dinosaur-themed attractions, hands-on learning opportunities, and exciting events for the whole family,” Anne Shimerdla, President & CEO of Dino Park Zoo, said. “But just like the dinosaurs, it won’t last forever, so be sure to visit before it goes extinct in October!”

Fan-favorite zoo events will also get a prehistoric twist this summer. Zoo Brew will feature dinosaur-themed elements throughout the season. Visitors 21 and older can enjoy evenings at the zoo with live music, local food trucks, and, of course, plenty of beer. Featured all summer long will be Pseudo Sue from Toppling Goliath Brewing Company in Decorah. Named after the famous T. rex “Sue,” Pseudo Sue is perfect for dino-lovers and craft beer fans alike.

Then, in October, see the dinosaurs in a whole new light—literally—during the 35th annual Night Eyes! As the sun sets, the dinosaurs will come alive in a dazzling new way, with illuminated prehistoric creatures guiding trick-or-treaters through Des Moines’ most beloved Halloween tradition! 

The prehistoric fun will go extinct after Night Eyes to make way for Blank Park Zoo’s  Diamond Jubilee Celebration. The celebration will usher in a year-long commemoration of the zoo’s history, future, and impact on the community.

“As we say goodbye to the dinosaurs, we’ll be welcoming a massive celebration of 60 incredible years,” Shimerdla said. “2025 is already shaping up to be a year unlike any other. There is so much to see and do at Dino Park Zoo!”

Experience it all with a Zoo Membership. Members save on events like Zoo Brew, Night Eyes, and Wild Lights, which is going on now through Memorial Day. For updates, event details, and ticket information, visit dinoparkzoo.com or follow the zoo on social media.

SAN DIMAS, Calif. — Raging Waters Los Angeles, California’s Largest Water Park, is opening the 2025 summer season on Saturday, May 17, with even more new offerings than last year to enhance the guest experience providing the most chill water park experience on the West Coast. Starting opening day guests can visit the brand-new Señor Solis, a fresh take on Mexican cuisine, offering a robust menu of flavorful options including tacos, burritos, and bowls. The park has also continued its massive park-wide enhancement project, which launched in 2024, to improve the guest experience with new lockers, more shading, all-new eco-conscious and water-saving turf and MORE for this summer season.

“The upcoming season will continue to deliver more fun, more thrills and more amenities for our Season Passholders and water park guests to enjoy at Raging Waters Los Angeles this summer,” said Donald Spiller, general manager, Raging Waters Los Angeles. “The team continues to make massive investments into the park – some you can see and some you can’t – so that every ride, every meal and every interaction delivers the best summer day you’ll have all season long.”

2025 Summer Season Debuts Include:

• All-New Mexican Restaurant, Señor Solis – A new take on classic Mexican fare. The menu includes a wide range of tacos, burritos and bowls that are fast and fresh, featuring carne asada, chicken, rice, beans, and mini churros, with more to come!
• MORE Enhancements to the Guest Experience – Part of the park-wide enhancements that began in 2024, this year’s improvements feature:
  • More locker space with nearly 1,000 new and upgraded lockers
  • More shaded areas by the Aqua Rocket queue line and Dragon’s Den platform
  • More all-new eco-conscious and water-saving turf seating areas
  • More ways to celebrate special occasions with family and friends:
    • Additional extra-large VIP Cabana
    • New Birthday Package Ticket & Meal deal for birthday groups of 15+ people
• Continued Technology Upgrades – Making sure wherever you are in the park, you can be connected to your experience including mobile season pass, new mobile app + a self-service ticket kiosk.

Raging Waters Los Angeles will open for the season on Saturday, May 17 at 10 a.m. With over 50 rides, slides and attractions from the high thrills of Aqua Rocket to the big drop from Bombs Away, this 60-acre Southern California water park is a timeless summer tradition. The whole family is invited to enjoy a wide variety of tube and body slides ranging from mild to wild, a 30,000-square-foot water playground, a one-million-gallon wave pool and a lazy river.

Merlin Entertainments today announces the appointment of RWS Global, the world leader in live moments, as its preferred entertainment production partner for six global destinations.

RWS Global will collaborate with Merlin to produce, deliver and operate premium guest entertainment experiences, beginning with leading Merlin locations on both sides of the Atlantic:

• in the UK: Alton Towers Resort, Chessington World of Adventures Resort and LEGOLAND Windsor Resort; and
• in the US: LEGOLAND California Resort, LEGOLAND New York Resort and LEGOLAND Florida Resort.

The partnership will complement Merlin’s core in-house entertainment offering, allowing the Resorts to scale up to deliver brand and guest experiences throughout the year – including during seasonal special events.

RWS Global is developing more than 100 experiences at these Merlin Resorts in 2025 alone, building upon beloved shows with exciting new entertainment offerings for all to enjoy and experience. Guests can expect new, innovative productions, immersive storytelling, all designed to bring even more core memories to the guest experience.

Kathy Bagshaw, Global Director of Events and Entertainment Operations at Merlin Entertainments, said: “Merlin is committed to providing world-class entertainment for every guest. Through this exciting new partnership, we have the opportunity to continue delivering first-rate entertainment that guests have come to know and love at our Resorts and elevate it to an even higher level. RWS Global’s vast network of creative talent, innovative production resources and operational expertise will help us bring bigger and better entertainment experiences to life, ensuring that guests enjoy new, innovative offerings year after year.”

Ryan Stana, Chairman & CEO at RWS Global added: “We are delighted to join Merlin in building the future of in-park experiences, ushering in a new era of entertainment, and elevating the guest experience at its attractions around the world. By leveraging RWS Global’s worldwide resources, these Resorts will deliver more memorable moments and maximize value for guests.”

As RWS Global and Merlin expand entertainment offerings at resorts around the globe, the two businesses will work to bring together the best people from around the world to bring immersive experiences to life. As a leading provider of high-quality entertainment, RWS Global is dedicated to nurturing talent at every stage, providing performers with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Through this collaboration, Merlin and RWS Global are opening new doors for performers to elevate their craft and bring unforgettable magic to audiences

ORLANDO — Vekoma Rides, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of roller coasters and attractions for theme parks, opened their new and expanded office in Orlando, Florida. This strategic move highlights the company’s commitment to enhancing its presence and delivering exceptional products and services to its growing customer base in the region.

Vekoma Rides selected Orlando as the site of its new office, which will serve as its official headquarters for operations across the Americas. Located at 420 South Orange Avenue in downtown Orlando, the new location is expected to create new jobs over the next 18 months. The Orlando office expansion comes as the company continues to strengthen its presence in key global markets.

With their headquarters in the Netherlands, Vekoma is internationally recognized for its innovation in the design and production of roller coasters and other major amusement attractions. The company’s projects span theme parks around the world, including many of the most iconic and high-profile rides in the industry.

Since 2020, the company has been significantly growing its presence in the U.S. market, both by expanding its local team with different disciplines, as well as developing and installing new groundbreaking rides throughout the region. The list of new projects accomplished by Vekoma in the last few years in the region includes Big Bear Mountain at Dollywood, Good Gravy! at Holiday World, TRON Lightcycle Run at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers at Kings Island, and The Flash™: Vertical Velocity at Six Flags Great Adventure, among others. There are  several new projects in the pipeline in the region in the next few years.

“Our new and expanded office is a result of our growth in the market and a testament to our solid plans to increase our presence and our support to local customers in the Americas market,” said Ricardo Etges, VP of Sales & Marketing, Americas. “We needed more space to accommodate our increasing number of team members, as well as to create room for further growth of the local group.”

Anne-Mart Agerbeek, CEO of Vekoma Rides, highlighted the company’s dedication to serving its local clients: “We have a clear customer-centric mentality at Vekoma and we are always looking for ways to better service our clients. Having a team in Orlando to support our clients and to enhance our position in the local market is critical.”

“Vekoma’s growth in Orlando reflects both their commitment to the industry and the strength of the relationships built through IAAPA. From a one-person team to a growing regional headquarters, they’ve shown what’s possible when innovation and collaboration come together. We’ve been proud to support their journey and look forward to seeing how they continue to help shape the future of the attractions industry,” said Jakob Wahl, CEO of IAAPA.

The Orlando Economic Partnership (OEP) began working with Vekoma following an initial meeting at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo, held annually in Orlando.

OEP supported the company’s site selection process by identifying and touring potential locations and facilitating introductions with key stakeholders, including the City of Orlando.

“Vekoma’s’ decision to relocate in Orlando underscores the region’s global reputation as a hub for the attractions and tourism industry — not just for destination experiences, but for the companies that power them behind the scenes,” said Tim Giuliani, President and CEO of the OEP.

The project was made possible through close collaboration between the OEP, the City of Orlando’s Economic Development Division, and Foundry Commercial who played a key role in securing the location for Vekoma Ride’s new Americas headquarters. 

“Orlando continues to be the place where companies like Vekoma choose to grow and thrive. As a global leader in the attractions industry, their expansion here reinforces our city’s reputation as a hub for innovation. We’re proud to welcome Vekoma Rides Americas’ headquarters to downtown Orlando and look forward to supporting their continued success,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

Mall of America will celebrate Earth Day with its annual Ladybug Release at Nickelodeon Universe! This Earth Month, 144,000 ladybugs will be set free into the plants within the theme park to serve as a natural pesticide. There are more than 30,000 plants throughout the Mall, upholding the retail and entertainment destination’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly plant care.

The public is invited to join this yearly tradition and see the ladybugs in action as they set off to protect the plants throughout Nickelodeon Universe. This unique event offers a close-up look at an environmentally friendly approach to landscaping and provides a meaningful way to celebrate Earth Day.

HENDERSON, Nev. — H. Betti Industries Inc, the leading distributor of amusement and gaming equipment and parts, is proud to announce the appointment of Todd Cravens as President of Betson Gaming. In this expanded leadership role, Cravens will oversee all aspects of its growing gaming division, with a focus on expanding market share, building the product portfolio, and accelerating growth in new and existing markets.

Since joining the Company in January 2025 as Senior Vice President of Gaming, Cravens has made an immediate and measurable impact across the business. His leadership has helped sharpen Betson’s gaming strategy, align the team, and focus on new revenue streams, while also bringing operational discipline and strategic vision to other areas of the company.

“Todd has quickly proven himself to be a dynamic and transformative leader and a key member of our senior Leadership team,” said Bob Geschine, President of H. Betti Industries. “In a short period of time, he’s elevated not just our gaming business but added value across the entire enterprise. We’re excited for what’s ahead as he takes this next step.”

With decades of experience in gaming and amusements, including prior roles as CEO of Galaxy Gaming and other executive leadership positions in the casino and amusement industries, Cravens brings a unique blend of industry expertise, customer focus, and entrepreneurial energy.

As President of Gaming, Cravens will focus on:

• Expanding Betson’s gaming footprint in key regulated markets
• Driving new product partnerships
• Leading legislative strategy for emerging markets
• Building a high-performance sales and service organization
• Enhancing Betson’s brand as a leader in both gaming and amusements

“The Betson name has a rich legacy in gaming and amusements, and I’m honored to lead our efforts to take that to the next level,” said Cravens. “This is a growth story — and we have a talented team, a great product portfolio, and a tremendous opportunity to grow our business and help our customers win.”

Cravens will continue to be based in Betson’s Henderson, Nevada office and will report directly to Bob Geschine, President of H. Betti Industries.

More exciting news awaits when Scandinavia’s biggest summerland opens its doors for the 45th season. Experience Easter days from Monday 14 April to Monday 21 April as Djurs Sommerland is opening during the Easter holidays for the first time ever. At the same time, Denmark’s first adventure trail launches – a spectacular new attraction for the whole family. The season ends with a third, new experience with Djurs Sommerland After Dark in the autumn holidays.

Djurs Sommerland is known for big news announcements and renewal of the park year after year, and 2025 will leave no exceptions. This year, the family-owned summerland is again investing in new, excellent experiences in the quest to be Denmark’s best summerland for kids of all ages.

Easter days in Djurs Sommerland – open during the Easter holidays for the first time
“For the very first time, we open at Easter with Easter days in Djurs Sommerland, which can be experienced from 14 April to 21 April. Families with children can look forward to a complete Easter experience in the park when we, among other things, decorate the park with hundreds of oversized Easter eggs and thousands of spring flowers. It will be the perfect occasion for the whole family to enjoy the spring and have fun together in all our rides”, says CEO Henrik B. Nielsen.

Expectations for Easter days in Djurs Sommerland are high, especially if the spring weather is good. News that the tourism industry in East Jutland also welcomes.

“Djurs Sommerland is a beacon for tourism in Denmark, and it is of great importance for the entire tourism industry that we continue to innovate. Easter days in Djurs Sommerland is a good example of this. Initiatives that attract guests outside the high season are extremely welcome and mean that there are even more reasons to visit our destination all year”, says CEO of VisitAarhus Pia Lange Christensen.

Camino del Sol – Denmark’s first adventure trail
Djurs Sommerland is also unveiling Denmark’s first adventure trail, named Camino del Sol. A half kilometer-long adventurous trip with temples, mazes, waterfalls, and deep canyons. The ambitious project has been developed in collaboration with international experts from England and the Netherlands and is inspired by adventure trails in foreign parks, where they are extremely popular.

“Camino del Sol matches the DNA of Djurs Sommerland perfectly and what we derive from being physically active to be entertained. At the same time, the new attraction matches our high demands for quality and theming.

It is excellent that we can bring being physically active to be entertained to a completely new level of experience that can’t be found in Scandinavia”, says Henrik B. Nielsen.

Camino del Sol is placed in the themed area Mexicoland, and it brings you right up close to Denmark’s longest roller coaster, Juvelen, as well as the impressive drop tower, El Grito, which was voted the “Best new ride in Europe 2024”.

“There is no doubt that Camino del Sol will be an activity for the senses. With a theme that reaches new heights, lots of exciting challenges, and surprising elements along the way, where both El Grito and Juvelen are integrated into the experience, I promise that it will be a fantastic expedition for the guests”, says Henrik B. Nielsen,

who emphasizes that adventure trail can’t be compared to obstacle courses in the traditional sense.

New for the autumn holidays: Djurs Sommerland After Dark – Fun for the whole family
During the autumn holidays, Djurs Sommerland is traditionally transformed into one of Denmark’s biggest Halloween experiences. The park is transformed and filled with 40,000 pumpkins, as well as encounters with rattling skeletons, cackling witches, and giant spiders – Magical Halloween can be experienced during daytime from

10:00-18:00. When darkness falls, guests can experience Djurs Sommerland After Dark for the first time ever from 11 October to 18 October from 18:00-21:00. The entire park is transforming into a dazzling adventure of light and colour.

“We are looking forward to presenting even more magic, mystery, and excitement to our more than 100,000 guests during the autumn holidays, when Djurs Sommerland After Dark launched. Our goal is to create a sparkling adventure of sound and light for the whole family to explore. And for the first time, guests can hop on one of our many rides and hurtle off into the dark. It will be both exciting, enchanting and magical”, says Henrik B. Nielsen.

In the season of 2025, there will be 115 opening days from 14 April to 19 October, and about 900.000 guests from both Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Germany, and the Netherlands are expected to visit

Djurs Sommerland – Scandinavia’s biggest summerland.

CALGARY, Alberta, Canada — The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) is proud to announce that eight members of the IAFE were designated as a Certified Fair Executive (CFE) during the 2025 IAFE Management Conference.

The newly certified individuals are:

• Michelle Butler, IFMG, CFE, Minnesota State Fair
• Cheryl Flood, IFMG, CFE, Florida State Fair
• Cheryle Hartley, IFMG, CFE, Carolina Classic Fair
• Cary Hester, IFMG, CFE, Carolina Classic Fair, NC
• Casey Owen, IFMG, CFE, Ozark Empire Fair, MO
• Abby Villas, IFMG, CFE, Tennessee Valley Fair
• Rhonda Ward, IFMG, CFE, Collier Fair, FL
• Mindy Williamson, IFMG, CFE, Iowa State Fair

This certification program provides incentives for professional improvement in fair management, recognizes those who achieve the specific standards, and develops professional status in the field of fair management. Certification also honors those members who have demonstrated their abilities through years of service to their fairs, fair associations, communities and the IAFE.

To earn the CFE designation, these individuals completed a rigorous certification process that included an application that documented professional experience and achievements, followed by a thorough review by the certification committee. He/she is also a graduate of the Institute of Fair Management (IFM), a requirement to receive a CFE designation. The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), based in Springfield, Mo., is a voluntary, nonprofit corporation, serving state, provincial, regional, and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions. Its associate members include state and provincial associations of fairs, non-agricultural expositions and festivals, associations, corporations, and individuals engaged in providing products and services to its members, all of whom are interested in the improvement of fairs, shows, expositions, and allied fields.

BOWIE, Md. — Six Flags America announced today the details of park enhancements that guests can look forward to during the 2025 season. Guests can expect an expanded ride offering, faster and smoother ride operations and enhancements throughout the property including new food items and updated entertainment that guests can experience for the first time during Spring Break week, this week.

“We’ve spent the off-season working to elevate our guest experience with notable improvements across many areas of the park,” said Ramar Vaughan, general manager of Six Flags America. “Guests can expect shorter wait times, building improvements, and a more enjoyable park ambiance throughout the 2025 season.”

The 2025 enhancements include:

Rides

• SUPERMAN: Ride of Steel – The park’s 207-foot-tall signature roller coaster will be equipped with two new trains, one of which is already in place on the ride. The second train will be added later this summer to increase capacity and reduce wait time for guests.
• THE JOKERS Jinx – The park’s launch coaster is receiving upgrades to its propulsion system that will provide a more thrilling experience and allow the ride to operate two trains for less wait time. Upgrades are anticipated to be finished later this spring.
• Riddle Me This – This classic spinning ride has been refurbished and will reopen later this spring following a hiatus in 2024.
• Shipwreck Falls – Refurbishments to this classic water ride are underway, and it is expected to drench guests once again later this spring.

Food & Beverage

• New menu items:
  • Gator McGee’s Bistro adds a grilled chicken po’boy and a shrimp po’boy to its delicious lineup of offerings.
  • Fillament’s Steam Pub adds a mouthwatering pulled pork sandwich to its menu.

Entertainment

• Rhythmix – The high-energy dance experience at the Grand Theatre received some updates this off season that will pack even more energy and surprises. This edge-of-your-seat show fuses music and culture from countries around the world with cutting-edge effects, lights and dancing.
• Returning Shows – Fan-favorite shows returning this year, include:
  • Camp Groove – An interactive dance and activity show for children and parents.
  • Block Party – Opening this summer, this energetic dance-along party takes place at Celebration Stage.
  • SteamHeist – Opening this summer, learn the story of SteamTown and how Professor Screamore protected his secrets before unveiling them to the world.

Other Enhancements: Guests can expect to see beautification efforts throughout the park, with upgrades in the parking lot, the exterior of the Grand Theater, landscaping and restrooms in select locations.

Operating Calendar Highlights:

• April 12 ─ Opening Day: The park opens for the season on April 12.
• April 12 to 21 ─ Spring Break Days: Spring Break will be full of thrilling rides, diverse dining and exciting experiences that will create memories to last a lifetime.
• May 24 to Sept. 6 ─ Hurricane Harbor Opens: The water park opens with rides and entertainment for all ages, including the latest addition RipQurl Blaster, the mid-Atlantic’s tallest Master Blaster water coaster.
• May 31 to June 29 ─ Viva La Fiesta: This vibrant festival returns with exciting live entertainment, authentic dishes and beverages, and special activities that the whole family will enjoy.
• June 19 ─ Juneteenth Celebration: Six Flags America commemorates this special holiday with local entertainment, community vendors and a fireworks spectacular.
• NEW! July 4 & 5 ─ Star-Spangled Nights: Experience two nights of breathtaking fireworks synchronized to patriotic music for an awe-inspiring celebration of America.
• Sept. 13 to Nov. 2 ─ Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS®: Thrills and chills return to Six Flags America during Fright Fest. Complete with a haunting landscape, scare zones and hair-raising attractions. Available weekends and select days.
• Sept. 13 to Nov. 2 ─ Kids Boo Fest: The Halloween-themed event for little ghosts and ghouls returns with kid-friendly entertainment, special activities, trick-or-treat trail and more. Available weekends and select days.