ORLANDO — Fun Spot America Theme Parks proudly announces the addition of five new rides to be shared in its three parks in Orlando, Kissimmee, and Atlanta. The new attractions will bring a mix of fresh thrills and family-friendly experiences for guests of all ages.
“We’re always looking for ways to keep our parks fresh and exciting for our guests,” said John Arie, Jr., CEO of Fun Spot America. “Adding these rides is a great way for us to continue to offer new, unique and memorable experiences. This is a HUGE investment for Fun Spot America and we’re excited to add something special to each of our parks. Guests will soon experience two new rides in Orlando, two in Kissimmee and one at our park in Atlanta.”
The rides, manufactured by SBF-Visa Group, have been relocated to Fun Spot from The Funplex in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The new experiences include:
- The silly and colorful Tea Cups at Fun Spot Orlando, replacing the park’s existing version while still offering the classic family ride experience.
- The MACH FUN tower ride which takes guests for a side-by-side flight through the air. They will climb and dive all while controlling the height and roll of their plane as they flip 360 degrees. Reaching an altitude of 50 feet, the MACH FUN is the tallest interactive 360° Flying Jet Ride in North America.
- Adding to the fun at Fun Spot Kissimmee, the Swing Around will be located in the Kids Spot section of the park. Developed especially for Fun Spot’s youngest guests, Swing Around is a classic swing attraction.
- Kissimmee guests will set sail on the massive 60-foot-tall Up and Overboard, an SBF-Visa Group Inverted Pendulum ride. Featuring twin gondolas guests will experience the feeling of complete weightlessness as they swing through the air. Evening rides will be memorable, too, as the Up and Overboard brightens the sky with its vivid colors and dancing lights.
- At Fun Spot America Atlanta, the thrilling golf-themed Hook & Slice will spin guests clockwise and then surprise with a counterclockwise revolution. The experience will wow guests as they wind, whirl, and catch air on this family-friendly thrill ride.
“The introduction of these new rides is just the latest example of Fun Spot’s ongoing commitment to bring added value and excitement to guests of all ages at all of our parks,” Arie continued. “Each ride has been chosen to complement the character of the park it is headed to, and will bring fresh energy to the overall guest experience. While we are adding to the fun, we are not increasing our season pass prices or our single Day Pass cost. A visit to one of our parks means a day of safe, clean fun along with great value and experiences.”
GOSHEN, N.Y. — LEGOLAND New York Resort is excited to announce the launch of LEGO DUPLO PEPPA PIG Playground, coming in 2025 to the theme park in Goshen just 65 miles from New York City. As North America’s first ever collaboration between LEGO DUPLO and PEPPA PIG in a real-world play experience, this immersive space will bring the world of the beloved preschool series to life. Building on the recent work between LEGO DUPLO and leading toy and game company Hasbro, this unique play space unites two iconic brands in an engaging, interactive environment.
“Our goal is to inspire imaginative play and foster a love for learning in a setting that is both fun and enriching,” says Divisional Director of LEGOLAND New York Resort Stephanie Johnson. “Bringing this Playground to the Resort is a significant milestone for us, greatly enhancing our offerings for our youngest visitors. This thoughtfully designed space will provide an engaging environment where children can experience the joy of LEGO building while playing and exploring alongside their favorite characters from the PEPPA PIG universe.”
“For 20 years, PEPPA PIG has told stories that reflect the real lives and firsts of preschoolers worldwide,” said Matt Proulx, Senior Vice President of Global Experiences, Partnerships and Music at Hasbro, “We’ve enjoyed a long and successful partnership with Merlin, bringing top-tier experiences to PEPPA PIG’s fans. Merlin shares our vision of creating play spaces designed just for little ones, empowering children to embrace every new adventure and leap confidently into all of life’s muddy puddles.”
Spanning just over 13,000 square feet, the Playground will feel like stepping into a giant LEGO DUPLO toy box, featuring several of the most well-known and iconic elements from the PEPPA PIG universe. Fans of the PEPPA PIG
animated series can explore Peppa’s house, hop into Daddy Pig’s red car, set sail on Grandpa Pig’s boat, and have loads of fun in Peppa’s Treehouse, just to name a few of the exciting activities.
Key Attractions Include:
- Peppa & George’s Puppet Show — As the main attraction, this interactive theater will feature live puppet shows starring Peppa and other beloved characters. The show is set against a dynamic digital backdrop that changes throughout the performance. After the show, families can take a photo alongside Peppa and George.
- Daddy Pig’s Red Car — Beep Beep! Join Daddy Pig and hop into the driver’s seat of Peppa’s family car, honk the horn and snap a photo with the family home in the background.
- Peppa’s Tree House — Visit the tree house in the middle of the play area and swing to the sky, crawl through tunnels, or enjoy the exciting slide. The Tree House will feature wheelchair accessible ramps to ensure everyone can join in on the fun.
- Peppa’s House — Strike a pose in front of Peppa’s iconic house and capture the perfect family photo to remember the adventure!
- Grandpa Pig’s Boat — Join Grandpa Pig on his boat and get a photo as you sail through the imaginary world of PEPPA PIG. Don’t worry, you won’t get wet or fall in the water!
- Picnic Cake Brick Build — Take a break for a picnic at the DUPLO brick build table, where guests can unleash their creativity and design a colorful cake to add to the growing display.
Sacoa Cashless System, the global leader in revenue management solutions, is proud to announce its participation at the IAAPA Expo 2024, taking place from November 19 to 22 in Orlando, Florida.
Designed to power growth, increase profits, and streamline operations for entertainment businesses, Sacoa will officially launch five new and innovative technologies, a single-show record for the company, at booth #606.
Pol Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa International, shared his enthusiasm for the reveal, stating, “We’re thrilled to finally present these new products and solutions to the industry. We’ve invested a lot of time and effort into their development, and we’re confident they’ll bring tremendous value to operators and rookies alike.
If you’re an entrepreneur, operator, customer, or simply seeking ways to increase your revenue, be sure to stop by our company’s booth.
Sacoa’s team of experts will be on hand to demonstrate these groundbreaking solutions and provide personalized advice tailored to your needs.”
Don’t miss the chance to witness Sacoa’s latest innovations up close and stay ahead of the curve at the IAAPA Expo 2024!
CARLSBAD, Calif. — Jingle all the way to LEGOLAND California Resort as the Carlsbad theme park prepares for the holidays with the return of its iconic, three-story tall LEGO Christmas Tree. Built from more than 360,000 LEGO and DUPLO bricks, this 35-foot-tall tree is now standing tall at the front of the Park, ready to welcome guests ahead of the official countdown to the Resort’s 22nd annual tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 6.
LEGOLAND California Resort’s Holidays presented by Hallmark Channel is turning Carlsbad, CA, into an “elf extravaganza” with festive décor, twinkling lights and falling snow starting on Nov. 23 and running select days through Jan. 5. Guests can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit by training to become an elf at the new Elf Training Academy, taking “elfies” with the all-new LEGO® elf characters, Ivy and Frode, or mastering their jolly good dance moves at the new Holly Hype Dance Party. And don’t miss the North Pole Postal Service where guests can mail letters to Santa by dropping them in a special mailbox, where eager elves will ensure they make their way to the North Pole.
Plus, don’t miss the Park’s exciting tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 6! This special evening will feature the lighting of the Park’s enormous LEGO Christmas tree, decked out with more than 500 LED lights and 40 LEGO candles, followed by an impressive fireworks display. This will be the first of the season’s firework shows happening every Saturday in Dec. and nightly between Dec. 21 and 30. All holiday festivities, including the tree lighting ceremony, are included with general Park admission and select annual passes.
LN Urbanismo, a Brazilian urban development firm, and Wavegarden have unveiled plans for Fazenda Vista Verde, a 4 million square meter private residential complex built around a 52-module Wavegarden Cove surfing lagoon. Located in picturesque Araçoiaba da Serra, just 1 hour and 20 minutes west of São Paulo, this development – planned for completion by the end of 2027 – will be the fourth Wavegarden in Brazil, joining Praia da Grama (Itupeva), Surfland Brasil (Garopaba), and Beyond The Club (São Paulo). Wavegarden’s surfing lagoon will once again be a major drawcard, enhancing the development’s appeal and value.
“Wavegarden surfing lagoons have become a cornerstone of successful real estate projects globally, especially in Brazil,” said Fernando Odriozola, Wavegarden’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Our perfect waves, surrounded by a palm-fringed white sandy beach, will bring a slice of the ocean to this innovative project, located three hours from the nearest natural beach.”
Set in breathtaking landscapes with a mild climate and surrounded by rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and century-old trees, Fazenda Vista Verde aims to become one of Brazil’s premier residential communities. Phase 1 will include 160 residential lots, each measuring between 2,000 to 2,600 square meters, with an additional 400 lots planned for future phases. Beyond private residences, the development will offer amenities such as swimming pools, a spa, a high-end hotel (open to the general public), and restaurants. Outdoor features include biking and trekking trails, a historic equestrian property, diverse sports facilities like tennis and volleyball courts, an organic garden, a farmers’ market, and a helipad for convenient access.
The 52-module Wavegarden Cove lagoon can produce up to 1,000 waves per hour, with over 20 wave types to suit all skill levels, from challenging 2m waves for intermediate and expert surfers to gentler waves ideal for beginners. The patented water treatment system ensures crystal-clear, hygienically safe water at all times.
The system operates at just 1 kWh per wave by maximizing energy efficiency and water conservation, with water loss only through evaporation. LN Urbanismo envisions the project as an oasis where the noise-free Wavegarden Cove lagoon harmonizes with nature, providing the highest quality, quantity, and variety of waves with minimal use of resources.
With nine Wavegarden lagoons operating worldwide and many more underway, these developments have shown benefits beyond the excitement of surfing. Each Wavegarden facility has delivered economic and social benefits and has increased property values.
ST. LOUIS — At IAAPA Expo 2024 Intercard will feature its latest innovations including its enhanced iQ system that represents the future of cashless payment. The company will also offer a first look at its Mobile iReader app designed to support cashless POS at outdoor attractions. Show visitors can see all of Intercard’s cashless technology at its new booth location #1327 at the amusement industry’s biggest show of the year.
“In the past year operators around the world have shown great interest in our iQ system of readers and kiosks,” says Scott Sherrod, CEO of Intercard, “and we are looking forward to showing the latest version to our global family of customers at IAAPA in Orlando. We will also offer a first look at our new Mobile iReader, an affordable app that operators can install on an employee’s handheld device. The app turns that device into a mobile reader that scans QR codes and wristbands and securely processes payments to the Intercard back office system. It’s ideal for serving customers in line at such outdoor attractions as go karts, mini-golf, playgrounds and water parks.”
Sherrod will be at the show with the entire domestic and international sales teams plus technical experts. Attendees can book meetings in advance by contacting Rob Geiger at rgeiger@intercardinc.com or Alberto Borrero at aborrero@intercardinc.com.
BREMEN, Germany — The first Break Dance 5 from Huss Park Attractions is celebrating its world premiere at Vienna Prater. It is the first attraction from the new HUSS Signature Rides Collection and in many ways an exceptional ride that builds on past successes while setting new highlights.
Since its launch in 1985, the Break Dance has remained one of the most popular and iconic attractions at fairs and amusement parks. The combination of spinning motion, speed and typical colorful design quickly made the Break Dance a worldwide success and a true revolution in the segment of roundabout rides. With well over 100 units delivered, the Break Dance is the most successful attraction ever designed and built by the Bremen-based manufacturer.
With the Break Dance 5, HUSS® presents the latest generation of this cult attraction. The design and ride dynamics of the brand-new attraction, which has been in the soft opening phase as “Laser Dance” at the Vienna Prater since August, are also based on the unique ‘Break Dance formula’ developed for the original attraction: the interplay of size, weight, angles, speed and control ensures a unique, spectacular and incomparable ride experience!
Compared to previous models, HUSS® has added 30% more power to the attraction and increased the top speed by another 30%. The higher speeds of the main turntable and the gondola crosses create a ride experience that is more dynamic and powerful than ever before! At the same time, the redesign has been optimized with a special focus on durability and safety, resulting in a maintenance-optimized solution.
The redesigned gondolas offer much more space and the seats with individual lap bars provide much more comfort and safety; the attraction is approved for passengers over 1.2 meters tall. For an even more immersive ride experience, the new gondolas can optionally be equipped with onboard sound and even motion sound.
Although Break Dance 5 offers more space for passengers, the new design allows for a more compact attraction. The gondolas now rotate closer together and move closer to the center and back wall, creating more intense effects.
Repositioning the gondola cross-drives under the main turntable has resulted in a much cleaner platform. The entire ride is designed with a slope, so that spectators or visitors have an unobstructed view of the heart of the attraction and can follow the ride cycle without hindrance.
Laser Dance Vienna
Break Dance 5 is the main attraction in the new entertainment complex on a newly developed plot at the Prater. It is located on the ground floor with an open front and extends over two floors of the new multi-storey building. The attraction and its passengers are protected from the weather, allowing it to operate all year round.
The vision and overall design concept of the attraction is the achievement of the manufacturer’s creative team. The building integration allows for an immersive and fully themed attraction, which shines in a futuristic design, and the opulent LED lighting gives the facility a spectacular and thematically coordinated light show.
The attraction has two queues, ‘Adventure‘ and ‘Thrill‘, which offer visitors a unique ride experience. The riders are loaded alternately from the top of the platform, allowing the operator to optimize the management of visitor flows. As a result, the different ride cycles are therefore run one after the other and each queue is fully loaded.
On 11 June, Break Dance 5 was handed over to the customer after a successful TÜV approval. The soft opening phase has been running since the beginning of August. The operator is working hard to complete the entertainment complex and is putting the finishing touches to the staging and presentation of the main attraction. The whole “Laser Dance” complex will soon be inaugurated with a big event.
Show Ride Cycle
In a larger theme park even more would be possible, says HUSS® Sales & Creative Director Lars L. Hartmann: “The transition from a classic carousel to a signature attraction is based on the implementation of a show ride cycle that starts in the queue and reaches its climax with the actual ride. The ride is accompanied by a custom soundtrack and special effects to enhance the experience. Different show rides are available for different groups of
guests, and the interaction of varied movement, sound and light guides the ride through the different phases, creating a fun adventure with each ride. These staged show rides are an exceptional addition to any theme park, appealing to families and thrill-seekers alike.”
HUSS Operator Center Stage
As well as the new gondola design, the new center of the “Break Dancer” is a real eye- catcher. This place, called “HUSS Operator Center Stage”, makes the operator part of the ride and part of the show. He orchestrates the entire ride experience and is equipped with a complete show control system that allows him to interact with guests and the ride – literally from the center of the attraction. Another advantage is that the operator can also manage the one-man operation from the center during off-peak times.
What’s more, the “HUSS Operator Centre Stage” is also ideal for DJs who can turn the entire attraction into their stage for spectacular live events, while a second, external operator position can be used to safely control the ride.
Outlook: Transportable Versions
Back to the roots: Will the new generation of Break Dance also be available as a mobile attraction? Lars L. Hartmann: “Yes, we are again offering Break Dance 5 as a transportable attraction. Both the park version and the travelling attraction have exclusive features. The mobile version can also be fully and individually themed and illuminated. It should be faster to set up and require significantly less staff. The travelling attraction is offered with an innovative multi-functional podium concept that can be set up flexibly in two versions: “One of the two set-up options allows it to be placed on the exact footprint of the classic Break Dance 1,” he explains, reassuring the huge Break Dance fan base: “Die-hard fans can continue to look forward to a sonorous and powerful drive noise.”
And not least interesting for the showman: new locations for a transportable attraction are also conceivable – in addition to the classic trade fair, festivals with live DJs on stage would be a whole new market.
The fifth and latest generation of this iconic flat ride, which still is extremely popular with fans and operators alike, has a high capacity with a comparatively small footprint: The ride has five crosses with four gondolas each, giving a capacity of 40 people per ride or up to 1,200 people per hour. The diameter of the main turntable is only 15.4 meters compared to 17.5 meters of the six-arm Break Dance 2.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO) is thrilled to announce that registration for the 38th Annual Safety Seminar is now open! The seminar will take place from January 26 to January 31, 2025, in beautiful Charlotte, North Carolina.
NAARSO, a non-profit organization committed to promoting safety within the amusement industry through the doctrine of “Safety Through Communication,” invites industry professionals to register for this comprehensive event aimed at enhancing the safety and reliability of amusement rides and attractions.
Seminar Highlights:
- Expert Speakers: Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders about best practices in amusement ride safety.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, professionals, and vendors from across the industry, fostering valuable relationships and collaborations.
- Certification Courses: Participants can enhance their qualifications with specialized tracks, each with 40 hours of education and NAARSO certifications, with CEUs available. Certifications include:
- Inspector Level 1 through 3
- Aquatic Operations Level 1
- Operations Level 1 through 3
- External Trainings: We will be providing the opportunity for attendees to get practical knowledge, skills, and certified in the following through an external vendor:
- Forklift Operator Training – Vertical Mast
- Forklift Operator Training – Telescopic Boom
- Qualified Rigger Level I
- Qualified Signal Person
- Fall Arrest Competent Inspector
- Hands-On Training: Gain practical knowledge by visiting Carowinds, including Carolina Harbor, where attendees will learn about the diverse needs for operations and inspections of various attractions.
Mark your calendars for this enriching week dedicated to advancing safety practices within the amusement ride industry. Register now to secure your spot and take advantage of early bird rates!
For further information and to register, please visit naarso.com/safety-seminars/ or contact: info@naarso.com.
About NAARSO: The National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials (NAARSO) is dedicated to providing resources and education to amusement industry professionals, ensuring the safety and well-being of industry patrons. Through events like the Annual Safety Seminar, NAARSO promotes a collaborative approach to enhancing industry standards.
SOMERVILLE, N.J. — Success in the attractions industry is not just about dollars and cents, its about relationships and continuing working towards success together. New Jearsey-based attraction supplier Rides 4 U is celebrating its mutually beneficial relationship with Fun Spot America. The latter’s three locations — owned-and-operated by the Arie family — feature multiple attractions provided by the ride broker and that partnership looks to continue in the coming seasons.
“We are honored to continue our longstanding business relationship with Fun Spot, America which has spanned more than 25 years,” commented Len Soled, owner of Rides 4 U. “It is always a pleasure to work with the Arie family, and to bring new excitement to their Orlando, Kissimmee and Atlanta locations.”
Recently, Fun Spot America has acquired five additional rides from Rides 4 U, adding to the parks’ already impressive lineup. The Hook and Slice (an SBF Mini Reverse Time) will be going to Atlanta, a Teacup ride (Visa) will be added to the Orlando location and an Umbrella Swing (Visa) will be coming to Kissimmee location.
Two additional attractions — a Tower Planes ride from Visa and SBF Space Guns attraction — have been purchased and are awaiting final placements by the Arie family.
“We are thankful and appreciate the trust and support the Arie family has shown us,” added Heller. “We look forward for many more projects together in the future.”
Rides 4 U celebrates 30 years in the amusment industry in 2024, and Soled attributes that the company’s success and its ongoing relationships to the loyalty of his personnel and the relationships they build, both with one another and with customers.
“We have eight people in-house who have been here for years, a couple of satellite sales staff and around a dozen subcontractors,” stated Soled. When I need them (contractors), they drop everything to get on our job.”
Alvin (Al) Joseph DeRusha passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 88 on November 4, 2024.
Al was born to Mary and George DeRusha on November 8, 1935, in St. Paul, MN, and was raised on the Westside Flats adjacent to the Harriet Island on the Mississippi River. He was the youngest of 11 children. Al (Porky) as he was known to those on the Westside, was enormously proud of his roots and forever cherished his childhood memories.
In the summer of 1944, when Al was only 8 years old, the Bazinet Carnival had their show set up on Harriet Island. Al got a job with Leo Magel’s carnival game concessions while the carnival was in town. When the same carnival returned the following Spring, he again worked for Leo Magel and Leo’s daughter Leone Flanders in the games. Impressed with his work ethic, Al was asked to travel with the show for the rest of the summer. His mother’s only request was that he was back in time for school, so off he went. At this young age, Al found his niche in games of chance. He fell in love with the “carnie” life, the music, food, and atmosphere. He went on to travel and work with the Magels on several different carnivals including the Minnesota State Fair for the next ten years. The money he made during the summers helped to support his family. One summer he earned around $400, which Al used to buy a load of coal so his family would stay warm in the winter. When he was 14, he met his future wife Marlene Flanders when she arrived by train in Wausau, Wisconsin to work in her Grandpa Magel’s carnival games. They started dating when they were 17 and were married when they were 19 on July 9,1955 at Visitation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, MN. Al would always joke that he couldn’t remember a time when he didn’t know Marlene. This past summer, Al and Marlene celebrated their 69th Wedding Anniversary.
Al was a dedicated student from the start, receiving a perfect attendance award in kindergarten. Yes, he had to walk to school uphill. His grandchildren can attest to this, as he did this same walk with them as part of his “Westside Tour”. His exceptional academic abilities allowed him to skip the 5th grade. He also volunteered to tutor other students in reading.
Al attended Humboldt High School in St. Paul, where was heavily recruited by the football and track coaches due to athleticism and great speed. Unfortunately, he was unable to participate in sports as he had to work to help support his family.
Al worked picking weeds in the celery fields in Roseville with his brother Mickey and set pins at the local bowling alley. On league nights he would work two lanes so he could earn double the pay.
As a senior, he enrolled in the schoolwork opportunity program that placed him in various part time jobs. In 1953, though this program, he began working as a mail boy and prop man for WMIN TV, later becoming WTCN Channel 11. This would be the beginning of a long and distinguished career in television. Al worked for two decades producing and directing live shows that are some of the most memorable for Minnesotans- “Lunch with Casey,” “Romper Room,” “Popeye & Pete” and the “Mel Jazz Show.” He was quoted as saying “I couldn’t wait to get to work because it was so much fun.” Al also directed all Minnesota sports including the Twins, North Stars, and Vikings as well as college and high school sports. He was an eight-year veteran of the Naval Reserve and was certified as a correspondent to produce military documentaries.
In 1961, while still directing for WTCN, Al accepted the role of television director for the American Wrestling Association (AWA) with Verne Gagne and Wally Karbo. He directed the wrestling shows on weekends for the next twelve years. He became good friends with many of the AWA Stars, such as the Crusher, Jesse “The Body” Ventura, Mad Dog Vachon, and Baron Von Rashke. Closest among them was his dear friend Wally Karbo. The two of them did a great deal of hunting and fishing together for many years. From 1968 to 1973, Al left the control room and went into advertising sales for WTCN. In 1973 he left WTCN after 20 years, and went to work for the AWA full time, as a producer, promoter, ring announcer, and even stepped into the ring as a referee. In 1983, when the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) in New York, (later becoming the WWE) emerged and squeezed out the smaller market wrestling organizations, Al was hired by Vince McMahon as the Executive Producer of all WWF television shows. He had the good fortune of working with his youngest son Gary who was also hired by McMahon as an associate producer.
Back issues forced him to leave the WWF and return home for surgery that required a long recovery. In 1985, Al reopened his independent wrestling promotion company with partner Roger Kent. They promoted AWA shows in the secondary markets throughout the Midwest, featuring all the top AWA stars. At their peak, they did 92 shows in one year. Al’s three sons and brother George were also involved in running the shows. They traveled hundreds of miles together, creating many fond memories.
Al’s crowning achievement of his decades of contributions to the television and broadcast industry, was his induction into the Minnesota’s Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2017. (View his induction video on YouTube under 2015 MN Hall of Fame-Al DeRusha)
At the end of his days in the wrestling industry, Al’s career came full circle when in 1990, he took a position as the Senior Vice President of Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA), trade organization for circuses and mobile carnivals. Al traveled throughout the country and into Canada to hold what came to be known as “Jammin Jamborees,” at as many as 25 fairs and festivals every summer. The Jamborees raised money for the organization’s lobbying efforts and post-secondary scholarships. Most of the funds were raised by the live auctions conducted by Al. He was a lively and effective auctioneer, raising over $4 million during his time with the OABA. Al also attended many conventions and trade shows during the winter months. He and wife Marlene attended the industry’s largest tradeshow and OABA convention in Gibsonton Florida for 30 straight years. It is truly remarkable that Al worked up to the age of 85.
As a true “carnie” Al was highly respected and very well-liked by those throughout the industry. He developed many great and lasting friendships along the way.
Al served a term as President of the Midwest Showmen’s Association and was inducted into their Hall of Fame, Chicago’s Showmen’s League of America Hall of Honor, and the Outdoor Amusement Business Association Hall of Fame.
Despite his demanding professional life, Al always found time for his family. Married at the age of 19, Marlene and Al had four children by the time they turned 26. They raised Glenn, Julie, Gregg, and Gary in South Minneapolis. Al was a loving and concerned dad, always making time to be a part of his kids’ activities. The entire family, including Al’s mother, always looked forward to their vacation every summer at Kare Phree Pines Resort on Big Sandy Lake in McGregor, MN.
Once grandchildren came along, Al and Marlene found immense joy in being a part of their lives. They were the “fun” grandparents. Willing to babysit on short notice or take them on excursions, including any local fair, to the park or just playing in their backyard. They rarely missed a school concert, play or sporting event.
Al and Marlene owned a boat for many years, and in the late 70’s, discovered the charming river town of Alma, Wisconsin, as a great place to vacation with easy access to the Mississippi river. They spent many glorious days cruising the river including treks across Lake Pepin. Alma became the go-to place for the entire family.
When the grandkids came along, they all had their own weekend in Alma with grandma and grandpa every summer for many years. One highlight of being in Alma for Al was the trains that would come through town at all hours of the day and night blasting their whistle. Al’s love of trains led he and Marlene to travel to ride several trains throughout the country. The Verde Canyon Railroad in Sedona, Arizona was one of his favorites. Al and Marlene traveled the country extensively, visiting many of our nation’s great cities and significant sites from the cherry blossoms in Washington D.C. to the return of the swallows in Capistrano California. Between his time in the navy, his job with the OABA, and travel with Marlene, he spent time in all 50 States.
Al’s siblings held a special place in his heart. The struggles they shared growing up in a cold-water flat on the “West Side” formed an enduring bond and deep love for one another that never waned. He was especially close to his older brother George. He credits his strong Catholic faith to George who insisted he go to church every Sunday. George was a WWII Veteran, so it was the highlight of both their lives when they went with son Gregg and son-in-law Mark to Europe. They were able to travel to famous battle sites including a solemn walk the two of them shared on Omaha Beach where George landed on D-Day. Al often reminisced about the memorable road trip he took with his sisters Delores, Lorraine, and brother George to North Carolina to visit their sister Patricia. One of the highlights of the trip was their stop at Tootsies Orchid Lounge in Nashville.
When Al’s daughter Julie married into the Pritchard family in 1991, he was introduced to Area 10 Special Olympics Minnesota via her brother-in-law Erik. He quickly went from cheerleader to active volunteer and strong supporter. Al loved participating in the area games announcing competitors and award winners. His passion for the athletes and the mission of the organization led him to spearhead the Midwest Showmen’s Association’s involvement. For over two decades, they generously supported the Area 10 Annual Holiday Party. A crew of dedicated association members came every year armed with wonderful gift bags for every athlete. The highlight of the party was when “Santa Al” would take the stage and greet the athletes. They loved his corny jokes and dancing to Santa’s favorite song “Achy Breaky Heart”.
Al led a truly remarkable life. He leaves behind an incredible legacy and a loving family that will miss him dearly.
Al is survived by his loving family, his wife of 69 years, Marlene and their four children, Glenn, Julie Pritchard (Mark), Gregg, and Gary (Jane). Grandchildren, Kayleen (Harold Placencia) Lindsey (their mother Leanne DeRusha) Elizabeth and Caroline Pritchard, Kenny Miller (Olena) Aaron Miller (Michelle), Dalton (their mother Susan Miller- DeRusha) Angela Gredyk (Nic), and Daniel (Lindsay) (their mother Merci DeRusha) 11 great-grandchildren, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and life-long friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and 10 siblings. Pearl, Patricia, Marie, Mildred, Delores, Lorraine, Beverly, George, Ernest (Bud) and Robert (Mickey).
A Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Gill Brothers Funeral Home, 5801 Lyndale Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55419. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 11:00 am at Annunciation Catholic Church, 525 W. 54th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55419. Immediately following Mass, the burial will be at Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 55408. Following the burial, please join the family for lunch at the Mendota VFW Post 6690, 1323 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota, 55150. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Pavek Museum of Electronic Communication (pavekmuseum.org) 3517 Raleigh Ave, St. Louis Park, MN 55416 or Midwest Showmen’s Foundation, P.O. Box 18204, West St. Paul, MN 55118.
