eblast@acewesternpa.org past mailings:
June 13, 2010: ATTEND THE ACE BANQUET (even if you're not attending Coaster Con)
The advance registration deadline for Coaster Con XXXIII has passed and there is still a limited number of seats available for ACE's Annual Banquet at the Doubletree Hotel in Monroeville on Wednesday evening, June 23. Those not registered to attend the convention are still welcome to attend the banquet. Kennywood's illustrious Andy Quinn is the keynote speaker. Banquet attendees will also be present for several special awards, and will see the winning video of the Video Contest. The banquet includes a full all-you-can eat buffet dinner featuring salmon medallions, pepper-crusted strip loin, vegetable lasagna, several salads and sides, plus dessert. The meal begins promptly at 7 p.m. and a cocktail reception (with a cash bar) precedes it beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $49 for those not attending Coaster Con. Advance purchase is required. No tickets will be available after 9 a.m. Monday, June 21--no exceptions!
The advance registration deadline for Coaster Con XXXIII has passed and there is still a limited number of seats available for ACE's Annual Banquet at the Doubletree Hotel in Monroeville on Wednesday evening, June 23. Those not registered to attend the convention are still welcome to attend the banquet. Kennywood's illustrious Andy Quinn is the keynote speaker. Banquet attendees will also be present for several special awards, and will see the winning video of the Video Contest. The banquet includes a full all-you-can eat buffet dinner featuring salmon medallions, pepper-crusted strip loin, vegetable lasagna, several salads and sides, plus dessert. The meal begins promptly at 7 p.m. and a cocktail reception (with a cash bar) precedes it beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $49 for those not attending Coaster Con. Advance purchase is required. No tickets will be available after 9 a.m. Monday, June 21--no exceptions!
There are three ways to purchase a banquet ticket:
1) Send a note to Maggie Altman indicating the number of tickets and the names of those attending and enclose a check or money order made payable to ACE for a total amount based on $49 per person (checks accepted from ACE members only). Envelope must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, June 15, 2010. Those purchasing by mail must either visit the registration area at the Doubletree Hotel in Monroeville on Sunday, June 20 between noon and 5 p.m. to select seats for the banquet or have a friend choose them; otherwise your seats will be assigned by ACE.
Banquet requests may be sent to Maggie Altman, 1532 O'Block Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15239-2522.
2) Visit the registration area at the Doubletree Hotel in Monroeville on Sunday, June 20, 2010 between noon and 5 p.m. Cash, check, money order, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. You can choose your seat at this time.
3) Visit the registration area at the main gate at Kennywood on Monday, June 21, 2010 between 8:15 and 9 a.m. Cash, check, money order, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. You can choose your seat at this time, though only a limited number of seats will remain.
If you are purchasing banquet tickets by one of the above methods, please communicate it to Maggie at maltman@ACEonline so that an updated count can be provided to the caterer.
INFORMAL EVENT AT FUN FORE ALL--Thursday, June 24, 2010 (even if you're not attending Coaster Con)
Those attending Coaster Con XXXIII will be driving from the Monroeville area to Conneaut Lake Park on Thursday, June 24. With activities not beginning at Conneaut Lake Park until mid afternoon, ACE Western Pennsylvania has organized Coaster Con REST STOP at Fun Fore All in Cranberry, which is right along the way to Conneaut for those attending the Con. All ACE members, whether attending the Con or not are invited to attend and take part in the Mini Golf Tournament. There is no formal registration. See all of the details at:
LATE REGISTRATION FOR COASTER CON XXXIII
Kennywood, Idlewild & Soak Zone, Conneaut Lake Park and Waldameer Park & Water World will all be hosting Coaster Con XXXIII, June 20-25 for what is sure to be one of the greatest weeks in our region's history! It might be in our own backyard, but these parks are revered by ACE members everywhere. So plan a staycation, attend ACE's annual convention and enjoy our regional parks in ways that you have never have before! Check out all this great event has to offer at http://www.acewesternpa.org/resources/CoasterCon2010.pdf. Advance registration has passed, but you can register on-site either at the Doubletree Hotel in Monroeville on Sunday, June 20, 2010 between noon and 5 p.m. or at the main gate at Kennywood on Monday, June 21, 2010 between 8:15 and 9 a.m.
COASTER CON XXXIII VOLUNTEERS NEEDED (event registration not required)
Volunteers are needed for Coaster Con XXXIII and members need not be registered to help out. You should have received an e-blast on June 8. If you still have it and wish to volunteer, simply fill out the instruction on it and respond via email. If you don't have that email message, but wish to volunteer, please contact regional rep Bill Linkenheimer at blinkenheimer@ACEonline.org.
Be sure to visit www.CoasterConPittsburgh.org, a site created by ACE Western Pennsylvania exclusively for the purpose of welcoming all of ACE to our region! The site has recently been updated and includes several Guides including ones for area attractions and dining.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT ALLEGHENY MOUNTAIN MADNESS
On Saturday, June 19, the day prior to the start of Coaster Con XXXIII at Kennywood, ACE Western Pennsylvania will host Allegheny Mountain Madness at Lakemont Park and DelGrosso's Amusement Park, both in the Allegheny Mountains of Blair County. Attendees will enjoy the rides and waterparks at both of these outstanding traditional amusement parks, along with two meals and morning ERT. With advance registration at only $30 for adult members, this is an outstanding value. Whether you attend the convention or not, we hope that you'll be able to join us. The advance registration deadline has passed, but late registrants are welcome. View and print the event flier and registration form at http://coasterconpittsburgh.org/resources/AMM2010.pdf. Late registrants can speed the registration process by printing and filling out a registration form in advance and bringing it to the event.
ACE ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING & ELECTION PLATFORM SPEECHES (even if you're not attending Coaster Con)
ACE's Annual Business Meeting is held during the convention, but it's open to all ACE members whether registered to attend Coaster Con or not. This year's Annual Business Meeting will take place at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 22 in Pavilion #5 at Kennywood. Immediately following the Meeting will be the 2010 Election Platform Speeches, as this is an election year for ACE's officer positions. If you're registered to attend Coaster Con, have a season pass or are otherwise planning on being at the park that day, just show up at Pavilion #5 by 8 p.m. Complimentary soft drinks will be available. If you are not attending the event, don't have a season pass and weren't planning on spending the day at Kennywood, ACE can make arrangements for you to enter the park specifically and exclusively for the purpose of attending this meeting--those wishing to attend and needing to get into the park should contact ACE secretary Bill Linkenheimer III at mailto:blinkenheimer@aceonline.org no later than Wednesday, June 16 at 6 p.m. Such persons wishing to attend will need to plan to arrive at Kennywood's main gate no later than 6 p.m. and should be aware that they'll be expected to leave the park immediately after the Platform Speeches (unless they have volunteered to assist at the Midway Olympics!).
June 8, 2010:Coaster Con Volunteers Needed! (& you do not need to be registered to volunteer!)
We are in need a team of volunteers to assist with various aspects of Coaster Con XXXIII, which begins in Pittsburgh on June 21. It is possible to volunteer for all of the activities, even if you are not registered to attend the event. Whether you are attending or not, this is a great way to get involved in ACE, meet your fellow members and proudly welcome the hundreds of members who will be visiting our fine region and its parks.
If you are unable to attend the event, but have some free time between June 20 and June 23, this is a great way to have some involvement and help ACE. For most of the activities within Kennywood, it will be possible for some volunteers to enter the park as volunteers without a cost, though it must be made clear that volunteering will not admit you into some activities such as ERT and meals, and unless you have a Kennywood season pass or otherwise pay for admission, you will only be permitted in the park during the times of your volunteer shifts. Even without riding privileges, this is a great opportunity to mingle with your fellow ACEers and make new friends!
Volunteers may purchase a limited edition "Regional Host" volunteer tee shirt for only $10 (XXL and XXXL for $12). Details are still being worked out but it will be on a gold tee shirt with screen art on both the front and back.
Volunteers may purchase a limited edition "Regional Host" volunteer tee shirt for only $10 (XXL and XXXL for $12). Details are still being worked out but it will be on a gold tee shirt with screen art on both the front and back.
June 5, 2010:June 19 Event - Registration Deadline Extended
We'd like to remind you that a great event featuring TWO regional parks is just ahead on Saturday, June 19. Allegheny Mountain Madness is hosted by Lakemont Park and DelGrosso's Amusement Park just a day before the start of Coaster Con XXXIII at Kennywood, but you do NOT need to be registered for KennyKon to attend Allegheny Mountain Madness. Lakemont and DelGrosso's are two very special parks located in Blair County (Altoona area), just two hours from the Pittsburgh area, and both have a history of being most gracious to ACE. Lakemont is home to FOUR roller coaster credits including two woodies, one of which is Leap the Dips, the world's oldest roller coaster. Lakemont is also getting two rides this year--a Himalaya and a large 4x4 ride for the kids. DelGrosso's is an impeccably maintained park (just 10 minutes from Lakemont) with two coaster credits including a spinning mouse; and the park has built up its flat ride arsenal over the past couple of years. Both parks have great miniature golf golf courses along with a waterpark.
Priced at only $30 (less for kids under 12), Allegheny Mountain Madness is a terrific value, as the event registration includes a full ride-all-day pass to both Lakemont Park and DelGrosso's Amusement Park, as well as TWO meals--one at each park!
Please join us for Allegheny Mountain Madness on Saturday, June 19 and help us celebrate two terrific traditional parks!
The advance registration deadline for Allegheny Mountain Madness has been extended. To receive the advance registration rate, your registration form must be POSTMARKED by Tuesday, June 8, 2010. Disregard the date listed on the event flier.
To view and/or print the event flier with all of the details, along with the registration form, please visit: http://www.acewesternpa.org/resources/AMM2010.pdf
May 25, 2010: Last Call for Coaster Con!!!
Last Thursday, the track for Kennywood's Sky Rocket was completed and the trains are arriving late in the day tomorrow (Wednesday, May 26). The exciting new coaster is still expected to be up an running in time for Coaster Con XXXIII, held right here in our region.. Speaking of which...
Coaster Con XXXIII: six days, four parks, 14 roller coasters, seven full meals, countless friends.
If you think it’s too close to home or not enough adventure for your vacation, think again.
Western Pennsylvania is hosting the world. Be a part of it!
THE ADVANCE REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR COASTER CON XXXIII IS THIS THURSDAY, MAY 27! Kennywood, Idlewild & Soak Zone, Conneaut Lake Park and Waldameer Park & Water World will all be hosting Coaster Con XXXIII, June 20-25 for what is sure to be one of the greatest weeks in our region's history! It might be in our own backyard, but these parks are revered by ACE members everywhere. So plan an affordable staycation, attend ACE's annual convention and enjoy our regional parks in ways that you have never have before! Check out all this great event has to offer at http://www.acewesternpa.org/resources/CoasterCon2010.pdf. Better yet, register online right now at https://www.e-offinger.net/acedata/ScriptContent/IndexCC.cfm. Thursday, May 27 is the postmark deadline to have your mail-in registration postmarked and is also the last day to register online.
Also, be sure to visit www.CoasterConPittsburgh.org, a site created by ACE Western Pennsylvania exclusively for the purpose of welcome all of ACE to our region! Check back often, as the site should be updated frequently through the later part of May and into June.
If you're still considering the value of attending Coaster Con, take a minute to read the following portion of an editorial by regional rep Bill Linkenheimer III that appeared in the May issue of The Fun Times regional newsletter:
In ACE’s 32 years of existence, western Pennsylvania has been a host of the annual convention just four times—1980, 1991, 1998 and now 2010. While that’s more often than any other region, an average of every eight years still isn’t all that frequent. Coaster Con XXXIII, which will be held at Kennywood, Idlewild, Conneaut Lake Park and Waldameer Park beginning June 20, is an event not to miss.
Does taking a week off work to visit your regional parks and/or paying $219 to visit your regional parks for six days not appeal to you? Perhaps you should look at this event from some different perspectives.
If you include the optional banquet, the total registration fee will be $258 for an adult member, the lowest ACE has offered since 2005. And it’s the lowest price convention with four or more host parks included since 1994. It’s no secret that national ACE events are typically jam-packed with activities and provide an outstanding value, and this year’s Con is no exception. In addition to snacks and a continental breakfast, there are seven full meals including the banquet—one included every single day, and one on Monday, when there will be two. By the way, we’re talking all-you-can-eat here, for each of these seven feasts.
On Monday, that special day with two meals, the second will be one to remember, as it’s part of ACE’s “Beach Party on Mon” at Sandcastle waterpark. Besides the food flowing from four food stations, there will be live music, access to the pool and hot tubs, and a “dive-in” movie at the wave pool that will feature “Adventureland,” the 2009 film that was largely shot at Kennywood.
This event might be held in your region, but it’s a national event, and that means that your fellow ACE members will be visiting from 35 or more states. With four parks that are each more than 100 years old, this area is a Mecca for coaster enthusiasts. From the well-preserved history of Kennywood to the highly-praised Ravine Flyer II at Waldameer Park, ACEers will be flocking here, including many for their first visit and eager to find out just what all the historical hype is about. This is the first convention in which all host parks are over 100 years old—and there are four host parks! Not only is this your chance to host fellow members from throughout the world, but it’s your opportunity to experience your home parks through the eyes of others—others who will likely tell you how jealous they are that you live so close to four great traditional parks. In addition to all of the history and wood coasters, Kennywood’s newest coaster, Sky Rocket, is expected to ready for us!
With the tight economic conditions and the advent of staycations, one could argue that this event is a bargain and way you look it. Not only is it an opportunity to reconnect with your region’s historic amusement parks, but it’s a chance to do so in a unique environment full of ERT and other fun activities, and opportunities to make new ACE friends.
DON'T FORGET ABOUT ALLEGHENY MOUNTAIN MADNESS
On Saturday, June 19, the day prior to the start of Coaster Con XXXIII at Kennywood, ACE Western Pennsylvania will host Allegheny Mountain Madness at Lakemont Park and DelGrosso's Amusement Park, both in the Allegheny Mountains of Blair County. Attendees will enjoy the rides and waterparks at both of these outstanding traditional amusement parks, along with two meals and morning ERT. With advance registration at only $30 for adult members, this is an outstanding value. Whether you attend the convention or not, we hope that you'll be able to join us. View and print the event flier and registration form at http://www.acewesternpa.org/resources/AMM2010.pdf. The postmark deadline for advance registration ends Friday, June 4.
May 14, 2010: Support the Conneaut Blue Streak!
As you probably know, Conneaut Lake Park will be open for another great season beginning Memorial Day Weekend. On June 24, the classic lakeside park will host Coaster Con XXXIII, after four days at Kennywood and Idlewild and before a day at Waldameer. On that special day, ACE will officially present Blue Streak with it's ACE Roller Coaster Landmark designation. Unfortunately, Blue Streak, an ACE Coaster Classic, is in need of some restoration and won't be ready for ACE's national convention. As announced by Conneaut officials at CoasterBash! in early March, a fundraising campaign has been launched to support the project.
Wednesday, May 19 will be a great evening to support Blue Streak and enjoy an entertaining evening. The Harlem Wizards will be playing a special "entertainment show" basketball game to support the restoration of Blue Streak. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and will be held at the Wise Center on the Allegheny College campus in Meadville, just off I-79 and near Conneaut Lake Park. For complete details, including how to purchase tickets, visit http://www.conneautlakepark.com/harlemwizards.html. For a little preview of what to expect from this event, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jmyc9uJEpw.
Also, we welcome you to sign up to receive emails from Conneaut Lake Park, by visiting http://ymlp.com/signup.php?id=gebjsjmgmgj
May 9, 2010: The Top Ten Reasons to Attend Coaster Con XXXIII
from the home office in Wilmerding, Pennsylvania...
TOP 10 REASONS TO ATTEND COASTER CON XXXIII
10. Attend the first ACE event to feature FOUR parks that are each over 100 years old!
9. SAVOR and chow down at SIX all-you-can-eat meals at our host parks.
8. Discover why Idlewild SHOULD be ranked as the worlds best park for kids in Amusement Today's Golden Ticket awards (hint hint for those of you who are surveyed).
7. Enjoy nighttime ERT on Waldameer's Ravine Flyer II under a FULL moon!
6. BE THERE when TWO new ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks are acknowledged on the SAME DAY: Kennywood's Jack Rabbit and Racer, both from the legendary John Miller.
5. Enjoy an outrageous BEACH PARTY at Sandcastle complete with amazing food, live entertainment and a dive-in movie at the wave pool with the outdoor premier of "Adventureland."
4. Ride on the ONLY two operating Traver bug rides left in the country (Kennywood and Conneaut Lake Park)
3. DARK RIDES and Walk-throughs! There are at least six of them to experience, depending how you count them, with at least two available each day.
2. Help to extend some amazing ACE Western Pennsylvania hospitality to your fellow ACE members from around the world.
1. Participate in the first ACE ERT ever on Kennywood's Sky Rocket! (yes, it WILL be operating!)
Don't miss Coaster Con XXXIII June 20-25, 2010, right here in your own backyard!!
Get all the event details on the event flier: http://www.acewesternpa.org/resources/CoasterCon2010.pdf
Register online today: https://www.e-offinger.net/acedata/ScriptContent/IndexCC.cfm
Don't forget about the Allegheny Mountain Madness event at Lakemont Park and DelGrosso's--two parks, one great day--June 19, 2010 (you do not need to register for the Convention to attend this event): http://www.acewesternpa.org/resources/AMM2010.pdf
April 21, 2010: Spring News from ACE Western Pennsylvania
We apologize that it's been so long since our last communication with you. The truth is, there have been a myriad of technical difficulties with our email system. We believe that we're back on track now, along with some improvements. With regional parks' seasons starting soon, we have much to report.
SKY ROCKET!
Construction of Kennywood's Sky Rocket is going at a very brisk pace. While the winter weather and the pouring of 240 footings was time-consuming, we are pleased to report that erection of the steel structure and track is going quick. Event better news is that the the park plans for the coaster to be operational in early June, which means SKY ROCKET WILL BE INCLUDED IN ERT FOR COASTER CON XXXIII THIS JUNE!. Please visit our regional Web site for continually updated photos of the construction: http://www.acewesternpa.org/9.html.
ALLEGHENY MOUNTAIN MADNESS
On Saturday, June 19, the day prior to the start of Coaster Con XXXIII at Kennywood, ACE Western Pennsylvania will host Allegheny Mountain Madness at Lakemont Park and DelGrosso's Amusement Park, both in the Allegheny Mountains of Blair County. Attendees will enjoy the rides and waterparks at both of these outstanding traditional amusement parks, along with two meals and morning ERT. With advance registration at only $30 for adult members, this is an outstanding value. Whether you attend the convention or not, we hope that you'll be able to join us. Those of you residing in western Pennsylvania or otherwise on our mailing list will receive an event flier in the mail the first half of May, but if you don't want to wait, you can check it out now at http://www.acewesternpa.org/resources/AMM2010.pdf
WHY ATTEND COASTER CON XXXIII?
Kennywood, Idlewild & Soak Zone, Conneaut Lake Park and Waldameer Park & Water World will all be hosting Coaster Con XXXIII, June 20-25 for what is sure to be one of the greatest weeks in our region's history. It might be in our own backyard, but these parks are revered by ACE members everywhere. So plan an affordable staycation, attend ACE's annual convention and enjoy our regional parks in ways that you have never have before. Check out all this great event has to offer (including an outrageous Beach Party at Sandcastle!) at http://www.acewesternpa.org/resources/CoasterCon2010.pdf
WE NEED YOUR HELP to develop a Top 10 list of the reasons to attend Coaster Con XXXIII. There already two reasons on this list: To experience the first ERT on Kennywood's new Sky Rocket; and to visit Idlewild & Soak Zone and discover why it should be bumped from being voted the #2 Best Park for Kids in Amusement Today's Golden Awards, to #1. SEND YOUR SUGGESTIONS FOR THE TOP TEN LIST to regional rep Bill Linkenheimer at bLinkenheimer@ACEonline.org.
We'll be looking for volunteers to assist at Coaster Con XXXIII as well. Stay tuned for details!
Also, be sure to visit www.CoasterConPittsburgh.org, a site created by ACE Western Pennsylvania exclusively for the purpose of welcome all of ACE to our region! Check back often, as the site should be updated frequently through the later part of May and into June.
EMAIL LIST
We are working off a completely new (and hopefully updated and more thorough!) email address list. If you prefer to receive these messages at a different address or if you wish to receive these messages at more than one address or have someone in your family who would also like to receive them, please reply to this email and let us know. Be sure to include your name as well. Likewise, if you have ACE friends from outside the region that you think would like to hear from us, forward this message along to them and suggest that they contact us to get on the list!
THE FUN TIMES REGIONAL MAILING
The spring issue of The Fun Times, our region's newsletter, will be mailed in the first half of May and will include an event flier for Allegheny Mountain Madness.
WYNCC COASTERFEST IN NEW JERSEY
If you're looking for something to do on Memorial Day weekend, Western New York Coaster Club has a great event planned for Morey's Piers, Six Flags Great Adventure and Clementon Park. There are a number of packages available, depending which days you wish to participate. WYNCC has graciously invited ACE members to attend. Check out all of the details at: http://www.wnycc.org/pdfs/CoasterfestTM%202010%20WNYCC%20Flyer.pdf.
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