If you didn’t know Gary Baker, he was a longtime ACE member who was a strong advocate for the amusement industry and roller coaster preservation. He was heavily involved in fundraising the restoration of Leap the Dips, the world’s oldest roller coaster, which is located at Lakemont Park and just opened after a three-year hiatus. He also served ACE in numerous capacities, including as regional rep for ACE Western Pennsylvania and as ACE’s national events director. In addition, while Gary loved all parks, especially the traditional ones, Lakemont was truly one of his favorites. He was even known to help out working at the park on busy days and to hang Christmas lights for Lights on the Lake. Gary passed away unexpectedly in 2009. In Gary’s honor, Lakemont Park and its former general manager, Barry Kumpf, created this special day. We hope that you will join us at Lakemont Park on Sunday, August 16, to help keep Gary’s spirit and passion for the amusement industry and its history alive!

This is an informal ACE event with no pre-registration, organized group meals or ERT, but there is a schedule for ITOTs and meeting times. Attendees are not obligated to follow the schedule, but we’re providing it should you wish to meet up with other members.

Admission and parking at Lakemont are free. While ride tickets may be purchased for individual rides, an All Day Unlimited Ride & Play Pass is available. It it good on all rides including the Motorway Go-Karts and paddle boats, as well as both miniature golf courses!

SHOW YOUR ACE MEMBERSHIP CARD & SAVE!! For this event, Lakemont Park is generously offering ACE members (and non-member guests who are with them) a great deal. ACE members can get an All-Day Unlimited Ride & Play Pass for only $15.95 + tax). In addition, each person purchasing a pass will receive a coupon for $2 off a food purchase of $10 or more at Lakeside Cafe. To take advantage of this special offer, it must be purchased at the Park Office (building at the end of the main gate plaza, closest to the indoor ice rink). A valid ACE membership card must be presented to receive offer. This offer may not be combined with any other discounts.

12:00 p.m.  Lakemont Park opens

12:30 p.m.  ITOT on Skyliner

12:45 p.m.  ITOT on Motorway Go-Karts

1:00 p.m.  ITOT on Tiny Lizzy Antique Cars

1:20 p.m.  ITOT on C.P. Huntington Train

1:30 p.m.  Group Photo in front of Leap the Dips

5:00 p.m.  Deadline for turning in miniature golf score cards to Adam Napotnik or Dave Hahner at C2 Trolley Stop (across from Leap the Dips station)

5:15 p.m.  Gary Baker Memorial Miniature Golf Tournament winners announced at C2 Trolley Stop

6:00 p.m.  Second ITOT on Motorway Go-Karts

6:30 p.m.  ITOT on Leap The Dips

7:00 p.m.  Second ITOT on Skyliner

9:00 p.m.  Lakemont Park closes

ITOTs are "Informal Take-Over Times," an ACE Western Pennsylvania tradition!

Note that due to low capacity, no early-day ITOT is scheduled on Leap The Dips. We suggest riding it at your leisure so as to keep the line from getting to long.

Next to roller coasters, one of Gary Baker's great passions was miniature golf. As a member of the PPA (Professional Putters Association), Gary played professionally! Throughout his time in ACE, he engaged many members to play and enjoy the sport, so a memorial tournament seems fitting, especially at one of his favorite parks, which he'd be pleased to know is now home to two miniature golf courses! All are welcome to play either or both courses for fun, but to participate in the tournament, you must play both courses. Tournament rules are as follows:

1. Play both the Rabbit Hole and Keystone Falls mini golf courses.
    
2. Play with at least one other contestant.
    
3. Have first and last names on score card.
    
4. Follow all course rules, including 6-stroke limit and adding a penalty stroke for each time the ball leaves the course (and is placed back on where it left).
    

5. Turn in score cards to Adam Napotnik or Dave Hahner by 5 p.m. at the C2 Trolley Stop (across from Leap the Dips station)
    

The greatest concern of American Coaster Enthusiasts is the health, safety and enjoyment of its members. To ensure continued safety, ACE is closely monitoring the ever-evolving Covid-19 situation. As a result, we ask that you respect the wishes of ACE and the park.

Please follow and respect all safety procedures instituted by Lakemont Park, our host for the event. As a courtesy to your fellow ACE members, please wear a face covering when in line and riding during ITOTs. We likewise suggest and encourage wearing face covering when in close proximity to, or socializing with, one another. Everyone has different comfort levels in terms of being in close proximity to others. Please be respectful of other members and allow a six-foot distance between one another, unless it's made clear by all involved that closer proximity is welcomed.

To receive Facebook notifications for event updates and other information, visit the event page here and indicate "Going" or "Interested."