Winterfest 2021

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Wow! What an amazing Winterfest! We had 120 members and presenters enjoying the incredible Six Flags Over Texas hospitality.

The event started with a recap of 2020 events video. And then we jumped into the presentations.

First up, our host park Six Flags Over Texas had Park President Ron McKenzie tell us about the year 2020. He then showed us a glimpse of what's to come in 2021, the parks 60th anniversary. We got an update on the changes and delay on Aquaman Power Wave. Finally, Ron told us about the surprises Six Flags Over Texas had in store for the evening.

Next up, Schlitterbahn had Angela, Aaron, and Darren show us what was going on at the park. Due to Covid restriction, the park sent us two videos to show and Shatze's for all.

Next up the region gave updates, explained how we were handling door prizes, and we took our socially distanced group photo in our seats of the Southern Palace.

After the group photo, we walked across to JB's BBQ. The park set up a platter of samplers of items available. We were all stuffed. And then, the park came out with pecan pie and Blue Bell ice cream for everyone.

After lunch, we returned to the Southern Palace for the rest of the day. We got a look at a five minute section of the upcoming Coaster Studios documentary on Rocky Mountain Construction. We saw a section of the old Texas Giant and how Fred Grubb pitched the idea he had on steel track to update the Texas Giant and how that started a whole new generation of coasters.

Then Matt filled us in about what is going on at Circuit of the America's in Austin. They have started a small kidde park called COTALAND, but this is only the beginning. Keep an eye out on this park with big dreams. The park then handed out t-shirts to all in attendance.

SeaWorld was next to present virtually. Chuck and Ray gave us an update of all the fun festivals coming to the park this year.

Chris and Jeff came next with an update from Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The park just opened their new attraction Dare Devil Dive Flying Machines. The park also covered how they would be handling Mardi Gras this year. We were told about the three events for ACE this year. And then they had some Breaking News for the coaster community. THe park will host their first ever three day event, Roller Coaster Rodeo this June. The park also gave everyone a free admission pass and Flash Passes for the coasters, as well as two collectors pins.

Next up, Michael, Dana, and Alex brought a lot of energy to show us what is happening at Alabama Adventure. The park passed out free refillable cups with a brochure, wristband, and free admission ticket to everyone.

Our next virtual presentation was from Sarah at ZDT's Amusement Park. She told us about making it through the 2020 season and some new things that are coming for 2021. The park sent free admission tickets to give out to everyone in attendance.

Our first time presenter this year was Stephen Ball from Riversport in Oklahoma City. He explained the many attractions at the facility. Did you know that snow skiing is coming to that area?

Kris was next to show us an update of the National Roller Coaster Museum & Archives. He let us know the museum is roughly 50% completed. He also told us that ACE would be the first people from the public to see the museum at our West Texas Roundup event this summer. He also handed out post cards to everybody.

Andrew from Frontier City was next to present. He gave us updates on the park. The waterpark is getting a new slide structure, Wahoo Racers. The main park received upgrades to the rapids ride.

The presentations concluded with ACE South Central updates, a raffle that raised over $600 for the museum, and Six Flags Over Texas handed out free admission tickets for the 2021 season and a drink voucher for the evening social.

Attendees had about a hour to ride a few rides before meeting for the evening activities. The park roped off the area from Gold River Adventure to the tower for our social. We received free mini hot dogs, chicken nuggets, and tots. The park had smores for dessert. During this time, groups received tours of the closed Gold River Adventure. It was fun to walk the track and see it again. The area was also a great spot to watch the fireworks off the top of the Oil Derrick.

After the fireworks, the park led us up to our hour of ERT on Titan, New Texas Giant, and Missle Chaser. The park also had the red train in the depot available for pictures and tours of the engine.

A great big THANK YOU to Ron, Sharon, Brad, Chris and the whole team at Six Flags Over Texas for their amazing hospitality.