What if different amusement and theme parks across North America were to dispatch a roller coaster all at the same time? On Sunday, a group of parks will do just that to celebrate the modern roller coaster.
The American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) has organized what they call the World’s Largest Coaster Ride. Now in its third year, the event will see a collection of parks hitting the dispatch button simultaneously at 2 p.m. Eastern/11 a.m. Pacific on Sunday, June 16.
Honoring the global attractions industry pioneer and 1990 IAAPA Hall of Fame Award Inductee, La Marcus A. Thompson—whose L.A. Thompson Scenic Railway Company produced the first modern roller coaster in 1884—participating parks will dispatch a roller coaster train in unison across four time zones.
“Last year, we participated in ACE’s Largest Coaster Ride dispatching the original Fire In The Hole roller coaster as a homage to [the] legacy the indoor coaster had on the amusement industry,” says Dalton Fischer, communications manager at Silver Dollar City, in Branson, Missouri.
“This year, we’ll be participating by highlighting the all-new Fire In The Hole, the largest indoor family coaster in the Heartland,” continues Fischer, while noting that with the history and lore attached to Fire in the Hole, it's fitting for Silver Dollar City to participate.
“It’s about celebrating, having fun, and everybody coming together to ride a coaster … it encourages everyone to go out with their friends and family and make some special memories,” says ACE president, Elizabeth Ringas.
On their website, ACE notes the occasion is an opportunity for easy media coverage by parks and attractions.
“Last year our guests were happy to participate and have their photos shared on social media for the dispatch on the Wacky Worm,” shares Michael Funyak, assistant director of operations at Delgrosso’s Amusement Park and Laguna Splash Water Park, which will join many other parks on Sunday for the third year in a row.
A growing roster of parks—including many IAAPA members—have signed on to participate, while ACE advises additional parks are still welcome to join:
- Adventureland (Altoona, IA) - Underground
- Belmont Park (San Diego, CA - Giant Dipper
- California's Great America (Santa Clara, CA) - Goldstriker
- Carowinds (Charlotte, NC) - Fury 325
- Castle Park (Riverside, CA) - Merlin’s Revenge
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (Columbus, OH) - Sea Dragon, Tidal Twist
- DelGrosso's Park & Laguna Splash (Tipton, PA) - Wacky Worm
- Deno's Wonder Wheel Park (New York, NY) - Phoenix
- Grady's Family Fun Park (Bloomington, IL) - Orient Express Double Spiral & Dragon Wagon
- Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay (Louisville, KY) - Storm Chaser
- Kings Island (Mason, OH) - Snoopy's Soap Box Racers
- Knoebels Amusement Park (Elysburg, PA) - Phoenix
- Lake Compounce (Bristol, CT) - Wildcat
- Nickelodeon Universe (Bloomington, MN) - Orange Streak
- Oaks Amusement Park (Portland, OR) - Adrenaline Peak
- Sesame Place Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA) - Oscar’s Wacky Taxi
- Silver Dollar City (Branson, MO) - Fire In The Hole
- Six Flags Over Georgia (Austell, GA) - Georgia Scorcher
- Story Land (Glen, NH) - Roar-O-Saurus
- The Rides at City Park (Pueblo, CO) - Roller Coaster
- Valleyfair Amusement Park (Shakopee, MN) - Renegade
- Wild Adventures Theme Park (Valdosta, GA) - Boomerang
