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{{Short description|Non-profit roller coaster organization}}
{{more citations needed|date=February 2018}}
{{more citations needed|date=February 2018}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2021}}
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| logo = [[File:ACE Logo 2017.png|200px]]
| logo = [[File:ACE Logo 2017.png|200px]]
| location = PO Box 540261<br />[[Grand Prairie, Texas]] 75054-0261
| location = PO Box 540261<br />[[Grand Prairie, Texas]] 75054-0261
| founded_date = 1978
| founded_date = {{Start date and age|1978}}
| num_members = over 6,500
| num_members = over 6,500
| homepage = {{URL|http://www.aceonline.org/}}
| homepage = {{URL|http://www.aceonline.org/}}
}}
}}


'''American Coaster Enthusiasts''' ('''ACE''') is a non-profit organization focusing on the enjoyment, knowledge, and preservation of [[roller coaster]]s as well as recognition of some as architectural and engineering landmarks.<ref name="Harry G. Traver: Legends of Terror">{{Citation|title=Harry G. Traver: Legends of Terror|year=1982|last1=Munch|first1=Richard|page=176|place=Mentor, Ohio|publisher=Amusement Park Books|isbn=0-935408-02-9}}</ref> Dues paying members receive the quarterly magazine ''RollerCoaster!'' and bi-monthly newsletter ''ACE News''.<ref name="Amusement Park Books">{{Citation|title=The Incredible Scream Machine, A History of the Roller Coaster|year=1987|last1=Cartmel|first1=Robert|page=191|place=Fairview Park, Ohio|publisher=Amusement Park Books|isbn=0-87972-341-6}}</ref> Amusement parks have also invited members to [[Exclusive ride time|exclusive ride events]] at amusement parks as well as sneak peek events at new roller coasters under construction.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/coaster-enthusiasts-get-sneak-peek-of-banshee/ncD8H/|title=Coaster enthusiasts get sneak peek of 'Banshee'|last=Seltz|first=Amanda|date=December 7, 2013|work=Dayton Daily News|access-date=April 10, 2015}}</ref>
'''American Coaster Enthusiasts''' ('''ACE''') is a non-profit organization focusing on the enjoyment, knowledge, and preservation of [[roller coaster]]s as well as recognition of some as architectural and engineering landmarks.<ref name="Harry G. Traver: Legends of Terror">{{Citation|title=Harry G. Traver: Legends of Terror|year=1982|last1=Munch|first1=Richard|page=176|place=Mentor, Ohio|publisher=Amusement Park Books|isbn=0-935408-02-9}}</ref> Dues-paying members receive the quarterly magazine ''RollerCoaster!'' and bi-monthly newsletter ''ACE News''.<ref name="Amusement Park Books">{{Citation|title=The Incredible Scream Machine, A History of the Roller Coaster|year=1987|last1=Cartmel|first1=Robert|page=191|place=Fairview Park, Ohio|publisher=Amusement Park Books|isbn=0-87972-341-6}}</ref> Amusement parks have also invited members to [[Exclusive ride time|exclusive ride events]] at amusement parks as well as sneak peek events at new roller coasters under construction.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/coaster-enthusiasts-get-sneak-peek-of-banshee/ncD8H/|title=Coaster enthusiasts get sneak peek of 'Banshee'|last=Seltz|first=Amanda|date=December 7, 2013|work=Dayton Daily News|access-date=April 10, 2015}}</ref>


The organization maintains an online database of roller coasters including ride specifications and archives of published news articles. The club also recognizes historically significant roller coasters with Coaster Classic and ACE Roller Coaster Landmark statuses.
The organization maintains an online database of roller coasters including ride specifications and archives of published news articles. The club also recognizes historically significant roller coasters with the Coaster Classic and ACE Coaster Landmark statuses.


== History ==
== History ==
Organization founders Roy Brashears, Paul Greenwald and Richard Munch met at a roller coaster riding marathon event promoting the 1977 movie [[Rollercoaster (1977 film)|''Rollercoaster'']] at the ''Rebel Yell'' roller coaster (now called [[Racer 75]]) at [[Kings Dominion]] amusement park in [[Doswell, Virginia]]. The three discovered they shared the same passion for roller coasters and decided to form a club that would allow others that shared the same interests to join. They organized Coaster Con I the following year at [[Busch Gardens Williamsburg]] theme park in June 1978. On the final day of the event during a business meeting, the name American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) was chosen as the club's name. Coaster Con events have been held annually ever since <ref>{{Citation |last1=Rutherford |first1=Scott |title=The American Roller Coaster |place=Osceola, Wisconsin |publisher=MBI Publishing Company |page=[https://archive.org/details/americanrollerco00scot/page/120 120] |year=2000 |isbn=0-7603-0689-3 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/americanrollerco00scot/page/120 }}</ref>
Organization founders Roy Brashears, Paul Greenwald and Richard Munch met at a roller coaster riding marathon event promoting the 1977 movie [[Rollercoaster (1977 film)|''Rollercoaster'']] at the ''Rebel Yell'' roller coaster (now called [[Racer 75]]) at [[Kings Dominion]] amusement park in [[Doswell, Virginia]]. The three discovered they shared the same passion for roller coasters and decided to form a club that would allow others that shared the same interests to join. They organized Coaster Con{{nbsp}}I the following year at [[Busch Gardens Williamsburg]] theme park in June 1978. On the final day of the event during a business meeting, the name American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) was chosen as the club's name. Coaster Con events have been held annually ever since.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Rutherford |first1=Scott |title=The American Roller Coaster |place=Osceola, Wisconsin |publisher=MBI Publishing Company |page=[https://archive.org/details/americanrollerco00scot/page/120 120] |year=2000 |isbn=0-7603-0689-3 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/americanrollerco00scot/page/120 }}</ref>


== Structure ==
== Structure ==
The organization is almost entirely run by volunteers, with the exception of an independent contractor who runs certain day-to-day operations regarding mailings, receipt of event payment/membership dues and merchandise. ACE members are required to pay annual membership dues that are available in individual, couple, family and corporate packages. The organization fulfills one of its primary goals of providing education through its publications.<ref name="Amusement Park Books"/> Other goals include promoting the conservation, appreciation, and enjoyment of roller coasters and their place in history as architectural and engineering landmarks.<ref name="Harry G. Traver: Legends of Terror"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Nash|first=Bishop|date=May 14, 2019|title=Roller coaster lovers honor area theme park's small, vintage charm|url=https://www.williamsondailynews.com/news/roller-coaster-lovers-honor-area-theme-park-s-small-vintage/article_10820ec2-9481-5407-8e02-ebc7b1fa2b56.html|publisher=Williamson Daily News|location=Williamson, West Virginia|access-date=May 15, 2019}}</ref>
The organization is almost entirely run by volunteers, with the exception of an independent contractor who runs certain day-to-day operations regarding mailings, receipt of event payment/membership dues and merchandise. ACE members are required to pay annual membership dues that are available in individual, couple, family and corporate packages. The organization fulfills one of its primary goals of providing education through its publications.<ref name="Amusement Park Books"/> Other goals include promoting the conservation, appreciation, and enjoyment of roller coasters and their place in history as architectural and engineering landmarks.<ref name="Harry G. Traver: Legends of Terror"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Nash|first=Bishop|date=May 14, 2019|title=Roller coaster lovers honor area theme park's small, vintage charm|url=https://www.williamsondailynews.com/news/roller-coaster-lovers-honor-area-theme-park-s-small-vintage/article_10820ec2-9481-5407-8e02-ebc7b1fa2b56.html|publisher=Williamson Daily News|location=Williamson, West Virginia|access-date=May 15, 2019}}</ref>


ACE is governed by an executive committee of five officers and six directors. Four of the officer positions are directly elected and one indirectly elected by the club's membership. These officers are the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Immediate Past President. The six directors are appointed by the president and approved by a majority vote of the remaining officers.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aceonline.org/page/constitution |title=Constitution and Bylaws |website=American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) |access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref> The Regional Representation Director, oversees a system of ACE regions, which sponsors events and publishes regional websites and newsletters.
ACE is governed by an executive committee of five officers and seven directors. Four of the officer positions are directly elected and one indirectly elected by the club's membership. These officers are the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Immediate Past President. The seven directors are appointed by the president and approved by a majority vote of the remaining officers.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aceonline.org/page/constitution |title=Constitution and Bylaws |website=American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) |access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref> The Region Director, oversees a system of ACE regions, which sponsors events and publishes regional websites and email newsletters.


'''ACE Regions'''
'''ACE Regions'''
* California Northern
* California Northern
* California Southern (including Hawaii)
* Canada (except British Columbia)
* Canada (except British Columbia)
* Eastern Great Lakes (Ohio and Michigan)
* England (including Ireland and the United Kingdom)
* Europe
* Florida
* Florida
* Heart of America (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and southern Illinois)
* Heart of America (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and southern Illinois)
* Michigan
* Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia)
* Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia)
* Midwest (Indiana, Kentucky, parts of West Virginia)
* Midwest (Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia)
* New England (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont)
* New England (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont)
* New Jersey
* New Jersey
* New York City
* New York
* New York State (except New York City)
* North Central (Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota)
* North Central (Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota)
* Northwest (Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington)
* Northwest (Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington)
* Other Countries
* Ohio Northern
* Pacific Southwest (Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada and southern California)
* Ohio Southern
* Pennsylvania Eastern
* Pennsylvania Eastern
* Pennsylvania Western (including parts of West Virginia)
* Pennsylvania Western
⚫
* Rocky Mountain (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming)
* South America
* South Central (Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas)
* South Central (Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas)
* Southeast (Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee)
* Southeast (Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee)
⚫
* Southwest (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming)
* Western Great Lakes (Wisconsin and northern Illinois)
* Western Great Lakes (Wisconsin and northern Illinois)


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| colspan="3" align="center" |''Past Coaster Con events''
| colspan="3" align="center" |''Past Coaster Con events''
|-
|-
| I
| 1
| 1978
| June 9–11, 1978
| [[Busch Gardens Williamsburg]] (known at the time as Busch Gardens, The Old Country)
| [[Busch Gardens Williamsburg]] (Williamsburg, VA)
|-
|-
| II
| 2
| 1979
| June 15–17, 1979
| [[Kings Island]]
| [[Kings Island]] (Mason, OH)
|-
|-
| III
| 3
| 1980
| June 26–29, 1980
| [[Kennywood]]
| [[Kennywood]] (West Mifflin, PA)
|-
|-
| IV
| 4
| 1981
| June 25–30, 1981
| [[Six Flags Over Texas]], [[Six Flags AstroWorld]], (Houston, TX), [[Fair Park]], (Dallas, TX)
| [[Six Flags Over Texas]] (Arlington, TX), [[Six Flags AstroWorld]], (Houston, TX), and [[Fair Park]], (Dallas, TX)
|-
|-
| V
| 5
| 1982
| June 24–27, 1982
| [[Hersheypark]]
| [[Hersheypark]] (Hershey, PA)
|-
|-
| VI
| 6
| 1983
| June 23–26, 1983
| [[Elitch Gardens]], [[Lakeside Amusement Park]] (Denver, CO)
| [[Elitch Gardens]] (Denver, CO) and [[Lakeside Amusement Park]] (Denver, CO)
|-
|-
| VII
| 7
| 1984
| July 11–15, 1984
| [[Crystal Beach Park]], [[Canadian National Exhibition]], [[Seabreeze Amusement Park]], (Rochester, NY)
| [[Crystal Beach Park]] (Crystal Beach, ON, CA), [[Canadian National Exhibition]] (Toronto, ON, CA), and [[Seabreeze Amusement Park]], (Rochester, NY)
|-
|-
| VIII
| 8
| 1985
| June 27–30, 1985
| [[Lincoln Park (Dartmouth, Massachusetts)]], [[Rocky Point Amusement Park]], (Warwick, RI) [[Whalom Park]], (Lunenburg, MA), [[Mountain Park (Holyoke, Massachusetts)]]
| [[Lincoln Park (Dartmouth, Massachusetts)|Lincoln Park]] (Dartmouth, MA), [[Rocky Point Amusement Park]], (Warwick, RI) [[Whalom Park]], (Lunenburg, MA), and [[Mountain Park (Holyoke, Massachusetts)|Mountain Park]] (Holyoke, MA)
|-
|-
| IX
| 9
| 1986
| June 26–29, 1986
| [[Six Flags Over Georgia]], [[Lake Winnepesaukah]] (Rossville, GA)
| [[Six Flags Over Georgia]] (Austell, GA) and [[Lake Winnepesaukah]] (Rossville, GA)
|-
|-
| X
| 10
| 1987
| June 22–28, 1987
| [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]], [[Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk]], [[California's Great America]] (Santa Clara, CA)
| [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]] (Valencia, CA), [[Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk]] (Santa Cruz, CA), and [[California's Great America]] (Santa Clara, CA)
|-
|-
| XI
| 11
| 1988
| June 21–25, 1988
| [[Geauga Lake]], [[Cedar Point]], [[Boblo Island Amusement Park]]
| [[Geauga Lake]] (Aurora, OH), [[Cedar Point]] (Sandusky, OH), and [[Boblo Island Amusement Park]] (Amherstburg, ON, CA)
|-
|-
| XII
| 12
| 1989
| June 21–25, 1989
| [[Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom]], [[Clementon Lake Park]] (Clementon, NJ)
| [[Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom]] (Allentown, PA) and [[Clementon Lake Park]] (Clementon, NJ)
|-
|-
| XIII
| 13
| June 1990
| June 20–25, 1990
| [[Six Flags Over Texas]], [[Wonderland Park (Texas)]] (Amarillo, TX)
| [[Six Flags Over Texas]] (Arlington, TX) and [[Wonderland Park (Texas)|Wonderland Park]] (Amarillo, TX)
|-
|-
| XIV
| 14
| June 1991
| June 16–20, 1991
| [[Kennywood]]
| [[Kennywood]] (West Mifflin, PA)
|-
|-
| XV
| 15
| June 1992
| June 21–25, 1992
| [[Kings Dominion]]
| [[Kings Dominion]] (Doswell, VA)
|-
|-
| XVI
| 16
| June 1993
| July 5–9, 1993
| [[Worlds of Fun]], (Kansas City, MO) [[Joyland Amusement Park (Wichita)]]
| [[Worlds of Fun]] (Kansas City, MO) and [[Joyland Amusement Park (Wichita, Kansas)|Joyland Amusement Park]] (Wichita, KS)
|-
|-
| XVII
| 17
| June 1994
| June 4–11, 1994
| [[Belmont Park (San Diego)]], [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]], [[Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk]], [[California's Great America]]
| [[Belmont Park (San Diego)|Belmont Park]] (San Diego, CA), [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]] (Valencia, CA), [[Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk]] (Santa Cruz, CA), and [[California's Great America]] (Santa Clara, CA)
|-
|-
| XVIII
| 18
| June 1995
| June 18–23, 1995
| [[Carowinds]], [[Family Kingdom Amusement Park]], (Myrtle Beach, SC) [[Myrtle Beach Pavilion]]
| [[Carowinds]] (Charlotte, NC), [[Family Kingdom Amusement Park]], (Myrtle Beach, SC), and [[Myrtle Beach Pavilion]] (Myrtle Beach, SC)
|-
|-
| XIX
| 19
| June 1996
| June 1–3, 1996
| [[Lakeside Amusement Park]] (Denver, CO)
| [[Lakeside Amusement Park]] (Denver, CO)
|-
|-
| XX
| 20
| June 1997
| June 6–13, 1997
| [[Kings Dominion]], [[Busch Gardens Williamsburg]]
| [[Kings Dominion]] (Doswell, VA) and [[Busch Gardens Williamsburg]] (Williamsburg, VA)
|-
|-
| XXI
| 21
| June 1998
| June 21–24, 1998
| [[Kennywood]], [[Idlewild and Soak Zone|Idlewild]], [[Sandcastle Waterpark]] (Homestead, PA)
| [[Kennywood]] (West Mifflin, PA), [[Idlewild and Soak Zone|Idlewild]] (Ligonier, PA), and [[Sandcastle Waterpark]] (Homestead, PA)
|-
|-
| XXII
| 22
| June 20–24, 1999
| June 20–24, 1999
| [[Six Flags Fiesta Texas]], (San Antonio, TX) [[SeaWorld San Antonio]]
| [[Six Flags Fiesta Texas]], (San Antonio, TX) and [[SeaWorld San Antonio]] (San Antonio, TX)
|-
|-
| XXIII
| 23
| June 18–23, 2000
| June 18–23, 2000
| [[Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom]], (Louisville, KY) [[Holiday World & Splashin' Safari]]
| [[Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom|Kentucky Kingdom]] (Louisville, KY) and [[Holiday World & Splashin' Safari]] (Santa Claus, IN)
|-
|-
| XXIV
| 24
| June 17–22, 2001
| June 17–22, 2001
| [[Hersheypark]], (Hershey, PA) [[Williams Grove Amusement Park]], (Mechanicsburg, PA) [[Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom]], (Allentown, PA) [[Philadelphia Toboggan Company]], (Hatfield, PA)
| [[Hersheypark]], (Hershey, PA) [[Williams Grove Amusement Park]], (Mechanicsburg, PA) [[Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom]], (Allentown, PA), and [[Philadelphia Toboggan Company]], (Hatfield, PA)
|-
|-
| XXV
| 25
| June 16–21, 2002
| June 16–21, 2002
| [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]], (Santa Clarita, CA) [[Adventure City]], (Anaheim, CA) [[Knott's Berry Farm]] (Buena Park, CA)
| [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]], (Santa Clarita, CA), [[Adventure City]] (Anaheim, CA), and [[Knott's Berry Farm]] (Buena Park, CA)
|-
|-
| XXVI
| 26
| June 15–20, 2003
| June 15–20, 2003
| [[Busch Gardens Williamsburg]], [[Kings Dominion]] (Doswell, VA)
| [[Busch Gardens Williamsburg]] (Williamsburg, VA) and [[Kings Dominion]] (Doswell, VA)
|-
|-
| XXVII
| 27
| {{nowrap|June 20–26, 2004}}
| {{nowrap|June 20–26, 2004}}
| [[Cedar Point]], (Sandusky, OH) [[Memphis Kiddie Park]] (Brooklyn, OH), [[Geauga Lake]] (Aurora, OH)
| [[Cedar Point]], (Sandusky, OH) [[Memphis Kiddie Park]] (Brooklyn, OH) and [[Geauga Lake]] (Aurora, OH)
|-
|-
| XXVIII
| 28
| June 19–24, 2005
| June 19–24, 2005
| [[Six Flags Great America]], (Gurnee, IL) [[Little Amerricka]], (Marshall, WI) [[Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park]], (Wisconsin Dells, WI)
| [[Six Flags Great America]], (Gurnee, IL) [[Little Amerricka]], (Marshall, WI), and [[Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park]], (Wisconsin Dells, WI)
|-
|-
| XXIX
| 29
| June 18–24, 2006
| June 18–24, 2006
| [[Disney's Animal Kingdom]] (Lake Buena Vista, FL), [[Disney's Hollywood Studios]] (Lake Buena Vista, FL), [[Old Town (amusement park)|Old Town]] (Kissimmee, FL), [[Magic Kingdom]] (Lake Buena Vista, FL), [[Cypress Gardens]], (Winter Haven, FL), [[Busch Gardens Tampa Bay]] (Tampa, FL)
| [[Disney's Animal Kingdom]] (Lake Buena Vista, FL), [[Disney's Hollywood Studios]] (Lake Buena Vista, FL), [[Old Town (amusement park)|Old Town]] (Kissimmee, FL), [[Magic Kingdom]] (Lake Buena Vista, FL), [[Cypress Gardens]], (Winter Haven, FL), and [[Busch Gardens Tampa Bay]] (Tampa, FL)
|-
|-
| XXX
| 30
| June 17–23, 2007
| June 17–23, 2007
| [[Kings Island]], (Mason, OH), [[Stricker's Grove]], (Ross, OH) [[Holiday World & Splashin' Safari]] (Santa Claus, IN), [[Beech Bend Park]] (Bowling Green, KY)
| [[Kings Island]], (Mason, OH), [[Stricker's Grove]], (Ross, OH) [[Holiday World & Splashin' Safari]] (Santa Claus, IN), and [[Beech Bend Park]] (Bowling Green, KY)
|-
|-
| XXXI
| 31
| June 15–20, 2008
| June 15–20, 2008
| [[Six Flags Over Georgia]] (Austell GA), [[Wild Adventures]] (Valdosta, GA)
| [[Six Flags Over Georgia]] (Austell GA) and [[Wild Adventures]] (Valdosta, GA)
|-
|-
| XXXII
| 32
| June 21–26, 2009
| June 21–26, 2009
| [[Silver Dollar City]] (Branson, MO), [[Worlds of Fun]] (Kansas City, MO)
| [[Silver Dollar City]] (Branson, MO) and [[Worlds of Fun]] (Kansas City, MO)
|-
|-
| XXXIII
| 33
| June 20–25, 2010
| June 20–25, 2010
| [[Kennywood]] (West Mifflin, PA), [[Idlewild and Soak Zone]] (Ligonier, PA), [[Conneaut Lake Park]] (Conneaut Lake, PA), [[Waldameer Park]] (Erie, PA)
| [[Kennywood]] (West Mifflin, PA), [[Idlewild and Soak Zone]] (Ligonier, PA), [[Conneaut Lake Park]] (Conneaut Lake, PA), and [[Waldameer Park]] (Erie, PA)
|-
|-
| XXXIV
| 34
| June 19–22, 2011
| June 19–22, 2011
| [[Six Flags Over Texas]] (Arlington, TX), Sandy Lake Park (Carrollton, TX)
| [[Six Flags Over Texas]] (Arlington, TX) and Sandy Lake Park (Carrollton, TX)
|-
|-
| XXXV
| 35
| June 17–22, 2012
| June 17–22, 2012
| [[Dollywood]] (Pigeon Forge, TN), [[Carowinds]] (Charlotte, NC)
| [[Dollywood]] (Pigeon Forge, TN) and [[Carowinds]] (Charlotte, NC)
|-
|-
| XXXVI
| 36
| June 16–21, 2013
| June 16–21, 2013
| [[Six Flags New England]] (Agawam, MA), [[Canobie Lake Park]] (Salem, NH), [[Funtown Splashtown USA]] (Saco, ME), [[Palace Playland]] (Old Orchard Beach, ME)
| [[Six Flags New England]] (Agawam, MA), [[Canobie Lake Park]] (Salem, NH), [[Palace Playland]] (Old Orchard Beach, ME), and [[Funtown Splashtown USA]] (Saco, ME)
|-
|-
| XXXVII
| 37
| June 15–20, 2014
| June 15–20, 2014
| [[California's Great America]] (Santa Clara, CA), [[Six Flags Discovery Kingdom]] (Vallejo, CA), [[Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk]] (Santa Cruz, CA), [[Gilroy Gardens]] (Gilroy, CA)
| [[California's Great America]] (Santa Clara, CA), [[Six Flags Discovery Kingdom]] (Vallejo, CA), [[Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk]] (Santa Cruz, CA), and [[Gilroy Gardens]] (Gilroy, CA)
|-
|-
| XXXVIII
| 38
| June 21–26, 2015
| June 21–26, 2015
| [[Six Flags Great Adventure]] (Jackson, NJ) [[Morey's Piers]] (Wildwood, NJ) [[Storybook Land]] (Egg Harbor Township, NJ)
| [[Six Flags Great Adventure]] (Jackson, NJ), [[Storybook Land]] (Egg Harbor Township, NJ), and [[Morey's Piers]] (Wildwood, NJ)
|-
|-
| XXXIX
| 39
| June 19–23, 2016
| June 19–23, 2016
| [[Six Flags St. Louis]] (Eureka, MO) [[Holiday World & Splashin' Safari]] (Santa Claus, IN)
| [[Six Flags St. Louis]] (Eureka, MO) and [[Holiday World & Splashin' Safari]] (Santa Claus, IN)
|-
|-
|XL
| 40
|June 18–22, 2017
|June 18–22, 2017
| [[Six Flags Fiesta Texas]] (San Antonio, Texas), [[SeaWorld San Antonio]] (San Antonio, Texas) and [[ZDT's Amusement Park]] (Seguin, Texas)
| [[Six Flags Fiesta Texas]] (San Antonio, TX), [[ZDT's Amusement Park]] (Seguin, TX), and [[SeaWorld San Antonio]] (San Antonio, TX)
|-
|-
|XLI
| 41
|June 17–22, 2018
|June 17–22, 2018
| [[Busch Gardens Williamsburg]] (Williamsburg, Va.), [[Kings Dominion]] (Doswell, Va.) and [[Six Flags America]] (Woodmore, Md.)
| [[Six Flags America]] (Woodmore, MD), [[Busch Gardens Williamsburg]] (Williamsburg, VA), and [[Kings Dominion]] (Doswell, VA)
|-
|-
| 42
|XLII
|June 16–21, 2019
|June 16–21, 2019
| [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]] (Valencia, CA) and [[Knott's Berry Farm]] (Buena Park, CA)
| [[Six Flags Magic Mountain]] (Valencia, CA) and [[Knott's Berry Farm]] (Buena Park, CA)
|-
|-
| 43*
|XLIII<ref>{{cite web|title=Coaster Con 43|url=https://www.aceonline.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1375135&group=|access-date=11 May 2020}}</ref>*
|June 20–26, 2021
|June 20–26, 2021
| [[Hersheypark]] (Hershey, Pennsylvania), [[Knoebels Amusement Resort]] (Elysburg, Pennsylvania), [[Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom]] (Allentown, Pennsylvania), [[Dutch Wonderland]] (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
| [[Hersheypark]] (Hershey, PA), [[Dutch Wonderland]] (Lancaster, PA), [[Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom]] (Allentown, PA), and [[Knoebels Amusement Resort]] (Elysburg, PA)
|-
|-
| 44
| colspan="3" align="center" |''Upcoming Coaster Con events''
⚫
|-
|XLIV<ref>{{cite web|title=Coaster Con 44|url=https://www.aceonline.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1273807&group=|access-date=11 May 2020}}</ref>
|June 19–24, 2022
|June 19–24, 2022
|[[Cedar Point]], (Sandusky, OH) and [[Kennywood]], (West Mifflin, PA)
⚫
|Kennywood and Cedar Point
⚫
|-
| 45
|June 18–23, 2023
|[[Dollywood]] (Pigeon Forge, TN) and [[Carowinds]] (Charlotte, NC)
|-
|46
|June 16–21, 2024
|[[California's Great America]] (Santa Clara, CA), [[Six Flags Discovery Kingdom]] (Vallejo, CA), and [[Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk]] (Santa Cruz, CA)
|-
|-
|47
|June 15–20, 2025
|[[Six Flags Great America]] (Gurnee, IL), [[Little Amerricka]] (Marshall, WI), and [[Indiana Beach]] (Monticello, IN)
|}
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>Note: These events were delayed one full year due to COVID-19. A virtual Coaster Con known as "Coaster Con at Home" was held on the same dates.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=ACE News|title=Coaster Con at Home: A Huge Success in Connecting ACEers While Apart|last=Ringas|first=Elizabeth|volume=XLII|issue=6|page=15|publisher=American Coaster Enthusiasts|location= Grand Prairie, Texas|date=August 2020}}</ref>
<nowiki>*</nowiki>Note: These events were delayed one full year due to COVID-19. A virtual Coaster Con known as "Coaster Con at Home" was held on the same dates.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=ACE News|title=Coaster Con at Home: A Huge Success in Connecting ACEers While Apart|last=Ringas|first=Elizabeth|volume=XLII|issue=6|page=15|publisher=American Coaster Enthusiasts|location= Grand Prairie, Texas|date=August 2020}}</ref>
Line 244: Line 253:
== Awards ==
== Awards ==


=== ACE Coasters Classics ===
=== ACE Coaster Classics ===
The ACE Coaster Classic award was developed during a period when changes in the design, equipping, and operation of wood coasters threatened to erase these time-honored experiences and rituals. The award is designed to recognize coasters that still adhere to these principles while allowing riders to safely experience the thrill of the classic wooden roller coaster ride. To be eligible for ACE Coaster Classic status, the coaster must meet the following criteria:<ref name="Classic">{{Cite web |url=https://www.aceonline.org/page/Classic |title=ACE Coaster Classic Awards |website=American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) |access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref>
The ACE Coaster Classic award was developed during a period when changes in the design, equipping, and operation of wood coasters threatened to erase these time-honored experiences and rituals. The award is designed to recognize coasters that still adhere to these principles while allowing riders to safely experience the thrill of the classic wooden roller coaster ride. To be eligible for ACE Coaster Classic status, the coaster must meet the following criteria:<ref name="Classic">{{Cite web |url=https://www.aceonline.org/page/Classic |title=ACE Coaster Classic Awards |website=American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) |access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref>
* Traditional lap bars that allow riders to experience so-called airtime, or negative G's, the sensation of floating above the seat, must be installed. Individual, ratcheting lap bars do not meet this requirement.
* Traditional lap bars that allow riders to experience so-called airtime, or negative G's, the sensation of floating above the seat, must be installed. Individual, ratcheting lap bars do not meet this requirement.
Line 307: Line 316:
| Operating
| Operating
|-
|-
| [[Lakeside Amusement Park#Roller coasters|Cyclone]]
| [[Cyclone (Lakeside Amusement Park)|Cyclone]]
| [[Lakeside Amusement Park]]
| [[Lakeside Amusement Park]]
| {{Flag|United States}}
| {{Flag|United States}}
| {{Date table sorting|May 17, 1940}}
| {{Date table sorting|May 17, 1940}}
| ''Unknown''
| ''Unknown''
| SBNO
⚫
| Operating
|-
|-
| [[Coney Island Cyclone|Cyclone]]
| [[Coney Island Cyclone|Cyclone]]
Line 368: Line 377:
| {{Date table sorting|1902}}
| {{Date table sorting|1902}}
| ''Unknown''
| ''Unknown''
| SBNO
⚫
| Operating
|-
|-
| [[Camden Park (amusement park)|Lil' Dipper]]
| [[Camden Park (amusement park)|Lil' Dipper]]
Line 399: Line 408:
|-
|-
| [[Nickelodeon Streak]]
| [[Nickelodeon Streak]]
| [[Blackpool Pleasure Beach]]
| [[Pleasure Beach Resort]]
| {{Flag|United Kingdom}}
| {{Flag|United Kingdom}}
| {{Date table sorting|1933}}
| {{Date table sorting|1933}}
Line 426: Line 435:
| Operating
| Operating
|-
|-
| Scenic Railway
| [[The Great Scenic Railway|Scenic Railway]]
| [[Luna Park, Melbourne]]
| [[Luna Park, Melbourne]]
| {{Flag|Australia}}
| {{Flag|Australia}}
Line 534: Line 543:
| ''Unknown''
| ''Unknown''
| ''Unknown''
| ''Unknown''
| data-sort-value="2019" | Closed 2019
| data-sort-value="2022" | Demolished 2022
|-
|-
| [[Rollo Coaster]]
| [[Rollo Coaster]]
Line 602: Line 611:


=== Coaster Landmark ===
=== Coaster Landmark ===
In 2002, ACE introduced the Roller Coaster Landmark award. The award is designed to recognize coasters of historic significance that may not qualify for ACE Coaster Classic status.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aceonline.org/page/Landmark |title=ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks |website=American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) |access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref>
In 2002, ACE introduced the Roller Coaster Landmark program to recognize coasters of historic significance that may or may not qualify for ACE Coaster Classic status.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aceonline.org/page/Landmark |title=ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks |website=American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) |access-date=2020-04-15}}</ref>
[[File:ACE-landmark-magnum.jpg|thumb|right|200px|An ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Award plaque for [[Magnum XL-200]], the world's first [[hypercoaster]]]]
[[File:ACE-landmark-magnum.jpg|thumb|right|200px|An ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Award plaque for [[Magnum XL-200]], the world's first [[hypercoaster]]]]
[[File:Racer (Kings Island) ACE Coaster.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Award awarded to [[The Racer (Kings Island)|The Racer]] at [[Kings Island]]]]
[[File:Racer (Kings Island) ACE Coaster.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Award awarded to [[The Racer (Kings Island)|The Racer]] at [[Kings Island]]]]
[[File:Comet ACE Plaque.JPG|thumb|right|200px|An ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Award plaque located outside [[The Comet (Great Escape)|The Comet]] at [[Great Escape (amusement park)|Great Escape]]]]
[[File:Comet ACE Plaque.JPG|thumb|right|200px|An ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Award plaque located outside [[The Comet (Great Escape)|The Comet]] at [[Great Escape (amusement park)|Six Flags Great Escape]]]]
[[File:Great American Scream Machine ACE Roller Coaster Landmark plaque.jpg|thumb|An ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Award plaque for the [[Great American Scream Machine (Six Flags Over Georgia)|Great American Scream Machine]] at [[Six Flags Over Georgia]]]]
[[File:Great American Scream Machine ACE Roller Coaster Landmark plaque.jpg|thumb|An ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Award plaque for the [[Great American Scream Machine (Six Flags Over Georgia)|Great American Scream Machine]] at [[Six Flags Over Georgia]]]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" border="1"
{| class="wikitable sortable" border="1"
Line 628: Line 637:
| {{Date table sorting|April 14, 1979}}
| {{Date table sorting|April 14, 1979}}
| {{Date table sorting|October 2, 2004}}
| {{Date table sorting|October 2, 2004}}
⚫
| Operating
|-
| [[Big Dipper (Pleasure Beach Resort)|Big Dipper]]
| [[Blackpool Pleasure Beach]]
| {{Flag|United Kingdom}}
| {{Date table sorting|August 23, 1923}}
| {{Date table sorting|July 2, 2024}}
| Operating
| Operating
|-
|-
Line 642: Line 658:
| {{Date table sorting|1958}}
| {{Date table sorting|1958}}
| {{Date table sorting|May 12, 2019}}
| {{Date table sorting|May 12, 2019}}
⚫
| Operating
|-
| [[Blue Streak (Cedar Point)|Blue Streak]]
⚫
| [[Cedar Point]]
| {{Flag|United States}}
| {{Date table sorting|May 23, 1964}}
| {{Date table sorting|June 20, 2022}}
| Operating
| Operating
|-
|-
Line 666: Line 689:
|-
|-
| [[The Comet (Great Escape)|The Comet]]
| [[The Comet (Great Escape)|The Comet]]
| [[Great Escape (amusement park)|Great Escape]]
| [[Great Escape (amusement park)|Six Flags Great Escape]]
| {{Flag|United States}}
| {{Flag|United States}}
| data-sort-value="1948" | Built 1948; relocated 1994
| data-sort-value="1948" | Built 1948; relocated 1994
Line 693: Line 716:
| Operating
| Operating
|-
|-
| [[Lakeside Amusement Park#Roller coasters|Cyclone]]
| [[Cyclone (Lakeside Amusement Park)|Cyclone]]
| [[Lakeside Amusement Park]]
| [[Lakeside Amusement Park]]
| {{Flag|United States}}
| {{Flag|United States}}
| {{Date table sorting|May 17, 1940}}
| {{Date table sorting|May 17, 1940}}
| {{Date table sorting|August 2, 2003}}
| {{Date table sorting|August 2, 2003}}
| SBNO
⚫
| Operating
|-
|-
| [[Dragon Coaster (Playland)|Dragon Coaster]]
| [[Dragon Coaster (Playland)|Dragon Coaster]]
Line 719: Line 742:
| {{Date table sorting|July 4, 1925}}
| {{Date table sorting|July 4, 1925}}
| {{Date table sorting|April 23, 2010}}
| {{Date table sorting|April 23, 2010}}
⚫
| Operating
|-
| [[Grand National (roller coaster)|Grand National]]
| [[Blackpool Pleasure Beach]]
| {{Flag|United Kingdom}}
| {{Date table sorting|1935}}
| {{Date table sorting|July 2, 2024}}
| Operating
| Operating
|-
|-
Line 754: Line 784:
| {{Date table sorting|1902}}
| {{Date table sorting|1902}}
| {{Date table sorting|May 26, 2002}}
| {{Date table sorting|May 26, 2002}}
| SBNO
⚫
| Operating
|-
|-
| Legend
| Legend
Line 796: Line 826:
| {{Date table sorting|October 24, 1964}}
| {{Date table sorting|October 24, 1964}}
| {{Date table sorting|April 22, 2017}}
| {{Date table sorting|April 22, 2017}}
| data-sort-value="2019" | Closed 2019
| data-sort-value="2022" | Demolished 2022
|-
|-
| [[Montezooma's Revenge]]
| [[Montezooma's Revenge]]
Line 803: Line 833:
| {{Date table sorting|May 21, 1978}}
| {{Date table sorting|May 21, 1978}}
| {{Date table sorting|June 20, 2019}}
| {{Date table sorting|June 20, 2019}}
| SBNO
⚫
| Operating
|-
|-
| [[Phoenix (roller coaster)|Phoenix]]
| [[Phoenix (roller coaster)|Phoenix]]
Line 859: Line 889:
| {{Date table sorting|August 1966}}
| {{Date table sorting|August 1966}}
| {{Date table sorting|September 9, 2006}}
| {{Date table sorting|September 9, 2006}}
⚫
| Operating
|-
| [[Rutschebanen]]
| [[Tivoli Gardens]]
| {{Flag|Denmark}}
| {{Date table sorting|1914}}
| {{Date table sorting|June 30, 2023}}
⚫
| Operating
|-
| [[Sea Dragon (roller coaster)|Sea Dragon]]
| [[Columbus Zoo and Aquarium]]
| {{Flag|United States}}
| {{Date table sorting|1956}}
| {{Date table sorting|July 16, 2022}}
| Operating
| Operating
|-
|-
Line 894: Line 938:
| {{Date table sorting|March 30, 1924}}
| {{Date table sorting|March 30, 1924}}
| {{Date table sorting|June 23, 2021}}
| {{Date table sorting|June 23, 2021}}
| Operating
|-
| [[Tornado (Adventureland)|Tornado]]
| [[Adventureland (Iowa)|Adventureland]]
| {{Flag|United States}}
| {{Date table sorting|July 4, 1978}}
| {{Date table sorting|August 17, 2024}}
| Operating
| Operating
|-
|-
Line 936: Line 987:


== Preservation ==
== Preservation ==
ACE takes an active role in the preservation of endangered roller coasters. Since 1985, the club has either directly or indirectly helped save more than half a dozen. One of the most notable include the [[Phoenix (roller coaster)|Phoenix]] located at [[Knoebels Amusement Resort]] in [[Elysburg, Pennsylvania]]. The wooden coaster was relocated from [[Playland Park (San Antonio, Texas)|Playland Park]] in [[San Antonio, Texas]]. Another that the organization saved was [[Leap the Dips]], the world's oldest operating wooden coaster, located at [[Lakemont Park]] in [[Altoona, Pennsylvania]]. In addition to preservation, some parks have also sought the opinions of ACE members regarding roller coaster installations, such as [[Magnum XL-200]] at [[Cedar Point]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2009/10/blast-from-past-magnum-xl200-at-cedar.html|title=A Blast From The Past - Magnum XL200 At Cedar Point|publisher=News+Notes|date=October 29, 2009|access-date=May 15, 2019}}</ref> and roller coaster design, as was the case with [[The Legend (roller coaster)|The Legend]] and [[The Voyage (roller coaster)|The Voyage]] at [[Holiday World]] in [[Santa Claus, Indiana]].
ACE takes an active role in the preservation of endangered roller coasters. Since 1985, the club has either directly or indirectly helped save more than half a dozen. One of the most notable include the [[Phoenix (roller coaster)|Phoenix]] located at [[Knoebels Amusement Resort]] in [[Elysburg, Pennsylvania]]. The wooden coaster was relocated from [[Playland Park (San Antonio, Texas)|Playland Park]] in [[San Antonio, Texas]]. Another that the organization saved was [[Leap the Dips]], the world's oldest operating roller coaster, located at [[Lakemont Park]] in [[Altoona, Pennsylvania]]. In addition to preservation, some parks have also sought the opinions of ACE members regarding roller coaster installations, such as [[Magnum XL-200]] at [[Cedar Point]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsplusnotes.blogspot.com/2009/10/blast-from-past-magnum-xl200-at-cedar.html|title=A Blast From The Past - Magnum XL200 At Cedar Point|publisher=News+Notes|date=October 29, 2009|access-date=May 15, 2019}}</ref> and roller coaster design, as was the case with [[The Legend (roller coaster)|The Legend]] and [[The Voyage (roller coaster)|The Voyage]] at [[Holiday World]] in [[Santa Claus, Indiana]].


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:1978 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:1978 establishments in the United States]]
[[Category:Grand Prairie, Texas]]
[[Category:Grand Prairie, Texas]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1978]]

Latest revision as of 19:59, 13 September 2024

American Coaster Enthusiasts
Founded1978; 46 years ago (1978)
Location
Membersover 6,500
Websitewww.aceonline.org

American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) is a non-profit organization focusing on the enjoyment, knowledge, and preservation of roller coasters as well as recognition of some as architectural and engineering landmarks.[1] Dues-paying members receive the quarterly magazine RollerCoaster! and bi-monthly newsletter ACE News.[2] Amusement parks have also invited members to exclusive ride events at amusement parks as well as sneak peek events at new roller coasters under construction.[3]

The organization maintains an online database of roller coasters including ride specifications and archives of published news articles. The club also recognizes historically significant roller coasters with the Coaster Classic and ACE Coaster Landmark statuses.

History

[edit]

Organization founders Roy Brashears, Paul Greenwald and Richard Munch met at a roller coaster riding marathon event promoting the 1977 movie Rollercoaster at the Rebel Yell roller coaster (now called Racer 75) at Kings Dominion amusement park in Doswell, Virginia. The three discovered they shared the same passion for roller coasters and decided to form a club that would allow others that shared the same interests to join. They organized Coaster Con I the following year at Busch Gardens Williamsburg theme park in June 1978. On the final day of the event during a business meeting, the name American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) was chosen as the club's name. Coaster Con events have been held annually ever since.[4]

Structure

[edit]

The organization is almost entirely run by volunteers, with the exception of an independent contractor who runs certain day-to-day operations regarding mailings, receipt of event payment/membership dues and merchandise. ACE members are required to pay annual membership dues that are available in individual, couple, family and corporate packages. The organization fulfills one of its primary goals of providing education through its publications.[2] Other goals include promoting the conservation, appreciation, and enjoyment of roller coasters and their place in history as architectural and engineering landmarks.[1][5]

ACE is governed by an executive committee of five officers and seven directors. Four of the officer positions are directly elected and one indirectly elected by the club's membership. These officers are the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Immediate Past President. The seven directors are appointed by the president and approved by a majority vote of the remaining officers.[6] The Region Director, oversees a system of ACE regions, which sponsors events and publishes regional websites and email newsletters.

ACE Regions

  • California Northern
  • Canada (except British Columbia)
  • Eastern Great Lakes (Ohio and Michigan)
  • Europe
  • Florida
  • Heart of America (Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and southern Illinois)
  • Mid-Atlantic (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia)
  • Midwest (Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia)
  • New England (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont)
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Central (Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota)
  • Northwest (Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington)
  • Other Countries
  • Pacific Southwest (Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada and southern California)
  • Pennsylvania Eastern
  • Pennsylvania Western
  • Rocky Mountain (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming)
  • South America
  • South Central (Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas)
  • Southeast (Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee)
  • Western Great Lakes (Wisconsin and northern Illinois)

Events

[edit]

The national organization sponsors the annual Coaster Con convention, international tours, seasonal conferences, and a conference focused on coaster preservation.

Coaster Con

[edit]

Coaster Con, usually features one to as many as six theme parks where exclusive ride time is made available to members on selected coasters outside of times when the park is open to the public. Coaster Con also features photo and video contests, carnival games competitions, as well as an annual business meeting, banquet (with presentations, awards, industry keynote speaker, and auction to benefit ACE's funds), workshops, discussion groups, displays, and memorabilia sales tables.

No. Dates Host parks
Past Coaster Con events
1 June 9–11, 1978 Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Williamsburg, VA)
2 June 15–17, 1979 Kings Island (Mason, OH)
3 June 26–29, 1980 Kennywood (West Mifflin, PA)
4 June 25–30, 1981 Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington, TX), Six Flags AstroWorld, (Houston, TX), and Fair Park, (Dallas, TX)
5 June 24–27, 1982 Hersheypark (Hershey, PA)
6 June 23–26, 1983 Elitch Gardens (Denver, CO) and Lakeside Amusement Park (Denver, CO)
7 July 11–15, 1984 Crystal Beach Park (Crystal Beach, ON, CA), Canadian National Exhibition (Toronto, ON, CA), and Seabreeze Amusement Park, (Rochester, NY)
8 June 27–30, 1985 Lincoln Park (Dartmouth, MA), Rocky Point Amusement Park, (Warwick, RI) Whalom Park, (Lunenburg, MA), and Mountain Park (Holyoke, MA)
9 June 26–29, 1986 Six Flags Over Georgia (Austell, GA) and Lake Winnepesaukah (Rossville, GA)
10 June 22–28, 1987 Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia, CA), Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Santa Cruz, CA), and California's Great America (Santa Clara, CA)
11 June 21–25, 1988 Geauga Lake (Aurora, OH), Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH), and Boblo Island Amusement Park (Amherstburg, ON, CA)
12 June 21–25, 1989 Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom (Allentown, PA) and Clementon Lake Park (Clementon, NJ)
13 June 20–25, 1990 Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington, TX) and Wonderland Park (Amarillo, TX)
14 June 16–20, 1991 Kennywood (West Mifflin, PA)
15 June 21–25, 1992 Kings Dominion (Doswell, VA)
16 July 5–9, 1993 Worlds of Fun (Kansas City, MO) and Joyland Amusement Park (Wichita, KS)
17 June 4–11, 1994 Belmont Park (San Diego, CA), Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia, CA), Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Santa Cruz, CA), and California's Great America (Santa Clara, CA)
18 June 18–23, 1995 Carowinds (Charlotte, NC), Family Kingdom Amusement Park, (Myrtle Beach, SC), and Myrtle Beach Pavilion (Myrtle Beach, SC)
19 June 1–3, 1996 Lakeside Amusement Park (Denver, CO)
20 June 6–13, 1997 Kings Dominion (Doswell, VA) and Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Williamsburg, VA)
21 June 21–24, 1998 Kennywood (West Mifflin, PA), Idlewild (Ligonier, PA), and Sandcastle Waterpark (Homestead, PA)
22 June 20–24, 1999 Six Flags Fiesta Texas, (San Antonio, TX) and SeaWorld San Antonio (San Antonio, TX)
23 June 18–23, 2000 Kentucky Kingdom (Louisville, KY) and Holiday World & Splashin' Safari (Santa Claus, IN)
24 June 17–22, 2001 Hersheypark, (Hershey, PA) Williams Grove Amusement Park, (Mechanicsburg, PA) Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, (Allentown, PA), and Philadelphia Toboggan Company, (Hatfield, PA)
25 June 16–21, 2002 Six Flags Magic Mountain, (Santa Clarita, CA), Adventure City (Anaheim, CA), and Knott's Berry Farm (Buena Park, CA)
26 June 15–20, 2003 Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Williamsburg, VA) and Kings Dominion (Doswell, VA)
27 June 20–26, 2004 Cedar Point, (Sandusky, OH) Memphis Kiddie Park (Brooklyn, OH) and Geauga Lake (Aurora, OH)
28 June 19–24, 2005 Six Flags Great America, (Gurnee, IL) Little Amerricka, (Marshall, WI), and Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park, (Wisconsin Dells, WI)
29 June 18–24, 2006 Disney's Animal Kingdom (Lake Buena Vista, FL), Disney's Hollywood Studios (Lake Buena Vista, FL), Old Town (Kissimmee, FL), Magic Kingdom (Lake Buena Vista, FL), Cypress Gardens, (Winter Haven, FL), and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Tampa, FL)
30 June 17–23, 2007 Kings Island, (Mason, OH), Stricker's Grove, (Ross, OH) Holiday World & Splashin' Safari (Santa Claus, IN), and Beech Bend Park (Bowling Green, KY)
31 June 15–20, 2008 Six Flags Over Georgia (Austell GA) and Wild Adventures (Valdosta, GA)
32 June 21–26, 2009 Silver Dollar City (Branson, MO) and Worlds of Fun (Kansas City, MO)
33 June 20–25, 2010 Kennywood (West Mifflin, PA), Idlewild and Soak Zone (Ligonier, PA), Conneaut Lake Park (Conneaut Lake, PA), and Waldameer Park (Erie, PA)
34 June 19–22, 2011 Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington, TX) and Sandy Lake Park (Carrollton, TX)
35 June 17–22, 2012 Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, TN) and Carowinds (Charlotte, NC)
36 June 16–21, 2013 Six Flags New England (Agawam, MA), Canobie Lake Park (Salem, NH), Palace Playland (Old Orchard Beach, ME), and Funtown Splashtown USA (Saco, ME)
37 June 15–20, 2014 California's Great America (Santa Clara, CA), Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, CA), Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Santa Cruz, CA), and Gilroy Gardens (Gilroy, CA)
38 June 21–26, 2015 Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ), Storybook Land (Egg Harbor Township, NJ), and Morey's Piers (Wildwood, NJ)
39 June 19–23, 2016 Six Flags St. Louis (Eureka, MO) and Holiday World & Splashin' Safari (Santa Claus, IN)
40 June 18–22, 2017 Six Flags Fiesta Texas (San Antonio, TX), ZDT's Amusement Park (Seguin, TX), and SeaWorld San Antonio (San Antonio, TX)
41 June 17–22, 2018 Six Flags America (Woodmore, MD), Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Williamsburg, VA), and Kings Dominion (Doswell, VA)
42 June 16–21, 2019 Six Flags Magic Mountain (Valencia, CA) and Knott's Berry Farm (Buena Park, CA)
43* June 20–26, 2021 Hersheypark (Hershey, PA), Dutch Wonderland (Lancaster, PA), Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom (Allentown, PA), and Knoebels Amusement Resort (Elysburg, PA)
44 June 19–24, 2022 Cedar Point, (Sandusky, OH) and Kennywood, (West Mifflin, PA)
45 June 18–23, 2023 Dollywood (Pigeon Forge, TN) and Carowinds (Charlotte, NC)
46 June 16–21, 2024 California's Great America (Santa Clara, CA), Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo, CA), and Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Santa Cruz, CA)
47 June 15–20, 2025 Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, IL), Little Amerricka (Marshall, WI), and Indiana Beach (Monticello, IN)

*Note: These events were delayed one full year due to COVID-19. A virtual Coaster Con known as "Coaster Con at Home" was held on the same dates.[7]

Awards

[edit]

ACE Coaster Classics

[edit]

The ACE Coaster Classic award was developed during a period when changes in the design, equipping, and operation of wood coasters threatened to erase these time-honored experiences and rituals. The award is designed to recognize coasters that still adhere to these principles while allowing riders to safely experience the thrill of the classic wooden roller coaster ride. To be eligible for ACE Coaster Classic status, the coaster must meet the following criteria:[8]

  • Traditional lap bars that allow riders to experience so-called airtime, or negative G's, the sensation of floating above the seat, must be installed. Individual, ratcheting lap bars do not meet this requirement.
  • Riders must be able to slide from side-to-side in their seats. A coaster with any restraint or device that restricts this freedom, like seat dividers between riders, does not meet this requirement.
  • Riders must be able to view upcoming drops and thrills. A coaster with headrests on every seat or the majority of seats that restrict this view does not meet this requirement.
  • Riders must be free to choose where they sit. A coaster where riders are assigned seats before boarding does not meet this requirement.

The amusement park or theme park operating a coaster that is recognized as a Coaster Classic is usually presented a custom plaque. The plaque typically states:

THE AMERICAN COASTER ENTHUSIASTS RECOGNIZES THIS COASTER AS AN ACE COASTER CLASSIC.

ACE salutes this park for maintaining this coaster as an American treasure in its purest form. We congratulate you for the use of traditional materials, methods and equipment, which are fundamental to the classic wooden roller coaster experience.

ACE commends this park for operating this coaster in the traditional manner so that future generations may enjoy its classic thrills and its enduring popularity.

It has been noted, however, that most coasters usually have disqualifying ratcheting lap bars, seat dividers and headrests to prevent people from trying to stand up during the ride. For example, Rolling Thunder at Six Flags Great Adventure had buzz bars which meet traditional lap bar Coaster Classic requirements, but it is not a classic because of headrests and seat dividers being added in 1981 to prevent people from standing up during the ride.

Coasters awarded

[edit]

As of 2024, there are 30 coasters worldwide with ACE Coaster Classic status; 20 in North America, 9 in Europe, and one in Australia.[8]

Coaster Park Country Opened Awarded Status
Big Dipper Camden Park  United States 1958 Unknown Operating
Blue Flyer Blackpool Pleasure Beach  United Kingdom 1934 Unknown Operating
Blue Streak Conneaut Lake Park  United States 1938 May 29, 1993 Demolished 2022
Classic Coaster Washington State Fair  United States 1935 Unknown Operating
Comet Waldameer Park  United States 1951 Unknown Operating
Cyclone Lakeside Amusement Park  United States May 17, 1940 Unknown SBNO
Cyclone Luna Park, Coney Island  United States June 26, 1927 Unknown Operating
Cyclone Williams Grove Amusement Park  United States 1933 Unknown Closed 2005
High Roller Valleyfair  United States 1976 1996 Operating
Hochschaubahn Wiener Prater  Austria 1950 Unknown Operating
Hullámvasút Vidámpark  Hungary 1926 Unknown Closed 2015
Jack Rabbit Kennywood  United States 1920 Unknown Operating
Kiddy Coaster Playland Park  United States 1928 Unknown Operating
Leap-The-Dips Lakemont Park  United States 1902 Unknown SBNO
Lil' Dipper Camden Park  United States 1961 Unknown Operating
Little Dipper Six Flags Great America  United States Built 1950; relocated 2010 Unknown Operating
Meteor Little Amerricka  United States Built 1953; relocated 2003, 2007 Unknown Operating
Montaña Suiza Parque de Atracciones Monte Igueldo  Spain 1928 Not yet presented Operating
Nickelodeon Streak Pleasure Beach Resort  United Kingdom 1933 Unknown Operating
Nightmare Joyland  United States June 12, 1949 Unknown Demolished 2015
Roller Coaster Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach  United Kingdom 1932 Unknown Operating
Rutschebanen Tivoli Gardens  Denmark 1914 Unknown Operating
Scenic Railway Luna Park, Melbourne  Australia 1912 Unknown Operating
Sea Dragon Rides At Adventure Cove  United States 1956 Unknown Operating
Teddy Bear Stricker's Grove  United States 1996 Unknown Operating
Thunderbolt Kennywood  United States 1924 Unknown Operating
Tomahawk PortAventura Park  Spain March 17, 1997 Not yet presented Operating
Vuoristorata Linnanmäki  Finland July 13, 1951 2001[9] Operating
Wooden Roller Coaster Playland (Vancouver)  Canada 1958 Unknown Operating
Zach's Zoomer Michigan's Adventure  United States July 22, 1994 Unknown Operating

Rescinded awards

[edit]

Another 13 coasters were awarded ACE Coaster Classic status; 12 in North America and one in Europe. However, due to subsequent changes to the coasters, the awards have been rescinded.[8]

Coaster Park Country Opened Awarded Rescinded Status
Blue Streak Cedar Point  United States May 23, 1964 Unknown Unknown Operating
Coastersaurus Legoland Florida  United States November 26, 2004 Unknown Unknown Operating
Ghoster Coaster Canada's Wonderland  Canada Unknown Unknown Operating
Legend Arnolds Park  United States 1927 Unknown Unknown Operating
Montaña Rusa La Feria de Chapultepec Mágico  Mexico October 24, 1964 Unknown Unknown Demolished 2022
Rollo Coaster Idlewild and Soak Zone  United States 1938 Unknown Unknown Operating
Rutschebanen Dyrehavsbakken (Bakken)  Denmark 1932 Unknown 2009 Operating
Starliner Cypress Gardens  United States Unknown Unknown Demolished 2008
Wildcat Frontier City  United States April 20, 1991 Unknown Unknown Operating
Woodstock Express Kings Island  United States 1972 Unknown Unknown Operating
Woodstock Express Kings Dominion  United States 1974 Unknown Unknown Operating
Woodstock Express Carowinds  United States 1975 Unknown Unknown Operating
Zippin Pippin Bay Beach Amusement Park  United States Built 1912, 1915, or 1917; relocated 2010 Unknown Unknown Operating

Coaster Landmark

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In 2002, ACE introduced the Roller Coaster Landmark program to recognize coasters of historic significance that may or may not qualify for ACE Coaster Classic status.[10]

An ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Award plaque for Magnum XL-200, the world's first hypercoaster
The ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Award awarded to The Racer at Kings Island
An ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Award plaque located outside The Comet at Six Flags Great Escape
An ACE Roller Coaster Landmark Award plaque for the Great American Scream Machine at Six Flags Over Georgia
Coaster Park Country Opened Awarded Status
Batman: The Ride Six Flags Great America  United States May 2, 1992 June 20, 2005 Operating
The Beast Kings Island  United States April 14, 1979 October 2, 2004 Operating
Big Dipper Blackpool Pleasure Beach  United Kingdom August 23, 1923 July 2, 2024 Operating
Big Dipper Geauga Lake  United States 1925 Never presented Demolished 2016
Big Dipper Camden Park  United States 1958 May 12, 2019 Operating
Blue Streak Cedar Point  United States May 23, 1964 June 20, 2022 Operating
Blue Streak Conneaut Lake Park  United States 1938 June 24, 2010 Demolished 2022
Cannon Ball Lake Winnepesaukah  United States May 1967 May 20, 2017 Operating
Classic Coaster Washington State Fair  United States 1935 September 7, 2013 Operating
The Comet Six Flags Great Escape  United States Built 1948; relocated 1994 September 13, 2009 Operating
Comet Hersheypark  United States 1946 June 22, 2021 Operating
Coney Island Cyclone Luna Park  United States June 26, 1927 June 29, 2002 Operating
Corkscrew Silverwood Theme Park  United States Built 1975; relocated 1990 August 27, 2011 Operating
Cyclone Lakeside Amusement Park  United States May 17, 1940 August 2, 2003 SBNO
Dragon Coaster Playland  United States 1929 August 8, 2009 Operating
Giant Dipper Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk  United States May 17, 1924 May 5, 2007 Operating
Giant Dipper Belmont Park  United States July 4, 1925 April 23, 2010 Operating
Grand National Blackpool Pleasure Beach  United Kingdom 1935 July 2, 2024 Operating
Great American Scream Machine Six Flags Over Georgia  United States March 31, 1973 May 21, 2017 Operating
Jack Rabbit Seabreeze Amusement Park  United States 1920 August 15, 2015 Operating
Jack Rabbit Kennywood  United States 1920 June 21, 2010 Operating
Kiddy Coaster Playland  United States May 26, 1928 July 28, 2018 Operating
Leap-The-Dips Lakemont Park  United States 1902 May 26, 2002 SBNO
Legend Arnolds Park  United States June 8, 1930 August 6, 2006 Operating
Loch Ness Monster Busch Gardens Williamsburg  United States May 20, 1978 June 17, 2003 Operating
Magnum XL-200 Cedar Point  United States May 6, 1989 June 21, 2004 Operating
Matterhorn Bobsleds Disneyland  United States June 14, 1959 Not yet presented Operating
The Riddler Mindbender Six Flags Over Georgia  United States March 31, 1978 June 17, 2008 Operating
Montaña Rusa La Feria Chapultepec Mágico  Mexico October 24, 1964 April 22, 2017 Demolished 2022
Montezooma's Revenge Knott's Berry Farm  United States May 21, 1978 June 20, 2019 SBNO
Phoenix Knoebels  United States Built 1948; relocated 1985 October 8, 2005 Operating
The Racer Kings Island  United States April 29, 1972 June 18, 2007 Operating
Racer Kennywood  United States 1927 June 21, 2010 Operating
The Raven Holiday World  United States May 6, 1995 June 23, 2016 Operating
Racer 75 Kings Dominion  United States May 8, 1975 June 20, 2003 Operating
The New Revolution Six Flags Magic Mountain  United States May 8, 1976 June 16, 2002 Operating
Roller Coaster Lagoon Amusement Park  United States May 28, 1921 July 30, 2005 Operating
Runaway Mine Train Six Flags Over Texas  United States August 1966 September 9, 2006 Operating
Rutschebanen Tivoli Gardens  Denmark 1914 June 30, 2023 Operating
Sea Dragon Columbus Zoo and Aquarium  United States 1956 July 16, 2022 Operating
Screamin' Eagle Six Flags St. Louis  United States 1976 June 21, 2016 Operating
Swamp Fox Family Kingdom Amusement Park  United States 1966 April 29, 2016 Operating
Thunderbolt Kennywood  United States Built 1924 (as Pippin); rebuilt 1968 July 27, 2014 Operating
Thunderbolt Six Flags New England  United States 1941 August 2, 2008 Operating
Thunderhawk Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom  United States March 30, 1924 June 23, 2021 Operating
Tornado Adventureland  United States July 4, 1978 August 17, 2024 Operating
Whizzer Six Flags Great America  United States 1976 August 10, 2012 Operating
Wildcat Lake Compounce  United States 1927 August 1, 2008 Operating
The Wild One Six Flags America  United States Built 1917 (as The Giant Coaster);
rebuilt 1932 and 1963; relocated 1986 		June 18, 2018 Operating
Wooden Roller Coaster Playland  Canada 1958 July 11, 2009 Operating
Yankee Cannonball Canobie Lake Park  United States 1930 June 20, 2013 Operating

Golden Age Coaster

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The Golden Age Coaster award, a prequel to the Roller Coaster Landmark award, was established to recognize significant roller coasters that were built during the 1920s. Giant Dipper at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and Giant Dipper at Belmont Park (San Diego) both received the Golden Age Coaster award in addition to the Roller Coaster Landmark award.[8]

Preservation

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ACE takes an active role in the preservation of endangered roller coasters. Since 1985, the club has either directly or indirectly helped save more than half a dozen. One of the most notable include the Phoenix located at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. The wooden coaster was relocated from Playland Park in San Antonio, Texas. Another that the organization saved was Leap the Dips, the world's oldest operating roller coaster, located at Lakemont Park in Altoona, Pennsylvania. In addition to preservation, some parks have also sought the opinions of ACE members regarding roller coaster installations, such as Magnum XL-200 at Cedar Point[11] and roller coaster design, as was the case with The Legend and The Voyage at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana.

References

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  1. ^ a b Munch, Richard (1982), Harry G. Traver: Legends of Terror, Mentor, Ohio: Amusement Park Books, p. 176, ISBN 0-935408-02-9
  2. ^ a b Cartmel, Robert (1987), The Incredible Scream Machine, A History of the Roller Coaster, Fairview Park, Ohio: Amusement Park Books, p. 191, ISBN 0-87972-341-6
  3. ^ Seltz, Amanda (December 7, 2013). "Coaster enthusiasts get sneak peek of 'Banshee'". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved April 10, 2015.
  4. ^ Rutherford, Scott (2000), The American Roller Coaster, Osceola, Wisconsin: MBI Publishing Company, p. 120, ISBN 0-7603-0689-3
  5. ^ Nash, Bishop (May 14, 2019). "Roller coaster lovers honor area theme park's small, vintage charm". Williamson, West Virginia: Williamson Daily News. Retrieved May 15, 2019.
  6. ^ "Constitution and Bylaws". American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE). Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  7. ^ Ringas, Elizabeth (August 2020). "Coaster Con at Home: A Huge Success in Connecting ACEers While Apart". ACE News. XLII (6). Grand Prairie, Texas: American Coaster Enthusiasts: 15.
  8. ^ a b c d "ACE Coaster Classic Awards". American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE). Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  9. ^ Stojanovic, Barbara (May 29, 2019). "Linnanmäki: Helsinki's playground is open and waiting for visitors". Foreigner.fi. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  10. ^ "ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks". American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE). Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  11. ^ "A Blast From The Past - Magnum XL200 At Cedar Point". News+Notes. October 29, 2009. Retrieved May 15, 2019.
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