-------------------------------------- 2014 --------------------------------------

Spring Fling
(Six Flags Over
Georgia)

February 15, 2014
The annual ACE Southeast off-season event brought not only the usual presentations from our regional parks and a great meal from the Varsity’s food truck, but also a few other parks around the country!

-------------------------------------- 2013 --------------------------------------

Smoky Mountain
Coasterfest
(Dollywood)

November 23, 2013
We started off the morning by visiting the most mysterious mine around followed by its winged guardian on the hill. And then at night, we went back to the most sought after 1-2 punch combo in the region; Thunderhead and more Wild Eagle - both in complete darkness (after a full day of running no less!)

SCarolina Coaster
Classic (Carowinds)

September 21, 2013
The Zombies were in Charlotte at Carowinds, and were safely under control for up close and personal viewing!

May 4
There was a full slate of activities to satisfy everyone this year including ERT, a delicious lunch, free drink coupons, a behind the scenes photo walk back tour and a night reception complete with hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, soda and those delicious fried pies!

February 9
We kicked off 2013 in style! Winter Warm Up brought presentations from Carowinds, Dollywood, Lake Winnie, Six Flags Over Georgia and Wild Adventures together in one location for an all day event full of park presentations, give aways, “swag bags” and that classic “What’ll Ya Have” burger from the Varsity.

-------------------------------------- 2012 --------------------------------------

November 17
ACE Southeast closed out the coaster season surrounded by the sights and the sounds of the holidays. We went a bit wild with our 7th annual Smoky Mountain Coasterfest. Activities included breakfast at LumberJack’s and ERT on Mystery Mine, followed by ride time on Wild Eagle with season passholders. Plus, the usual favorites like the Coasterfest Scavenger Hunt and the hot cocoa reception were included.

June 23
ACE Southeast & Six Flags Over Georgia hosted the regional after party to end all after parties on Saturday, June 23. With the festivities starting late in the afternoon, Coaster Con attendees had plenty of time to make their way from the Carolinas to the heart of Georgia for a memorable night. From an evening reception (with all the fixin's!) to the night time ERT on Gotham City's finest and their large, devilish friends just up the hill, this was one after party that you didn't want to miss!

June 16
ACE Southeast hosted a regional event to kick off Coaster Con XXXV in style! We started the festivities off at Lake Winnie where "The South's Favorite Family Amusement Park" opened its gates for another day full of fun for attendees. With morning ERT on Cannon Ball and Wild Lightnin' followed by a picnic lunch complete with ice cream sandwiches, this was the perfect place to get that good ole dose of Southern Hospitality.

June 16
It's the only ACE regional event that requires a signed waiver as the Southeast Region takes on the challenge of America's most popular whitewater rafting river, the Ocoee, home to the 1996 Olympics, with more than 200,000 rafters braving the rapids each year. The Middle Ocoee explodes into five miles of almost continuous whitewater, with over 20 Class III and IV rapids. From the Class IV Grumpy Rapid at the start, to the grand finale Hell's Hole, the Ocoee guarantees a memorable whitewater adventure.

Just like last year's event, this was a day packed full of things like ERT, a delicious picnic lunch, free drink coupons, a behind the scenes photo walk back tour and a night reception complete with hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine, soda and those delicious fried pies! We even threw in a Monster Mansion walk thru before the park opened to sweeten the deal.

-------------------------------------- 2011 --------------------------------------

Smoky Mountain
Coasterfest at
Dollywood
(Pigeon Forge, TN)

ACE Day at
Lake Winnie
(Rossville, GA)

May 28
ACE Southeast headed to "The South's Favorite Family Amusement Park," Lake Winnepesaukah for a full day of fun! We started the day off with ERT on Cannon Ball and Wild Lightnin' followed by lunch, a mini golf tournament and more! ACErs also got the chance to ride the only known working Eyerly Fly-O-Plane in the United States.

Spring Fling at
Six Flags Over
Georgia
(Atlanta, GA)

May 29
This year, Six Flags Over Georgia pulled out all the stops for a day full of surprises! Events included 3 1/2 hours of ERT, a continental breakfast AND a nighttime reception. Those who registered early received an invitation to the media day for Dare Devil Dive!

Thrills in the Hills
at Dollywood
(Pigeon Forge, TN)

--PARK EVENT--          

May 20-22
Exclusive Ride Times on Thunderhead, Mystery Mine and more! Other perks includded behind-the-scenes ride tour; a FREE t-shirt and pin for each registered participant. Events included lunch with Q&A session and an auction benefiting the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archive.

Running Wild at
Wild Adventures
(Valdosta, GA)

April 2
ACE Southeast and Wild Adventures raised the bar for the annual event, Running Wild. Events included ERT on two great coasters, a photo scavenger hunt complete with a trophy for the winning team, plus a .38 Special AND a Charlie Daniels concert (both free with admission), priority placement of attendees' personal chairs in the general seating area for both concerts, exclusive access to Splash Island Water Park with season pass holders, free parking, a meal voucher, bottomless soda wristbands, a pre concert reception with the general manager and an exclusive animal meet-n greet.

Winter Warm Up at
Six Flags Over
Georgia
(Atlanta, GA)

February 19
Winter Warm Up brought presentations from Alabama Adventure, Carowinds, Dollywood, Lake Winnie, Six Flags Over Georgia and Wild Adventures together in one location for an all day event full of park presentations, giveaways and goodie bags.

-------------------------------------- 2010 --------------------------------------

Carolina Coaster
Classic (C3) at
Carowinds
(Charlotte, NC)

Thrills in the Hills
at Dollywood
(Pigeon Forge, TN)

-- PARK EVENT --

May 21-23
ERT on Thunderhead, Mystery Mine, Tennessee Tornado, Blazing Fury, and Adventure Mountain. Free t-shirt for registered participants, Q&A lunch, and great optional add-ons.

Running Wild at
Wild Adventures
(Valdosta, GA)

Spring Fling at
Six Flags Over
Georgia
(Atlanta, GA)

March 27, 2010
136 ACE members and guests enjoyed sunny skies for 2010's Spring Fling at Six Flags Over Georgia on March 27. First up was a party at Monster Mansion, where ACErs were allowed for the day. Plus, a continental breakfast warmed things up as Goliath prepared to entertain. Lunch was another of the finest spreads in an amusement park, hosted by Park President Melinda Ashcraft. Outgoing Regional Representative Robert Ulrich, retiring after over a dozen years of service, said thank you to a host of volunteers from over the years, and Collin Westland drew tickets for an exclusive behind the scenes photo tour of many of the coasters and other attractions. A final get together, hosted by new Regional Rep Josh Harrington, provided an opportunity for all to thank Robert for his years of volunteering, along with a chance for auction items. All told the event raised over $350 for the ACE preservation and museum fund. Finally the park was ours to enjoy in the dark with rides on Batman The Ride, Mind Bender, Superman Ultimate Flight, Great American Scream Machine, and Goliath.  

-------------------------------------- 2009 --------------------------------------

Smoky Mountain
Coasterfest at
Dollywood
(Pigeon Forge, TN)

November 21, 2009
122 ACErs met at Dollywood for a traditional Smoky Mountain Coasterfest sponsored by ACE's Southeast Region, and for the first time in the Southeast Region a majority of the attendees came from outside the Region. Starting the morning with ERT on Blazing Fury, a select group got a full backstage tour of the ride. It was clear and cold, but that didn't deter plans for enjoying the SkyZip attraction where members rode 5 zip lines over the construction for next year's Adventure Mountain. The Christmas spirit was everywhere, especially at the shows including Christmas in the Smokies. But the reason for this event was the opportunities for night rides. After announcing the winners of this year's edition of a scavenger hunt, riders were treated to total darkness on Tennessee Tornado and Thunderhead. Sadly, Mystery Mine was a no show as technical problems were the bad elves of the day, but the rides on the Tornado, probably the smoothest Arrow looping coaster ever built, more than made up for it.

Carolina Coaster
Classic (C3)
at Carowinds
(Charlotte, NC)

September 12, 2009
Stay tuned for a recap of this year's C3 event!

ACE Day at Lake
Winnepesaukah
(Rossville, GA)

August 30, 2009
Sunday, August 30, ACE returned to Lake Winnepesaukah for an ACE Day at the park. 44 members from all around the country came to enjoy this family-owned traditional amusement park outside Chattanooga, TN. First up was an hour ERT session on John Allen's Cannon Ball and the newer steel Wild Lightnin' mouse. After a quick photo on the mouse's queue, everyone went exploring the classic rides the park has to offer including the Fly-O-Plane, Boat Chute and Carousel.  Along the way most stopped in the historical exhibit for clues to solving a scavenger hunt provided at opening. After a picnic lunch it was time for more exploring, and then finding out who had answered all the questions accurately. Dennis Satterfield was proclaimed the winner, adding to his fame for winning this year's naming contest for the "Pappa Razzi" monster at Six Flags Over Georgia's Monster Mansion. It was a great Sunday in the park and the Region hopes to return again sooner rather than later.

Ocoee River
Rafting
(Ducktown, TN)

August 29, 2009
On Saturday, August 29,  ACE Southeast brought together 10 ACErs from Texas to Philadelphia, along with members from the Southeast, to meet head on the challenge of rafting the white water of the Ocoee River in Tennessee. Taking out in 2 different rafts the members tackled rapids with names like Double Trouble, Table Saw and Hell Hole. A portion of the rafting proceeds went to the Susan G. Komen "Raft for the Cure" Breast Cancer foundation. The next day all the rafters went to ACE Day at Lake Winnepesaukah retold their story of their exciting ride that ended with rain and finally a rainbow in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Spring Fling at
Six Flags Over
Georgia
(Atlanta, GA)

Saturday, March 28, 2009
On March 28, 2009, ACE Southeast hosted 138 members and guests for the annual Spring Fling at Six Flags Over Georgia. Sadly, while spirits were hopeful, the Spring rains came and didn't leave. Morning ERT was cancelled, and with only 300 people in the park when the sky cleared for periods in the afternoon it was all the attendees could do to ride Goliath, Great American Scream Machine, Ninja and Superman-Ultimate Flight before the showers returned. Through the entire afternoon of hit and miss rain mini-marathons were held, but at the end of the day the showers came in and didn't let up. But a fantastic lunch was had by all with an understanding that while the Region can put together a great event they can't do a thing about the weather. An a parting gift of a Monster Mansion mug reminded all that there is always next year!

-------------------------------------- 2008 --------------------------------------

Smoky Mountain
Coasterfest at
Dollywood
(Pigeon Forge, TN)

Extreme Makeover -
Monster Edition at
Six Flags Over
Georgia
(Atlanta, GA)

Saturday, November 2
71 members and guests RSVP'd for their chance to enjoy a last ride on Six Flag Over Georgia's "Monster Plantation" before it closed forever to be completely redone into the all-new "Monster Mansion" in 2009.  A trivia game was played, prizes were awarded, the original opening film was shown, and Monster Mansion t-shirts were sold with proceeds going to the "Six Flags Friends" children's charity. The last public ride was also auctioned off, giving another $127 from ACE to the Six Flags charity. Finally, everyone was escorted to the ride for a first ride with the lights on, and then a final encore ride the way the ride was meant to be experience, with a number of Six Flags officials on the last boats - including VP & General Manager Melinda Ashcraft who enjoyed the ride with the rest of the group. The monster picnic is closed for now, but in 2009 humans will once again be allowed - and we can't wait to see what the Extreme Makeover MONSTER Edition has in store!

Carolina Coaster
Classic (C3)
at Carowinds
(Charlotte, NC)

Saturday, September 20
This year's C3 contained a special surprise for everybody; admission included a wristband for unlimited soft drink refills and ERT included both wood and steel, plus our first ever exclusive flight time on the one and only Afterburn coaster and a race on Thunder Road between the Carolinas.

ACE Day
at Hard Rock Park
(Myrtle Beach, SC)

Saturday, June 21
180 members and guests rocked out at Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach, SC on June 21. ERT was cut short by rain on Led Zeppelin-The Ride and Eagles: Life in the Fast Lane, but the weather cleared for rides on Maximum RPM, Shake Rattle & Rollercoaster, and Slippery When Wet. Lunch and a Q&A after the Country on the Rocks ice show were enjoyable and informative, but the exclusive reception in the private Peavey Lounge for the Bohemian Rhapsody fireworks spectacular was a memorable way to end the night.

Coaster Con XXXI
begins at Six Flags Over
Georgia
(Atlanta, GA)

Sunday, June 15 - Friday, June 20
It was a coaster-lover's paradise in Georgia! A spectacular collection of coasters at the host parks this year, from some of the best in the business, including Arrow, B&M, Vekoma, and Schwarzkopf. It was all fun in the Georgia sun as ACE visited Six Flags Over Georgia and Wild Adventures!

Rip Roarin' Rampage
at Alabama Adventure
(Bessemer, AL)

Saturday, June 14
101 members and guests enjoyed the eve of Coaster Con XXXI, June 14, 2008, at Alabama Adventures in Bessemer with over three hours of ERT on the wood coaster Rampage during Rip Roarin' Rampage. Dinner included drawings for not only traditional souvenirs, but once again the graveyard was robbed for train parts including 2 coaster car side panels. The rain came in and cleared out the park in the late afternoon so for hours it was only the enthusiasts and the enthusiastic ride operators left in the dark, but no one seemed to mind.

Thrills in the Hills
at Dollywood
(Pigeon Forge, TN)

-- PARK EVENT --

June 6-8
This first-time Dollywood-sponsored event took place June 6, 7 and 8 and offered coaster experiences you won't find anywhere else. Participants got exclusive ride time on Thunderhead, Dollywood's Great Coasters International wooden wonder, named No. 1 in the world in 2005 and 2006.

Spring Fling
at Six Flags Over Georgia
(Atlanta, GA)

March 29
151 registered guests from New Jersey to Canada to California enjoyed a full morning ERT schedule and a rain shortened ERT at night on Batman-The Ride, Georgia Scorcher and the Georgia Cyclone which was giving its best rides in years with the rain soaked track.

-------------------------------------- 2007 --------------------------------------

Coasterfest
at Dollywood
(Pigeon Forge, TN)

November 17
We closed out the year with a Smoky Mountain Coasterfest at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge California. 185 members and guests enjoyed ERT in the morning on Blazing Fury (lights on, too), and night time ERT on both Mystery Mine (a blast in the dark) and Thunderhead.

ACE Day
at Family Kingdom
(Myrtle Beach, SC)

September 9
We found as many ride operators as riders for the final hour of the day on the Swamp Fox.

Back Stage Preview
at Hard Rock Park
(Myrtle Beach, SC)

September 9
Back Stage Preview at the Hard Rock Park included a talk by the VP operations, plenty of photo opportunities, and lots of fun.

Carolina Coaster
Classic (C3)
at Carowinds
(Charlotte, NC)

September 8
Carolina Coaster Classic at Carowinds in Charlotte, NC, found 87 ACE members and guests enjoying coasters under the Carolina blue sky. Along with games and prizes ERT was enjoyed by all.

Rafting
Chattooga River

July 21
Rafting the Chattooga River was the challenge that only three (3!) ACE members felt the need to explore, but challenge and conquer Section IV of the Chattooga River they did.

• View Gallery »

Rip Roarin'
Rampage
at Alabama Adventure
(Bessemer, AL)

June 2
Rip Roarin Rampage returned to Alabama Adventure with 32 ACE members and guests After a day under unusually rainy skies for 2007, the group enjoyed a random drawing for a bunch of Visionland signs and souvenirs, along with miscellaneous items used on the star of the show, Rampage. Finally, the night climaxed with non-stop coaster riding up until midnight when the last to leave were locked inside the park! Security came or else we'd still be there riding one of the best wood coasters in the southeast.

Mystery Mine Event
at Dollywood
(Pigeon Forge, TN)

April 28
The Mystery Was Revealed to 111 ACE members and guests at Dollywood. A special event to celebrate and enjoy the park's opening of Mystery Mine, after a day in a very full park one hour of ERT was enjoyed on the mine in the dark under the moon.

Spring Fling
at Six Flags Over Georgia
(Atlanta, GA)

March 24
211 ACE members and guests from 22 states kicked off their coaster season at our Spring Fling at Six Flags Over Georgia. With over 4 hours of ERT that included almost every coaster, a great lunch, an auction and lottery to benefit the National Roller Coaster Museum Fund, and a souvenir t-shirt, the event had more to enjoy than unseasonably warm 80 degree temperatures. Pictured below the group prepares for a ride on the 40-year old Dahlonega Mine Train, the original coaster at the park.

Reunion & Tour
at Discovery Place
(Charlotte, NC)

February 18
A dozen ACE Southeast members reunited with Natividad Lewis, formerly a member of the Carowind's Public Relations staff, at her new home, Discovery Place, in Charlotte, NC. After a tour that included the new Candy Unwrapped exhibit it was time for lunch and reconnecting during the off-season.

-------------------------------------- 2006 --------------------------------------

Coasterfest
at Dollywood
(Pigeon Forge, TN)

November 18
100 ACE members and guests trekked to Dollywood for our 2nd annual Coasterfest held in conjunction with the park's "Christmas in the Smokies" celebration. During the day attendees enjoyed a scavenger hunt, shows and rides. As the evening wore on (and the temperatures dropped) hot chocolate warmed up everyone for an hour ERT in the dark on Thunderhead. Winners of the hunt walked away with Season Passes and Media Preview Invitations for Mystery Mine, opening next year on Friday, April 13. Pictured below are just a few of the people who came from all over the country for the last ACE Southeast Regional event of the year.

Season Passholder
Appreciation Day
at Six Flags Over Georgia
(Atlanta, GA)

November 3
Over 70 ACE members enjoyed a reception during Six Flags Over Georgia's Season Pass Holder Appreciation Day. Park representatives answered questions and provided door prizes, Tim Hollis signed his souvenir book on the first decades of the parks history, and plans for 2007's 40th Anniversary celebration were discussed, along with Spring Fling on March 24.

Carolina Coaster
Classic (C3)
at Carowinds
(Charlotte, NC)

September 16
Paramount's Carowinds once again welcomed the Southeast Region to the annual Carolina Coaster Classic. 94 members from all around the country came to enjoy ERT on the Ricochet, Vortex and Carolina Cyclone coasters, and the event once again pushed the boundaries of fun with a Carowinds/Coaster Match Game and Family Feud session during the middle of the day which ended celebrating the 30-year old Thunder Road and the relatively new .Top Gun - The Jet Coaster

Rafting
Ocoee River
(Cleveland, TN)

September 9
ACE Southeast members took to their oars and rafted down the Ocoee River (Cleveland, TN) for another fantastic roller coaster ride of a trip. Click here for all the photos, and we're already planning on taking on another river, the Chattoga near Clayton, GA, on July 21, 2007. And if you don't know the name of the river, you probably know the movie it starred in (can you hear the banjos?) Deliverance.

• View Gallery »

Rip Roarin'
Rampage
at Alabama Adventure
(Bessemer, AL)

June 3
This day marked the first ACE Southeast event at Alabama Adventure (formerly Visionland) when 43 attendees returned for Rip Roarin' Rampage and enjoyed lights-out ride on one of the top wood coasters in the country, Rampage. Park management came out to provide some extra special things like brake fins from the train (3!) and wheels from Rampage and Zoomerang which were stored away in preparation for the 2008 Convention. Finally, before ERT, a dozen lucky winners got a backstage tour including the extinct dinosaur exhibit (you had to be there!).

Spring Fling
at Six Flags Over Georgia
(Atlanta, GA)

April 22
It was a gigantic celebration at Six Flags Over Georgia with 320 registered members and guests for our 4th annual Spring Fling. In the morning, rains kept Goliath down, but Superman-Ultimate Flight and Great American Scream Machine were ready to enjoy along with Shake Rattle & Roll. Due to the rain, attendees were admitted into Goliath's station prior to opening to the public. In lieu of a formal group portrait, a shot of the station crowd waiting out the storms is substituted below. After lunch, and raising over $2,000 for the National Roller Coaster Museum fund, an exclusive show was held prior to the night time ERT. Gotham City (including the Justice League) were on hand first, then the Georgia Cyclone, Acrophobia, and (of course) Goliath, where the giant coaster was available for a full 90 minutes of night time ride time.

-------------------------------------- 2005 --------------------------------------

Coasterfest
at Dollywood
(Pigeon Forge, TN)

November 19
There was a Coasterfest at Dollywood when 90 ACE members and guests enjoyed the holiday sights and sounds of the park along with an hour of night rides on Thunderhead! Just a portion of the attendees came out for the photo, the rest were trying to get some night rides in just in case the temperatures decided to drop below 40 degrees (when the coasters stop running).

Season Passholder
Appreciation Day
at Six Flags Over Georgia
(Atlanta, GA)

November 6
It was Six Flags Over Georgia's Season Passholder Appreciation Day and we enjoyed a Fall Finale reception with over 70 other ACE members and friends. A new film on the Great Gasp was shown, along with another on Six Flags Over Texas, prizes were awarded and the initial plans for Spring Fling 2006 were revealed. $200 was raised for ACE historical efforts with the auctioning of a parachute from the Great Gasp. At Spring Fling another parachute will be auctioned, along with the rider information sign board from the ride (which was on display at the event).

National Geographic
Filming Event
at Dollywood
(Pigeon Forge, TN)

September 20
The National Geographic Cable Channel came to Dollywood to film for an upcoming 2-hour special. Over two dozen ACE members joined designer Mike Boodley and Dollywood employees to enjoy some exclusive September rides during the afternoon on Thunderhead.
(Photo by Robert Nagy)

Goliath Event
at Six Flags Over Georgia
(Atlanta, GA)

September 1
We had 25 members attend Six Flags Over Georgia's announcement of Goliath.

Carolina Coaster
Classic (C3)
at Carowinds
(Charlotte, NC)

August 19
Over 120 members and guests from 17 states came to the Carolina Coaster Classic at Parmount's Carowinds. Below are most of the attendees stradling the North Carolina / South Carolina border.

And while suffering the swealtering Carolina heat wave 14 teams took on The Amazing rACE where they had to submit to challenges and explore the entire park. The four final teams are picture below at the end of this wonderful event along with Scott and Kathleen from the park's outstanding public relations staff. Congratulations to all who participated.

Coaster Con XXVII
at Six Flags Great America,
Little A-Merrik-A and
Mt. Olympus

June 19 - 24
A group of 16 members of the Southeast Region enjoyed Coaster Con XXVII at Six Flags Great America, Little A-Merrik-A and Mt. Olympus Theme Parks. Not only were there great coasters to ride, but members John MacGreggor came home with both the 2nd and 3rd place member's choice video awards, along with both the independent judges and member's award for our regional newsletter, "The Southern Scream. "

Rip Roarin'
Rampage
at Visionland
(Bessemer, AL)

June 4
64 members and guests enjoyed 3 hours of the best wood ERT in the Southeast during our Rip Roarin' Rampage event at Visionland. Pictured below is a part of the group at the new Zoomerang roller coaster.

River Raft Run
Ocoee River
(Cleveland, TN)

May 14
On our first ever River Raft Run down the Ocoee River 21 brave members took on the challenge of white water rafting excitement. Coordinated with the ACE Spring Conference we enjoyed waking up with some great white water rafting fun.

• View Gallery »

Spring Fling
at Six Flags Over Georgia
(Atlanta, GA)

March 26
143 members and guests met at Six Flags Over Georgia for our annual Spring Fling event. While some rides and the weather didn't totally cooperate, we enjoyed 15 hours of ride time (including over 3 hours of ERT), a Mexican lunch, an exclusive show, door prizes and more.

Construction Tour
at Carowinds
(Charlotte, NC)

February 26
23 members enjoyed an off-season construction tour on the new Nickelodeon and other improvements at Paramount's Carowinds courtesy of the wonderful Public Relations department. Highlights included seeinsg the relocated Flyers, the new brick paving, the new Happy Days Diner and plenty of other changes that should be ready when the park opens in March.

So. . .Coaster!
at North Cobb
Visitor Center
(Marietta, GA)

February 19
18 members and guests enjoyed a day of video watching and sharing coaster memories during the first So ... Coaster! event at the North Cobb Visitor Center in Marietta, Georgia, Thanks to our special guests from Paramount's Carowinds and Six Flags Over Georgia, everyone went home with a prize or two in addition to the wonderful memories that were shared and the friendships that were renewed.

Running Wild
at Wild Adventures
(Valdosta, GA)

January 16
20 members and guests were Running Wild at Wild Adventures with ERT-like conditions during the sunny Winter day, while we were sad the numbers were down (primarily due to Cheetah's maintenance) we had a good time all around.