Silver Dollar City to Host 'Adrenaline Junkies'
At National Convention of Roller Coaster Riders
Released: Branson, Mo. (6/09)
Hosting a national convention that's been brewing in the theme park world for five years, Silver Dollar City is busily preparing to welcome hundreds of devoted, card-carrying roller coaster fans - The American Coaster Enthusiasts, known as ACE. Traveling from all over the country, 350 self-described "adrenaline junkies" will descend on the tourism town of Branson June 21 to celebrate 3 days of all-out coaster craziness at Silver Dollar City.
This is the 32nd annual convention, called Coaster Con XXXII. Founded in 1978, ACE is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, appreciation, and safe enjoyment of roller coasters. With more than 7,000 members in 50 states and 12 countries, ACE is the largest amusement park enthusiasts' organization in the world - with their blogs, votes and influence highly prized.
The biggest draw for the "ACE-ers" is referred to as E-R-T, or "Extended Ride Time". During these "E-R-T Sessions" early morning and late evening, the park will be closed to the general public, allowing the participants ride after ride on Silver Dollar City coasters. Those ride include the explosive launch coaster PowderKeg with its 0 - 53 mph compressed air blast, the multi-looping steel coaster WildFire, the fast and smooth Thunderation, and the dark coaster Fire in the Hole.
Adding these to their "coaster count" is part of the fun - some ACE members have ridden over 600 coasters around the world, and many travel to places like Central America and the Far East to find that next thrill ride.
"Apart from enjoying all the shows, attractions and hospitality that this unique gem of a park has to offer, we're eager to get high doses of floating 'airtime' sensations, thrilling inversions and exciting bursts of speed," says ACE President Mark Cole.
Silver Dollar City is open daily during the summer, currently featuring KidsFest along with 30 rides and attractions. For information, contact 800-831-4FUN or www.silverdollarcity.com. More information on the national convention and the group can be found at wwwamericancoasterenthusiasts.org.