NEAAPA’s 112th Anniversary Summer Meeting and Golf Tournament a success in Southern Maine; breaking records

NEAAPA’s 112th Anniversary Summer Meeting and Golf Tournament, held over two days on July 28 and 29, was a phenomenal success across all measures: most summer meeting attendees ever, largest number of golf tournament players ever, and largest Pinnacle Scholarship fundraiser ever. Hosted by Palace Playland Amusement Park in Old Orchard Beach, which opened in 1902, and Funtown Splashtown USA in Saco, which opened in 1967, over 140 attendees gathered at the parks, with 37 golfers participating in the scramble-style tournament at the Dunegrass Golf Club in Old Orchard Beach. 

“FORE!”

The event kicked off at the Dunegrass Golf Club with 37 golfers, driving and putting their way through 18 holes, raising funds for NEAAPA’s Pinnacle Scholarship Program, which is awarded to an employee whose post-secondary education is leading them to a career in the attractions industry. 

“This year’s event brought in more than double the number of golfers and we tripled our donation to the scholarship fund compared to last year,” said Pete Barto, Golf Tournament coordinator. “We had people playing that have never swung a club in their life. With this tournament, it’s about having fun and connecting with other NEAAPA members.”

Teams were greeted on the 7th green by Funtown Splashtown USA’s Dragons that turned out to be the secret “Celebrity” golfers. Teams picked their dragon to drive the ball down the fairway. “The Dragons were a hit with everyone, including other golfers at Dunegrass who were stopping to get photos,” said NEAAPA Executive Director Ed Hodgdon. 

Capturing the brand new NEAAPA Golf Tournament trophy was the team “The Original Kimballs Live!”, with Greg Anzaldi of Original Pizza of Boston, Bradley Kimball and John Grove from Kimball Farm, and Ryan Cummings from Sodexo Live! The new trophy was donated by Tom Rebbie, President/CEO of Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc., which was designed and built by Brad Little, Paint and Graphics Department Supervisor at PTCI. Clocking in at 43 pounds (68 in its case), the trophy will spend time at each of the member’s offices before next year’s Golf Tournament. 

Golf Tournament coordinator Pete Barto was unable to attend this year’s tournament, so a four-tall foam board cutout of Pete, named Mini Pete, was awarded to the second-place team of Mikayla Arnold of Ralph S. Alberts Co., Inc., Robbie Eicher and Ian Tordi-Devine of RWS Global, Michael Coleman of Zamperla, and Pat Finnegan of Whitewater. Mini Pete will be at RWS Global Headquarters in Long Island City, New York. 

Over $3,000 was raised during the tournament, which will help to expand the program and fund future scholarships.

LET’S GO TO THE BEACH

Following the Golf Tournament, attendees started arriving at Palace Playland Amusement Park in Old Orchard Beach. Located right on the beach, members took in the many rides and other attractions at the park including the brand new ride, Wind Surfer. Members caught up with Joel Golder, owner of Palace Playland, as well as Park President Paul Golder, and Meagan Achenbach, Vice President. 

Another new feature for this park is their all-day wristbands are now digital with a RFID chip behind the logo on the wristband, allowing guests to “tap” onto a ride. “We have been able to eliminate paper tickets from our operation, making the entire park a fully-digital experience for our guests,” said Achenbach. 

As the sun set on a hot July day, attendees saw the park come to life with the amazing LED light packages that are installed on each ride. 

TWO PARKS ON TUESDAY

On Tuesday, Funtown Splashtown USA opened its gates to the Summer Meeting attendees. Park President Violet Cormier was at the Main Entrance greeting people. At nearly 90 years old, she still gets out to the park almost every day. 

Following a delicious lunch prepared by the park’s food & beverage concessionnaire, Sodexo Live!, General Manager Cory Hutchinson welcomed everyone to Funtown Splashtown USA. Maintenance Manager Cory Cormier and Sally Dark Rides’ Vice President of Creative Design Drew Hunter led a tour through the park’s newest ride, the Whispering Pines Haunted Hotel. Before stepping into a ride vehicle, Hunter and Cormier talked about the design process, pointing out Easter eggs referencing the park’s history, and the horror movie genre. Attendees then jumped on the ride, eradicating the evil powers of Lilith the witch. Cormier and Hunter continued the tour, walking from room to room, showing the magic of the ride. 

Cory Cormier also did tours of the new ride system on the park’s Maurer-Sohne Wild Mouse and the track work and reprofiling done on the Excalibur coaster by Gravity Group. Original Pizza of Boston did a “pizza cutting” with guests learning more about their products. The park also held friendly competitions at their Speedpitch game, Skee-Ball, and 3-Point Challenge game.

A Board of Directors meeting was held and updates were provided on state legislation sponsored by NEAAPA, new Association members, upcoming industry and association events, and an update on federal legislation for Zach Stokes of IAAPA. Before adjourning, it was announced that next year’s Summer Meeting would be held at Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, Massachusetts, scheduled for July 27 & 28, 2026.

The day was capped off with a cocktail reception and an amazing dinner of grilled lobster tail and ribeye steak, again prepared by Sodexo Live! Attendees also took home great souvenirs from the parks and event sponsors. 

Following the two-day event, attendees were able to show their badge at Aquaboggan Water Park in Saco for an added day of fun. 

Gold Sponsors of the Summer Meeting and Golf Tournament were Sally Dark Rides and VLocker North America. Golf Tournament Silver Sponsors were Dippin’ Dots, Haas & Wilkerson Insurance, Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating, and Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. Summer Meeting Silver Sponsors were Baynum Solutions, Premier Rides, Rhode Island Novelty, Weston & Sampson, and Zamperla. Gift Bag Sponsors were Great Coasters International, Funtown Splashtown USA, and Palace Playland. Name Badges were sponsored by Carousel Family Fun Center. Beverages were donated to the event by Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast and National Distributors.