NEAAPA – The Northeast’s Entertainment Association
ROGER WILLIAMS PARK ZOO ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Rhode Island Zoological Society Board of Trustees is pleased to announce Stacey Johnson as the new Executive Director of the Roger Williams Park Zoo, following a national search. “Stacey brings experience, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the Zoo. He exemplifies all the qualities we were looking for; he is the right person to lead this institution into an exciting future as we begin our 150th anniversary in 2022,” said Patrick LeBeau, Chairman of the Zoo’s Board of Trustees. Johnson began
WhiteWater’s IAAPA Expo Update: Regional Expansion, Synergetic Brands, and Major Projects
Highlights from WhiteWater’s 40-year anniversary and plans for the future WhiteWater had plenty to update everyone with at the IAAPA Expo 2021 in Orlando, Florida. The world has not stood still during the last 20 months, and WhiteWater outlined developments it has been making to its business, team, and products during that time. Projects have continued, and some notable openings this year and next were highlighted. Making Magic at 40 with Regional Investments and Sustainable Goals The WhiteWater booth
Holiday Lights Back and Better Than Ever at Lake Compounce: New Shows, New Lights, More Nights, and
New live entertainment, Connecticut’s tallest Christmas tree and loaded events lineup herald happy holiday season at America’s Oldest Amusement Park The holidays will be happier than ever before at Lake Compounce. The beloved Bristol attraction brings back its Holiday Lights event starting Friday, November 26 at 5:00 p.m. after a one-year hiatus. The fun begins even before the gates open with one of Lake Compounce’s all-new shows adding serious sparkle to Holiday Lights. Rockin’ Around the Christmas
GERSTLAUER TO BUILD THE FIRST INFINITY SHUTTLE ROLLER COASTER IN THE UNITED STATES
Palindrome at Cotaland in Austin, Texas to feature forward & backwards travel and one-of-a-kind elements. Ride Entertainment, the Gold Standard in the attractions industry for safety, sales and support, is excited to announce Palindrome, a one-of-a-kind Gerstlauer Infinity roller coaster for Cotaland in Austin, Texas. The ride is expected to debut in late 2022. Named after a word, phrase or sequence that reads the same backwards as forward, Palindrome will feature a 95-foot vertical lift hill, 51 m.p.h.
ROLLER COASTER RIDES ARE JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED
Significant physical and mental health benefits found from thrilling hobby Taking a ride on a roller coaster could reduce your levels of anxiety and increase your feelings of happiness and self-confidence, according to Dr. David Lewis following his study at Thorpe Park in England. Of course, members of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) have known about these positive side effects for years. To embrace and highlight these health benefits, ACE is launching a focus on two new initiatives: Connected by
WhiteWater Receives Brass Ring Award for Parallel Pursuit
The world’s leading manufacturer for water attractions is recognized for its product innovation with the new dueling competition slide. At this year’s International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo in Orlando, Florida, WhiteWater was honoured with a Brass Ring Award for its racing slide, Parallel Pursuit, in the category of Best New Product—Water Park Ride/Attraction. With the Brass Rings “awarding the innovation and unwavering spirit of our industry,” Parallel Pursuit is
Amusement Today to offer limited print editions, subscriptions
Amusement Today Publisher Gary Slade has announced that beginning with the January 2022 issue, the trade publication will resume printed editions, but in limited quantity. AT paid subscribers that were still owed mailed editions, after printing was suspended in April 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, will once again be mailed issues. One change to the printed copy will be the size, as the issue will now appear in a 9 by 12 inch format — slightly larger than a typical magazine size. All paid subscriptions
Sally Dark Rides Unveils Plans for Immersive Attraction at New Lost Island Theme Park
Dark Ride “Volkanu” Offers First Look at the New Park’s Mythical Island Storytelling Sally Dark Rides, a leading creator of family ride experiences around the globe, unveils plans for “VOLKANU -- Quest for the Golden Idol,” one of the first major attractions to debut at the new Lost Island Theme Park, currently under construction in Waterloo, Iowa. The dark ride will be housed inside the park’s large, iconic Volcano structure, just west of the park entrance. Volkanu is the park’s anchor attraction,
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RWS Entertainment Group Acquires International Attraction Design Firm, JRA, Creating The World’s Exclusive, Full-Service Provider of Award-Winning Guest Experiences and Attractions
With the acquisition of JRA, RWS Entertainment Group now delivers a complete array of design, production, performance and operation services to theme parks, attractions, cruise ships, zoos, aquariums, museums, theater venues, casinos, hotels and resorts, botanical gardens, visitor centers, port of call destinations, retail, real estate, municipalities, airports and corporate branded experiences Top creative attraction and design firms approach acquisition from a position of expansive growth, with
Sally Dark Rides and Daniels Wood Land Team Up On A New Pirate-Themed Interactive Dark Ride
Monterey Bay makes way for new “Treasure Hunt” dark ride Sally Dark Rides, a leading creator of family ride experiences, and the themed fabrication experts at Daniels Wood Land, announce partnership after unveiling first look at new dark ride “Treasure Hunt: The Ride”, located on historic Cannery Row in Monterey Bay, California. The pirate-themed dark ride is taking adventurous storytelling to a new level. Hand-crafted set pieces, animatronics and special effects will blend seamlessly with
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DIPPIN’ DOTS ANNOUNCES SUCCESSION PLAN FOR ICE CREAM BRAND’S EXECUTIVE TEAM
Dippin' Dots, the nation’s leading flash-frozen beaded ice cream brand, has recently announced a succession plan that includes several key executive promotions within the organization, as well as the upcoming retirement of two company leaders. Stan Jones, who currently serves as Chief Development Officer, will retire at the end of the year. Jones has been with Dippin’ Dots for 27 years and in that time has held a variety of roles within operations, development and international expansion of the brand. Also
Extreme Engineering To Debut Four New Attractions At IAAPA Expo
Extreme Engineering is excited to debut four new attractions at this year’s IAAPA Expo trade show in Orlando Florida during November 16th through the 19th. Almost 2 years since the pandemic started, IAAPA Expo is back in person, representing suppliers across the globe. Extreme Engineering will be at booth number 4800, the very first booth as you head down the escalator. From 3 new exciting suspended family coasters, a new adventure Parkour ride to all-new project locations, Extreme Engineering will have
It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year! Holiday Lights Makes Grand Return to Lake Compounce
Enjoy hundreds of thousands of dazzling lights & Connecticut’s Tallest Christmas Tree at America’s Oldest Amusement Park beginning November 26 Break out the hot chocolate: the holiday season has officially returned to Lake Compounce! The park is gearing up for its largest Holiday Lights celebration to date in honor of its 175th birthday. Lake Compounce’s Holiday Lights launches on Friday, November 26 at 5:00 p.m. when Connecticut’s Tallest Christmas Tree is relit for the first time since 2019. Lake
