American Coaster Enthusiasts

History

American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) was founded in 1978 by Roy Brashears, Paul Greenwald, and Richard Munch, who met at a roller-coaster-riding marathon event in 1977 on Rebel Yell at Kings Dominion amusement park. The event was held in promotion of the movie Rollercoaster released the same year, which featured Rebel Yell in one if its scenes. At the time, it was commonplace for thrill-seekers and prospective Guinness World Record aspirants to participate in riding marathons. Three of the participants at this particular event – Brashears, Greenwald, and Munch – 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. The club held its first event, Coaster Con I, the following year in 1978 at Busch Gardens Williamsburg amusement park. The group officially became an organization at the event, which has been held annually ever since.

Purpose and membership

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. One of their Executive Committee positions is the Regional Rep Director, who oversees a system of ACE regions, Regional Representatives, and Assistant Regional Representatives. These regions and their representatives often sponsor events at amusement parks, produce regional newsletters, and keep members within the region up to date via email and regional web sites.

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 including the quarterly magazine RollerCoaster! and bi-monthly newsletter ACE News. Other goals include promoting the conservation, appreciation, and enjoyment of roller coasters and their place in history as architectural and engineering landmarks.

ACE Regions

Membership dues

Events

At the national level, ACE typically sponsors several events each year including an annual Convention (usually in June, starting on Father's Day), two or three Conferences held at various times (often Spring Conference, Summer Conference, and Preservation Conference), and two winter non-riding events (No Coaster Con held near Chicago in mid-January and Eastcoaster held near Allentown, PA in early February). Occasionally, members of the organization are invited by amusement parks for an exclusive sneak peek at new roller coasters under construction.

Coaster Con

The annual convention, called Coaster Con, usually features two or three host parks, but sometimes focuses on just one and other times may feature as many as seven. It is the most complete and extensive event that exists for coaster enthusiasts on an annual basis. Not only are ACErs admitted to the host parks, but Exclusive Ride Time (ERT) is often granted on certain coasters before a park opens and/or after it closes. This is a time during which only registered attendees of Coaster Con may ride whichever roller coasters are offered. Coaster Con also generally includes a photo contest, video contest, Midway Olympics (where teams of participants play carnival games for "Olympic Medals"), ACE 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.

ACE supports riding roller coasters responsibly and following all posted ride rules, especially those regarding remaining seated at all times. To this end, ACE members must follow a code of conduct. Failure to do so may result in suspension or expulsion of the offending member from the club.

Coaster Classic

The 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:

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:

It has been noted, however, that most coasters usually have disqualifying racheting lap bars, seat dividers, and head rests to prevent people from trying to stand up during 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.

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.

The amusement park or theme park operating a coaster that is recognized as a Roller Coaster Landmark is presented a custom plaque. The plaque typically makes a statement about the award and provides information about the coaster and its opening.

Golden Age Coaster

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 received the Golden Age Coaster award in addition to the Roller Coaster Landmark award. Giant Dipper at Belmont Park (San Diego) also received the Golden Age Coaster award.

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 located at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania. The wooden coaster was relocated from Playland Park in San Antonio, Texas. Another 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 design, as was the case with The Legend at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana.