Knoebels celebrates Grand Carousel's 100th anniversary

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Vol. 17 • Issue 8.2 NOVEMBER 2013
Knoebels celebrates Grand Carousel’s 100th anniversary
STORY: Scott Rutherford to Riverside Park in Rahway,
[email protected] New Jersey.
ELYSBURG, Pa. — Knoe- Only two of Kremer’s car-
bels’ recently-opened Flying ousels remain in operation:
Turns is, understandably, Knoebels’ Grand Carousel
getting the lion’s share of at- and the Lakeside Park Carou-
tention this season. But one sel in St. Catharines, Ontario,
of the park’s oldest and most Canada.
beloved attractions — the
magnificent Grand Carousel A carousel moves
— also deserves recognition, to Pennsylvania
especially since it celebrated Realizing they needed to
its Centennial Anniversary in upgrade their ride offerings
2013. because of the park’s con-
This historically impor- tinuing rise in popularity, the
tant cornerstone of the Knoe- Knoebel family purchased the
bels operation has been a fa- carousel in 1941 from New Jer-
vorite of park guests since it sey’s Riverside Park where it
opened in 1944. It was a dif- had operated for many years.
ferent time back then, a time Legend has it that the ride was
when something as simple as so heavy that the front end
climbing aboard a gaily paint- of one of the transport truck
ed steed and racing around to lifted off the ground while at-
the piping melody of a band tempting to scale a highway
organ could easily raise one’s incline on the way to its new
spirits. It’s a tradition — as is home. The carousel was com-
the fact that one can still at- pletely assembled in late 1942
tempt to catch a brass ring for but sat idle with the rest of
a free ride — that transcends the park in 1943 as a result of Knoebels magnificent Grand
generations, yet its effect en- World War II. Knoebels finally Carousel is celebrating its
dures. Such is the magic of an reopened for the 1944 season 100th Anniversary in 2013.
antique carousel. with its beautiful new Grand It was originally assembled
Carousel as a main attraction. in 1912-13 in North Beach,
Creating a classic Over the years, the Grand Long Island by George Kre-
According to records, the Carousel has remained one mer, a German immigrant.
Grand Carousel was originally of the park’s most well-liked The four-row machine car-
assembled in 1912-13 in North rides but it is especially sig- ries 63 horses (27 jumpers
Beach, Long Island by George nificant to Dick Knoebel who and 36 standers) produced
Kremer, a German immigrant recalls how some of his earli- by prominent wood-carver
who was a glassblower before est memories are associated Charles Carmel. It also fea-
working in carousel produc- with the storied machine. tures three ornate chariots
tion. While the machine itself Family members recall when attributed to Charles Looff,
is considered to be an ear- Dick was very young he once and is one of few remaining
lier Charles I. D Looff model wandered off alone into the carousels to allow riders to
converted to accept jumpers, park. After a relentless search, still reach for the brass ring.
Kremer outfitted it with new he was eventually found COURTESY KNOEBELS
horses from prominent wood- asleep inside a chariot on the
carver Charles Carmel, a Rus- spinning Carousel. “I was just Bottle game at the same time
sian immigrant who carved a little tyke when Grandpa before I went to first grade. I
carousel figures in his Brook- brought in our Grand Carou- recall painting the horses with
lyn, N.Y. shop until his death sel to replace the little two- my mother and dad in the off-
in 1931. abreast menagerie machine season and we used any paint
This elegant four-row we had.” said Knoebel. “Later we had. I recall painting the
machine carries 63 horses we took that one on the road hooves blue. Today I realize
(27 jumpers and 36 standers) and played local carnivals. that was outlandish. Many
along with three chariots at- Ergo, I grew up with our Car- years ago, the fancy stenciling
tributed to Looff. After oper- ousel; one of my first jobs was on the sweeps was going to be
ating for a period of time in ring boy. I also sold tickets for painted under and my sister,
North Beach, it was relocated the Carousel and ran the Milk 4See CAROUSEL, page 5
2 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2013
NEWSTALK
OPINIONS CARTOON LETTERS AT CONTACTS
EDITORIAL: Gary Slade, [email protected] CARTOON: Bubba Flint
Tidbits
This second November issue marks
the last of our ongoing Continuing
Coverage — Superstorm Sandy series that
began December 2012 with news of the
massive storm that did such tremendous
damage to our amusement industry in
Slade both New Jersey and New York.
Our commitment to the post-Sandy
editorial coverage included, all or part of 34 total pages,
making this Amusement Today’s biggest news series in
our 17 years of publishing.
The editorial coverage would not have been possible
without the Jersey Shore knowledge of AT’s own Dean
Lamanna (see Editorial, page 3) and NJAA’s Executive
Director Kim Samarelli, who I am now proud to call my
newest industry friend. To both, I am in debt for their
contributions on many tight deadlines.
I also have to thank IAAPA, the many Jersey Shore
parks and piers who contributed photos, especially
Debbie Karu at Casino Pier for her countless photo
submissions. On the media level, I must also give a big
EDITORIAL: Andrew Mellor, [email protected]
Thank You to the editorial staff, photo editor and all the
Customer satisfaction is key
professional photographers at the Asbury Park Press in
Neptune, N.J., for their kindness in allowing Amusement
Customer satisfaction is Now I’m not about to preach to the con-
Today to reprint just a few of their outstanding photos
something all visitor attractions verted here. I know everyone in management will
taken in the field. We hope you, the AT reader, have strive to achieve, and it was fas- appreciate the importance of welcoming guests
enjoyed reading these Superstorm Sandy pages and the cinating to read a recent survey in the correct manner, engaging with them, smil-
coverage we tried to bring to you. Thanks again to all on the subject carried out in ing at them and having a quick chat to make
the U.K. by mystery shopping them feel welcome, valued and, where relevant
who contributed.
specialist Shopper Anonymous. (perhaps on a thrill ride) put them at ease as
•
The survey took place over they are secured in their seat. But the Shopper
There is a saying that “good things come to those Mellor
a six-week period and was one Anonymous survey revealed that in many cases,
who wait.” That is certainly true for the folks at of the most in-depth studies of when it comes to general staff who work in areas
Knoebels Amusement Resort as the seven year wait customer service standards across the U.K. attrac- such as ride operation and gift shops, suitable
was officially over on Oct. 4, when a sneak preview was tions sector ever undertaken. It involved mystery interaction with the customer is often lacking.
shops at large outdoor attractions, including I appreciate it’s an age old problem and one
held for invited guests to be the first riders on their
theme and amusement parks, indoor play cen- operators are constantly fighting to improve,
newest coaster, the Flying Turns.
tres, zoos and seaside piers and the findings but these guys — the frontline staff — are the
AT’s Scott Rutherford has followed this ride project revealed some interesting results and a range of people visitors interact with the most throughout
since it was first announced in 2006 and was on hand learning points applicable to all businesses. their day, so it’s simply imperative that they do so
at the park as one of the first riders. His complete story The areas covered by the survey included properly. Not looking at a guest when they ask a
visitors’ experiences in finding the venue, pay- question or not smiling at them when checking a
recap can be found on pages 30-32.
ment and entrance, gift shop, various activity safety restraint is a basic failing.
Congratulations to Dick Knoebel, the entire
experiences, play activity experience, café, seek- As I say, it’s difficult to ensure every member
Knoebels family and staff and all who contributed and
ing help, team observations and toilets, and one of staff acts as they should with guests, but the
for never giving up. At Knoebels, good things do come glaring aspect that came through were the num- Shopper Anonymous survey and the comments
to those who wait! ber of cases where staff failed to acknowledge a therein from its mystery shoppers certainly brings
—Gary Slade visitor properly or to engage with the visitor in home how vital this aspect of any operation is.
any way.
AMUSEMENT TODAY STAFF
Gary Slade, Founder Dean Lamanna Sammy Piccola
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Editorial Accounting / Circulation
[email protected] [email protected] [phone]
[email protected] Deliveries Member of:
Stacey Childress / Childress Media Pam Sherborne 2012 E. Randol Mill Rd., Suite 203 IAAPA, AIMS International, PAPA,
Web & Graphic Design Editorial Sue Nichols Arlington, Texas 76011 NEAAPA, NJAA, OABA, WWA, TTIA,
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[email protected] [email protected] Bubba Flint
Cartoonist Amusement Today is an independent newspaper, published monthly by Amusement Today Inc., P.O.
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Richard Munch, Joel Styer, Joe Verderosa, Janice Witherow, WHR Inc.
November 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 3
Setting aside fun as tough times test industry commitment, resolve
Other than laughter and shrieks of joy, it’s best to present industry news that isn’t about fun
COMMENTARY
unusual to witness a spontaneous expression of and games, but it was clear to both of us that in
emotion in our industry. But on Sept. 7, at Amuse- this tragedy there were lessons to be learned and
EDITORIAL: Dean Lamanna
ment Today’s annual Golden Tickets Awards human stories to be told, as well as hard-earned
[email protected]
presentation in Santa Cruz, Calif., the rapt inter- triumphs to be documented and celebrated.
national attendees watching AT publisher Gary In addition to Kim and Gary, I thank Will Mo-
Slade announce his co-choice for 2013 Person of rey, outgoing chair of the International Asso-
the Year experienced just such a moment. ciation of Amusement Parks and Attractions,
It was a cathartic outpouring that began with N.J., Kim confronted not only a shattered beach- for taking an early leadership role and following
Gary’s voice cracking onstage mid-name reading, front amusement zone which became universally through in the storm’s wake; all of the IAAPA staff
continued through his embrace of the honoree, emblematic of the disaster, but stepped to the who have made contributions to both AT’s cover-
and then rippled silently yet palpably across San- fore, first responder-style, to assist her entire age and the industry’s recovery; and the many
ta Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s historic Cocoanut community while she and her family coped with amusement operators — from the greater New
Grove Ballroom clear to the AT event staff table the loss of their own home. York City metro area, Coney Island and Keans-
in the back, where I was seated. As AT’s lead correspondent covering the burg, N.J., on down through Seaside Heights
The person accepting the award was Kim- storm’s toll and the industry’s slow recovery from and Atlantic City to The Wildwoods — who
berle Samarelli, executive director of the New it, I felt a special responsibility to my home state; I shared stories and photos with me even while
Jersey Amusement Association. In a business was born and raised a “boardwalk brat” and have reaching out and assisting each other. You in-
filled with smart, passionate people at every level family members who’ve run Jersey Shore amuse- spired this journalist to keep seeking the silver
of park administration, operations and support, ments for many years. Although I live in Southern lining in the lingering “clouds.”
Kim is that rare personality whose ground-level California now, I took Sandy’s assault on New Jer- Importantly, the challenges of Superstorm
sense of duty remains unflappable even as per- sey personally. Kim Samarelli, understanding the Sandy have brought a new degree of maturation
sonal pain coincides with enormous professional importance of communication in a time of crisis, to the amusement industry, to Amusement Today
challenges. became a tireless and invaluable long-distance and to those of us who — just a few fleeting de-
The past year has been filled with both. And collaborator in my reporting — and for that, I am cades ago — forged our connection to this busi-
those of us who’ve grown to know Kim in that grateful. ness as, well, joyfully shrieking enthusiasts.
time were primed to shed a few tears in Santa Gary Slade has been a longtime friend and As you’ll see on pages 72 and 73, much work
Cruz. colleague, and I commend him for making AT’s remains to be done in the Northeast and our
When Superstorm Sandy slammed the north- 12 months of dedicated, often front-page Sandy monitoring of it will continue. I encourage every-
eastern U.S. one year ago, it dealt a widespread coverage the publication’s longest-running com- one to keep lending a hand and words of support
blow to our industry the likes of which had never mitment to in-depth news reporting. We have to our industry friends who are still making their
been seen. At Ground Zero in Seaside Heights, grappled, even disagreed, at times over how way back. We’re all in this together.
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4 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2013
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY
2
MINUTE
•1907: The park men of the country got together for the first time to dis-
cuss and exchange ideas, to the benefit of all involved. The Park Men’s
Organization, an early group of park leaders, assembled in New York on DRILL
November 14, at the Imperial Hotel. Representatives from most of the
major parks from the Eastern portion of the country, gathered for a day of
meetings and discussions regarding the relatively new industry. In atten- STORY: Janice Witherow
dance were owners and managers from White City, Trenton, N.J.; Casino
Mark Moore, Uremet Corporation
Park, Toledo, Ohio; Idlewild Park,
Presented by
Richmond, Va.; Luna Park, Scran-
Mark Moore founded the
ton, Pa.; Kennywood Park, West
Uremet Corporation in 1992,
Mifflin, Pa.; Luna and Altro Parks
and in its early years the
in Albany, N.Y.; Electric and River
company primarily pro-
View Parks in Baltimore, Md.; La-
cessed urethane for a wide
goon Park, Ludlow, Ky.; Luna Park,
variety of applications in the
Scranton, Pa.; Noremberger Park,
aerospace, electronics, food
outside Boston, Mass.; Island Park,
processing, mining, oil, gas,
Easton, Pa.; Boyden Heights Park,
transportation and wastewa-
Providence, R.I.; Union Lake Park,
ter markets. Today, Uremet
Millville, N.J. and Golden City, Ca-
is the leading provider of
narsie (Brooklyn), N.Y.
www.RollerCoasterMuseum.org amusement wheels servic-
Discussions included securing
ing nearly 300 rides at 70
the best bands and vaudeville acts,
amusement parks and for 12
attractions, marketing, landscaping,
ride manufacturers. Moore’s
employment, transportation, managing large crowds, restrooms (particu-
focus is on research and
larly for women and children), first aid, the removal of bad elements and
technology development
possibly having a central bureau to contain all information for parks to
with a customized approach.
share. (Billboard Magazine would become a clearing house for this list). He lends his expertise as
After much discussion the name NAPA (National Amusement Park As- a Board Member of the
sociation) was created, and a committee to draft bylaws and a constitu- National Roller Coaster
tion was organized. An initiation fee of $50 and an annual dues of $25 was Museum and Archives, and Mark Moore, founder and president of Uremet, as seen at his
determined. NAPA lasted a few years and it wasn’t until early 1917 that when not working, Moore Uremet Corp. booth at the I.I.S.F. Gibtown show in Florida.
the National Outdoor Showmen’s Association (NOSA) was created (the enjoys his passion of aviation.
AT FILE
precursor to the present day IAAPA) in Chicago, Ill.
Title
•1907: The Traver Engineering Company was ordered to sell its con- President, Founder and The last time I went swimming was …
cession contracts for over 20 Circle Swings by the bankruptcy courts of Partner. This past summer. I live just a three-minute walk
New York in early November. A week later, Harry G. Traver explained to the beach. I am not really a water person even
the bankruptcy process in Billboard magazine claiming a difficult eco- Number of years with Uremet though I live in a very beach/surfing/scuba diving-
nomic climate during the recent recession. At a creditors meeting held Corporation centered community. But I do enjoy being on the
November 15, the assets of the division were sold to J. W. Ely of Richfield 22. beach after work and relaxing as the sun descends
Springs, New York, which included 19 Swings. into the ocean.
Best thing about the industry
•1921: Miller & Baker announced in late November that they would re- The people. All of our customers Moore Do you eat out or cook at home most often?
model the Mountain Ride at Forest Park Highlands, in St. Louis, for the and the guests of the parks. This is about a 50/50 deal. Traveling so much for
1922 season. Originally designed by John Miller in 1909, the estimated work rather precludes eating at home! However,
$15,000 repair would provide another eight seasons of service, according Favorite amusement park ride when I am at home I do like to cook a healthy meal.
to the company. Miller would later suggest that most coasters were built Well now … the ones that use wheels of course!
to last about 10 years. The park’s Racing Coaster had also been remod- Favorite drink in the morning
eled in 1921, adding two new drops. Miller said that the park gained If I wasn’t working in the amusement industry, I Coffee! A little bit of coffee and no one gets hurt.
40 percent more ridership on the updated coaster, creating additional would be …
profits. Working in aviation. Aviation has always been a Favorite fall activity
large passion of mine. Flying (it’s that aviation thing again) in the cool air.
•1924: In mid-November, Traver Engineering Company announced
plans to build several Bobs coasters, including the Detroit Bobs in Palace Biggest challenge facing our industry What part of the day do you feel most creative?
Gardens, Detroit, Michigan, the Cyclone at Revere Beach, outside Bos- Keeping up with the advancement in technology. I am a creative person; I would have to say the early
ton, and the Wildcat at Pontchartrain Beach Park, outside New Orleans, morning.
Louisiana. This was all after the company’s construction of the Bobs at The thing I like most about amusement park
Riverview Park, Chicago, Ill.. season is … Are you: a spontaneous soul or do you have to
The time I get to visit the parks and enjoy the good have everything mapped out?
times the guests are having. That would depend on who you ask. I would say I
•1956: The November 26 edition of the New York Times carried an article
am spontaneous; however, I have learned in busi-
about a new housing complex to be constructed on the site of the former
Favorite kind of sandwich ness this is not always a good feature, so I do like to
Luna Park, Brooklyn, N.Y., which had closed in 1946. Construction began
Tuna. have a detailed plan.
in early 1957 and would eventually provide middle income housing for the

growing city. Today it is a five-building residential cooperative complex,
My ideal day off is spent … My childhood ambition was to be …
housing about 6,000 in almost 1,600 apartments. One of the largest high
At the airport playing with airplanes. In electrical engineering and aviation.
rise apartment complexes in the state, it overlooks the Cyclone and the
new Luna Park built on the site of the former Astroland, opened in 2010.
Favorite holiday Steak or seafood?
—Compiled by Richard Munch, NRCMA historian
The December holiday season. I enjoy the change I prefer seafood.
of mode even today with the season being so com-
mercial. If I could have any celebrity as a neighbor, it
would be …
TM
P.O. Box 5427 5-time Award Winner If I was lost in the woods with nothing but an Jessi Combs (racing and speed enthusiast and ad-
Arlington, Texas 76005-5427 army knife, I could make a … venturer with her own TV show “All Girls Garage”).
[phone] A log cabin … although very slowly! But first and She actually lives up the coast a bit from me, and
Fax (817) 265-NEWS (6397) foremost would be a fire for warmth and to process we are working on a project together. She is setting
food. the female land speed record right now!
Find us on Facebook
facebook.com/amusementtoday I feel most comfortable when … Favorite childhood movie
The job is done. Honestly, I have no clue.
Follow us on Twitter My mother always told me … When it comes to college football, I cheer for …
twitter.com/amusementtoday “Neither a borrower nor a lender be.” The underdog every time!
If I could watch only one TV show, it would be …
Subscribe to our YouTube channel TV … no thank you!
G et a free QR Code scanner for your phone
youtube.com/amusementtoday
by visting www.mobiletag.com.
November 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 5
CAROUSEL
 The wait is over: Knoebels opens
Continued from page 1
Flying Turns | Pages 30–32
Leanna, made tracings of them
and we repainted the original
(Style 107) and was sold in “I was brought on in 2011
stencils prior to the Carousel’s
the U.S. by Bernie Organ Co. to start repairing and repaint-
100th Birthday.
of New York. It still plays ing the old canvases that
the folding cardboard music adorn the center mechanism,
Making carousel music available only in Europe. The and I cleaned the rounding
No authentic wooden car-
organ and all its music were board paintings,” continued
ousel is truly complete unless
extensively damaged during Wynn. “I had just graduated
it is equipped with an organ
the 1972 flood when it was in college and nobody want-
to provide traditional musi-
the center of the carousel. Both ed me so you might say the
cal accompaniment. Knoebels
the organ and music have whole restoration aspect of the
feels strongly about this and
since been restored. carousel was to give me some-
has provided its machine with The third organ is cur- thing to do. ‛See a need, fill a Above, the Grand Carousel’s largest organ was manufac-
not one but a full trio of classic rently located in the center of need.’ After the flood I painted tured in 1888 by Frati and Co., Berlin, Germany. Below, over
organs. the carousel. It is a Wilhelm the new stencil patterns on the the last three years the Grand Carousel has been undergoing
The Grand Carousel’s Bruder organ (Model 79) and woodwork. These were origi- a major restoration and refreshment under the guidance of
largest organ was manufac- was originally with Philadel- nally yellow shapes on a red father and son team (and Knoebels employees) Dave and
tured in 1888 by Frati and Co., phia Toboggan Co. carousel background but they were Matt Wynn. COURTESY KNOEBELS
Berlin, Germany. It was origi-
No. 41, which operated at painted over sometime before
nally a barrel organ, playing
Ross Farms (Pittsburgh) and 1959. Even with years of paint
a large printed cylinder like a
in Wildwood, N.J. In 1977, on top of them, you could still
music box. In the 1920s it was
that carousel was sold at auc- see some of the beveling of the
converted to play the more
tion and broken up while the original shapes, so they were
versatile paper roll system,
organ moved to Clementon, traced around 1988 and used
which uses 61 key Artizan
N.J. with PTC carousel No. 49. in 2012. I scanned the designs
rolls.
In 1994, that carousel was also and tweaked them for symme-
The smaller organ on the
broken up and Knoebels pur- try, which made their appli-
outside of the carousel was
chased the organ. Sometime cation a little easier. I printed
built in 1910 by the German prior to 1957, it was converted them out, cut the shapes by the blank enclosure for the signed by A. Wolfinger and
firm of Gebruder Bruder Co. to a Wurlitzer 125 duplex roll hand into Mylar sheets, and Frati band organ, which itself we displayed them during
system. The organ was over- then used those sheets to ap- took a beating in the flood and the 4th of July celebration in
hauled in 1996. ply paint to the woodwork. had to be refurbished along their restored state complete
FAST FACTS Due to complications with with the horses. I had a hand with replica frames and deco-
Maintaining history 90-degree angled surfaces, in that as well. rations,” concluded Wynn.
Keeping the Grand Car- the stencils themselves didn’t “We knew from oral tradi- “These will be put in the car-
Name/Park
ousel in proper working order work out too well and I ended tion that the carousel was built ousel museum this winter and
Grand Carousel/
is no easy feat and, due to its up having to hand paint over around 1912. One of the origi- will be available to the public
Knoebels Amusement
age, it requires significantly each little shape in six differ- nal rounding board paintings, next season.”
Resort, Elysburg, Pa.
more vigilance than most of ent colors. I estimated around which are covered up with
the park’s other rides. For 25,000 shapes on the round- Masonite scenes made in 1953, Acknowledging
Type
more than 40 years, this task ing boards, cross beams, and features the signature of ‘A. historical value
Hand-carved four-row
has fallen to longtime Knoeb- sweeps. It was an ambitious Wolfinger’ and ‘1913.’ Since The Grand Carousel has
wooden carousel
els employee Dave Wynn. effort for something that went nobody ever kept any records always been popular with the
AT spoke with his son, mostly unnoticed. in those days, that’s as official park’s guests but it has also
Figures
Matt Wynn, who, along with “The year 2012 also saw as we can get. Wolfinger was garnered plenty of attention
63 Horses (27 jumpers/36
his father, has been instru- the beginning of other resto- a known banner painter from and admiration from carou-
standers) three chariots
mental in keeping the Grand rations around the ride – the Coney Island, and those guys sel enthusiasts and historians.
Carousel consistently running ‘gingerbread’ wooden scroll had to work hard and fast to In 1995, the National Carou-
Band Organs
well and looking great. “My work adorning the sweeps make ends meet. It’s not un- sel Association presented the
Frati and Co.,
dad, Dave Wynn, has been a was discovered to not have reasonable to assume he paint- Grand Carousel with a His-
Gebruder Bruder Co.
full-time [Knoebels employee] original paint on it, so I was ed them around the same time toric Carousel Award.
Wilhelm Bruder
since 1972. He’s the caretaker allowed to repair and repaint the carousel was built and “Today, we realize the
of the Grand Carousel, Haunt- them. So far I only have 13 that they needed not wait too historical treasured value of
Ride Refirbishment
ed House, and Cosmotron. He of 18 of the bottom pieces long for him to finish to ship this piece of Americana and
Dave Wynn & Matt Wynn
inspects them and fixes any- done. Which is a lot consider- the whole ride out. The ride we are willing to expend great
(Knoebels employees)
thing that’s broken or could ing that’s three pieces to each itself was made from a recy- time, effort and finances to
be polished up,” explained sweep, double-sided, and I’m cled Looff machine which was preserve this magnificent ma-
Operation
Wynn. “He’s in charge of only one person and I can’t do modified to fit jumper horses chine,” said Dick Knoebel. “I
•North Beach,
horse refurbishing — repair- any of them while we’re still which came from the shop of am proud of the dedication of
Long Island, N.Y. 1913 - ?
ing, sanding down, and re- technically open. Once all 18 Charles Carmel. What the car- so many talented individuals
•Riverside Park,
painting a number of them sections are done, I’ll be half- ousel was before 1913 or how involved who also relish in its
Rahway, N.J., ? - 1941
every winter during the off- finished because then I’ll get to old it truly is, we don’t know. preservation and operation.”
•Knoebels, 1944-present
season so that they’re all done do the top pieces! But enough Everything we know about its The Knoebel family affec-
every few years. It keeps them was done so that it looked origins is due to the signature tionately refers to the Grand
Original Manufacturers
nice and shiny and in good better than ever this year. panel featuring Kremer’s Car- Carousel as the "heart and
•George Kremer
condition since they’re over Also a painting from around ousel Works and that signed soul" of the amusement park.
North Beach, Long Island
100 years old now. He’s also 1975 featuring the carving of rounding board scene and It has been an integral com-
(machine)
the park’s expert on the band horses was redone — I filled the date of 1913. Thus, we cel- ponent of the Knoebels expe-
•Charles Carmel,
organs. He maintains the three in the cracks on the original ebrated 100 years in 2013. The rience for nearly 70 seasons.
Brooklyn, N.Y. (horses)
at the Grand Carousel as well Homasote and painted over painting that bears this proof It’s a safe bet that those proud
•Charles I.D. Looff
as the one at the smaller S&G it painstakingly to stay true to was retired and replaced on horses will continue their gal-
(chariots)
carousel, and the Wurlitzer Matt Rusnak’s creation. This the carousel. It was restored lop to the organ’s merry tunes
—Source: Knoebels
across from the Phoenix.” painting was made to decorate along with several others for many years to come.
6 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2013
November 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 7
INTERNATIONAL
PARKS ATTRACTIONS RESORTS SUPPLIERS
Adventure World Australia to add new Gerstlauer coaster
STORY: Andrew Mellor mosphere. The theming was roll and in-line loop. The to-
[email protected] also the inspiration behind tal track length is 630 meters
PERTH, Western Australia an online game, The Chosen (2,067 feet).
— A major new roller coaster Ones, a team-based treasure Shortly before the opening
from German ride manufac- hunt with a money-can’t-buy of Abyss, Adventure World
turer Gerstlauer is the high- prize for two teams who got to CEO Mark Shaw commented:
light of the new season at Ad- be the first riders on the new “We think the name reflects
venture World in Australia. coaster at the official launch what is going to be a white-
The AUD $12 million (U.S. event, among other prizes. knuckle ride filled with trepi-
$11.4 million) attraction, called An intimidating themed dation of the unknown, the
Abyss, was due to open this arch looms above the entrance likes of which visitors to any
month and features an un- to the ride, creating a feeling theme park in Australia won’t
nerving and eerie theme of of impending doom, while an- have experienced. And we’re
ancient druid guardians of cient stone statues and a fore- absolutely thrilled to give
the all-powerful Abyss which boding themed soundtrack eight fearless riders the oppor-
encompasses the whole area add to the setting. tunity to be in the first carriage
Adventure World’s new Abyss coaster features a 10 story
around the ride. The land- Abyss is the single larg- at the VIP and media launch
vertical climb and a more than 100-foot vertical drop.
scape features 30, 9 foot (3 me- est investment at Adventure event, simply by playing The
COURTESY ADVENTURE WORLD
ters) tall guardians scattered World since the park opened Chosen Ones online.”
throughout the mysterious in 1982 and is a custom-built lift, a more than vertical 100- rates four inversions through Adventure World opened
terrain and massive upturned version of Gerstlauer’s Euro- foot drop, giant G-force turns daylight and a secret dark for the 2013/14 season on Sep-
trees with exposed roots cre- Fighter coaster. It features a and head spinning twists. ride section, as well as a zero- tember 26.
ate a spooky underworld at- unique 10 story high vertical The attraction also incorpo- G roll, rollover loop, cobra
Interlink Super Flume opens at PowerPark
ALAHÄRMÄ, Finland — nine, six-seat boats, providing
Water ride specialist Interlink an hourly capacity of 600 pas-
provided a new Super Flume sengers.
boat ride at Finland’s Power- The ride is situated in a
Park for the 2013 season. The new area of the park and has
new attraction opened in July been integrated into an exist-
and was designed and manu- ing bridge structure, hence
factured by Interlink to fit into the theming, something that
a specific area of the venue. provided an additional chal-
Named Kwai River, it lenge to the Interlink design
takes its theming from the team. The soundtrack from
iconic World War Two film the Bridge Over the River Kwai
Bridge Over the River Kwai, film is used throughout the
starring Alec Guinness, with ride and not only is the bridge
each of the boats used on a major theming backdrop
the ride being named after a but it is also used to access
character from the film. The a new Thai restaurant at the
1,312-foot-long Super Flume park. Views from the bridge
features two lifts and two are spectacular and give visi-
drops. It utilizes a total of tors a bird’s eye view of the
new attraction and other areas
Water ride specialist Inter- of the park.
link completed and opened The Kwai River flume is
a new Super Flume boat proving a very popular addi-
ride at Finland’s PowerPark tion to the ride lineup at Pow-
for the 2013 season. erPark for which Technical
COURTESY INTERLINK 4See FLUME, page 8
8 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2013
FLUME Maurer Söhne, Raven Sun Creative offer
Continued from page 7
new immersive dark ride solution
Manager Petri Sariola com-
mented: “We wanted to add a
big new water ride to the park
MUNICH, Germany story where they are the he-
and having looked around at
— Renowned roller coaster roes. This is Space Command
what was on offer from dif-
supplier Maurer Söhne has Launch Center, an immersive
ferent suppliers we chose the
teamed up with the special- sensory environment, and
Super Flume from Interlink.
ists at Raven Sun Creative to guests are intrepid star pilots
It has been very popular with
produce Saturn V, a spinning sent on the adventure of a life-
our guests since opening and
coaster/dark ride hybrid that time: a thrilling journey across
will no doubt help to increase
offers riders an immersive ex- the cosmic frontier to Saturn.
our visitor numbers overall.
perience. Saturn V represents The pre-show areas combine
Interlink have been very good
a unique offering for regional futurist architecture, themed
with all aspects of the installa-
parks seeking a cost-effective lighting, sound and music,
tion and overcame any initial
dark ride attraction that deliv- multi-media imagery and ef-
teething problems that oc-
ers a high performance, high fects to put guests inside a
curred. It is a really good ad-
impact experience. vivid and involving world.
dition to the park.”
In the past, attractions When guests board the
Interlink Managing Direc-
that delivered cutting-edge ride itself, they are blasted
tor John Hudd added: “This
immersive experiences have off on a high speed thrill ride
has been an enjoyable project
been beyond the reach of re- on a state-of-the-art spinning
to work on. It threw up some
gional parks. The minds at Ra- coaster through a dazzling
interesting design challenges
ven Sun Creative and Maurer dark ride environment that
which we successfully over-
Söhne saw this as a surmount- simulates a trip through our
came and we are very happy
able challenge whose solu- solar system using physical
with the end result. Clearly
tion could take location-based sets, lighting, special effects
visitors to PowerPark are also
entertainment to a whole and 540-degree environmen-
very happy as it’s been popu-
new level. Their collective tal projection. On their journey
lar with riders from the first
experience designing award- to the rings of Saturn and back
day of opening and I’m sure
winning projects for industry to Space Command, guests
it will continue to be so for
German roller coaster supplier Maurer Söhne has teamed up
leaders like Universal Studios spin and dive around planets,
many years to come.”
with the specialists at Raven Sun Creative to produce Saturn
has given them the insight, ex- through asteroid fields and
Along with various mod-
V, a spinning coaster/dark ride hybrid that offers riders an
els and sizes of log flume, In- pertise and resourcefulness to starscapes—even crashing
immersive experience. After an engaging pre-show, riders
terlink’s line of water rides in- create and deliver a powerful through the heart of a crys-
blast off on a high-speed state-of-the-art spinning coaster
cludes the Rapid River, Water product at a modest price. The talline comet along the way.
through a dazzling dark ride environment that simulates a
Battle, Shoot the Chute, Spin two firms collaborated on the Not only does Saturn V treat
trip through our solar system using physical sets, lighting,
Boat and kiddy and junior Saturn V attraction with ex- riders to an unforgettable ex-
special effects and 540-degree environmental projection.
flumes, all of which allow the actly that aim. perience, but the freely rotat-
COURTESY MAURER
company to cater to different The moment guests en- ing motion of the cars means
customer requirements and a ter the queue at Saturn V, no two journeys are the same, Drawing from a wealth of the most innovative and
wide range of age groups. they step into a captivating adding a special element of re- of knowledge by being in- acclaimed theme park proj-
•www.interlink-lg.com vision of the future and a peatability for guests. volved in the creation of some ects in operation (Transform-
ers: The Ride 3D; Hollywood
Rip, Ride, Rockit), Raven Sun
and Maurer Söhne conceived
Saturn V to be economically
accessible without compro-
mising quality, dependabil-
ity, thrills, theming, or story.
Designed to meet the rigor-
ous demands of long-term
use while delivering a strong
return on investment, the at-
traction offers both ease of
maintenance and operation.
An added element of scalabil-
ity enables owners to custom-
ize Saturn V to suit individual
budgetary and capacity needs.
The flexibility of the ride space
and show elements allow
for the exciting possibility of
adapting and refreshing the
attraction over time.
The initial previews of Sat-
urn V at the Asian Attractions
Expo and Euro Attractions
Show earlier this year were a
major success. Raven Sun and
Maurer Söhne are also show-
casing the attraction at the
IAAPA Expo in Orlando.
November 2013 AMUSEMENT TODAY 9
New entertainment and leisure venue set for Venetian island
STORY: Andrew Mellor to transform it from its pres- A third area, the Vene-
[email protected] ent state into a place that will tian Carnival will incorporate
provide a host of leisure, en- shows, parades and a range of
VENICE, Italy — A new tertainment and cultural facili- entertainment options suitable
project which will see the ties, a variety of work oppor- for all ages. A green park area
transformation of one of the tunities and a place where the will also be created and the
islands in the sea around Ven- natural environment is con- project will bring an economic
ice in Italy into a high quality sidered and protected. boost to the area through the
entertainment center has been To be aimed at both lo- related construction work and
announced. cal residents and tourists, the the more than 500 jobs that
Well-known Italian ride project will see the creation of will be created once the project
manufacturer Zamperla has facilities including theaters, is up and running.
revealed that in conjunction bars and restaurants, exhibi- Zamperla CEO Alberto
with the Venetian University tion spaces and other leisure Zamperla noted: “The amuse-
Ca’ Foscari it has conceived offerings, all accommodated ments district we developed in
plans to create a cultural and in three dedicated areas. The Coney Island, New York, is a
entertainment facility on the natural/ecological area will clear example of how quality
island which is currently feature the scientific recreation entertainment venues — be-
abandoned but is the site of a of a Barena, a typical lagoon sides providing families the
former waste incinerator and environment with a variety opportunity to spend a day to-
rubbish dump. of flora and fauna, while the gether having fun — can pro-
The San Biagio Island in Venice is set to be transformed into
The project, which will historical area will include vide cultural insights, gener-
a major leisure destination with a host of entertainment fa-
create a new tourist hub for an educational and entertain- ate jobs and work as a catalyst
cilities. COURTESY ZAMPERLA
the city, calls for the recovery, ment itinerary which will take for the whole area. Having the
requalification and improve- visitors through the history of possibility to work on a simi- dream because I have always its democratic roots and its
ment of the San Biagio Island Venice. lar project in Venice for me is a loved this city with its history, cultural vocation.”
Visit us at the IAAPA Infi nity
in Orlando,
Nov. 18 - 22
Coaster
Booth 4867!
Maximum Freedom
for Riders
Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbH
Industriestraße 17
D-86505 Münsterhausen
Tel. (49) 8281 - 99 68 0
Fax (49) 8281 - 99 68 33
www.gerstlauer-rides.de
[email protected]
10 AMUSEMENT TODAY November 2013
Vulcania opens new Volcans Sacrés dark ride
Jora Ent. developes theming, ride/show controls; ride system and vehicles from ETF
STORY: Andrew Mellor The ride vehicles, themed as boulders,
[email protected] are ETF’s trackless Multi Mover vehicles,
AUVERGNE, France — The French each accommodating up to six passengers
edutainment park Vulcania added a major and equipped with colored lighting. Eight
new dark ride for the 2013 season, bring- wire-guided vehicles have been supplied
ing another fun, educational element to with the technology used combining a sys-
the venue that is all about the legends and tem of sensors installed at the base of each
myths surrounding volcanoes around the one and an electrified guide wire embed-
world. ded in the floor. The system transports the
Situated in Auvergne in southern cen- vehicles through all six rooms of the ride
tral France, Volcans Sacrés (Sacred Volca- along a 130-meter (427-foot) long track and
noes) represents the largest ever invest- provides for greater freedom of movement
ment by the park for an individual ride at for the vehicles, such as forward and then
€4.4 million (U.S. $5.9 million). It was creat- backward from one scene to another, or
ed with theming and other input from Jora moving around in circles in the same room.
Vision and its subsidiary Jora Entertain- Each vehicle can also rotate 360 degrees
ment, while the ride system was supplied and they are all equipped with recharge-
by ETF Ride Systems. able batteries and sensors to avoid collision
Volcans Sacrés covers an area of ap- with an object or a person on the circuit.
proximately 600 square meters (6,458 Theoretical hourly capacity is 500 riders.
The recently opened Volcans Sacrés at the Vulcania park in
square feet) and incorporates six separate Jora Entertainment was responsible for
France takes visitors on a journey themed as a lava flow un-
scenes. It is located within the main build- the show control system used on the ride
derground. COURTESY ETF
ing of the park and takes guests on a five- and also for other technological input such
minute journey along a lava flow created as lighting, special effects, audio, animated
FIND MORE LATE-BREAKING NEWS AT
by video projectors installed at various characters and décor, all of which is geared
amusementtoday intervals along the route to provide the il- towards providing an immersive experi-
com lusion of floating on the lava in an under- ence for each visitor.
ground tunnel.
ETF’s rides and
people movers help...
in creating the unforgettable experience
ETF TRACK BOUND MULTI MOVER ETF MYSTIC MOVER
Magazin
Professional
ment
muse
A
Euro
©
Foto:
Phantasialand Legoland Discovery Centre
Attraction: Maus au Chocolat Attraction: Kingdom Quest
ETF SUSPENDED FLIGHT PANORAMA PEDAL PLUS
ETF Ride Systems
P.O. Box 2703
6030 AA NEDERWEERT, HOLLAND
Phone [phone]
E-mail [email protected]
Europa-Park Liseberg, Sweden
www.etf.nl Attraction: Volo da Vinci Attraction: Kaninlandsbanan
Innovative specialist for interactive (dark) rides. The choice for customized design, reliability, high quality and fl exibility.