Upcoming Industry Events
2014
MAY
NJAA 55th Annual Dinner Dance Honoring
Fantasy Island Amusement Park
Shadowbrook
Shrewsbury, NJ
Cocktails at 5:00pm
Dinner & Dancingto follow
May 12, 2014
JUNE
China National Convention Center
Beijing, China
Conference: June 17-20
Trade Show: June 18-20
June 17th-20th, 2014
Jersey Shore
June 24th - 25th, 2014
SEPTEMBER
17th Annual NJAA
"Give Kids The World"
Golf Outing
Sea Oaks Golf Club,
Little Egg Harbor, NJ
September 16, 2014
NOVEMBER
Orange County
Convention Center
Orlando, Florida
Conference: Nov. 17-21
Trade Show: Nov. 18-21
November 17-21, 2014
Annual NJAA Membership
Breakfast Meeting
IAAPA, Orlando, Florida
Continental Breakfast at 8:30 AM followed by Meeting at 9:00 AM SHARP
Room S230FGH
Thurs., Nov, 20, 2014
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President
John Maurer
1st Vice President
Scott Simpson
2nd Vice President
Angelo Cappetta
Treasurer/Secretary Doug Woodfield
Executive Director Kimberle R Samarelli
Legal Counsel
Lary I. Zucker
Registered Government Affairs Representative
Edward R. McGlynn
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From the Desk of
Kimberle Rolle Samarelli
NJAA Executive Director
Happy Memorial Day!The NJAA wishes you and your family a happy, healthy and prosperous 2014 Season!
We also look forward to seeing you at the NJAA 55th Annual Dinner Dance on May 12th as we honor Fantasy Island Amusement Park and celebrate their "30th" anniversary.
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The New Jersey Amusement Association
is proud to announce its
55th Annual Dinner Dance
Honoring
Fantasy Island Amusement Park Please Join Us on Monday, May 12, 2014 at Shadowbrook  Cocktails at 5:00 pm Dinner & Dancing To Follow If you have any questions, please call the NJAA office at 732-240-0000 or email: njaa40plus@aol.com
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"GOOD SCOUT" HONOREE  CHRISTOPHER MAIERCEO Land of Make Believe Family Water & Amusement Park
2014 Warren County "Good Scout" Award Reception.
Recipients were selected for their outstanding community service as evidenced by their leadership to many worthwhile organizations, as well as the respect and esteem in which they are held by their colleagues.
Congratulations, Chris!
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A Few Words from Allied Specialty Insurance...
 Pictured L to R: John Sutack - Vice President of Claims T.H.E. Insurance Company; Steve Del Vecchio - President of T.H.E. Insurance Company; Mary Chris Smith - Chairman of the Board and President of Allied Specialty Insurance; Glenn Harris - Producer Allied Specialty Insurance; Carol Serra - Vice President of Allied Specialty Insurance and Sue Vereker - Vice President of Allied Specialty Insurance
In one word - GREAT!
As many of you know, Allied was founded over 30 years ago by Duke Smith, my father-in-law, and managed by my late husband David prior to his passing 10 years ago in 2004. My family and David's have been part of the Amusement Industry for many generations. Duke Smith grew up in the Carnival Industry and in time owned Blue Ribbon Shows, with his son David there alongside him. Likewise, my family grew up in the Carnival industry, with my Grandparents, Hub and Winnie Luehrs, owning Luehrs Ideal Rides, with their four children alongside them. This included my father with his family alongside him, and me as the oldest of his three daughters. And so the generations go. Today my two Aunts continue to own and operate Luehrs Ideal Rides, and I continue to be very active in the Amusement Industry through Allied and my own personal participation in other Industry Organizations. I am honored to be a member of the NJAA and other Industry Organization, to serve as a Board Member of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association, and I am thrilled to have recently been recognized as Show Person of the Year by the West Coast Showman's League. Through these industry roots, the Allied family knows, loves and is committed to this Industry. This is what makes us unique, and it will never change!
Allied's commitment extends to the industry organizations which we have partnered with over the past 30 plus years, such as the NJAA. We are so proud of our long-time membership and sponsorship of the NJAA, and appreciate their hard work to promote the safety and betterment of the amusement industry. As business owners in the Amusement Industry, both David's and my family's understood early on that organizations such as the NJAA were critical to the Amusement Industry. Without them the Amusement Industry would not have the navigation tools needed to deal with the challenging regulatory and economic conditions. Our families had roles as both founders and active participants in industry organizations, and Allied continues to actively participate and support many of them today. Allied's distinctive industry foundation naturally tie us to organizations like the NJAA, since we are "all in the family". Through our years of involvement in NJAA annual dinners, banquets and golf tournaments Allied has built shared memories that have helped shape our dedicated partnership in serving the Amusement Industry. These are the generational relationships that have molded the support structure behind this exclusive industry; an industry so few from the outside truly know in depth. We pride ourselves with sharing our insider industry knowledge, love and commitment with these supporting organizations, and we look forward to many more years of creating memories with the NJAA, and other organizations like them who count on Allied's continued partnership.This too will never change!
If you look up the definition of Allied you will find words such as, joined, united, common cause, connected, agree to work together. These words all support Allied's uniqueness in our special community. We are "united" with not only our clients, but also our industry partners and their continued success in this amazing industry that so few truly understand and appreciate. Allied evolved from the roots of this industry and has been woven into its fabric. Our name "suits" us in our dedication and commitment to this special community we consider family.
We want to assure you that Allied is in, as strong a position as ever, to serve our clients. At this time, we are staying focused on doing just that, serving our clients. This extends to our Insurance Company, T.H.E. Insurance, with their unparalleled specialized claims management and underwriting capabilities that have been cultivated and perfected over our 30 plus years of serving this specialized Industry. This cultivated skill truly sets our service capabilities apart from other providers. As they say "it takes one to know one", and we can proudly say we are "one" of you! Genuinely understanding and appreciating the operations of this industry comes best from having lived it. This is not an industry you learn best any other way. Allied was created and continues to be operated by "children of the carnival industry." We can say we have "lived it" and are proud of this unique factor that truly sets us apart. This too will never change!
And so, we are delighted to report that it is business as usual at Allied!
Our Allied team with 30 years and three generations has well over 200 collective years of in depth Amusement Industry exposure which amplifies our superior capabilities in providing specialized insurance services to this community. This team of matchless and exceptional industry talent is genuinely excited about the Amusement Industry's future and continuing to work with the NJAA and its members to promote prolonged success. The penetration within Allied of the family rooted passion to promote success and sustainability of the Amusement Industry has always been the core of the company's service model, and this unrivaled passion sets Allied apart from other insurance service providers in a way that cannot be easily replicated. Allied's family ties and unprecedented love for the Amusement Industry shines through in our service. We care about the Amusement Industry and it shows in our work. This too will never change!
Both myself personally and the entire Allied Family appreciate all the kind words of support and encouragement so many have given us, and we look forward to many more years of serving and supporting this unique industry we truly know and love.
Sincerely,
Mary Chris Smith
Chairman of the Board and President
Allied Specialty Insurance, Inc.
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IAAPA Proudly Presents
Tools of the Trade - Midway Games
June 24th - 25th, 2014
Atlantic City, NJ and Jersey Shore
Keansburg's Amusements | Point Pleasant Beach |
Casino Pier | Steel Pier | Morey's Piers
IAAPA proudly presents Tools of the Trade for Midway Games, a two-day event full of educational and networking opportunities for directors, managers, and supervisors in midway games and retail operations. Get the tools you need by attending this year's Tools of the Trade for Midway Games.
This year's Tools of the Trade event will help answer some of your most pressing questions for the season including emerging trends for the 2014 season; plush, hard goods, flashing, merchandise, training tips & techniques, pricing and game layouts.
IAAPA's Tools of the Trade is your best opportunity to network and learn with people working in games operations that have experience and know-how. We'll visit five boardwalk attractions where local game managers will share experience, tips, and trends to take back to your own business. Stops at Keansburg Amusements, Jenkinson's Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk, Seaside Heights Boardwalk, and Casino Pier will show you, firsthand, how these attractions recovered from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Discover how America's first boardwalks are still innovating decades later with tours of the Atlantic City Boardwalk and Steel Pier. The event ends with a trip to Wildwoods Boardwalk, where you'll pick up useful tips during the "Games 101" education session and tour Morey's Piers.
The registration fee includes lunch, dinner, programming, and transportation to and from the hotel.
Members: $149 USD
(Save up to $50 per attendee on 3 or more*)
Non-Members: $249 USD
*Members who register 3 or more attendees will pay $99/attendee starting with the 3rd attendee. You must register all attendees in the same application online. Discount will be automatically applied at checkout.
Please contact Victor Danau at vdanau@IAAPA.org for further questions.
Schedule (Subject to change without notice)
June 23rd, 2014
Travel Day (on own)
Check in at Golden Nugget Atlantic City
June 24th, 2014
9:30 am Depart to Keansburg
11:00am Midway Games Tour at Keansburg & Lunch
1:00pm Depart to Jenkinson's/Point Pleasant Beach
Boardwalk
2:00pm Jenkinson's Boardwalk/Point Pleasant Beach
Boardwalk Tour
5:00pm Dinner
6:30pm Seaside Heights Boardwalk/Casino Pier Tour
10:00pm Depart to Golden Nugget Atlantic City
June 25th, 2014
10:30am Depart to Atlantic City Boardwalk/Steel Pier
11:00am Atlantic City Boardwalk/Steel Pier Tour
1:00pm Lunch
2:00pm Depart to Wildwood, NJ
3:00pm Games 101 and Intro to Morey's Piers Games Operation
5:00pm Midway Games Tour Morey's Piers
7:00pm Dinner
9:00pm Explore Wildwood Boardwalk
11:00pm Depart to Golden Nugget Atlantic City
HOW TO GET THERE
The closest airports in the vicinity of the Golden Nugget are Atlantic City International Airport (20 minute drive), Philadelphia International Airport (Hour and 5 minute drive), and Newark International Airport (Hour and 45 minute drive).
WHERE TO STAY
Golden Nugget Atlantic City
Huron & Brigantine Blvd.
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Room rates are available starting at $69 per night plus applicable taxes and $10/night resort fee.
Making A Reservation:
Reserve your room today by calling the hotel at (800) 777-8477. Select Option 3 and mention group code AMUSE14 to ensure you receive the special room rate. Cut-off deadline is June 9, 2014. After this date, room rate and availability cannot be confirmed. Guests must be 21 or older to check into this hotel.
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Industry News
&
Announcements
Local Industry News/Announcements
Casino Pier In Seaside Heights Gearing Up For 2nd Post-Sandy Summer
Workers prepare to remove the Jet Star roller coaster that has been in the ocean for six months after the Casino Pier collapsed when Superstorm Sandy hit, May 14, 2013 in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - Nearly a year and a half after superstorm Sandy, the Jersey Shore is preparing for another summer season.
As WCBS 880's Jim Smith reported from the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, there is optimism for this second summer post-Sandy. "We're all being positive and we're praying," said Vincent Storino, a managing member of Casino Pier.
He noted they are leaps and bounds ahead of those bleak days after the Oct. 2012 storm.
"Over the last year and a half, we've come tremendous. Where you're standing right now, a year ago didn't exist," Storino said.
But he noted, "it's not what we had in 2012."
About 24 rides will be open on Casino Pier this summer, more than there were in 2013.
But the amusement park where the Jet Star Roller Coaster once stood is still not back to full strength, Smith reported.
Storino said the goal is to make the pier whole again.
"There will be some sort of roller coaster, we're in the works now for multiple phases of plans you're gonna see over the next couple years," Storino told Smith.
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ASTM Amusement Rides and Devices Committee Honors Contributions of Robert W. Johnson  Left to Right: Franceen Gonzales, Ben Sheldon and Bob Johnson
Robert W. Johnson, President and CEO at Outdoor Amusement Business Association, Winter Park, FL, has received the Jimmy Floyd Award from ASTM International Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices.
A member of ASTM International since 1995, Johnson was honored for his many years of dedicated service, technical contributions and invaluable leadership to F24.
Johnson joined Outdoor Amusement Business Association in 1995 as the Executive Director and was promoted to his current role in 2005.
He attended Parsons College, Fairfield, IA, graduating in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in Psychology. He also attended Iowa State University and Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, IA, and earned a bachelor's degree in business.
Outside ASTM International, Johnson is a member of IAAPA, IAFE, OABA, IAAM, IFEA, NICA, IISA, ASAE and the US Chamber of Commerce. He was recently inducted into the OABA Hall of Fame.
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Assemblyman tells Wildwood audience bill would save seasonal jobs  Assemblyman Sam Fiocchi held a press conference on the Wildwood Boardwalk at Morey's Mariner's Landing Pier on Schellenger Avenue, to discuss legislation he sponsors that provides seasonal employers with credits against their corporate business tax and gross income tax. Fiocchi (center) is joined by local business owners EJ Dougherty, (left) co-owner of Captain Jacks and Stewart's on the Wildwood Boardwalk, and Will Morey, of Morey's Piers. Monday May 5, 2014. (Dale Gerhard/Press of Atlantic City)
WILDWOOD - Seasonal business owner Rhonda Klug plans to reduce her staff this year.
Klug, owner of Pompeo's Restaurant in North Wildwood, said at the peak of the summer season she employs about 50 people, including six to eight teenagers. But the recent increase in the state's minimum wage means some of those
kids won't have jobs this summer.
"I'll be cutting back. I won't be hiring those kids," Klug said. 'That's probably where I will cut."
To help businesses such as Klug's, Assemblyman Sam Fiocchi came to Wildwood on Monday morning to promote a bill that would give tax credits to seasonal employers.
Fiocchi, R-Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, is a co-sponsor of Assembly bill A-2983, which is designed to compensate seasonal employers who have taken on increased labor costs following the state's increase in the minimum wage.
In November, New Jersey voters approved a constitutional amendment raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.25 per hour and allowing for an increase in the minimum wage based on the cost of living.
According to the bill Fiocchi is co-sponsoring, "This change has drastically increased the cost of labor for the state's seasonal employers, many of which are located at the Jersey Shore, and are still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Sandy."
The tax credit would equal the number of total hours worked by eligible employees multiplied by the amount the state minimum wage exceeds the federal minimum wage.
For example, if an eligible employee works 520 hours, and the current state and federal minimum wages are $8.25 and $7.25 per hour respectively, a seasonal employer would get a $520 tax credit.
On Monday, Fiocchi came to Morey's Piers to promote the bill, arguing that the increase in the minimum wage would be passed on to the Jersey Shore's middle-class visitors in the form of higher prices.
"The tourism industry is extremely important to the Jersey Shore," he said.
E.J. Dougherty, owner of two restaurants on the Boardwalk, said the industry is dealing with an already "competitive, fragile business environment."
His two restaurants Capt.'n Jack's and Stewarts root beer, hire up to 60 people in season.
"Anything to help us out certainly would be appreciated," he said.
Morey's operates seasonally from April to late September with three amusement piers and two water parks. The company has 1,500 seasonal employees earning between $8.25 and $9 an hour.
Will Morey joined Fiocchi in promoting the bill.
He said the tax credit would allow the company to put more value into its services.
Fiocchi, who is co-sponsoring the bill with Assemblyman Chris Brown, R-Atlantic, said the bill is not yet in committee, but he hopes to get it before an assembly committee soon.
He hopes to have the bill passed and in full effect for this summer season. By TRUDI GILFILLIAN, Staff Writer Contact Trudi Gilfillian: 609-463-6716 or TGilfillian@pressofac.com This article appeared online at pressofAtlanticCity on May 5, 2014.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Berlin Twp. amusement park builds on a construction theme  Earth movers - real ones - at the Diggerland USA site in Berlin Township. The Diggerland theme park, modeled on parks in the U.K., with rides based on construction equipment, is to open in June. (AKIRA SUWA / Staff Photographer)
While Ilya and Yan Girlya were planning Diggerland USA, the "construction-themed adventure park" they are building in Berlin Township, the brothers consulted experts, including a trio named Aiden, Dylan, and Bianca.
Ilya's two boys, 8 and 4, and Yan's daughter, 7, reached pretty much the same conclusion as conventional focus groups: The $8 million, 14-acre, action-packed attraction is a child's dream come true.
After all, few kids of any age would pass up a chance to ride, drive, or operate a life-size Tonka toy - like the ones that gave me so many happy hours in the 1960s.
"We want Diggerland USA to be a place where families can do something together that they can't do anywhere else," says Ilya, 38, welcoming me into the colossal construction site on Cooper Road at Pinedge Drive. Work started in November and is about 85 percent complete.
Says Yan, 41: "We want to provide wholesome family entertainment. Everybody was a kid once, playing with trucks, making tunnels in the sand at the Shore."
The brothers, who emigrated with their parents from the Soviet Union in the late 1970s, grew up in Cherry Hill and now live in Mount Laurel. Their family owns the Sambe Construction Co. Inc. in Pennsauken, and they built and operate Sahara Sam's Water Park in Berlin Township.
They started brainstorming Diggerland USA in 2010, ultimately modeling the concept on the four Diggerland UK
parks in Britain. The Berlin Township park is being promoted as the first of its kind in America and is expected to open in June.
The Spin Dizzy
"People are really excited," says Sharon Rushen, social-media and marketing manager for Diggerland USA. "They love it when we post pictures of the equipment as it comes in on our Facebook page."
Some of the modified construction vehicles manufactured by the British firm JCB (which serves the British parks as well) are awaiting clearance by U.S. Customs at the Port of New York and New Jersey.
"The Spin Dizzy will be here," says marketing director Chris Peters, pointing to a prominent spot where a 50,000-pound excavator will rotate while raising aloft a bucket customized to seat nine.
Elsewhere in the park, a 50-piece fleet of diggers, backhoes, tractors, telescopic handlers, "skidsteer" loaders, and two turbo-diesel military transport trucks will offer rides or hands-on thrills.
The Spin Dizzy and transport trucks will be operated by park staff. Many of the other pieces have been modified by the manufacturer to enable operation by adults and older children at limited speeds on marked courses.
Staying safe
Even young children will be able to operate some of the equipment while sitting on the laps of parents or guardians.
"It's not a rodeo. You can't just jump on a machine and go crazy," Ilya says. "We don't just put a 5-year-old on a piece of 20-ton equipment and hope nothing happens."
Explaining the unusual amusement park to officials of the state Department of Community Affairs turned out to be the biggest challenge, the brothers say.
"We did have a lot of work to try and understand how they fit into the regulations, and how we could make sure they would be safely operating," says Michael Triplett, supervisor of enforcement of the carnival and amusement ride safety unit.
Diggerland USA has "met all of the requirements they need to operate the rides," Triplett adds. "They need to meet our regulations and follow the . . . standards, and they have done that. Their permits are printed, and they just need [final] inspection once the rides are installed, and they're ready."
"When they came to the planning board, the [township's] chief concern was safety," Mayor Phyllis Magazzu says. "I am confident it will be safe."
The mayor, a mother of seven, can't wait for Diggerland USA to open. It will create 50 jobs and help "put Berlin Township on the map," she says, adding that the park "is really cool."
Despite my Tonka nostalgia, I can't imagine my grown-up self at the controls of, say, an excavator.
But Diggerland USA also will host performances by the Dancing Diggers, a troupe that "dances and does tricks and acrobatics in backhoes," Peters says.
"It's all choreographed to music."
Music? Dancing? A Broadway-style revue, starring backhoes?
Now that's cool. By Kevin Riordan, Inquirer Columnist Posted: April 28, 2014 on Philly.comContact Kevin: kriordan@phillynews.com or 856-779-3845
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Knoebel wins 2014 Showman of the Year
Hershey, Pa. - The Pennsylvania State Showmen's Association named Richard "Dick" Knoebel the 2014 Showman of the Year when it presented that award on Jan. 24, at the association's annual meeting held this year in Hershey, Pa.
Although not a carnival owner by trade, the Knoebel family has been a huge supporter of the outdoor amusement business association in Pennsylvania for generations as owners and operators of Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, Pa.
In fact the land the park sits on has been in the Knoebel family since 1828, but it wasn't until 1925 that the actual first attraction was constructed, a swimming pool.
"I was very surprised and very honored especially to have my good friend Steve Swika presenting the award to me."
The Pennsylvania State Showmen's Association, as it is known today, began in 1967 when two groups of showmen in Pennsylvania came together to form the one showmen's association. The mission of this group has been to keep the outdoor amusement industry alive and strong.
By Pam Sherborne
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National & International Industry News/Announcements
Premier Rides Selected by Bosque Magico Coca Cola to Design and Build Mexico's First Magnetic Launch Coaster  Baltimore, MD - Premier Rides, Inc., a global supplier of cutting-edge theme park attractions, has been selected by Bosque Magico Coca Cola to design and build the iconic attraction as part of the park's 20th anniversary celebration in 2015. The "Zombie Coaster" will be the first high-tech, magnetically-launched roller coaster in Mexico and will feature the highest inversion in Latin America!
Juli�n Villarreal, Director of Operations of Bosque M�gico Coca Cola commented, "We selected Premier Rides because we wanted to make a major statement that we were going to open an attraction unlike any other in Mexico. Premier Rides has built some of the most thrilling high tech rides in the world for parks like Universal Studios and we wanted to give our guests that same high level of quality and thrills."
Jim Seay, president of Premier Rides noted, "Latin America is an exciting area in which to be right now. With the emerging markets and tremendous growth in the entertainment arena, there is a growing demand for more thrilling and diverse entertainment options. Bosque Magico Coca Cola is taking the lead by bringing such a high-tech thrilling attraction to their park in Mexico." Seay continued, "Premier tiene el honor de dise�ar y construir esta monta�a rusa para el Bosque M�gico. We are honored to be chosen to provide such an iconic coaster. Bosque M�gico is 'raising the bar'; they are entering into a new era of amusement technology in Mexico and we are thrilled to be a part of this exciting process by providing such a visually spectacular attraction with a thrill level that is off the charts."
Not only will the ride be the country's first magnetic launch coaster capable of propelling riders forwards and backwards multiple times by Premier's award-winning magnetic system, but it will also feature an incredible layout that includes both 90-degree vertical twists as well as the highest inversion in all of Latin America. Another first in Mexico, the coaster will use an innovative, high-speed station switch system and multiple trains that are capable of multi-directional movement. This, combined with speeds of up to 100 Km/h, is sure to deliver an unforgettable ride experience.
Paulina Reyes, Vice President of International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Latin American Operations observed, "The news that Bosque Magico Coca Cola has selected Premier Rides to supply Mexico's first magnetic launch coaster is a testament to the importance of the advancement of amusement industry both to the business sector and to the people of Mexico. This kind of investment says a lot about the positive direction of the industry here in Latin America."
Opened in the 1995, Bosque M�gico Coca Cola is at the heart of northern Mexico's largest city, Monterrey. Guests can enjoy a variety of rides, museums, haunted houses, slides, racetracks, antique car rides, shows, video games, simulators and more! Juli�n Villarreal explained, "In 2015 Bosque M�gico Coca Cola celebrates its 20th anniversary with a great party and the grand opening of a new area of over 25,000 square meters filled with the perfect mix of fun, high-thrill and relaxation opportunities for our guests. The investment will be in excess of ten million US dollars. The area will feature new snack areas and a food court for guests to indulge their palate, beautiful green areas in which to relax, as well as other service facilities. Without a doubt, the most important part will be the opening of the roller coaster by Premier Rides."
About Bosque Magico - Bosque M�gico Coca Cola is the largest amusement park in Northeastern M�xico and is located 15 minutes away from Monterrey�s downtown area in the state of Nuevo Le�n. It boasts nearly 40 rides and attractions for guest to enjoy. For more information, visit www.bosquemagico.com or call +81 8299-2462.
About Premier Rides, Inc. - Premier Rides is best known for its high-tech magnetic launch roller coasters. The company is also a global supplier of traditional roller coasters, observation wheels, towers, water rides and custom designed attractions. Premier's service division offers engineering support, complete ride and train rehab, and it maintains and offers spare parts supply on a 24-hour emergency basis. The company is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland and has additional U.S., European, and Asian offices. For more information, please visit www.premier-rides.com or call +1-410-923-0414.
Media Contacts:
Bosque Magico:
Juli�n Villarreal +(52) 81 83 67 46 22 Ext. 68130
Premier Rides: Beth Thompson: +(1) 410-923-0414
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Premier Rides Announces the Successful Opening of Europe's First Triple-Launch Coaster "Sky Scream" at Holiday Park Germany  Premier Rides President Jim Seay with Plopsa CEO Steve Van den Kerkhof and Holiday Park Manager Bernd Beitz celebrate the successful opening of Sky Scream. 
Both the "undead" and "the living" were among the first to experience Holiday Park's zombie-themed Sky Scream launch coaster designed and built by Premier Rides.
Baltimore, MD - Premier Rides, Inc., a global supplier of cutting-edge theme park attractions, announces the successful opening of its newest attraction, "Sky Scream" at Holiday Park in Germany. The visually stunning and thrilling attraction, designed and manufactured by the Baltimore-based company, is Europe's first coaster to feature three magnetic launches.
The ride is the signature attraction in the newly-themed area which is based on the dark world of the undead and vampires. Coaster enthusiasts, fans, and members of the media were invited to attend a press conference on Friday, April 11 at Holiday Park to kick off the 2014 Season.
Mr. Steve Van den Kerkhof, CEO of Holiday Park's parent company Plopsa Group, revealed that they hope to attract 600,000 visitors to the park this year. Sky Scream is sure to lure thrill seekers, zombie fans and more to the park. "Our goal is to inspire and attract adrenaline fans to the park. We wanted a signature attraction that would have impact and we are pleased to have partnered with Premier Rides to build Sky Scream. This coaster is sure to satisfy even the most fearless thrill-seeker."
Speakers included the Hassloch's Mayor Lothar Lorch, Plopsa's CEO Steve van den Kerkhof, Holiday Park Manager Bernd Beitz, and Premier Rides President Jim Seay. Following the presentations the ride was formally opened for attendees to experience. To add to the ambience of the day, Lady Vampire (the quasi-mascot of Sky Scream), zombies and several of Plopsa's characters like Wickie's Uncle and Bee Maya were present.
Jim Seay commented, "We are honored to be a part of Plopsa's formula for success by supplying this coaster; the first of its kind in Europe." Seay continues, "When you look at ride, you will notice that there are no moving parts except for the train. We use magnetic technology that allows us to launch vehicle forward, to then launch the vehicle in reverse, and again to launch it forward a third time even faster. Magnetic braking has also been incorporated at both the top and bottom of ride. This attraction uses all sorts of unique technologies and then we combine those with an amazing ride layout where you have vertical twists going up, vertical twists going straight down, you have loops and 360-degree horizontal twists; the result is an incredible mix of different experiences packed into one ride."
Holiday Park and Premier Rides worked together very closely to have the attraction open right at the beginning of the season in order to have the biggest impact. Seay noted, "The Plopsa/Holiday Park staff was a great team with which to work. Like Premier, they had the same goal of bringing the attraction to the public ahead of schedule. Park Manager Bernd Beitz agreed, noting, "It was important for us to be able to deliver Sky Scream to our guests right at the start of the season. With an expenditure of eight (8) million Euros, Sky Scream is a big and important investment in the theme park."
About Premier Rides, Inc. - Premier Rides is best known for its high-tech magnetic launch roller coasters. The company is also a global supplier of traditional roller coasters, observation wheels, towers, water rides and custom designed attractions. Premier's service division offers engineering support, complete ride and train rehab, and it maintains and offers spare parts supply on a 24-hour emergency basis. The company is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland and has additional U.S., European, and Asian offices. For more information, please visit www.premier-rides.com or call +1-410-923-0414.
About Plopsa - Plopsa is the theme-park business division of Studio 100. Plopsa currently operates three parks
in Belgium, Plopsaland De Panne, Plopsa Indoor Hasselt and Plopsa Coo; one park in the Netherlands, Plopsa Indoor Coevorden and the adventure park, Holiday Park located in Germany. The parks unite the Studio 100 characters and a variety of attractions under one roof. At the parks, visitors can enjoy the popular Studio 100 characters such as the Gnome Plop, Samson & Gert and their friends Mega Mindy, Pirate Pete, Bumba and others.
Holiday Park is located in the city Hassloch, in southwestern Germany. On average the park receives 1.1 million visitors per year. For more information, please visit
www.plopsa.beMedia Contact:Premier Rides: Beth Thompson: +(1) 410-923-0414
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The NJAA is a pro-active organization, identifying concerns, while working for the safety, health and overall economic betterment of the amusement industry.
If you have any questions or concerns, we can always be contacted at 732-240-0000 or njaa40plus@aol.com.
Remember to check our website www.njamusements.com for valuable resources, recent news and up-to-date information.
Sincerely,
Kimberle Samarelli New Jersey Amusement Association
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