ACE Preservation T-shirt Gala

Event Image

Registration Dates

Registration Register Before
Registration Ends Sunday, February 22, 2026

Location

Event Date(s)

Starts:  Feb 20, 2026 06:00 PM (ET)
Ends:  Feb 22, 2026 10:00 PM (ET)

Contact

The second annual ACE T-shirt Gala will be just as exciting as the first!

 

Check out the schedule tab for the full schedule including speakers, trivia and ACE announcements.

All proceeds raised through the online events support the preservation of parks and coasters. If every ACE member donated $2.78 (2 for the second Preservation Gala, and 78 for ACE's founding in 1978), the Preservation Fund can really grow! Donate here.

NOTE TO ATTENDEES: The last email with the link to join the event will be sent 60 minutes prior to the event. If you register with less than 60 minutes remaining, email jesniemiec@aceonline.org to receive the link. 

Schedule

(Note: All times are Eastern Standard Time)

Friday, Feb 20

  • 7 p.m.
    • Welcome toast to ACE preservation
    • Update from Preservation Director Josh Brown on the ACE preservation efforts from 2025 and our goals for 2026
  • 7:30 p.m.
    • Q & A with Alabama Adventure
  • 8:20 p.m.
    • Showing of the short film "Save the Wood Coaster"
    • Director's discussion and Q & A
    • Update from the ACE National Events Committee on the 2026 schedule

Saturday, Feb 21

  • Enjoy activities, videos, and for-fun trivia at your leisure.
    • DIY Preservation Day
    • Video tour of the National Roller Coaster Museum
    • Preservation video playlist
    • Coloring sheets and printables

Sunday, Feb 22

  • 3 p.m.
    • Welcome and Preservation Trivia
  • 3:30 p.m.
    • Q & A with Jimmy Boyadjis, Operations Manager of Idlewild
  • 4:20 p.m.
    • Kris Rowberry of the NRCMA will discuss museum events and a small pictural tour of the museum
    • Wrap up and support for ACE preservation

More DIY Preservation Fun will be released the weekend of the event.

In the meantime ... ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks Video

Or try an ACE Landmark Lemonade...


Photo Contest Rules and Procedures

PLEASE NOTE: On ride photos will NOT be accepted.
  1. The Preservation T-Shirt Gala photo contest is open to current members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE).
  2. A member may enter up to three (3) photographs. 
  3. Each photograph must include ...
  4. Each photograph must be submitted as a digital photograph via email to gala@aceonline.org by 11:59  pm EST Monday, February 16, 2026.
  5. Each photo must be an original and must have been taken by the entrant.
  6. The email submission must include ...
    • full name
    • ACE membership number
    • telephone number
    • email address
    • total number of photographs being submitted
    • name of the coaster(s) and park(s) featured in each photograph entered
  7. Entrants are requested to submit an up-to-date photograph of themselves with their submission, to be used when awarding the winners of the photo contest. Please submit a digital photo to gala@aceonline.org.
  8. All entries will be displayed for public viewing via a Pinterest board on ACE’s account. A link will be distributed to all ACE members via email, at a minimum. As with all event activities, this information is subject to change, and in such an instance, due notice will be given through various announcements.
  9. Winning photographs are chosen by popular vote. Each ACE member may cast one vote via a Google form. ACE members may indicate on their Google form ballot their choices for first, second and third place. Each first-place vote will earn three points; each second-place vote will earn two points; each third-place vote will earn one point. No photograph may be voted for more than once on any single ballot; any such action will render the ballot invalid. The three entries with the greatest number of points will be awarded first, second and third place, respectively.
  10. Winning photographs and entrants will be announced during the closing event on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
  11. The contest director reserves the right to revise the schedule that is described or implied herein. The interpretation of these rules by the gala committee is final.

 

The ACE T-Shirt Gala highlights

coaster history and preservation,

cornerstones of American Coaster Enthusiasts.

 

This year’s tribute shirt spotlights The Bobs, the iconic wooden roller coaster that operated at Chicago’s Riverview Park from 1924 until 1967. Known for its speed, powerful turns and outsized reputation, The Bobs became one of the defining coasters of its era and remains a lasting symbol of classic ride design.

This limited release shirt will be available for purchase beginning February 18 and will remain on sale through March 8. Shirts will be produced and shipped after the order period concludes. A $5 contribution from each sale will be donated directly to the ACE Preservation Fund.

 

Click Here to Review the Event Terms and Conditions
SCHEDULE ADVISORY

Inclement weather, equipment problems or other unforeseen circumstances may affect the published schedule. The park will do its best to provide ride times and rides as listed; however, the schedule of events remains tentative and is subject to change based on the park's operational status and local health restrictions at the time of the event.

ACCESSIBILITY

Should you need special accommodations such as a wheelchair, speech/hearing, etc., refer to the participating parks policy prior to the event date. Most parks offer a complete guide for guests with a disability.

REFUNDS AND REGISTRATION FEES

Refunds will not be given. Registration fees will not be prorated for partial attendance and tickets are nontransferable. Event attendee substitutions are at ACE’s discretion. Permission must be obtained prior to the event, in writing, from the event contact.

The payment of registration fees by, for, or on behalf of participants releases and holds harmless the American Coaster Enthusiasts Worldwide Inc. and its Officers, Directors, Executive Committee Members and representatives from any and all liabilities related to those activities. Returned checks and chargeback disputes will be treated as uncollected debt. ACE reserves the right to execute debt collection following the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

COVID-19 SAFETY INFORMATION

Although our host parks are making every effort to keep you as healthy and safe as possible, there remains an inherent and elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place and place where people are present. Refer to park policies for additional information, requirements and latest updates.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Members and their guests should be especially aware that their behavior affects ACE’s reputation, and they are expected to abide by ACE’s Code of Conduct at all times during the event and follow all host park policies, including, but not limited to, alcohol consumption. Members are responsible for the conduct of their nonmember guests. Parents and/or guardians are responsible for supervising minor event attendees. Members found to be in violation of the code are subject to ACE's disciplinary procedures, which may be in the form of, but not limited to, verbal or written warning, membership suspension or involuntary termination.

Any violations of park policies, including underage alcohol consumption are a violation of section C.1 of ACE’s Code of Conduct and could result in suspension of the member’s ACE membership as well as action by the park.

NAME BADGES

You must be registered and your official event name badge must be visible to participate in scheduled event activities.

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