Photo: Garrett Sauers. View full-sized image.
A standard joke about KennyKon is that at least some rain is a given, but the weather forecast for KennyKon XXXVII on Saturday, August 8, was rain all day. Some attendees arrived at the West Mifflin park carrying ponchos and umbrellas, but they hardly needed them. After a few minutes of light rain during morning check-in, the rain gods spared Kennywood, as there wasn’t a single drop while attendees were inside the park gates.
Attendees picked up special KennyKon pins during registration.
Photo: Austin Krieger. View full-sized image.
The 314 attendees were the most since 2019, when 388 showed up for ACE’s first ERT of The Steel Curtain. Check-in began at 8:30 a.m., and on the check-in tables were special KennyKon buttons made by Assistant Regional Rep April Lucas and her family. A busy schedule was planned that included ERT, informal takeover times (ITOTs), behind-the-scenes experiences, meetups, a picnic dinner and participation in Kennywood’s Fall Fantasy parade. Not on the schedule but an impromptu addition to the day was a 30th wedding anniversary renewal of vows for Andy and Laura Arnold, with Reverend Cliff Herring officiating.
Thunderbolt.
Photo: Marlon Scott collection. View full-sized image.
The Steel Curtain.
Photo: Marlon Scott. View full-sized image.
Early ERT was scheduled on Thunderbolt, the ACE Coaster Classic and ACE Roller Coaster Landmark woodie, and The Steel Curtain (S&S Worldwide), themed after the dominant 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers’ defensive line. A late addition was the Ghostwood Estate dark ride.
Attendees got a close-up look at the rocking mechanism for Noah’s Ark.
Photo: Lee Ann Draud. View full-sized image.
Another treat was an opportunity to go behind the scenes inside the last-remaining Noah’s Ark walkthrough with the lights on. A highlight here was a chance to visit the motor room and see the rocking mechanism underneath the ride that powers the 90-year-old Ark.
This was a day to celebrate history. Attendees gathered at noon in front of Jack Rabbit, another ACE Coaster Classic and ACE Roller Coaster Landmark, to see it receive ACE’s Centennial Coaster designation, which honors roller coasters 100 years old or older (Jack Rabbit opened in 1920). Regional Rep Bill Linkenheimer III welcomed everyone and mentioned that no other park had more ACE Roller Coaster Landmarks than Kennywood. He also commended Kennywood for its commitment to preservation, noting the 125-year-old Old Mill and reminding everyone that Kennywood is home to four unique rides no longer found in any other park: Auto Race, Kangaroo, Noah’s Ark and Turtle.
Linkenheimer introduced ACE Historian Dave Hahner, who, after reading the Centennial award for Jack Rabbit, told the crowd “you’re riding on a piece of history.” Kennywood’s general manager, Ricky Spicuzza, thanked ACE for this honor. In addition to celebrating history, he wanted to recognize the people at Kennywood who keep this history alive by maintaining it year after year. In 2027, Kennywood will be the only park in the world with two 100-year-old roller coasters.
A group photo to be taken within The Phantom's Revenge lift hill/first drop infield was scheduled for 12:45. While waiting, attendees could take photos of Phantom flying down its first hill.
Jack Rabbit.
Photo: Kenny Hovan. View full-sized image.
Old Mill.
Photo: Dave Hahner. View full-sized image.
ITOTs were scheduled throughout the day, the first one being on Jack Rabbit immediately before the Centennial Coaster presentation. Later ITOTs included the Dentzel Merry-Go-Round, which will celebrate 100 years in 2027, and Old Mill, the oldest surviving ride in the park. The last ITOT of the afternoon was on Sky Rocket (Premier Rides). A popular stop was at the Garden Stage to see the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show.
A new member meetup was scheduled at 4 p.m. at the picnic pavilion, where members new to ACE or at their first ACE event could meet with the Western Pennsylvania regional rep team to ask questions and socialize (and free soft drinks were available to all attendees).
Ryan Lucas was surrounded by Jeeters and Parker, two of the Kennywood mascots.
Photo: April Lucas. View full-sized image.
Everyone gathered at 5 p.m. for a delicious picnic dinner of penne pasta with marinara, oven-fried chicken, hamburgers, several sides, frozen novelties for dessert and soft drinks. Attendees enjoyed visits from Kenny Kangaroo and other Kennywood mascots during dinner as well as the sound of the bands practicing for the upcoming Fall Fantasy Parade.
Bill Linkenheimer III and Ricky Spicuzza addressed attendees at dinner.
Photo: Austin Krieger. View full-sized image.
Linkenheimer welcomed everyone and mentioned that 21 states were represented at the event. He recognized his regional rep team and the event volunteers. In addition, he expressed his gratitude to the Kennywood team who helped make the event happen, especially Marie Ruby, Chris Johnson, Garrett Sauers and Spicuzza.
On behalf of Kennywood, Spicuzza thanked ACE for its support over the years — not just for the park, but for the entire amusement industry — and then asked for questions. The first question: “Is Kennywood getting cinnamon bread?” The answer: “Cannot confirm or deny right now.”
Linkenheimer returned to remind attendees of upcoming ACE Western Pennsylvania events later in the month at Idlewild and SoakZone and Del Grosso’s.
Twenty-seven KennyKon attendees were chosen to ride in the Kennywood trolley.
Photo: April Lucas. View full-sized image.
Photo: April Lucas. View full-sized image.
Grand Marshal Ron Mazur was driven in a retired Turnpike car by Tim Michalak.
Photo: April Lucas. View full-sized image.
This was the 76th annual Fall Fantasy Parade season at Kennywood. Over several weeks in August, high school and college bands perform nightly in a parade with park-created floats. This year’s theme was Mardi Gras. The parade began at 7, and 27 ACE attendees had been chosen to take part in the parade riding in the Kennywood trolley. ACE member Ron Mazur, this year’s recipient of The Golden Kenny award (presented annually by Kennywood to acknowledge an ACE member for their enthusiasm), led the parade as grand marshal, riding in a car from the park’s defunct Turnpike ride, which was driven by ACE member and Kennywood employee Tim Michalak.
Racer.
Photo: April Lucas. View full-sized image.
Turtle.
Photo: Jenn Fortney collection. View full-sized image.
Evening ITOTs were on historic rides, the first being Racer, the other ACE Roller Coaster Landmark at the park, which will reach its centennial in 2027. Another was scheduled on Turtle, the Traver Tumble Bug that will also see 100 years next year. Those who were 21 or older could gather for a meetup at Jeeter’s Pub.
Happy riders during The Phantom’s Revenge ERT.
Photo: Austin Krieger. View full-sized image.
Kennywood closed at 10, after which followed ERT on the 100-year-old Whip and the 25-year-old The Phantom’s Revenge, which had begun life as The Steel Phantom in 1991. A large sign on Phantom’s platform says, “Fear the Wrath of the Phantom,” and most anyone who has experienced night rides on this Arrow/Morgan steel masterpiece will agree with that message. The amount of airtime in the almost-two-minute unbraked ride at 85 mph is overwhelming — which is why riders get right back in line after every ride!
Photo: Jenn Fortney collection. View full-sized image.
Attendees left with happy memories of fun times with friends at this historic park. All were grateful to the regional rep team, the volunteers and all the employees at Kennywood.
— Lee Ann Draud, ACE News Editor
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