ACE South Central: BahnCon 2022

Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston

On Sunday, August 7, more than 60 ACE members and guests gathered at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Galveston, Texas, for ACE South Central’s annual BahnCon event. At registration, attendees were given their admission ticket, a voucher for unlimited drinks and a meal voucher to be used at their leisure in addition to the catered meals scheduled throughout the day.

Upon entering the park, everyone made their way to the morning’s included breakfast buffet. The park kindly blocked off an area for ACE’s exclusive use throughout the entire day. After a quick group photo, the event’s Boogie Bahn competition commenced. Competitors waited eagerly to see who would win medals, but they would have to wait until dinner later in the day for those results.

ACE had its own area all day.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.

Several ACEers competed in the Boogie Bahn competition.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.

Upon completion of the competition, it was on to ERT on the Massiv uphill water coaster, Screaming Serpents body slides and the park’s most recent addition, Infinity Racers mat slides. Riders enjoyed virtually no wait for these attractions, which would be in very high demand once the park opened to the public.

Soon the park opened for regular operation, and event participants enjoyed the day at their leisure. The covered seating area reserved for ACE for the event provided relief from the sun throughout the day, allowing attendees to come and go, spending time in the park’s rivers, slide towers and other attractions.

Massiv.
Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.

Photo: Jay Jacobs. View full-sized image.

After enjoying dinner and a nearby bar reserved exclusively for ACE for the event, awards for the Boogie Bahn competition held earlier in the day were presented in senior and junior categories. In the junior category, Best On Wave (somewhat akin to “Best of Show”) was awarded to Carter Watson, followed by Audrey Cyphers (1st), Amelia Simons (2nd), Ian Simons (3rd), and Best Wipeout – Elijah Nedelkovski. In the senior category, Best On Wave was awarded to Darren Cyphers, with Jeremy Simons (1st), Autumn Downing (2nd), Adam Harbach (3rd), and Best Wipeout – Alek Nedelkovski. In addition to medals presented by the region, Schlitterbahn generously presented all winners with special prizes.

After the evening’s activities concluded, everyone got in some last-minute time on their favorite attractions. Attendees enjoyed the day and are eagerly awaiting next year’s BahnCon.

Attendees receive their materials at Kemah Boardwalk.
Photo: Jeff Braziel. View full-sized image.

Landry’s Venues on Saturday

Prior to BahnCon, on Saturday, August 6, nearly 30 ACE members started their morning at the Kemah Boardwalk southeast of Houston, for a day full of fun at Landry’s properties in the area. Participants were provided with a weekend adventure pass, valid at all three of Landry’s entertainment complexes in the Houston area: Kemah Boardwalk, The Aquarium in downtown Houston and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier in Galveston.

Event attendees were looking forward to morning ERT aboard Boardwalk Bullet, but unfortunately Mother Nature had other plans with the first significant rain seen in the area for several weeks. However, the Landry’s operations team quickly offered attendees unlimited exit access to the coaster once the weather passed. While waiting for the weather to clear, many members spent time catching up with each other, while others enjoyed the complimentary admission to the Stingray Reef attraction located in Kemah’s Aquarium restaurant.

Boardwalk Bullet.
Photo: Jason Knutson. View full-sized image.

Later that evening, many members used their weekend pass to head south to Galveston Island to enjoy Landry’s Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and its many unique attractions. The pier is impressive at any time but comes to life at night with each attraction lit up with its own special lighting effects. Members enjoyed night rides on the Texas Star Flyer and the Iron Shark coaster along with the pier’s other attractions.

— Jeff Braziel, ACE South Central Assistant Regional Representative