ACE Awards Presented at National Convention
PIGEON FORGE, TENN. (September 1, 2023) – During the awards portion of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) annual Coaster Con banquet three long-time volunteers and a park were recipients of honors.
Selected as recipients of the 2023 Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. Manufacturer’s Award, commonly known as the Spirit of ACE award, were Dave Jackson from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Emery Picotte from Johnston, Rhode Island.
Jackson has filled a multitude of volunteer positions with the club. In the 1990s he started the photo contest event at the annual convention. To this day, Jackson works alongside Picotte with this activity.
Picotte is sharing the award with Jackson for his dedication and hard work as the ACE photo contest coordinator for the past many years.
The Spirit of ACE Award honors a member or members who go above and beyond simply identifying as a roller coaster enthusiast. Those who are nominated have a love for roller coasters and a passion for preserving the amusement industry, while also helping it expand. Nominees foster and promote the conservation, appreciation,
knowledge and enjoyment of roller coasters.
Bill Graves from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was selected as an ACE honorary member. Graves served as ACE’s treasurer for two terms and played an integral part in updating technical requirements and working with the election committee.
Also made an honorary park member was Dollywood Parks & Resorts, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood has been a long-time supporter of ACE. The company, owned by Herschend Entertainment, has a theme park, Splash Country waterpark, two resort hotels and rental
cabins.
Honorary memberships are awarded to individuals and organizations who have made exceptional contributions to the fulfillment of ACE's purposes and are elected by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Committee of the organization.
About ACE:
Founded
in 1978, the American Coaster Enthusiasts is a nonprofit, volunteer
organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, appreciation and
safe enjoyment of roller coasters. ACE is the largest and
longest-running enthusiast organization in the world. Members of ACE
receive exclusive park benefits, newsletters, magazines and the
opportunity to attend local, national and even international tours at
parks. ACE has been prominently featured on various news programs and
many cable networks such as the Travel Channel.
