Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Cedar Fair + Erie County Planning For Major Sports Force Park Expansion


© Sports Facility Management / Cedar Fair
Cedar Fair and Erie County are in the planning stages of a major $28 million addition to the recently opened Sports Force Parks at Cedar Point Sports Center.  The expansion would consist of a huge indoor recreation building aimed at being able to host more youth sport tournaments.

The structure would be 185,000 square feet and be able to host tournaments year round, which will bring more visitors to the Sandusky area.  Cedar Fair has a vested interest in the development as it works alongside the existing Cedar Point Sports Center to offer groups admission tickets, and their hotels are a natural fit for tournament visitors as well.

© Sports Facility Management / Cedar Fair
The new facility would be paid for in part by Cedar Fair ($5 million), and they would also assume any risk of operating losses.  The rest of the funds would come from the area's "bed tax," an occupancy tax on hotel rooms.

Inside the structure would be an open space large enough for 10 basketball courts, or 20 volleyball courts.  There will be plenty of seating for guests, an indoor walking trail, sports medicine facility, event space for functions and a community recreation center.

If approved during the summer months, the project could open as soon as 2019.  Cedar Fair has already stated that they are looking at similar public/private partnerships to build similar outdoor Sports Parks at some of their other properties.


Monday, May 29, 2017

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Opens New Wonder Woman Themed Thrill Ride


© Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Brand new extreme thrills are now waiting for guests at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, with the theme park having opened Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth to the public this holiday weekend.  The giant pendulum style ride has changed the park's skyline forever and fits in nicely with its Superman and Joker themed neighboring coaster rides.  The sheer size of the ride is intimidating, and it only goes higher once the ride cycle begins!

© Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
“Get ready for a thrilling, wild new ride that will exceed all expectations,” said Don McCoy, park president. “Imagine propelling through the air, while concurrently spinning and reaching great heights at the same time. We welcome this iconic Super Hero to our growing line-up of DC- branded attractions.”

Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth is able to seat 40 riders per ride cycle facing outward on a giant ring that sits at the end of the pendulum.  Once the cycle begins the ring starts to rotate as the pendulum starts swinging back and forth.

© Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
As the ride carriage swings higher and faster the extreme thrills begin, giving riders moments of weightlessness as they go.  The ride can reach speeds of approaching 70 miles per hour and reach 147 feet above the park.  The new attraction is themed after Wonder Woman, "the world’s most iconic female DC Super Hero" who is the "embodiment of justice, equality and peace; and a symbol of female empowerment, as she fights to seek for justice."


Sunday, May 28, 2017

Dorney Park Opens Second New Ride + Parkside Pavilion As Summer Season Begins


© NewsPlusNotes
This Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season, and Dorney Park was ready to celebrate with the opening of the park's second new ride for 2017, Kaleidoscope.  The first of the new rides - the Dodgem bumper cars - opened along with the park at the start of the season.

Located along the park's Main Midway next to the Coasters restaurant, the colorful Kaleidoscope features a custom paint job that was done as part of a full refurbishment of the ride.

© NewsPlusNotes
Kaleidoscope comes to Dorney Park from Europe, and is one of several classic flat rides introduced this year across the Cedar Fair chain of parks.  The ride mixes different shades of blue on the main ride arms along with red, yellow and green passenger cars - there are a total of 21.  The name Kaleidoscope was chosen because of the light package that has been added to the ride, at night it will look very much like a kaleidoscope as the arms spin.

© NewsPlusNotes
Know as a Trokia by trade name, this ride was manufactured by Huss.  Each of the 21 cars are able to seat two guests, and when the ride begins the cars spin counter clockwise on each arm while the base of the ride spins clockwise.  The three arms then extend upward, resulting in moments of low gravity as the cars spin up and over their peak during the ride cycle.

© NewsPlusNotes
Kaleidoscope has a low height requirement, just like the Dodgem bumper cars, with guests only 42 inches tall able to ride with a responsible 54 inch companion.  During opening weekend there were plenty of kids lining up to take a spin on the ride, and they certainly seemed to enjoy it by the time the ride was over!  It was also nice to see that this is a ride that smaller kids can ride with their parents, a mild thrill that's a step up from what Planet Snoopy offers.

© NewsPlusNotes
Another plus of this flat ride is that it has a really solid hourly capacity.  These always vary greatly in real life, but you can find this style of ride quoted at anywhere from 800 to 900 riders per hour at other parks.  That's sure to keep the line manageable during the busy summer months.

© NewsPlusNotes
Also up and running at Dorney Park is the brand new catering area, Parkside Pavilion.  We've seen the addition coming together over the last few months so it's nice to be able to check out the finished product.  The bottom line here is that groups have a really beautiful place to have a picnic at the park!

© NewsPlusNotes
Parkside Pavilion is capable of accommodating up to 2,500 people at a time, though it has partitions that can be utilized to break the sprawling space into different sections.  That allows different groups to have privacy as they relax and dine.

© NewsPlusNotes
Among many amenities offered in Parkside Pavilion, there is a full Chef's Kitchen in the center that is capable of making just about anything that groups want to have.  The menus are very customizable, which is a major upgrade from the park's old picnic offerings.  Seen in the photo above, there is also a small platform/performance area for groups to use, not quite a stage but great for award ceremonies and the like.

© NewsPlusNotes
Aside from upgraded food, which is a huge plus, Parkside Pavilion offers a really beautiful setting unlike anything seen at the park before.  Long gone are the feelings of being in a "grove" like you can find at the local community park, the vibe in the new area is substantially upgraded from that.  I think the photos here speak for themselves on that point.

We still have some exploring to do in the water park, with a major new food operation now open, and Cirque Imagine, a brand new live show, set to open later in June.  Stay tuned for more on those additions!


Friday, May 26, 2017

Universal Orlando's New Volcano Bay Water Theme Park Now Open


© Universal Orlando
Over the past two days visitors to the Universal Orlando Resort had their first chance to experience the rides, slides and relaxation of the all-new Volcano Bay water park.  The grand opening festivities included an "authentic, South Pacific dedication ceremony commemorating the opening of Volcano Bay featuring special performances by an array of authentic Maori entertainment, ranging from water dancers to "Haka" war dancers."  Before the ceremony ended the mighty Krakatau volcano at the center of the park, standing 200 feet tall, erupted for all to see.

© Universal Orlando
Described as a "next-level water theme park," Volcano Bay combines "spectacular storytelling and incredibly immersive guest experiences with innovative technology exclusively designed for Universal to give visitors a fun-filled, hassle-free experience with their friends and family."  A top-notch collection of slides and attractions await visitors, along with a plethora of amenities that are offered to make a day at the water theme park the as relaxing as possible.

© Universal Orlando
"Universal's Volcano Bay sets a new standard on every level – from the attractions to how our guests experience them," said Tom Williams, Chairman & CEO – Universal Parks & Resorts. "Our new water theme park is the perfect complement to the rest of our incredible destination.  It provides our guests with spectacular entertainment experiences and innovative technology that helps them enjoy more of what matters most – connecting with each other and having an amazing time together."

© Universal Orlando
Volcano Bay is spread out over 25 acres - with several reserved already for future expansion - offering attractions that range from mild to wild.  The focal point of the park is Krakatau, the center volcano on property, which spews both water and fire throughout the day.  When darkness falls the volcano's massive waterfalls transform into lava flows through some of Universal's creative magic.  The volcano not only towers over the park, but the entire Universal Orlando resort.

One of the park's biggest attractions is the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, featuring four-person canoes that slide upward and downward in and through the volcano, ending with a plunge through a waterfall.

© Universal Orlando
Thrill seekers will surely line up to take on the Ko'okiri Body Plunge slide, which takes place from a platform way up near the top of the Volcano.  A trap door start plunges sliders down at 70 degrees over 125 feet onto a long run-out area adjacent to the wave pool.  Also starting from the same tower are the Kala & Tai Nui Serpentine Body Slides, which also start with a trap door fall and then twist through the center of Krakatau to the splash pool below.

Several other water slides, ranging from body slides to multi-person raft experiences, also await visitors.

© Universal Orlando
Those looking for a break from the thrills will want to head over to the Waturi Beach area, a giant sandy beach that sits at the front of the wave lagoon in front of the volcano.  The lagoon is capable of creating waves in multiple directions and strengths.

Two river attractions can also be found in Volcano Bay - the Kopiko Wai Winding River is slow moving and features a trip into the Stargazer's Cavern under the volcano, and the TeAwa Fearless River has a much faster pace, featuring churning rapids and choppy waves that mix relaxation with thrills.

© Universal Orlando
Volcano Bay's designers did not forget attractions for kids who visit the park, offering more than two areas just for them.  The two largest are Tot Tiki Reef, meant for smaller guests with spraying fountains and tikis.  Runamukka Reef was once a coral reef below the ocean, but is now an expansive interactive play area that is sure to keeps kids busy for hours.

All visitors to the park will use TapuTapu, a wrist band smart device, to make ride reservations, activate secret fun inside the park, open lockers, make cash payment and more - the park has fully embraced new technology on this point.  Guests can also rent very beautiful cabanas or private lounge areas complete with a lock box, or upgrade to Universal Express to skip the waiting period on several popular attractions.

Congratulations to the resort on the new park, I can't wait to experience it - hopefully sooner than later!


Thursday, May 25, 2017

Cedar Point Shores Water Park Opens This Weekend


© Cedar Point
One of several large projects Cedar Point has underway will open to guests for the first time this weekend.  Cedar Point Shores is the result of reimagining, expanding and modernizing the existing separate-entry water park that has sat next to Cedar Point for many years.

The work has made the existing park bigger and better than ever, with a fresh theme that embodies the history of Cedar Point as a staple destination on Lake Erie.  Spread among 18 acres near several of the resort's hotels and Cedar Point itself, it also borders a big stretch of the beach and Lake Erie just beyond.

"This is a unique time in Cedar Point's history. As the park evolves with the latest and greatest attractions, we will never lose sight of how we started," said Jason McClure, vice president and general manager of Cedar Point. "Cedar Point Shores is a direct nod to our past as it existed on the Lake Erie shoreline. Only today, new and exciting thrills are available right alongside the beach that has, and still continues to bring families together."

© Cedar Point
Cedar Point Shores has 17 water attractions, something for each member of the family - and several of them are brand new in 2017.  Seen in the photo up top, Point Plummet are 4 new thrill slides that start with trap-door free falls, plunging sliders straight down into the slide.  Built on the same tower is Portside Plunge, a pair of tube slides that end with giant drops into the pool below.

Kids also have plenty new fun waiting for them at the park in both Lemmy's Lagoon and Lakeside Landing.  Between the two there are numerous play areas, small slides and plenty more to keep kids of different ages happy in the summer sun.

Cedar Point Shores is also packed with new amenities, food and beverage and retail options.  Crystal Rock Cafe is a large new dining establishment, Beaches & Cream will offer various ice cream creations, Schooner's Bayside Bar has relaxing adult beverages, and the new Sandals Souvenirs and Sundries is a new retail location.  All new lounge chairs, bright colors on all the slides, upgraded cabanas for rent, lush new landscaping and more changes have also been completed.

For more information on Cedar Point Shores, check out the park's website.


Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Parques Reunidos the Latest Theme Park Operator to Make China Expansion Plans



It seems that lately there's a continual flow of stories about a plethora of theme park companies making plans to expand into China.  From Six Flags' parks that are ready for construction to SeaWorld's recently announced plans, everyone is eyeing the country as the next great place to develop new parks and resorts.

We now have news that Parques Reunidos has entered into a "strategic agreement" with a Chinese company to develop new parks and indoor entertainment centers there.  Working with Harves Century Group, which the press release names as "one of the principal privately owned real estate development companies in China," Parques Reunidos will assist in creating parks across China.  The pair will be working with the investment arm of the China Development Bank, so it would appear as though there will be no lack of funding for the projects.

The partnership will see Parques Reunidos assist with "preliminary consultation phase of projects, through the consultation on design, construction, and attraction procurement, all the way to the management and operation of the future parks."

© Parques Reunidos
Parques Reunidos is already one of the largest theme, water and family entertainment park operators on the planet, with locations spread across the globe.  The company owns many parks, while having similar management agreements on many others.  They've been named as operators on several new parks, such as Bollywood and Motiongate in Dubai, and Dragon Park in Vietnam.

In the U.S. the company owns properties such as Kennywood, Dutch Wonderland,  Lake Compounce, Idlewild, several water parks and more.


Monday, May 22, 2017

Take a Spin on Six Flags Fiesta Texas' New Thunder Rapids Water Coaster


© Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Six Flags Fiesta Texas is gearing up for the grand opening of their new water coaster, Thunder Rapids.  The ride, which can be seen above in a photo from the park, is located in the White Water Bay water park section of the theme park, and is included in general admission.

Built along the backside of the park's giant Texas-shaped wave pool, Thunder Rapids features a ridable lift up to three stories in the air, then both downhill and uphill sections along 942 feet of slide.  Rafts are propelled along the course using "water jet propulsion technology" as they zip through tunnels, tight turns and dips.

Thunder Rapids will open this coming weekend for a special season pass-only preview.  Saturday and Sunday will see the new attraction open for Gold pass holders only, then Monday is for all pass holders.  The ride's grand opening for the public will be on June 3rd.

Ready to take a ride?  Six Flags Fiesta Texas has released this new point of view video.  Enjoy!


Sunday, May 21, 2017

Checking In On Mine Blower Construction at Fun Spot America


© Fun Spot America
One of the summer's most anticipated new coasters, and one of only three new wooden roller coasters to open in North America in 2017, Mine Blower at Fun Spot America is continuing to make progress.  The super-compact coaster has already hit its maximum height of 83 feet, with the initial lift hill, tight 180 degree turn and first plunge now completed.

The crew has been hard at work on other sections of the coaster, such as the massively banked turn seen above in a photo from the park.

© The Gravity Group
Mine Blower's designer, The Gravity Group, has also been sharing photos of the coaster's progress on social media.  This past week work began, and continued quickly, on the coaster's full inversion, a barrel roll that takes place over the top of the ride's station.  Above is a photo of the steel support structure for the inversion being put into place.  If you follow the bents that will hold the track you can follow the path that the trains will take.

© The Gravity Group
One more photo that The Gravity Group has shared, this time from the top of the lift hill looking down at the ride sprawled below.  The inversion supports can be seen on the right, and one of the heavily banked turns I spoke of earlier can be seen in the back.  When completed Mine Blower will twist over itself several times during the 2,290 feet of track.  You can check out some other recent photos from Wild Gravity Travels here.

Obviously with the ride still coming together it's a bit soon to look for an opening date, but Fun Spot America is still planning to make a summer debut.


Saturday, May 20, 2017

Six Flags' New Parks in China to Feature Garfield and Friends


Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has announced that their partnership with Riverside Tourism Investment Group Co. Ltd to build theme parks in China will include Garfield as the main character theme of the park's children's areas.

The famous characters, which got their start in the comics section of the paper, will first appear at Six Flags Zhejiang when the park opens in 2019. The second Six Flags Park in China, Six Flags Chongqing, is scheduled to open in 2020.  Both will feature the Garfield characters when they open.

© Paws, Inc
“We are excited to partner with the great team at Paws Incorporated to create unique, themed sections based on the beloved Garfield character for children and their families,” said John Odum, President, Six Flags International Development Company. “From themed rides and attractions to live shows, character meet and greets and merchandise, guests will be fully immersed inside the clever world of Garfield and friends.”

The developers of the parks in China, which are licensing the Six Flags name and featuring their planning and expertise, note that Garfield is "already a beloved character in China and we look forward to bringing him to life inside Six Flags Zhejiang and Six Flags Chongqing.”

Garfield, Odie, Pooky, Arlene and Nermal are just some of the cast of characters that will be featured in the children's area.  Their license is represented by International Theme Park Services, Inc., a leader in the theme park and amusement industry.

Specific details of the two Six Flags parks for China have not been announced yet, hopefully soon we will get a chance to look at just what rides are planned!


Friday, May 19, 2017

New Nighttime Show Revealed for Universal Studios Hollywood's Wizarding World of Harry Potter


© Universal Studios Hollywood
Giving visitors yet another reason to visit Universal Studios Hollywood this summer, the theme park has announced the addition of "The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle," a brand new show to debut in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter on June 23rd.

The show will feature a "dazzling light projection experience" set on the backdrop of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  Visitors will view the show from inside Hogsmeade village once the sun sets, enjoying a journey that will showcase "the four houses of Hogwarts: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin that culminates with awesome beams of lights that fan into the night sky."

Along with the light projections, the new show will feature a special musical arrangement created by John Williams, who composed the original scores for the series of Harry Potter feature films.  Experienced in surround sound, the arrangement will no doubt transport guests back into the world of Harry Potter.  The music is being conducted by William Ross and recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra.

Visitors to Universal Studios Hollywood will be able to experience "The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle" during multiple performances each night during the summer months.  There will be limited previews leading up to the June 23rd grand opening performance.


Thursday, May 18, 2017

SeaWorld Entertainment Plans New Sesame Place Park in the U.S. + Expansion in Orlando



SeaWorld Entertainment has announced that they have extended their existing, 37 year old agreement with Sesame Workshop through the end of 2031 and that it now includes the development of a new Sesame Place theme park in the U.S. and themed expansions at the company's existing parks.

The agreement will continue to have SeaWorld Entertainment as Sesame Workshop's only theme park partner in the U.S., and calls for at least one new Sesame Place park to open by mid-2021.  The location of this park has not yet been disclosed, but more parks are on the table for the future as well.

It was also mentioned in the press release that SeaWorld Orlando will build a new Sesame Street themed land at the park by fall 2022.  To me, it sounds like the dates given for the new park and new land are deadlines, so it's not to say that they will not open earlier.

Sesame Place in Pennsylvania © Google Maps
"We share Sesame's goal of educating and entertaining generations of children, and the extension of our partnership furthers SeaWorld's mission to provide guests with experiences that matter," said Joel Manby, President and Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. "We are thrilled to be able to grow the presence of Sesame Place theme parks in the U.S. and help our company diversify its brand portfolio and expand into new areas." 

As for just where the new park is going, and how extensive the addition at SeaWorld Orlando will be, the Orlando Sentinel has some great hints on both. 

At SeaWorld Orlando it sounds like the Sesame Street land will replace Shamu's Happy Harbor, and will be designed to be more immersive than the lands that went into the two Busch Gardens parks.  The article quotes Mr. Manby as saying there will be Sesame Street itself to walk down, rides, a parade and more.  Honestly, aside from the water slides that just described the existing Sesame Place pretty well!

© Sesame Place
The new park is not going to Orlando, that seems for sure from the story.  Mr. Manby says that there are existing markets in the U.S. that are under served for preschool entertainment, and they will be easier and cost less to build than in the Orlando market.  

My first thought was to give it another go in Texas, as a Sesame Place existed there for only two years starting in 1982.  I'm not sure if the company has enough free land adjacent to SeaWorld San Antonio, but own the land for a new park certainly helps take a bit out of the budget!  Time will tell on this one.


Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Universal Orlando Shares First Look Inside Volcano Bay


© Universal Orlando
It is hard to believe that after all the speculation and guessing about whether or not Universal Orlando was going to pull the trigger on a brand new water park, we're finally just a couple weeks away from the grand opening.  Set to have the public enter for the first time on May 25th, Volcano Bay has been revealed from the inside for the first time.

Granted we've seen many aerial photos of the park's development on social media, so we've probably all had a good look so far, even those shots didn't do the park the justice it deserves.  It's beautiful!

© Universal Orlando
The park aims to make visitors feel as if they're on a "tropical getaway," and from these photos that looks like a big success.  The park's central feature is Krakatau, a giant volcano that stands 200 feet above the park's 30 acres.  Visitors can choose to totally relax during the day, or take part in many fun slides and attractions.

© Universal Orlando
Universal has packed plenty in Volcano Bay, offering 18 different water slides, a gigantic wave pool, a lazy river, action river, and several play areas - and more.  Zeroing in on the relaxation aspect, there are tons of places to lounge, including sandy beaches, along with a plethora of private cabanas to rent.

A first impression of the park and its offerings can be found, along with some photos, on CNN's Travel site.  The story is filled with details on the efforts that went into creating the park, and is worth checking out if you're interested in the park.

I'm looking forward to copious amounts of coverage to hit the web in just a couple weeks, I have a feeling there's still plenty more to see!


Monday, May 15, 2017

Casino Pier's New Hydrus Roller Coaster Now Thrilling Riders


© Casino Pier
The newest coaster on the Jersey Shore is now plunging, looping and twisting riders at Casino Pier.  Hydra opened the weekend before last, and is already a hit among visitors to the park.

We've covered the ride pretty often here, but one aspect of the coaster that I hadn't noticed is the awesome logo signs that went up on the station.  Above is a shot of one of the 3-D signs, these look awesome!

© Casino Pier
Hydrus was created by Gerstlauer and is one of their compact Euro-Fighter designs.  Known as the model 320, the coaster features a vertical lift hill to 72 feet in the air, a beyond vertical (97 degree) plunge and speeds of 45 miles per hour.  Riders are treated to several elements and inversions in quick succession, including a signature vertical loop, a cutback turn and an extended heartline roll.  The ride is fast and action packed from start to finish.

CoasterForce was on site for the ride's opening and posted some great off-ride footage, embedded below.  Looks like a fun ride, congratulations to Casino Pier on the addition!


Sunday, May 14, 2017

SeaWorld Entertainment's CEO Still Bullish on Company's Future


© Orlando Sentinel
It looks like 2017 is going to be a very pivotal year for SeaWorld Entertainment, however it is one that CEO Joel Manby is thinking may show growth.  That would be a big deal for SeaWorld, as the company has seen steady declines in earnings since 2013.

To that end Mr. Manby spoke with the Orlando Sentinel about what's going on both at a corporate and park level.  It sounds like things are finally falling into shape, with a clear vision of the parks being about conservation, not animal shows, leading the way.  Manby notes that no other company in the world is spending between $10 and $15 million a year on conservation efforts, but they are.

Morale around SeaWorld is also picking up among employees, despite layoffs that hit last December that affected the zoological area.  The company was careful to on eliminate positions that in no way reduced animal care.

Mr. Manby is also excited to continue to roll out 2017's new rides and attractions, which are aimed at expanding the breadth of what the theme parks offer... meaning continuing to add rides and attractions that are about animals, but don't necessarily feature them.  Some mix both, like Ocean Explorer at SeaWorld San Diego, and some are real thrill rides featuring a conservation message - like Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster at SeaWorld San Antonio.  It also sounds like this mix of attraction will be the pattern going forward.

Click the link above for the full story and video.


Saturday, May 13, 2017

Schlitterbahn Corpus Christi Opening New Shoot-The-Chutes Ride



Although the ride was purchased and moved to the park years ago, Schlitterbahn Corpus Christi is now ready to open their classic Shoot-The-Chutes ride to the public.  Named the Padre Plunge, the ride originally operated at Alabama Adventure theme park for only a couple seasons.

It will now be a part of the expansive Corpus Christi property, filled with unique water slides and attractions.

© Schlitterbahn Corpus Christi
Padre Plunge takes boats of up to 15 riders to a height of 45 feet above the park.  The boats slowly make their way around a 180 degree turn before plunging down into the water below.  The splash that is created by the boat is 20 feet tall, and soaks both guests watching nearby but also a slide that is positioned inside the ride's layout.

In anticipation of the ride's opening, Schlitterbahn Corpus Christi released this promotional video of the Padre Plunge in action:


Friday, May 12, 2017

Doolittle Raiders 75th Anniversary Celebration




Eleven World War II era B-25 medium bombers were gathered at the National Museum of the United States Air Force for a special commemorative ceremony. The occasion was the 75th Reunion of the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders. On April 18, 1945, 80 airmen carried the burden of an entire nation as they flew towards the Japanese Home Islands and struck the first blow after Pearl Harbor. They raised the morale of all the allies but more importantly, they forced the redeployment of Japanese forces from offensive to defensive positions to protect the homeland.


This set of goblets was presented to the Raiders by the City of Tuscon, who hosted the reunion in  1959. Also shown is a bottle of cognac, provided by the Hennessee company, from which the final two Raiders were to drink the final toast to their comrades. You can see more about the final toast here. In a private ceremony, a roll call is administered and Colonel Cole turned Sgt. Richard Thatcher's goblet upside down due to his passing last summer.

 

General David  L  Goldfein, Air Force Chief of Staff talks about how the legacy of the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders is maintained at the Air Force Academy and how important their history is to the entire service. There are over 600,000 airmen in both the active and reserve services.


Dr Doug  Lantry, Historian for the museum, explains how the story of the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders fits into the history of the United States Air Force.


 Cindy Cole Chal, daughter of Colonel Richard "Dick" Cole shares how she had to learn what her father did by listening to others before he began to talk about it with her. Colonel Cole also did some of the most dangerous flying of World War II flying the "Hump," in the Chinese-Burma-India Theatre before continuing to fly with the Air Commandos. Cindy did say that her father was pleased to hear that the B-21 bomber would be called a Raider, in honor of all of them.


Colonel Cole being escorted to his seat. The crowd rose as one when he was announced and remained standing until he was seated. Cole, along with all the Raiders, felt like they were only doing their job, and while they appreciate the recognition, they never felt they deserve to be called heroes.


The Patriot Guard Riders surrounded the section of Memorial Garden with American flags.


General Golfein and Colonel Cole share a moment at the ceremony. Cole, at 101 years of age, is the last surviving participant of the raid. All the Raiders received the Congressional Medal of Honor which is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. You can find our coverage here


Some of the B-25s during the first flyover. They came in waves and the throbbing of their engines filled the air. They are all privately owned by various individuals and museums across the country.


Here is the missing man formation just before the smoking B-25 pulls up into the sky.


The presentation of the colors by the honor guard.


Cadets from the Air Force Academy place the wreath. The academy used to be the repository for the goblets before they came home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Cadets from the History Department also served during the Final Toast ceremony.


Here are some highlights of the ceremony. You can hear the B-1 bombers but not see them.


But Carol got one of them through the trees. Unfortunately, the B-1s had to alter their flight path as they approached the Memorial Garden and nobody got them except through the trees. And the unrestricted power climb was aborted. The B-1s represent the 34th and 37th Bob Squadrons, which were two of the four Army Air Corps Squadrons from which B-25 aircrews were selected for the Doolittle Tokyo Raid.


The Museum Foundation also has a Living History Film Series, where they present films of interest, and include the subjects, authors, relatives, or fellow servicemen of the aviation subjects. This night's presentation of Doolittle's Raiders: A Final Toast, was introduced by Colonel (Ret) Richard "Dick" Cole himself. The purpose of the program is to provide continuation of the amazing legacies of flight, from one generation to another. You can find information about the entire series by going here

On May 18 they will present The Last Man on the Moon, with Commander (Ret) Fred Baldwin, friend and fellow aviator of Eugene "Gen" Cernan. June 22 will feature The Gift: Mr R. A. Hoover with Sean  D  Tucker, airshow pilot. More information can be obtained by calling 937-253-4629.