IAAPA Announces 2021 Brass Ring Award Winners

Press Release from IAAPA

ORLANDO, Fla., US (Nov. 5, 2021) – IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, today announced the winners of the 2021 IAAPA Brass Ring Awards. The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards are the most prestigious professional honors awarded, marking achievements of excellence throughout the global attractions industry. The awards recognize amusement parks, water parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, family entertainment centers (FECs), and attractions in excellence in categories including food and beverage, games and retail, human resources, live entertainment, marketing, and new products.

The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards are considered one of the global attractions industry’s most prestigious honors. The brass ring has been a tradition dating back to the 1800s, when excited guests were challenged to reach for a ring while riding a carousel. While most rings were made from iron, grabbing the single brass ring was a coveted and celebrated accomplishment, and often included a free second carousel ride. The IAAPA Brass Ring Awards honor that tradition, and each year facilities around the world submit their most creative and memorable work for consideration.

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Dollywood’s Harvest Festival Celebrates the Beauty of the Smokies

Press Release from Dollywood

PIGEON FORGE, TN (September 20, 2021) — Dollywood, one of America’s favorite fall family destinations, celebrates the splendor of autumn in the majestic rolling foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains during the Harvest Festival presented by Humana (Sept. 24- Oct. 30). The annual guest-favorite event includes the family-friendly Great Pumpkin LumiNights presented by Covenant Health, which has quickly become a cherished experience for parkgoers.

A longstanding family tradition for so many, the Harvest Festival greets guests with the surrounding mountainsides draped in vibrant colors. Dollywood’s landscaping and fresh décor accent the autumn atmosphere and bring the beauty right into the park, making it ripe for families to create their picture-perfect pumpkin photo ops to share with friends!

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Iron Gwazi to Open March 2022 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Press Release from Busch Gardens Tampa

Tampa, Fla. (August 23, 2021) – Today, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay announced that Iron Gwazi will open as North America’s tallest hybrid coaster and the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world in March 2022, in time for Spring Break. 

The new ride will take thrills to new heights, plunging riders from a 206-foot-tall peak into a 91-degree drop and reaching top speeds of 76 miles per hour. The journey will include a dozen airtime moments, including three inversions, as it races along more than 4,075 feet of purple steel track. With a 48” height requirement, Iron Gwazi will be an exciting attraction that thrill-seeking families can take on together.

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Summer Fun is Back in the ‘Burgh! Kennywood Begins 2021 Season Featuring Award-Winning Coaster, New Food Festival and Restored, Historic Ride

Press Release from Kennywood

WEST MIFFLIN, PA– Wooden roller coasters clacking. Merry Go Round band organ blaring. Children claiming ride partners and shouting through Kennywood’s iconic tunnel on a school picnic day. These sounds were solely missed during May and June 2020 that will, thankfully, burst back into our lives starting Saturday, May 8, when America’s Most Thrilling Historic Landmark begins its 123rd season of fun.

“We can’t wait to begin a new year that brings us closer to the typical Kennywood experience,” says Mark Pauls, General Manager. “The 2021 season offers a lot to be excited about, and we’ll keep the safety of our Guests and Team Members as top priority as we welcome everyone back to the park.”

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