Conneaut Lake Park and the Blue Streak - 10/24/2014

Light the Night - 9/27/2014

Harrison Huseman of Smithfield and Lois Johnson of Belle Vernon release a lantern in honor of their daughter Zoey Johnson who is a survivor of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia during the 15th annual Southwest Light the Night event at Storey Square in Uniontown on Saturday. Sept, 27, 2014. The event, which seeks to raise money and awareness for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raised over $70 thousand.

Alayna Horne, 9, of Belle Vernon and her father Travis dedicate a balloon to the memories of Uncle Daryl Horne and Great-Grandmother Serafene Huscroft during the 15th annual Southwest Light the Night event at Storey Square in Uniontown on Saturday. Sept, 27, 2014. The event, which seeks to raise money and awareness for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raised over $70 thousand.

Michael Brooks of Uniontown releases a balloon in memory of family friend Marie Bookhart during the 15th annual Southwest Light the Night event at Storey Square in Uniontown on Saturday. Sept, 27, 2014. The event, which seeks to raise money and awareness for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raised over $70 thousand.

Elvis Impersonator, Eddie Steen, shows off his musical skill set during the 15th annual Southwest Light the Night event at Storey Square in Uniontown on Saturday. Sept, 27, 2014. The event, which seeks to raise money and awareness for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raised over $70 thousand.

Michael Wiles, 11, of Point Marion gets his face painted during the 15th annual Southwest Light the Night event at Storey Square in Uniontown on Saturday. Sept, 27, 2014. The event, which seeks to raise money and awareness for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raised over $70 thousand.

Honorary Chairperson Sen. Richard Kasunic speaks at the 15th annual Southwest Light the Night event at Storey Square in Uniontown on Saturday. Sept, 27, 2014. The event, which seeks to raise money and awareness for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raised over $70 thousand.

Lynn Petko (left) of Brownsville walks in support with her best friend, and Lymphoma survivor, Cynthia Bellina of Uniontown during the 15th annual Southwest Light the Night event at Storey Square in Uniontown on Saturday. Sept, 27, 2014. The event, which seeks to raise money and awareness for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raised over $70 thousand.

FestiFall - 9/20/2014

Over 2,000 people attended Saturday's annual FestiFall event at the Friendship Hill National Historic Site in Springhill Township. FestiFall is held at Friendship Hill, the historic country home of Albert Gallatin, and is sponsored by The Friendship Hill Association and The National Park Service.

Brian Reedy of Uniontown and Chief of Interpretation for the National Park Service demonstrates the firing of a French Revolution-era musket during Saturday's annual FestiFall event at the Friendship Hill National Historic Site in Springhill Township.

Susan Rex of Apollo demonstrates to Nick Ludi and Bev Dunn, both of Uniontown, on the mechanics of an eight-shaft loom during Saturday's annual FestiFall event at the Friendship Hill National Historic Site in Springhill Township.

Savannah Smithley of Dillinger engages in a game of Yard Hoops in which the objective is to use a pair of sticks to throw a discus-like hoop among the players during Saturday's annual FestiFall event at the Friendship Hill National Historic Site in Springhill Township.

Cameron Neil, 3, of Masontown dips a homemade candle during Saturday's annual FestiFall event at the Friendship Hill National Historic Site in Springhill Township.

Bella Burgess, 10, of Smithfield reads "A Dream" by Edgar Allen Poe, along with several other students from the surrounding school districts during Saturday's annual FestiFall event at the Friendship Hill National Historic Site in Springhill Township.

Announcing Senior Portrait Packages! - 9/12/2014

With a new school year already underway, be it elementary school, high school or college, a new group of upper-classmen have stepped forward and are ready to take their respective institutions by storm! With this rite of passage comes the desire to memorialize this year into our memories forever and Joel Brewton Photography is here to assist with our new Senior Portrait Packages!

BASIC PACKAGE - $175.00 - plus tax & expenses

- Pre-shoot consultation to help establish a personal touch and design for the photographs

- Ninety minutes of on-location photography

- Multiple poses, outfits and locations per client agreement

- A selection of the best 12 images, presented via private online gallery for easy viewing

- One 8x10 professionally retouched portrait

- One set of eight professionally retouched wallet portraits

- One licensed digital print for e-mail and social media

DELUXE PACKAGE - $265.00 - plus tax & expenses

- Pre-shoot consultation to help establish a personal touch and design for the photographs

- Ninety minutes of on-location photography

- Multiple poses, outfits and locations per client agreement

- A selection of the best 16 images, presented via private online gallery for easy viewing

- Two 8x10 professionally retouched portraits

- Two 5x7 professionally retouched portraits

- One set of eight professionally retouched wallet portraits

- One licensed digital portrait for e-mail and social media

ADDITIONAL PRINTS AND OPTIONS

- 8X10 prints - $24.00 (plus tax on all additional options)

- Wallet prints (set of eight) - $24.00

- 5x7 prints - $18.00

- CD (digital scans of all images, plus full licensing) - $180.00

- Custom matting (any size) - $30.00

- Professional retouching - $50.00 per image

EXPENSES

- Travel ($0.50 per mile after the first 20 miles)

- Shipping & handling (receipts will be supplied)

- Cancellation fee ($100 if session is terminated by client following agreement)

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HELPING YOU PRESERVE YOUR GREATEST YEARS!

Labor Day Features - 9/1/2014

Jared Niequest of Chicago traverses a slack line Monday afternoon at Ohiopyle State Park. Niequest describes slacklining as his "calm down sport" in between rock climbing and white water rafting.

Despite the high and rushing waters, Sarah Crawford, 13, of New Cumberland embraces her inner daredevil and speeds down the natural watersides at Ohiopyle State Park, Monday afternoon.

Flying High With A Blue Streak - 8/28/2014

Flying High With A Blue Streak was held at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014 and at Waldameer Park in Erie, Pa. on Sunday, Aug, 24.. The event was organized by the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) and the Western New York Coaster Club (WNYCC) which are international non-profit organizations dedicated to the enjoyment and preservation of roller coasters.

Dan Schwartz of Clairton, Pa. soars aboard the Flying Skooters during Saturday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa.

Milo Pennock of Chadwicks, N.Y. plays a solo round of miniature golf during Saturday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa.

Jason Porta (left) of Mechanicsburg, Pa. and Steve Romanchak of Koppel, Pa. take a spin on the Tumble Bug during Saturday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa.

Mike Henry of Corapolis, Pa. enjoys a catered meal of spaghetti and salad during Saturday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa.

Leonard Adams of Adams Amusements LLC speaks about the work he and his family have done on the Blue Streak roller coaster and for the park itself during Saturday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa.

Mike Varga of Fredonia, Pa. enjoys the spooks of the Devil's Den haunted house during Saturday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa.

Aaron Maricic of Clairton, Pa. enjoys an special opportunity to ride the Little Dipper roller coaster during Saturday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa.

A train full of ACE and WYNCC members, led by Ricky Cooper (left) and Stephen Peeples, both of Richmond, Va., enjoy some "exclusive ride time" (ERT) aboard the Blue Streak roller coaster during Saturday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa.

Flying High With A Blue Streak was held at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014 and at Waldameer Park in Erie, Pa. on Sunday, Aug, 24.. The event was organized by the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) and the Western New York Coaster Club (WNYCC) which is are international non-profit organizations dedicated to the enjoyment and preservation of roller coasters.

Elan and Steve Smith of Jefferson, Ohio enjoy a morning ride aboard the Comet roller coaster during Sunday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Waldameer Park in Erie, Pa.

David Hahner III of Pittsburgh, Pa. enjoys the views of Lake Erie from the top of the Ferris Wheel during Sunday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Waldameer Park in Erie, Pa.

David Altman (right) of Pittsburgh, Pa. presents Paul Nelson, owner and CEO of Waldameer Park & Water World, with an honorary membership to the American Coaster Enthusiasts in celebration of Nelson's 70 years of service to the park and the amusement industry on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014. Nelson began his work in 1945 at the age of 11 and has been involved with the park ever since. His biggest contribution in recent years has been the park's celebrated wooden roller coaster, Ravine Flyer II.

Bruce Cassi of Evergreen Park, Ill. takes a photo of a passing coaster train during a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Ravine Flyer II roller coaster during Sunday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Waldameer Park in Erie, Pa.

David Hahner III (left to right), Bill Linkenheimer III, Adam Napotnik and Adam Carlini, all of the Pittsburgh area, are doused in icy water by Erik Frankenstein (top left) of Wexford and Steve Gorman of Waldameer Park as they take part in the Ice Bucket Challenge during Sunday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Waldameer Park in Erie, Pa.. The Ice Bucket Challenge has been used to raise money and awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and has currently generated over $88 million.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF KENNETH RILING)

Banshee Howls at King's Island - 8/22/2014

Banshee opened at King's Island in Mason, Ohio on
Friday, April 18, 2014.

Mason, Ohio - “Banshee gave me flashbacks to 1992, when I rode the brand new Batman: The Ride at Six Flags Great America,” says Bill Linkenheimer III of Pittsburgh Pa. and former president of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE). [Bollinger & Mabillard’s] first inverted coaster provided a real WOW factor with its sensationally smooth and exciting acrobatics that have never been experienced before while riding a roller coaster. Exiting my first ride ofBanshee, I found myself saying those same things all over again, some 22 years later.”

Banshee opened to the public at King’s Island on Friday, April 18, 2014 to screams of approval by the general public and roller coaster enthusiasts alike. The roller coaster stands 167 feet above the park’s midway and reaches a top speed of 68 mph through seven inversions along its 4,124-ft. course. With the trains hanging below the steel track, leaving riders’ feet dangling freely, it currently holds the record for the longest inverted roller coaster in the world.

“First time seeing it, I thought it would be a really nice coaster,” says Ricky Drop of Morgantown, W.Va. who traveled to King’s Island for ACE’s annual Spring Conference. “After riding it; all I could say was ‘wow!’ The speed, the drops and the inversions are awesome!”

Designed by Swiss ride manufacturers Bollinger & Mabillard (B&M), Banshee is the first roller coaster of it’s type to be built in the United States since thePatriot roller coaster opened in 2006 at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Mo.. In addition to its massive size, Banshee marks new innovation for inverted roller coasters beginning with a new restraint system never before seen on such rides. The over-the-shoulder restraint lies flat across the rider’s chest with no visual obstruction in any direction. This restraint system had previously only been used on B&M’s wing coasters. While these restraints have received some criticism in the past for locking uncomfortably at the rider’s shoulders, Banshee’s trains offer new flexibility to reduce this issue.

“I thought Banshee's restraints were comfortable and comparable to similar systems like it,” says Rev. Cliff Herring of Whitehall, Pa. “The trains were smooth and did not seem very different than other [inverted] coasters.”

As the train crests the lift hill, it immediately dives down Banshee’s alarmingly steep first drop of 150 feet and then proceeds to soar into the first two elements of the ride. A diving loop flips riders high over the midway before sending them plummeting back to the earth only to send them directly into a vertical loop which encircles the lift hill. This is the only inverted coaster in the world to perform such a stunt and one of only three coasters from B&M to execute it at all; the other two being Kumba at Busch Gardens Tampa in Tampa Bay, Fl. and Riddler’s Revenge at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, Ca.

Banshee currently holds the world record as the longest
inverted roller coaster at 4,124-ft.

“Banshee is much like Riddler’s Revenge in that the inversions are so big, the ride, while powerful, is also very graceful and does not wear you down as some other extreme rides can,” says David Lipnicky of Grand Prairie, Tx. and current Vice President of ACE. “I think anyone who is mentally and physically ready and able to ride should give it a try.”

Following the loop, riders are treated to five more upside-down elements including a zero-g-roll, a pretzel loop which flips them twice, a second vertical loop and an in-line twist before rolling back into the station. The lack of trim brakes anywhere on the ride allows for a flowing movement without having the ride be split up into sections.

“Banshee is a superb record breaking coaster that provides a long and what seems like never ending array of elements,” says Dawayne Kimery of Kansas City, Mo. “The thrill of the fast paced transitions from one inversion to another is not hindered by the use of brake systems like on other inverted coasters.”

King’s Island managed to get the word out about Banshee through a massive marketing campaign. It began in 2013 when special halloween-themed teaser ads began popping up around the park and online via the park’s website and social media. After the park officially announced the ride on Aug. 8. 2013, construction videos began to emerge on websites like Facebook and YouTube. It was a marketing strategy that Cedar Fair has utilized to great extent on other such groundbreaking projects such as GateKeeper at the neighboring park; Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio.

Riders are flipped upside-down a total of seven times
throughout Banshee's layout.

“Banshee's announcement was not only an affirmation that the people at Cedar Fair knew exactly what Kings Island needed, but an affirmation of the remarkable continued relevancy of the inverted coaster,” says Alexander Dicky of Murfreesboro, Tenn. “Kings Island was on top of the social media outlets. They gave us updates pretty much every day because they knew that's what we wanted!”

Banshee may be set back in a corner of the park, but park guests should have little difficulty finding their way to it. Quite aside from the magenta track with royal blue support structures, Banshee is appropriately named thanks to the other-worldly howling that the trains produce as they speed through the course. Irish folklore says that the howling of a banshee allegedly foretold death and/or misfortune to those who heard it. Keeping in this lore in the theming of the coaster. The queing line is decorated as a cemetery with statues and tombstones peppered throughout while the station is designed like an old-fashioned church.

“I like the Gaelic-themed tombstones throughout the area as well as the overall look of the loading station building,” says David Hahner Jr. of Pittsburgh, Pa. and ACE Historian. “ The memorial to Son of Beast with the ‘eternal light’ torch a fitting tribute to the once record breaking wooden coaster that once sat on that same spot.  

Son of Beast opened in 2000 as the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world, as well as the only wooden coaster to feature a vertical loop. Accidents and maintenance issues began to be reported in 2006 resulting in a decline in the ride’s popularity. The final incident in which a woman suffered a head injury on the ride  occurred in 2009 resulting in the ride being shut down indefinitely pending investigations and legal matters. The coaster was demolished in 2013 to make way for Banshee

According to Irish lore, the howling of a banshee is said to
foretell misfortune and/or death to those who hear it.

“Son of Beast will be missed a lot, as it set the bar really high for what more could you do on a wooden coaster,” says Alan Hewston of Parma Heights, Ohio. “Yes, a bit bumpy and jolty, but heck, that sucker was moving and what did you expect from a woodie going that fast and that extreme a ride.”

Banshee is currently open to the public at King’s Island and has a height requirement of 52 inches in order to ride.