IAAPA Announces 2008 Big E Award Winners Who Exemplify Excellence in Attractions Industry Entertainment Blooloop

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) announced the winners of its Big E Awards at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008 Wednesday, Nov. 19.

The awards honor the best in live entertainment at amusement parks and attractions throughout the world, and commanded an even larger celebration this year, as it was the tenth anniversary of the Big E Awards. The occasion was celebrated with video introductions from entertainers including Dolly Parton, Joey Fatone, and a number of country stars. Appearing live were costumed characters from Broadway shows “Wicked” and “Grease.”

OCT Holding Company in Shenzhen, China; Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio, Texas, United States; Hard Rock Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States; and Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, United States, were among the top winners. The 15 categories recognized productions, individual performers, sports, “edutainment, ” and spirit. The Big E Awards were sponsored by American Paper Optics, Heartbeat Productions, RWS & Associates, Universal Orlando Resort, Busch Entertainment Corporation, Matt Davenport Productions, Universal Orlando Resort, Busch Gardens Tampa, Hersheypark, Hilligoss Production Associates, Fred Blurton Video Productions.

A complete list of award winners and honorable mention recipients for the 2008 Big E Awards follows:

Best Overall Production, More Than $2 million
Winner: “Golden Mask Dynasty, ” Shenzhen OCT Holding Company; Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
Honorable Mention: “Tea Show, ” Shenzhen OCT Holding Company; Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China

Best Overall Production, $1 million-$2 million
Winner: “Arachnome, ” Phantasialand; Brühl, Germany
Honorable Mention: “Dancing with the Dragon and the Phoenix, ” Shenzhen OCT Holding Company; Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China

Best Overall Production, $500, 001-$1 million
Winner: “Splendors of the Past, ” Shenzhen OCT Holding Company; Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
Honorable Mention: “Kinetix, ” Busch Gardens Europe; Williamsburg, Virginia, United States

Best Overall Production, $300, 001-$500, 000
Winner: “Blast Fever, ” Six Flags Fiesta Texas; San Antonio, Texas, United States
Honorable Mention: “Mysteria, ” Europa-Park; Rust, Germany

Best Overall Production, $150, 001-$300, 000
Winner: “Country on the Rocks, ” Hard Rock Park; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States
Honorable Mention: “The Majesty of Christmas, ” Six Flags Fiesta Texas; San Antonio, Texas, United States

Best Overall Production, $50, 001-$150, 000
Winner: “Cirque Innosta, ” Elitch Gardens; Denver, Colorado, United States
Honorable Mention: “Christmas on Ice, ” Busch Gardens Africa; Tampa, Florida, United States

Best Overall Production, $25, 001-$50, 000
Winner: “Show Stoppin’, ” Six Flags Great America; Gurnee, Illinois, United States
Honorable Mention: “Sweet Dreams, ” Busch Gardens Africa; Tampa, Florida, United States

Best Overall Production, $25, 000 or Less
Winner: “Love at First Fright, ” Six Flags Great America; Gurnee, Illinois, United States
Honorable Mention: “Dead Man’s Party, ” Six Flags Great America; Gurnee, Illinois, United States

Best Female Performer
Winner: Jenny Grossenbacher, Six Flags Fiesta Texas; San Antonio, Texas, United States
Honorable Mention: Arnie Shaw, Dollywood; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States

Best Male Performer
Winner: Morris Crosby, Cedar Point; Sandusky, Ohio, United States
Honorable Mention: Matthew Samler, Busch Gardens Africa; Tampa, Florida, United States

Best Atmosphere/Street Performer
Winner: The Gem Tones, Dollywood; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States
Honorable Mention: Howl-O-Scream Tree Goblin, Busch Gardens Europe; Williamsburg, Virginia, United States

Best Sports Show
Winner: “Malibu Beach Party, ” Hard Rock Park; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States
Honorable Mention: “Adventures on Ice, ” Silverwood Theme Park; Athol, Idaho, United States

Best Live Edutainment Show
Winner: “Critter Castaways, ” Busch Gardens Africa; Tampa, Florida, United States
Honorable Mention: “Creature Adventure Starring the Kratt Brothers, ” Dollywood; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States

Heartbeat Award
Winner: “Dreamland Drive-in, ” Dollywood; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States

Spirit Award
Winner: Amanda Jo Serio, Water Country USA; Williamsburg, Virginia, United States
Winner: Morris Crosby, Cedar Point; Sandusky, Ohio, United States
Honorable Mention: Matthew Samler, Busch Gardens Africa; Tampa, Florida, United States

Heartbeat Award
Winner: “Dreamland Drive-in, ” Dollywood; Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, United States

Spirit Award
Winner: Amanda Jo Serio, Water Country USA; Williamsburg, Virginia, United States

About IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008

The IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008 is the largest conference and trade show for the amusement park and attractions industry in the world. With its theme “Success in Every Direction, ” the show will draw an estimated 25, 000 participants, representing amusement and theme parks, family entertainment centers, waterparks, zoos, aquariums, museums, casinos, resorts, developers, themed entertainment designers, consultants, manufacturers, and suppliers, to the Orange County Convention Center from Monday, Nov. 17, through Friday, Nov. 21. The trade show floor will be open Tuesday, Nov. 18 through Friday, Nov. 21.IAAPA Attractions Expo 2008 offers a solid week of business and fun. More than 1, 000 exhibitors will display their products and services in 1 million square feet of exhibit space. The event also includes educational sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, marquee social events, and networking opportunities. This is the marketplace where amusement and attraction industry leaders, decision makers, and visionaries gather to network, view the latest innovations, and plan for the future.

About IAAPA

IAAPA, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded almost 90 years ago, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the amusement industry. IAAPA represents more than 4, 300 attraction, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries

Contact Information
Press Office: +1 703/299-5127
David Mandt: dmandt@IAAPA.org
Marion Hixon: mhixon@IAAPA.org
Nicholas Wolaver: nicholas.wolaver@edelman.com
Rachel Rosenberg: rachel.rosenberg@edelman.com