Posted
[Ed. note: Press release follows. -J]
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) presented its fifth annual “BIG-E” Entertainment Awards today during IAAPA Attractions Expo 2006, annual conference and trade show at the Georgia World Congress Center.
The “BIG-E” awards honor amusement facility entertainment, performers, and behind-the-scenes personnel who “make it happen” at attractions. Awards categories include Best Costumed Character, Best Show Performers, Best Live “Edutainment” Show, and Best Overall Production.
This year’s BIG-E award winners are:
Best Atmosphere/Street Performer
Honorary Mention – Sean Cahill as Scrooge – Paramount’s Kings Island – Cincinnati, Ohio
Winner – Michael Bennett – Warner Bros. Movie World - Gold Coast, Australia
Best Female Performer
Honorary Mention – Marlana Dunn – Cedar Point – Sandusky, Ohio
Winner – Amanda Schroeder – Paramount’s Kings Island, Cincinnati, Ohio
Best Male Show Performer
Honorary Mention – Steven Dorian – Busch Gardens Africa - Tampa Bay, Fla.
Winner – Kevin Johnson – LEGOLAND California – Carlsbad, Calif.
Best Live “Edutainment” Show
Honorary Mention – Danger Rangers: Safety Rules – Dutch Wonderland – Lancaster, Penn.
Winner – Capilano’s “Step Back in Time” Tour – Capilano Suspension Bridge – North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Best Sports Show
Honorary Mention – Island Quest – Busch Gardens Europe and Water Country USA - Williamsburg, Va.
Winner – XCELLERATION – Six Flags Fiesta Texas – San Antonio, Tex.
Best Overall Production: Budget of $25,000 or less
Honorary Mention – Last Chance Legends – Six Flags Fiesta Texas – San Antonio, Tex.
Winner – Puppets and Players Theater Thumbelina – San Diego Zoo – San Diego, Calif.
Best Overall Production: $25,001 to $50,000
Honorary Mention - Children’s Musical “Pinocchio” – Europa-Park Foeizeit and Familien Park – Rust, Germany
Winner - Mayor Slayer’s Monster Mash Bash – Six Flags Fiesta Texas – San Antonio, Tex.
Best Overall Production: $50,001 to $100,000
Honorary Mention – The Living Gardens’ Force of Nature – San Diego Zoo – San Diego, Calif.
Winner – Trash Time: The Beat Bros. – Hershey Park – Hershey, Penn.
Best Overall Production: $100,001- $200,000
Honorary Mention – Dragon Pond Chinese Acrobats – Busch Gardens Africa - Tampa Bay, Fla.
Winner – Bettlejuice’s Graveyard Review – Universal Orlando Resort – Orlando, Fla.
Best Overall Production: $200,001 - $500,000
Honorary Mention – Jewels of the Rainforest the Messenger – San Diego Zoo – San Diego, Calif.
Winner – Santa’s Toy Factory – Paramount’s Kings Island – Cincinnati, Ohio
Best Overall Production: $500,001 - $1,000,000
Honorary Mention – Dreamland Drive-in – Dollywood – Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Winner – ARACHNOME – Phantasialand – Bruehl, Germany
Best Overall Production: $1,000,000 or More
Honorary Mention – Efteling Sprookjesshow – Efteling theater ISM Studio 100 – Kaatsheuevel, The Netherlands
Winner – Believe – Sea World California, Florida and Texas – San Diego, Calif.; Orlando, Fla.; San Antonio, Tex.
Heartbeat Award – Sponsored by Heartbeat Productions
Winner – Dreamland Drive-in – Dollywood – Pigeon Forge, Tenn.