Roller Coaster enthusiasts honor Family Kingdom coaster as landmark

Roller coaster fans from around the country are coming to Myrtle Beach.

The 2016 Spring Conference of American Coaster Enthusiasts will be held in the Carolinas from April 29-May 1.

To kick off the conference, the enthusiasts will ride Family Kingdom’s wooden coaster, Swamp Fox, on April 29.

The Swamp Fox was designed by John Allen, a key figure in coaster design and responsible for coasters across the United States.

“The fact the ride has triumphantly survived through multiple hurricanes and still thrills families to this day is remarkable,” says communications director Tim Baldwin. “What a testament to the dedication of the park and true value of the entertainment this iconic ride provides vacationers year after year.”

The Swamp Fox is turning 50 and the group will present a historical marketer to the park designating it an ACE Roller Coaster landmark.

“Members from around the country are excited to visit Family Kingdom and ride the latest ACE roller coaster landmark, Swamp Fox,” says ACE President Jerry Willard. “As one of the few remaining seaside parks, Family Kingdom and its classic wooden coaster are a rare treat for conference attendees.”

The American Coasters Enthusiasts is a nonprofit organization founded in 1978. The organization is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of roller coasters worldwide.

This story was originally published April 25, 2016 at 10:00 AM with the headline "Roller Coaster enthusiasts honor Family Kingdom coaster as landmark."