Press Releases

IAAPA Presents 2006 “Big-E” Awards to Recognize Excellence in Entertainment during IAAPA Attractions Expo 2006

 

ATLANTA (Nov. 15, 2006) – 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.

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IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities worldwide. The organization represents over 4,500 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. IAAPA strives to help members improve their safety, efficiency, marketing, and profitability while maintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry. www.iaapa.org