SALLY DARK RIDES MOURNS LOSS OF LONG-TIME CO-WORKER AND FRIEND JAN SHERMAN

BY GABRIELLE

Sally Dark Rides, manufacturer of destination-quality dark rides and attractions for theme parks around the world, is mourning the passing of long-time employee and friend, Jan Sherman. Jan passed away due to complications with diabetes and cancer.

Jan joined Sally Dark Rides in 1982. She was employed to create soundtracks and scripts for animated productions. Amongst her earliest production were Billy Jo and the Bluegrass Bears, Daniel and the Dixie Diggers, Bubba Bear and the Badlands Band, Merlin and the Magic Music Makers, Ursula and the Om Pah Pahs, Mr. Beaks and the Tropical Tweeters, and the White Tiger Show for Chimelong.

Reminiscing about Jan and her work, Sally Dark Rides’ CEO John Wood commented: “She was quite the stickler, always striving for perfection—this made her an invaluable member of our team.”

When the company moved towards the production of dark rides, Jan thrived under the challenge, meeting it with enthusiasm and diligence. She headed up the installation of Alton Tower’s first dark ride refurbishment and launched Sally Dark Ride’s new focus of building and reviving dark rides across the globe.

Jan Sherman stayed working at Sally Dark Rides, headquartered in Jacksonville, until her retirement in 2014. Amongst her colleagues, Jan was best known for her love of the theatre, animals, and grammatical precision, as well as her creative flair and professionalism.

“We’re grateful to have had the force that was Jan Sherman for all those years,” John Wood added. “She will be missed.”

BOLDMOVE LAUNCHES NEW THRILL RIDE KNOWN AS ‘SMASH & RELOAD’

BY GABRIELLE


BoldMove, Belgium-based providers of independent support to theme parks and leisure centres, has launched its first thrill ride. Known as ‘Smash & Reload’, the ride is hyper compact and high capacity, and is part of the new Rogue Rides range.

Rogue Rides combines innovative technologies with a creative concept and easy but dynamic gameplay, designed to provide guests with an immersive experience. The attractions are fully weather-proof.

Being hyper compact, starting at 225sq.mt., yet with a high capacity of 360 people per hour, Smash & Reload can fit into leisure venues such as family parks and retail centres, as well as theme parks.

Players shoot in one of four interactive media screens, having to reload their devices, in a fast and interactive environment.

The game is designed for all ages, providing family entertainment with a team building element, where up to five teams can battle simultaneously. The attraction features a centralised projection, light and sound system to create an exciting atmosphere.

Benoit Cornet, founder and chief creative officer of BoldMove, commented on the new attraction: “We experience a true wave of enthusiasm from vendors and partners to put their best skills, people and technology into this exciting new attraction. We are so proud to pull this expertise together to build a next generation of dark rides with our customers. We address today’s needs and challenges with compact, yet high-capacity, fun rides packed with action and within reach of every budget.”