Today’s plan was to drive out to Frederick, Md. and visit Adventure Park USA (APUSA). Greg has been trying to ride Wild West Express for a couple of years now and we just kept striking out. You can read about that in the blog, “Adventure Park USA – A Westbound Trip.” This trip report, however, would never have been written had Greg and I not had those plans today.
As we were traveling westbound on Interstate 70, we came upon the Howard County Fair. Things were just starting up and I saw yellow coaster track up against the fence. I joked with Greg that we should stop and get that credit. He laughed, and didn’t seem overly keen on stopping. I wasn’t playing though. Even if he said no, I was going anyhow. Even if I had to peer pressure him, I was going to do it. Thankfully, I didn’t have to do too much convincing.
Dragon
After paying our $10 entry fee to the fair, we found out that Dragon cost 42 credits to ride. Yeah, weird number, isn’t it? We picked up ride cards with the cheapest offered being $10 for 100 credits. It would cover both of our rides.
While in line, I snapped a few photos and was sharing them with the likes of Sam, Kaylee, Chris D., and Steven from Thrill Maxx. They all were replying with goofy face emojis or just laughing. Steven called me a credit whore and I told him not to be jealous. I found out the name of the traveling showman company, which is Deggeller Attractions, Inc. and looked them up on Coaster-Count. Bingo! Found them under showmen and Dragon was listed at the top. I sent them all a screenshot and told them not to hate. I know they were all jealous.
Too bad Chance, the Cheapthusiast, wasn’t with us. I would have peer pressured his “too good for kiddie credits” butt into riding this one. It don’t duel, but it’s still a dragon.
As for the ride, we rolled backward to start, which surprised us for a second. The train probably needed more juice to get us over the first hill, so yeah, it’s just like Tempesto. When I said that to Greg on the ride, he laughed and said, “You right!”
All joking aside, Dragon has some neat theming to its trains. I also love the old school signage above the station. It reminds me of old beach park rides from when I was a kid. With all the recent talks I’ve had in trip reports about trying to enjoy those little things while out at the parks, this was another one of those things I paid attention to during our stop.
Final Ride Counts
Dragon (1)
Just Another Simple, Worthwhile Moment
Greg and I didn’t ride any of the other rides, but they sure had quite a few on premise. Some were intense ones too like a drop tower. Before heading out, Greg played a game and I bought a slice of pizza. While walking around after our ride, I told Greg that there is just something about the smell of food at a carnival, fair, or along the boardwalk that just hits different. He agreed and knew exactly what I meant. I know others have to agree too.
I wish we could have spent some more time at the fair, but with a trip to Carowinds on Wednesday, and Sam and I headed to Myrtle Beach for a few more credits on Tuesday, we had to call it a night. Plus, I wanted to have time to post this and the APUSA blog so I didn’t have to add it to the four or five I’ll be doing when I get back home from Carowinds. So yeah, there’s a lot coming your way, so be on the lookout. You know, like I was when I saw Dragon from the highway!
Howard County Fair - August 9, 2021
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CREW MANIFEST
The following flight crew members attended this park, & earned the respective credits below:
Patrick
CAG
New Credit(s): Dragon
Greg
Captain
New Credit(s): Dragon
