I N D I A N A S TAT E M U S E U M A N D H I S T O R I C S I T E S
CROSSROADS EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2021
NAVIGATING LIFE'S TWISTS & TURNS ONE ROLLER COASTER AT A TIME her personality – so the special event opportunities did exactly what she’d hoped. The events, held at parks across the country, encouraged her to go outside of her comfort zone and explore new places. Going to these events on her own also allowed her to discover each park’s atmosphere – something she always remembers enjoying as a child. After visiting 27 parks and counting, she appreciates what makes a park unique. “I love when a park has its own feel and experience,” she said. “I like all the little details.”
By Renee Bruck Nicole Rife knew she needed a reason to get out of the house nearly 10 years ago, but she didn’t realize she would find a hobby that would change her life. A self-described introvert, Nicole knew that staying in the house after the then-recent loss of her husband, John, wasn’t helpful – or healthy. She had always enjoyed amusement parks and roller coasters, so she joined an online roller coaster enthusiast group. They would discuss and attend special events, like Kings Island's Coasterstock, Holiday World’s HoliWood Nights and
others. Some of these events allow for extended hours, while others featured special presentations about the park’s roller coasters. All the events allowed people who share a love of roller coasters to gather for a unique experience. “You are with people who are as equally excited to ride roller coasters as you,” the museum system’s director of education engagement said. Although the events allowed some social interaction with other coaster enthusiasts, Nicole could also attend the events solo – which appealed to
Take Knott’s Berry Farm in California, for example. Nicole describes the theme park as charming and quirky, but she’s also drawn to it because of its history. The park started as a small boysenberry farm. Thanks to the addition of a fried chicken continued on next page