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Running The Comet
Acceleration is a celebration for Eric Voelker. “High five!” said Voelker, 23, of Lake George, as he secured a teenaged girl inside The Comet. Seconds later, the famous roller coaster at The Great Escape theme park in Queensbury began its slow click and clack, steep climbs, sharp drops and assorted twists and turns. Posted on September 3, 2011.
Erik Voelker, 23, of Lake George, a ride operator-supervisor at the Great Escape theme park in Queensbury, smiles during an afternoon helping passengers into the Comet, the park's famous roller coaster. About 60 coasters click and clack around the wooden track every hour. (photo: Jeff Wilkin/Gazette Reporter)
Eric Voelker prepares for a seat-check on the Comet's blue coaster Wednesday afternoon at The Great Escape. (photo: Jeff Wilkin/Gazette Reporter)
Once Eric Voelker and other Comet flight attendants have made sure passengers are safely buckled in and secured, the coaster car begins its 70-second acceleration. (photo: Jeff Wilkin/Gazette Reporter)
Voelker bids bon voyage to a car full of roller coaster fans. (photo: Jeff Wilkin/Gazette Photographer)
High-fives are part of the Comet experience when Eric Voelker is on the job. (photo: Jeff Wilkin/Gazette Reporter)
