Welcome to the May 2009 edition of ACE NorCal News!
In this issue:
Welcome, Emi and Matthew
Discover Sonoma TrainTown!
California's Great America, May 2009 update
Gilroy Gardens, May 2009 update
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, May 2009 update
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, May 2009 update
-- Steven Wilson
Please welcome Emi and Matthew Pearce as new Assistant Regional Representatives for ACE Northern California! We called for volunteers for the Assistant Rep positions back in January. Emi and Matthew volunteered and have been approved. They are quite active in the region. If you've been to any of our regional activities over the last several years, you've probably met them already. Congratulations, Emi and Matthew!
-- Steven Wilson
All aboard for Sonoma TrainTown!
This charming amusement park near downtown Sonoma off of Highway 12 features a Wisdom kiddie coaster credit called “Dragon Train.” And you can’t miss the miniature train ride through tunnels, over bridges and trestles, and around the heavily-wooded park. Be sure to bring a camera with you on the train as there is a large mirror so you can take a picture of yourself on the open-car train. Bring quarters to feed the animals at the petting zoo / miniature town stop on the train ride. There are goats, sheep, bunnies, and more to feed. Additional rides at the park are a merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, scrambler, swings, and an airplane ride for kids only. Kids can also play in the train structure above the park entrance. Train rides are $4.75 each. Roller coaster rides are two $1.25 tickets each or buy a book of ten tickets for $10.00. From June to Labor Day, the park is open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Between September and May, the park is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. The “Dragon Train” roller coaster operates only on the weekends. We visited on a recent Saturday morning in May and the park was not too crowded with all rides in operation.
For more information about visiting TrainTown, go to the TrainTown web site.
-- Emi Pearce, photo: Matthew Pearce
There's plenty going on in May at California's Great America. The park is open on Saturdays and Sundays through May 17th. On May 23rd, daily operation begins. In addition, Boomerang Bay opens for the season on May 23rd. Don't miss the spectacular Memorial Day Weekend fireworks at 9:45 PM on Sunday, May 24th.
Also in May, on the 10th, 23rd, 24th, and 25th, you can enjoy breakfast with the Nickelodeon characters. The character breakfasts will also be offered in July and September. For more information, see
Breakfast with the Nickelodeon Characters
For high school students interested in working in the amusement and theme park industry, check out the park's Career Development Day.
Please note that the registration deadline is coming right up on May 8th.
For more information about California's Great America, visit
the California's Great America web site.
-- photo: Steven Wilson
Spring is a great time to experience the fun and beauty of Gilroy Gardens. The park is open on Saturdays and Sundays in May as well as Memorial Day Monday, the 25th of May. Through the end of May, Secret Treasures are a special treat for children up to age twelve. A free treasure map guides them on an adventure of discovery throughout the park. Gilroy Gardens members (season pass holders) may take advantage of two bring-a-friend-for-free days in May on the 9th and 10th, Mother's Day weekend.
For more information on planning your visit, go to
the Gilroy Gardens web site.
-- photo: Steven Wilson
