Playland-Not-at-the-Beach, March 2010 update

On Tuesday, March 16th the Balboa Theater in San Francisco is hosting the world premiere of the brand new feature-length documentary “Remembering Playland.” The film features ACEers Mike Chew and Richard Tuck amongst the contributors to an in-depth study of the largest amusement park west of Chicago, San Francisco’s Playland at the Beach (1920 – 1972). Amazing vintage photographs and home movies of the park will delight anyone interested in roller coaster history. Click on the image above for more information.

On Saturday and Sunday, March 20-21 Playland-Not-at-the-Beach is hosting its annual Houdini Magic Weekend from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s indoors, open rain-or-shine, and will feature 20 awesome magicians from all over the west coast performing live. The event is FREE with admission to Playland.

Under discussion is a new attraction at Playland-Not-at-the-Beach called Rollercoaster Rampage. “Unique, thrilling and devious” are some of the descriptions being bandied about. If approvals go through, opening would be in 2011.

Playland-Not-at-the-Beach nonprofit Museum of Fun, open to the public every Sat, Sun and school holiday. Open evenings for private events 365 days a year. 10979 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530 (510) 592-3002. http://www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org . Admission $10 for kids (to 13), $10 for seniors (55 and up), and $15 for general admission. Admission includes 34 free pinball machines, penny arcades, carnival games, treasure hunts, miniature dioramas, and surprises around every corner. ACE members receive a $5.00 discount on admission upon presentation of their ACE membership cards.

— Richard Tuck