It’s the merriest time of the year. Here’s what’s on tap at the parks for the holidays

It’s the merriest time of the year. Here’s what’s on tap at the parks for the holidays

The weather is cooling (mostly), the stores are packed with shoppers, and the end of the year is nigh. The holiday season is in full effect, and our Northern California theme parks are decked out to the fullest. Here’s a brief overview of what’s going on. California’s Great America: WinterFest is back on select nights […]

Sally Dark Rides reveals surprise Monterey attraction at IAAPA Expo

Sally Dark Rides reveals surprise Monterey attraction at IAAPA Expo

The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions’ (IAAPA) annual expo in Florida is a theme park fanatic’s dream, featuring a week full of ride announcements, concepts and schmoozing with industry leaders. During IAAPA’s 2021 Attractions Expo from Nov. 15-19, Northern California park fans got a thrilling, out-of-nowhere announcement: Famed manufacturer Sally Dark Rides is […]

Haunts and frights return for 2021

Haunts and frights return for 2021

Halloween is back. Perhaps not as large as it once was, but after the annual spookfests took an unplanned hiatus last year, we’re not complaining. Here’s what our Northern California parks have planned this year. California’s Great America Halloween Haunt is back after last year’s pandemic-related cancellation, running select nights from Sept. 24 through Oct. […]

Gilroy Gardens celebrating 20th anniversary, says goodbye to longtime GM

Gilroy Gardens celebrating 20th anniversary, says goodbye to longtime GM

At last, Gilroy Gardens is going to throw the party it had planned in 2020. The lush horticultural theme park will kick off its 20th birthday celebration on June 26, three days after its water park, Water Oasis, opens for the season. A colorful clubhouse stage has been constructed near the park’s entrance, featuring daily […]

Barbara-Lea Granter Named Vice President and General Manager at California’s Great America

Barbara-Lea Granter Named Vice President and General Manager at California’s Great America

SANTA CLARA, California (May 14, 2021) – California’s Great America, Northern California’s premier entertainment destination, today announced that Barbara-Lea Granter has been named vice president and general manager of the park. She succeeds Manny Gonzalez, who recently was promoted to vice president and general manager at Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina. Both California’s Great America […]