It’s the most festive time of the year, and what better way to celebrate the season than riding a rollercoaster amidst all the holiday cheer? Here’s what our Northern California parks have on tap for this season. ∙∙∙ Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Winter Wonderland opens Nov. 24 and runs through Jan. 1. In addition to […]
Gilroy Gardens, Cedar Fair part ways
Gilroy Gardens and Cedar Fair quietly ended their management contract at the end of 2021 that had been in place since the Paramount Parks days. News agencies looking into Cedar Fair after it announced at the end of June that it plans to close California’s Great America discovered that Gilroy Gardens and the Ohio-based theme […]
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 […]
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
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
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 […]
Major investment a possibility for Gilroy Gardens
Could there be new rides, zip lines, surfing pools and more attractions coming to Gilroy Gardens in the near future? It’s a remote possibility, as two developers are vying for a shot to give the horticulture park perhaps the largest capital investment it has ever seen in its history. A City of Gilroy-initiated request for […]
Gilroy Gardens details possible expansion
Gilroy Gardens is known for its family-friendly coasters and attractions. But it could soon be a hotspot for extreme thrill-seekers. In 2016, Gilroy Gardens embarked on a 10-year master plan, which, among other things, aims to grow annual attendance from 450,000 to 500,000 by 2022 and attract a larger percentage of children in the 11-to […]
Gilroy Gardens’ Water Oasis expanding in 2018; nighttime festivals underway
Gilroy Gardens is making a big splash in 2018. The park is expanding its Water Oasis area with a new slide structure, complete with a tipping bucket on top, as well as splash pads and cabanas. The half-acre Water Oasis opened in 2014 with two slides, a shallow pool, splash pads and other features. Pinnacles […]
Gilroy Gardens Welcome Video – Coaster Con XXXVII (5/8/2014)
Greetings, coaster enthusiasts! With Coaster Con coming up soon, I bet you are all getting super excited! Check out this video we produced to show off Gilroy Gardens to all prospective Con attendees. This beautiful park will be new to most attendees, and this video will give you a little taste of the park. The Gardens is […]