Here’s how Northern California theme parks are celebrating the holiday season

Here’s how Northern California theme parks are celebrating the holiday season

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, 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

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

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 […]

Gilroy Gardens details possible expansion

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 Welcome Video – Coaster Con XXXVII (5/8/2014)

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 […]