Volume 1, No. 11. June 29, 2001
It's a theme park!
Michael Bonfante announces the arrival of Bonfante Gardens Theme Park in
Gilroy, California, June 15, 2001. Measurements: 75 acres, 31 rides and attractions,
11 retail outlets, 11 eateries, five themed gardens, three entertainment venues,
a half million plants, and 10,000 trees including 25 "circus trees." Delivered
by Chance Rides, Crown Metal Products, Eyerly Aircraft, Fantastic Shows, Ibole
Aps, M.C. Illions, Mangel Carousel Works, D.H. Morgan, and Zierer.
Throughout the 23-year fruition of his dream to build a theme park, supermarket
magnate Michael Bonfante had always focused on families with pre-teen children.
He wanted a theme park that not only would feature natural beauty as its primary
thrill, but would provide kid-friendly rides and shows. Finally, standing on
the podium on a pleasant, clear day after a week of previewing Bonfante Gardens
to park employees, builders, local dignitaries and media, Bonfante unveiled
his dream by calling up to the stage his own four grandchildren. With their
help, he used giant green gardening sheers to cut a purple ribbon as cannons
rained purple and green confetti on the crowd.
Bonfante's gift to the community—the park is established as a not-for-profit
community charity that will raise money for beautification projects in local
communities—then turned into a gift to himself. A caravan of classic convertibles
carrying the park's costumed "Critters" and dancers arrived to lead the crowd
in singing "Happy Birthday" to the park's founder, who turned 60 on this day.
While park officials wouldn't talk numbers for the opening day, Pamela Rogers,
manager of promotions and public relations, did say Bonfante staff were pleased
with attendance, both in size and makeup. "It's what we expected, families with
pre-teen children," she said. With elements ranging from carousels and garden-themed
kiddie rides to the gardens themselves, no one attraction seemed to stand out
among the opening day patrons, who flowed evenly throughout the whole property.
However, one measure of the project's future emerged in the flow of season passes:
the park sold more than 700 in its first week of operation.
And if industry buzz is an accurate gauge, Bonfante Gardens is fertile ground
for sustained growth.
©2001, Minton Enterprises LLC
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