The park’s annual food-inspired event celebrates Knott’s Berry Farm’s historic roots by highlighting the little berry that started it all, the boysenberry. This year’s festival features over 75 new and returning boysenberry-inspired creations crafted by Knott’s very own culinary team. In addition to tasty treats the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers a wide selection of daily entertainment, live music and fun activities for everyone in the family to enjoy. The festival offers guests the opportunity to indulge in a delicious variety of new and returning boysenberry infused treats which can only be found at the park exclusively during this limited time event.
New Food Items For 2018:
– The boysenberry quesadilla made with a boysenberry-infused flour tortilla, served with boysenberry salsa, boysenberry sour cream with cotija and mozzarella cheese
– Boysenberry s pierogies served with sautéed onions, Applewood bacon and boysenberry whipped cream
– Slow cooked boysenberry short ribs, the juicy meat is smothered in a boysenberry hoisin sauce served over butter basmati rice and completed with chopped green onions
– The all-new boysenberry boba tea which consists of boysenberry milk tea and chewy berry-soaked tapioca balls served over ice
– The festival also offers a variety of sharable snacks for the family including a new vegetarian/vegan option, boysenberry hummus served with pita bread and prepared with garden-fresh boysenberries
– The boysenberry elote, lightly grilled corn is smothered in fresh boysenberry butter, mayo and perfectly topped off with cotija cheese
– A grilled boysenberry sausage on a baked roll topped with boysenberry ketchup, mustard and relish
– Scrumptious bite-sized boysenberry coconut macaroons, dipped in a decadent chocolate ganache, which are great to enjoy while strolling through the park
Tasting Cards
A great option to indulge in a variety of food items during the festival is by purchasing a tasting card priced at $30 which offers tastings of eight select food items. Guests can enjoy all eight items on the card or mix-and-match up to eight tastings. Returning and other signature boysenberry items will be available for purchase a la carte. Tasting cards are available at Knotts.com or in the theme park.
BLACK MARKET ESCAPE ROOMS, a new immersive-based attraction company, announces the opening of MURDER CO, a permanent escape experience aimed at turning the attraction industry on its head. Moonlighting from their day gigs, a handful of theme park professionals have thrown the proverbial gloves off by thrusting guests into an adventure far too severe for the family-friendly confines of an amusement park.
MURDER CO is more than simply solving puzzles, combinations or finding keys to break out of a locked room. The high-level adventure incorporates unique entertainment elements matched with intense scenes of harsh violence, pitfalls and physicality. Groups of up to eight members find themselves trapped in a gore and chaos-filled race for survival.
MURDER CO: A high-priced, high-society underground black market sports ring enabling voyeuristic individuals to privately witness a live murder take place. Beyond the scant rumors found on the Black Web, not much is known about the enigmatic company. It is only after guests sign-up that the specific details of the ominous Murder Co will be revealed. If you’re still brave enough to make the plunge after signing a waiver, dangerous mystery awaits.
The experience was created by theme park designer, Jon Cooke, who was looking to push the parameters set by the day-to-day requirements in his industry. In response to founding his new company, Black Market Escape Rooms, Cooke says, “I saw so much potential story and show elements in escape rooms. I wanted to do something more so we aimed to create this unforgettable encounter.”
Regarding Murder Co’s intensity is attraction co-writer and director Ted Dougherty, who confesses, “We had to go to some extremely dark places that definitely left a few emotional marks.” Although the attraction may not fall into the category of an “extreme haunt,” it does contain content best reserved for those not easily offended or disgusted.
Murder Co includes state-of-the-art special effects typically seen inside major theme park attractions. Some of the other professionals Cooke has recruited include artists, technicians and designers who have worked with the Walt Disney Company, Universal Studios, Cedar Fair and the National Football League. Companies on board and supplying a stockpile of surprises are Gantom Lighting and Controls, Immortal Masks and Ghost Ride Productions.
Expect serious thrills as Cooke is no stranger to terrifying people based on his innovative haunted attraction designs for Knott’s Scary Farm. When conceiving Murder Co, he admits, “It’s what I have always wanted to see and do in an immersive attraction.” A living nightmare is one step away for those bold enough to cross into MurderCo.
TICKETS FOR MURDER CO ARE NOW ON SALE FOR LIMITED DATES AND TIMES. For more information on Murder Co, including tickets, operating hours and directions, visit http://www.blackmarketescaperooms.com or join us at FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM @BlackMarketEscapeRooms
BLACK MARKET ESCAPE ROOMS was founded in 2017 and specializes in original alternatives to the standard escape room and haunted attraction format.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: info@blackmarketescaperooms.com
ABOUT A FEW OF THE MURDER CO ARTISTS:
JON COOKE has designed, art directed and produced some of the most successful haunted attractions for the world famous Knott’s Scary Farm, including “Infected: Special Ops,” “Paranormal, Inc,” “Shadowlands” and “Dark Ride.” As vocalist for the deathcore metal band, Winds of Plague, Cooke has released numerous albums and toured extensively throughout the globe. Taking the two worlds of themed entertainment and live performance, Cooke has melded his experience into creating visionary ways to horrify the masses. http://www.plagueproductions.com
IMMORTAL MASKS was established in 2010 and owned by Andrew and Michelle Freeman and George Frangadakis. In addition to winning Season 12 of the Syfy reality television series, Face Off, Andrew has worked professionally as a Hollywood special effects artist. Between Andrew’s expertise and George’s experience as an effects supervisor, Immortal Masks is comprised of some of the best working artists in the film, theme park and haunted attraction industries. http://www.immortalmasks.com
TED DOUGHERTY is a writer, producer and director having worked with Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights, Knott’s Scary Farm, Cedar Fair and Hollow Studios, including directing and co- writing Fear VR, the first 4-D virtual reality horror experience at a major theme park.www.lunarvisions.com
GHOST RIDE PRODUCTIONS was founded by special effects artists experienced in Halloween maze effects. The company develops, manufactures and markets innovative specialty products for Halloween and haunted house events, including mechanical effects, special effects, specialty costumes and props. http://www.ghostride.com
GANTOM LIGHTING AND CONTROLS was founded in 2010 as a manufacturer of special-effects lighting equipment catering to the themed attraction industry. Gantom’s award-winning products have been installed in a wide range of venues around the world including theme parks, museums and haunted attractions. http://www.gantom.com
The Knott’s Boysenberry Festival is a annual food-inspired event that celebrates the park’s historic roots by highlighting the little berry that started it all, the boysenberry. This year’s festival will feature over 75 new and returning boysenberry-inspired creations crafted by the Knott’s culinary team. Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a tantalizing line up of dishes ranging from savory foods with a boysenberry twist to refreshingly sweet and tangy drinks and one-of-a-kind specialty desserts that can only be found at Knott’s Berry Farm during this time of the year. In addition to the tasty treats, the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers a wide selection of daily entertainment, live music and fun activities for guests of all ages to enjoy. This year’s festival has expanded to 24 days, starting March 16 and running daily through April 8.
The historic boysenberry is a cross between a loganberry, red raspberry and blackberry and is named after its originator Rudolf Boysen. The Knott family was the first to successfully harvest and sell the boysenberry on the land that is now known as Knott’s Berry Farm.
Some of the tastiest and most unique food items are rolled out exclusively during the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival.
This year’s appetizing lineup includes the first ever boysenberry quesadilla made with a boysenberry-infused flour tortilla, paired with boysenberry salsa, boysenberry sour cream, sprinkled with cotija and mozzarella cheese. Plus, the boysenberry pierogies with onions, bacon and boysenberry sour cream will be bursting with a combination of sweet and savory flavors. Other flavorful items that will be prepared and served to perfection include the slow cooked boysenberry short ribs, the juicy meat is smothered in boysenberry hoisin sauce served over butter basmati rice and complete with chopped green onions will leave guests asking for more. The guest favorite and finger-lickin’ boysenberry chicken wings will also be available during the festival; the irresistible wings are smothered in the delicious and popular boysenberry BBQ sauce which is made exclusively at the Farm. The meaty and boysenberry inspired items also include the very filling boysenberry grilled sausage on a fresh roll prepared with a fresh farm-baked roll, topped with boysenberry ketchup, relish and mustard. For guests craving a refreshing drink, Knott’s is offering an all-new boysenberry boba tea which consists of boysenberry milk tea and chewy berry-soaked tapioca balls served over ice. The boysenberry elote is one of the satisfying treats guests will be able to find in the streets of Ghost Town. The lightly grilled corn is smothered in fresh boysenberry butter, mayo and perfectly topped off with cotija cheese. The Festival also offers a variety of sharable snacks for the family including a new vegetarian/vegan option like the highly enjoyable boysenberry hummus served with pita bread and prepared with garden-fresh boysenberries. Sweets and desserts are a key part of the festival and this year the culinary team is introducing the scrumptious, perfectly bite-sized boysenberry coconut macaroons, dipped in a decadent chocolate ganache, which are great to enjoy while strolling through the park. A great option to indulge in a variety of new and returning food items during the festival is by purchasing a tasting card priced at $30 which offers 8 of the new food options per card; guests can select any 8 items of their choice. Returning and other signature boysenberry items will also be available for purchase a la carte during each day of the festival. Tasting cards are available at Knotts.com or in the theme park.
Guest can also take home a taste of the boysenberry festival with limited edition merchandise that can be found throughout the park, such as a new boysenberry bath and body line including soaps, salt soaks, bath bombs, lip balms (introducing three new flavors) and candles. New to the festival this year is Knott’s sugar-free boysenberry concentrate, a low calorie, no sugar version of Knott’s popular drink, a wide selection of boysenberry chocolates including boysenberry versions of milk chocolate bars, truffles, caramel squares, peanut butter and jelly cups. New and exclusive to Knott’s Berry Farm this year is the all-new boysenberry Jelly Belly. The Knott’s Berry Market also features signature boysenberry items like the delicious boysenberry BBQ sauce or the classic jams and preserves. Unique boysenberry inspired products with a homemade twist will also be available as the Craft Fair returns offering a variety of products like boysenberry cashew nut brittle, boysenberry pie shaped homemade accessories and more.
Entertainment:
Knott’s Boysenberry Festival offers endless entertainment options for the festival goers who have a hankerin’ for some good ol’ country fun:
· Tied up in Knott’s! – “Tied Up in Knott’s!” is a tribute art show to the rich history of Knott’s Berry Farm, its beginnings as a farm and its standing as a Southern California institution for millions of visitors during its (almost) 100-year history. More than a dozen artists will be contributing pieces to the show, which pays homage to Knott’s Berry Farm’s past, present and future in various mediums including: oil paintings, illustrations and digital mixed media. These original pieces will be hung on display at the Wilderness Dance Hall during the duration of the Boysenberry Festival and Guests will have the opportunity to purchase many of the pieces, as well as prints of some of the art.
· Snoopy’s Boysenberry Jamboree! – Guests are invited to join Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts Gang in a show that will have families dancing and playing along at the Calico Mine Stage.
· Old Time Melodrama – Knott’s pays tribute to its past at the Legendary Bird Cage Theatre with a special presentation of the musical comedy melodrama with a surprising boysenberry twist!
· Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies – A group of krazy talented performers will have guests toe tappin’, vine dancin’ and knee-slappin’ to a comedic country music show at the Wagon Camp stage.
· Ghost Town Miners – The joy of scrumptious food and country music encompass guests as the Ghost Town Miners take the stage in a fun musical performance.
· Easter Beagle – Spring has sprung all around the park including in Camp Snoopy where guests can meet everyone’s favorite beagle as he celebrates the season.
· Ghost Town’s Town Hall- In honor of the famous berry that started it all, guests are invited to learn the history of the boysenberry and how Walter and Cordelia Knott started the Farm.
· Old MacDonald Petting Zoo – Young ones and young at heart are invited to cozy up to the cutest critters on the farm including horses, sheep, goats and other furry friends.
The Boysenberry Festival is included with admission to Knott’s Berry Farm. Additional costs apply for food tasting experiences within the event. Knott’s will have extended hours on select days March 16 – April 8, allowing guests extra time to take advantage of all of the limited-time offerings.
The best way to savor every day of the Knott’s Boysenberry Festival and all of the other Seasons of Fun is with a 2018 Season Pass. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to Knott’s Berry Farm with no blackout dates, and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and the recently expanded Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Regular passes are just $94 or six easy payments of $15.66 and Gold Passes are $113 or six payments of just $18.83. These offers end April 8, 2018. Applicable taxes and fees apply. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.
For more information about Knott’s Berry Farm please visit knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smart phone. For all current Knott’s Boysenberry assets please visit the event’s electronic press kit. Join the conversation using the hashtag #Boysenberry Festival
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About Knott’s Berry Farm and Cedar Fair Entertainment Company:
What began as a roadside berry stand and chicken dinner restaurant in the 1920s has evolved into Knott’s Berry Farm, one of Southern California’s most popular theme park destinations combining world-class thrill rides with traditional family favorite attractions and entertainment. Knott’s is also home to Knott’s Soak City Waterpark, Knott’s Marketplace, and the full-service Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel. Knott’s Berry Farm is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a publicly traded partnership and one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. The Company owns and operates 11 amusement parks, two outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and five hotels. For more information, see http://www.cedarfair.com.
On a moonlight night, across the street from Knott’s Berry Farm arises a new bar/restaurant that will immerse you into the wonderfully spooky dwelling of Witches and Spooks alike. The Cauldron Spirits and Brews is NOW open for all to experience, the tavern-like lounge with an atmosphere that is inviting to get together with dear friends and talk about the spooky things in life over a drink. Celebrating it the evening of it’s grand opening are the many people who helped bring it to life alongside the Creator/Owner Lara Hanneman, people of the press and of the City of Buena Park. An evening of welcoming this new magical and spooky place in the heart of Buena Park.
The Cauldron is more than just a bar, there is also a whole menu that features French-casual bites with a wicked twist, local craft beer, themed cocktails and a wine from various regions in California. Their house spirit “Drink”, The Grey Witch, is wonderfully delectable and refreshing. But there is more than what meets the eye. Our personal favorite treat from the menu are the Bacon Jams, if you love Bacon, be sure to try this smoky and sweet treat when you visit. Our other favorite item is the Boeuf Bourguignon which is a delicious French Beef Stew made famous by the late Julia Child. Keep in mind when planning your visit to the cauldron that the kitchen is open until 11:0 p.m.
The menu and atmosphere is tailored and created by the brilliant, Lara Hanneman. Having worked as Creative Director for Knott’s Berry and Scary Farm, she brought her talent, imagination, taste and eye to this new and exciting establishment. Lara and her team poured so much passion into creating this Witch themed Bar/restaurant/Lounge, all who enter will fall in love with the atmosphere and magic. This is truly a wonderful and unique place that one should not miss out on. As someone who LOVES everything spooky, I immediately got excited when I heard about it and the people who are behind it. When we entered the tavern, it is everything that I hoped for and so much more.
There is so much to take in from the artwork (which is featuring art by many amazing and talented local artists), the magic, and the secrets. From the magic glass over the fireplace where ghosts and spirits visit the tavern to the cauldron that is always bubbling. With Magic, Nothing is EVER as it seems, with The Cauldron comes surprises. One can discover the secret room… perhaps when approaching the Book Case. MWHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHA! 3:)
Overall this is an amazing new place where one who is looking for an immersive and magical evening should visit. Perhaps, even those who are looking to embrace the spookiness of life or even visit with their coven. This is a definite MUST for those who love Horror and Halloween. There is magic and secrets awaiting for those who visit The Cauldron. The Cauldron Spirits and Brews is open Wednesday – Sunday from 2:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. And is located literally across the street from Knott’s Berry Farm.
I hope you enjoy this look inside The Cauldron. More Info on The Cauldron Spirits and Brews is provided down below.
The countdown to the New Year is on at Knott’s Merry Farm with midnight fireworks, live entertainment, and special extended hours for the one-night event. Guests can say goodbye to 2017 as the park celebrates with memorable festivities including Knott’s Merry Farm seasonal performances throughout the day on December 31st. The Knott’s New Year’s Eve celebration gives guests front row seats to the final Seasons of Fun event, of year as the park rings in 2018 with a park wide party unlike any other.
The New Year’s celebration features entertaining activities for the whole family including a family-friendly comedian Chipper Lowell, live bands throughout the park, salsa lessons and more. Guests are invited to count down the final moments of 2017 with festive music, party hats and noisemakers making this last night of the year extra special. The spectacular firework celebration sets the sky above Knott’s ablaze at the stroke of midnight as colorful fireworks light the start of the New Year. The nighttime extravaganza offers a stress-free night perfect for family and friends to come together and create new memories by starting a new tradition at Knott’s.
This year’s line-up of cannot miss entertainment:
· Jumpin’ Joz Band and Memories Swing Dancers invite guests to jump, jive & swing to the sounds of Jumpin’ Joz. The resident “swingers” are always looking to teach some of their signature dance moves!
· Reindeer Rockers Duo will have guests rockin’ around the Christmas tree with rock and blues versions of classic Christmas songs at the all-new Boardwalk BBQ Restaurant.
· DJ Howly brings the party to the farm for a special New Year’s celebration with high energy music perfect for dancing, all taking place at the Calico Mine Stage. The Calico Mine Stage will also offer a musical performance by Vanity Band, a top 40s band that will keep crowds singing and dancing as the clock approaches midnight.
· Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies will have the crowd’s toes tappin’, hands clappin’ and guts bustin’ performing live in the Birdcage Theatre.
· DJ JC and Salsa Instructor Maria will teach guests how to salsa and dance their way to the New Year with the top Hispanic hits of the decade in Fiesta Village.
· To celebrate the New Year the beloved Peanuts characters will be offering a special nighttime meet and greet right next to the Calico Mine Stage.
· Midnight Fireworks Spectacular, guests can ring in the New Year with a bang as the park’s sky wonderfully lights up for an aerial fireworks display that will leave the young and young at heart in awe.
· Dining at the Farm: A New Year’s Eve celebration is not complete without a delicious meal. Spur’s Restaurant is serving up a special New Year’s Eve buffet from 4pm-10pm; prices are $34.99+tax for adults, $29.99 for Seniors (62 and over) and $18.99+ tax for kids (11 and under).
The seasonal fun continues with Knott’s Merry Farm’s festive lineup of entertainment, delectable foods and holiday shopping:
· Merry Christmas, Snoopy!, in this exciting show filled with whimsy and spectacular ice skating, Snoopy enjoys all of the best parts of the season, including trimming the Christmas tree, awaiting Santa’s arrival and attending the festive Christmas Ball!
· When the sun sets on the farm, the buildings and paths in Ghost Town twinkle brightly to the beat of holiday favorites as snow gently falls. Guests can enjoy the nightly Snow and Glow experience throughout most of Ghost Town.
· The Calico Tree lighting Ceremony features the Calico Mayor, carolers and the friendly Calico Saloon cast as they invite guests to sing around the tree for an illuminating Christmas celebration.
· The holiday season celebration continues at Camp Snoopy with A Peanuts Guide to Christmas, at the Camp Snoopy Theatre, featuring a delightful mash up of holiday songs with a cheerful and heartwarming dose of the Peanuts Gang.
· In the intimate setting of Ghost Town’s historic Bird Cage Theatre, guests can catch a live performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol or O. Henry’s A Gift of the Magi.
· Cameo Kate and Dakota Dan host a musical holiday celebration with a special performance in the Calico Saloon Christmas Show. The old west revue show offers plenty of laughs and audience interaction in the toe-tapping, knee-slapping journey
· Savor the ultimate comfort foods with Knott’s world-famous holiday treats. Santa’s Christmas Cabin serves up holiday delights like Santa’s homemade cookies, warm roasted nuts, hand-made tamales and more. Guests can also enjoy the all-new Holiday Pizza at Hollywood Hits, as well as the legendary cooking at Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant.
· The bustling streets of Calico also celebrate the sounds of the season with the Knott’s Calico Carolers as they harmoniously sing classic holiday tunes for all to enjoy.
· Relax and unwind in Knott’s Christmas Crafts Village, as Ghost Town transforms into a shopping wonderland filled with dozens of local artisans selling their unique gifts.
Knott’s New Year’s Eve Celebration is included with regular daytime admission. Park hours on New Year’s Eve are 10am to 1am. A 2018 Knott’s Season Pass is a great way to visit on New Year’s Eve. A 2018 Season Pass includes one free visit to enjoy in 2017 unlimited visits in 2018 with no blackout dates, discounts on select food and merchandise, and access to exciting year-round seasonal events. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to Knott’s Berry Farm and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and the newly expanded Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Now at the Lowest Price of the Year, Regular Season Passes start at just $92.00 or six easy payments of $15.33 and Gold Season Passes are $110 or six payments of just $18.33. These offers end January 7, 2018. Applicable taxes and fees apply online. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.
To purchase Season Passes or tickets, or for more information about Knott’s Berry Farm, visit http://www.knotts.com or download the Knott’s mobile app for your smartphone today. And join the conversation using #KnottsNYE.
“HangTime will send riders up a vertical lift hill into a 15-story 96-degree drop – the steepest drop in California. The coaster’s train will come to a halt and will leave riders suspended for several seconds before descending in a beyond-vertical drop, through 2,189 feet of steel track and five gravity-defying inversions. HangTime will be only the second rollercoaster in the Western Hemisphere to feature a negative-g stall loop, which gives riders the sensation of floating. HangTime’s ride structure itself will come to life and illuminate the Boardwalk area with colorful nighttime track chase lighting that will accompany the coaster train, as it travels across the track. The new dive coaster is set to open at Knott’s in Summer 2018.”
Here is a brand New Teaser giving you a taste of how the ride experience will be when it opens Summer of 2018!!! 😀 We are beyond excited!!!! Are You?
Joy is in Season again at Knott’s. From November 17 through January 7, Knott’s Merry Farm provides the perfect backdrop for your family’s holiday memories with a park transformation that surrounds you with the glorious sights, sounds and scents of the season. Guests of all ages can enjoy classic shows like Merry Christmas, Snoopy!, the festive ice show. Stroll through the merry streets of Calico for unique seasonal treats that can’t be found anywhere else, traditional live Christmas Carolers, a Christmas Crafts Village offering unique and personalized gift ideas, Santa’s Christmas Cabin, the enchanting Snow and Glow show with nightly falling snow set to thousands of sparkling lights and traditional Christmas music, plus so much more.
Charming holiday shows remain at the core of the Knott’s Merry Farm experience and continue to delight. Audiences can dance and sing along to the live performance of It’s The Merriest Christmas Show Ever, Charlie Brown at the Calico Mine Stage. The Peanuts Gang star in this toe-tapping, merry musical sure to bring out the Christmas joy in all. Select dates, November 17, 2017 – January 7, 2018.
The seasonal live entertainment continues with special showings of the breathtaking ice show, Merry Christmas, Snoopy! starring the Peanuts Gang and a cast of world-class ice skaters. In this whimsical show, Snoopy enjoys all of the best parts of the season including trimming the Christmas tree, awaiting Santa’s arrival, and attending the Christmas Ball! Showing select dates, November 17, 2017 – January 7, 2018 at the Charles M. Schultz Theatre.
Brand new this year, our culinary team is introducing the Christmas Pizza, a dish that deliciously combines the exquisite flavors of a holiday meal into one perfect bite. The Christmas Pizza, which can be found at Hollywood Hits, has soft dough covered with holiday toppings like sliced turkey, stuffing, turkey gravy and sweet cranberry sauce. Santa’s Christmas Cabin opens its doors to spread the joy of the holidays through delicious seasonal food items and a visit with the jolly fellow himself, Santa Claus. Guests can indulge in one-of-a-kind seasonal treats like freshly-baked cookies, mouthwatering pastries, exquisite chocolate-dipped cheesecake on a stick, seasonal craft beers, gourmet hot chocolate with marshmallows and hot spiced holiday wine, plus new offerings such as hand-made chicken and beef tamales. Knott’s world-famous holiday treats including delectable homemade holiday churros can be found throughout the park.
Families visiting Camp Snoopy won’t want to miss the holiday show, A Peanuts Guide to Christmas, performing daily at the Camp Snoopy Theater. The Peanuts Gang offer their take and unique wisdom on surviving the holidays, while singing you a mashup of their favorite holiday tunes.
Holiday shoppers can stroll through Ghost Town’s Christmas Crafts Village featuring dozens of local artisans selling their unique crafts and gifts. Also available in Ghost Town, inside the historic Bird Cage Theatre, Knott’s melodrama company brings to life Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and O. Henry’s A Gift of the Magi. Performances available on select dates, November 17, 2017 – January 7, 2018. The Birdcage Theatre is also home to the toe-tappin’, hand-clappin’, comedy and bluegrass of Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies who continue their Knott’s Merry Farm residency this holiday season on select nights.
As the night falls on Ghost Town, the town twinkles brightly to the beat of holiday songs as snow gently falls. With the nightly Snow and Glow, everyone can experience the magic of the holidays as the town is covered with snow, a sight that can’t be missed.
The perfect stocking stuffer is now on-sale. A 2018 Season Pass includes one free visit to enjoy Merry Farm in 2017, unlimited visits in 2018 with no blackout dates, discounts on select food and merchandise, and access to exciting year-round seasonal events. A Regular Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to Knott’s Berry Farm and a Gold Season Pass includes unlimited admission in 2018 to both Knott’s Berry Farm and the newly expanded Knott’s Soak City Waterpark with no blackout dates. Now at the lowest price of the year, Regular Season Passes start at just $92.00 or six easy payments of $15.33 and Gold Season Passes are $110 or six payments of just $18.33. These offers end January 7, 2018. Applicable taxes and fees apply online. Payment plans are only available at knotts.com.
For more information about Knott’s Berry Farm please visit knotts.com or download the Knott’s Berry Farm app for your smartphone. Join the festive conversation using the holiday hashtag #MerryFarm.
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About Knott’s Berry Farm and Cedar Fair Entertainment Company:
What began as a roadside berry stand and chicken dinner restaurant in the 1920’s has evolved into Knott’s Berry Farm, one of Southern California’s most popular theme park destinations combining world-class thrill rides with traditional family favorite attractions and entertainment. Knott’s is also home to Knott’s Soak City WaterPark, Knott’s Marketplace, and the full-service Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel. Knott’s Berry Farm is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a publicly traded partnership and one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world. The Company owns and operates 11 amusement parks, two outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and five hotels. For more information, see http://www.cedarfair.com.
Days before opening night of Knott’s Scary Farm, everyone has to be trained on the operations of the event, so everything runs smoothly and is wonderfully terrifying. There is a hustle and bustle of everyone from build, wardrobe, cast and crew to prepare for the opening of Scary Farm. The day we visited they were focusing on training monsters, black out and guest control for mazes. We saw this process for Paranormal Inc.,Voodoo, and Toothfairy. It will be the first time all of these teams work the maze with guests (guests meaning street monsters who are going through). It is wonderful to see the excitement on the faces of all the streets monsters from Fiesta De Los Muertos, The Hollows, Carnevil and Ghost Town. They are waiting in anticipation to have a good scare from their monster brothers and sisters. Also, since these monsters will always be in the streets, this gives them the opportunity to experience these mazes and to see what the design and build team created.
The First People you encounter at Scary Farm when you head towards your maze of choice is Guest Control, a team of people with white shirts and black ties. They guide you to ensure you get in line for your maze of choice for either Gen. Admission or Fright Lane. When you are in line, they keep line flow at a good pace and count groups for specific mazes that have pre-shows so it is not too many people with you but just enough to ensure a steady pace of line flow.
We interviewed Donald and Deanna, Guest Control from Toothfairy. They informed us what is gone over during dress rehearsals,
“I’m explaining to them what to do with Guest Control, informing them about the maze, controlling the guests, keeping the maze clean and safe.” -Donald
“Our main job for Guest Control pretty much is keeping everyone in order, how many people come in, and we have the clicker right here.”
-Deanna
Inside the maze looking after the monsters, ensuring their safety and guiding you when the maze becomes confusing or super dark are The Blackouts. Even though they maybe invisible at times, they are always there, lurking in the shadows. Before the monsters of streets head into Paranormal Inc. for a scare, Bonnie (the team leader for blackouts for Paranormal and it’s her very first year working Scary Farm), gathers her army of blackouts and goes over the safety and daily procedures. Also what to do when guests want out and everything to know about the maze. Also she gets them excited for another year of Scary Farm. During her meeting with the blackouts she states,
“Just know I am here for you guys, we are all a team: line control, talent, all of us. We got each other’s backs.”
-Bonnie
With every department from Monsters lead by the Cast Lead, Guest Control and Black Outs working together creates a great system for the maze to be terrifying and safe. When we head in, some monsters are in their masks and costume and some are there without that but their characters show through movement, scare and facial expression. Everyone is energetic and on point, it is wonderful that they are given dress rehearsal to get in the groove of their characters and environment. You can see all the action of Paranormal Inc. and Voodoo in our video below.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our article and video. Thank you to the people of Guest Control and Black Outs for ensuring the best and safe experiences at Scary Farm. We here at the Knott’s Network are grateful for your dedication and for what you do. Thank You ❤ Scary Farm starts up again this Thursday, so be sure not to miss out. We will see you all soon… In The Fog.
EVERYONE who is involved with Knott’s Scary Farm from the Monsters, to line control, to black out, to build, to cast leads, to designers attend orientation in the Charles M. Schulz Theatre. For some, it is an introduction to everyone and very first taste of being apart of the event for their Rookie Year. For others, it’s a big Family Reunion with their Haunt brothers and sisters. Returning for another year to scare guests in the fog together. Towards the end of Orientation, Jeff Tucker welcomes everyone by saying,
“Welcome, you have just taken your First Steps into a Larger World. Welcome to the Greatest Job you’re Ever Going to Have. Welcome To The Family.”
Orientation begins with a massive amount of people filing into the Charles M. Schulz Theatre. Friends sit together and you can see whole scare zone families as they all wear their Scare Zone Jerseys. Everyone has papers with important Scary Farm info on it, so they are informed on all the important spooky knowledge and happenings.
During Orientation, they cover how to scare and be safe while working haunt with Jesse the Safety Manager. He goes over step by step on the safest way of the scare with “zombie joe.” His presentation also includes haunt lingo of your start position being dubbed “The Boo Hole.” I love how the room roars with laughter and how Jesse is absolutely having fun with them. They go over what to do with dangerous/intoxicated guests, because that is the worst. Overall, he gives them tips and instructions on how to have a safe and fun season.
Up next is Jeff Tucker and he goes into detail of important information everyone who is working Haunt needs to know, THE HAUNT SURVIVAL GUIDE! He goes into the best times to come to get ready, parking, and the technical information they need to know. Also, that “On Call” positions are still open for Haunt, it is a list of scare actors on the ready for when spots turn up. These spots usually become open towards the end of the season. Hey, if you missed auditions, there is still a chance to work haunt at least a few nights, get a taste of the fear of others. Mwhahahahhahahaha! Just so you know, it’s 18+ to work haunt, and “it’s not too late, it’s never too late.” Link Down below.
After all of the important information has been dispensed by The Tucker, he asks if anyone has questions. Then he asks, “How many are you are new to Scary Farm?” Many hands rise into the air and he welcomes to the spooky, twisted and scary Haunt Family. He then wishes everyone a fun and safe haunt seasons and introduces Jon Cooke and Pasta to the stage.
Jon Cooke begins by asking how everyone is doing and for the Scary Farm veterans to give a warm welcome to everyone who is new in the family. Family is key to Scary Farm, it is the relationships, companionships, and friendships that form during the event amongst the staff and monsters that are amazing. It is everyone’s Passion and love they share for Horror, Halloween, and Haunted Attractions that make the event great. These are the people who work and anticipate Haunt all year long. They carry the Halloween spirit with them where ever they go. Just like in the film Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2: “The Saw is Family.” Many of these Scary Farm monsters and staff hang out together all year long. Unfortunately, they lost 3 of their spooky family this year, they celebrate their memory through the love of Horror and for Haunt. My heart goes out to all of the haunt family who are still healing over their passing. They will be remembered fondly in the fog.
So all that is said and done, we interviewed many people this evening, but we will focus on Jon Cooke and Pasta. Jon Cooke is a Scary Farm designer who has created mazes and attractions such as Paranormal Inc., Shadowlands, Infected, Fear VR: 5150, Trick or Treat: Lights Out, Dark Ride and many other contributions to the event… bringing the FEAR and the Next Level of Haunting with every innovation, mixing the classic haut/halloween style with new technology/ideas. With every idea, he begins from concept to bringing it to full fruition. He works together with the design dept. and every dept. to assure that Scary Farm is the Scariest Event in So Cal.
In Fact, he works closely with Pasta. She is a major part of Haunt, not only is she the head of the Paint Dept. but also oversees the cast of MONSTERS. She works alongside Jon, going over designs and how each attraction’s look and feel. What they will need from, wallpaper, distressing, paint, colors, etc. She leads her team of about 13 painters and crew leads in going through every attraction and giving it the eerie and creepy looks and feels. Bringing the horror to life!!!!!
“Magical Nightmares.” 3:)
She states, “after the designers pick the cast she goes in and teach them how to be those characters.” From creatures, to evil carnies, monsters that lurk in the fog, demons and what not. They go over with each scare actor what the creature is and how to be the creature. Directly under them is the cast leads who are people that guide/manage the scareactors/monsters in each maze/scarezone. *WE WILL COVER THEM IN THE NEXT EPISODE 😉 .
Overall, Pasta and Cooke oversee the entire event to make sure it is the scariest event you attend this haunt season 3:) 😉 Thank you to Jon Cooke, Pasta, Jeff Tucker, Jesse, The Monsters, and everyone who participated in this episode. You can see all the madness that has taken place in the vid down below. Thank you for reading and we hope to see you In The Fog!
Knott's Network 