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News: Bonfante Gardens to become Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park |
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Posted at 5:37 PM EST (2237 GMT)
 Feb. 26th, 2007 -- Via Press Release
GILROY, Calif., /PRNewswire/ -- Bonfante Gardens, Inc., a non-profit organization and California's only horticultural theme park, today announced it will operate as Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. The corporate name change will be transitioned throughout the park's seventh season opening March 31, 2007. Under recommendation by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, the park's management company, as well as their advertising agency, the park's Board of Directors unanimously agreed to rename the property Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. The repositioning is an opportunity to create more geographical awareness among our visitors and drive tourism to the City of Gilroy and surrounding municipalities.
"We are excited about the new direction," said Robert Kraemer,
president and chairman of the board of directors. "While the park's name
will change, our commitment to quality family entertainment and education will remain consistent."
"Renaming the park is a natural fit for the community," said Michael
Bonfante, the park's founding director. "My dedication to the park and
passion for horticultural remains unchanged as we begin this new chapter."
A new name isn't the only addition guests will see when visiting the
park this season. "Gil," a new garlic themed character, will make his debut at Gilroy Gardens this season. The park is also adding a number of seasonal events designed for the entire family including Spring Fling, Red, White and Coo Memorial Dayl, Summer Safari and Treasure Hunt.
Since many families turn to Gilroy Gardens for their child's first
theme park experience, younger guests will enjoy Pit Stop Racer and Big Red Engine Co. Sized specifically for little ones, these new rides give
children their first opportunity to get behind the wheel and ride alone in
2007.
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park opens for the 2007 season Saturday,
March 31, 2007 at 10 a.m. For more information, visit
http://www.gilroygardens.org.
Gilroy Gardens, Inc. is a non-profit organization managed by Cedar Fair
Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership headquartered in
Sandusky, Ohio.
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization,
is located in Gilroy, Calif. and is California's only horticultural theme
park featuring more than 40 family attractions including six majestic gardens, educational exhibits, rides and the world famous Circus Trees. The park was awarded a 2005 and 2006 Golden Ticket by International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) for Best Landscaping. For park information, visit http://www.gilroygardens.org or call 408-840-7100.Posted by Steven
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News by Johnny Upsidedown
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| Comments |
89magnumxl200
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 602
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Is it just me, or is "Gil" just Snoopy in the shape of an onion?
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| 2/26/2007 5:47 PM |
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Steven
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7519
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You ask me it looks like an onion with sunglasses.
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| 2/26/2007 5:50 PM |
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Kyle L
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 6855
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Gilroy is too odd of a town to have a park in, I really wonder where this park is going...
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| 2/26/2007 6:04 PM |
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Steven
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7519
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We better get the Coaster Preservation Organization ("formly" Club) involved in this.
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| 2/26/2007 8:30 PM |
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CHILLERLC1
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 7746
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When I looked up Bonfante Gardens in the past for the town of its residence I said "Gilroy?!" when I found it. It's quite a name.
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| 2/26/2007 8:48 PM |
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Wes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11043
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I also think the clove of garlic strikes a similar look that Snoopy has on their CF logos.
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| 2/27/2007 8:02 AM |
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WildeFyre
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3026
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Something about hugging a giant clove of garlic seems weird to me.
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| 2/27/2007 11:52 AM |
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DaleE4lifefan
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 283
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Lol. Kids will have nightmares of a giant thing of garlic chasing them lol.
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| 2/27/2007 12:24 PM |
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cjeagle35
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 97
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On the contrary, after doing some research, I believe this may be a smart move for the park. First of all, the park only opened in 2001, so its not as the park has a huge history, and that a name change would damage all of that. The name change will increase local interest in the park, and nonlocal visitors will identify the park with its area. The change shows the park's interest in representing the area, and its uniqueness. For example, the new onion character is in response of the area being a large producer of garlic, and is know for that, like with its annual "Gilroy Garlic Festival." This name change indentifies visitors with the town of Gilroy, helping the park and the city, as more people are attracted to the area.
As blaming Cedar Fair for this name change would be unfair. Cedar Fair only operates the park. It was under Cedar Fair and their advertising firm's recommendation, that the Park's Board of Directors approved the name change. These Directors have been running the park since its beginning, they know as much as anybody what will help the park, and they agree with it. Just look what park founder Michael Bonfante said about the name change.....
Quote:
"Renaming the park is a natural fit for the community," said Michael Bonfante, the park's founding director. "My dedication to the park and passion for horticultural remains unchanged as we begin this new chapter."
I'd say the park's management is quite happy with the change. None of them, including Bonfante himself, seem upset with taking his name off the park.
With the park's new changes and attractions, I'm sure interest in this park will increase. Thats great news for the park, but more specifically, the trees and beautiful gardens, as the park is non-profit, and all money goes into maintaining this beautiful landscape.
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| 2/27/2007 1:07 PM |
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Wes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 11043
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At least they'll keep away vampires.
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| 2/27/2007 1:45 PM |
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Steven
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7519
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Do they serve garlic bread at the garlic festival?
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| 2/27/2007 6:00 PM |
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Mrceagle
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1921
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^^^ boy did that response seem Scripted.
i can understand the reasons for changing the name But the Town name is so stupid. No offence to those who live there but this name just dose nothing for me. The Bonfante Gardens just sounded more regal. I've wanted to go to the park for a long time. Though I'm not going to easily accept this name.
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| 2/28/2007 12:52 AM |
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cjeagle35
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 97
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^And now that they changed the name you don't want to go there anymore?
I don't see what the problem with this is. If Cedar Fair and the Park's Board of Directors (including Bonfante himself) feel its the best move for the park, then why do you have a problem with it? Its not going to change the park itself, only the name. I say if they feel it will be beneficial, then go ahead and change it.
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| 2/28/2007 3:46 PM |
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