Just in time for Summer fun
By Loreen Berlin
You’ve no doubt taken a pleasant “splash” on the BigFoot White-Water Rapids at Knott’s Berry Farm and gotten soaking-wet on a hot summer day. Such fun! And a way to cool off in the summer sun.
And now, the rapids have been revamped and have a new name, “Calico River Rapids,” along with a new look, which promises even more water fun, with a miner’s theme that runs throughout the new river ride.
A ribbon/rope cutting was held recently, cut, or might I say, “chopped” with an axe by able-handed “miners/employees.”
The new ride includes, “Animatronics, themed show scenes, a new story line and lots of water effects.” There’s always been the “one” seat in the large inner-tube-type seating area that seems to get more drenching than others, as the ride glides under a large waterfall; all-in-all, it’s just plain fun to take a ride along the updated river-way.
There’s a story to go with the River Rapids that promises to take riders on a search for a new land on the outskirts of Calico Ghost Town.
Plan to float by, “Authentic settings of legendary frontiersmen who have plotted the path for guest-settlers to explore and encounter surprises along the way such as roaring rapids, indigenous wildlife, and unusual homesteaders on the banks of the river,” which fits right in with Knott’s early Western-theme park.
The circular raft, seats six passengers, who glide through twists and turns, rushing waters and rapid currents navigating the new river path.
An exciting new “splash” at the Calico River Rapids awaits visitors on those hot, steamy days coming up this summer.
Garner Holt Productions, a company that has updated animation at Knott’s for other rides such as the Log Ride, is the world’s largest designer and manufacturer of animatronics for theme parks, including Knott’s newest Calico River Rapids.
There’s a promise of the Old West-Adventure to return to “Ghost Town Alive!,” with a new storyline in the town of Calico, for guests to discover through Sunday, Aug. 18 and weekends from Saturday, Aug. 24 through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2.
During Ghost Town Alive! guests can visit the streets of Calico and experience the authentic western adventure by becoming a star in the day’s evolving storyline and unlock adventures through interactions with the townsfolk or join in the town’s activities.
All of this and then in the evening, Knott’s promises more continuing summertime throughout the park with new entertainment including: There’s the Spooktacular family-friendly daytime Halloween event for youngsters and Knott’s Spooky Farm, for families with little children 3-11-years of age who can celebrate the Fall spooky season exclusively on weekends beginning Saturday, Sept. 28 through Sunday, Oct. 27and of course on Halloween day, Thursday, Oct. 31, with Halloween-themed activities and live entertainment to mention a few.
Later in the year, on the horizon of the Christmas holiday, Knott’s Merry Farm returns from Friday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020.
