Bonfante Gardens topped off three months of daily operations on
a high note last Sunday with its best day in its three-year
history, park officials say.
Bonfante Gardens topped off three months of daily operations on a high note last Sunday with its best day in its three-year history, park officials say.
The horticulturally themed family park, which is currently enjoying its first financially profitable year, saw the largest attendance numbers in its history over Labor Day weekend.
“Overall, it was one of the best weekends we’ve had,” said Nicole Koebrich, spokeswoman for Paramount Parks. The major national theme park operator took over daily operations for Bonfante Gardens from the board of directors early this year.
The park, located on Hecker Pass Highway west of Gilroy, would not release Sunday’s record attendance numbers, but said the turnout follows recent attendance increases. Park attendance was up 14.5 percent this year and sales of season passes doubled. This year’s improvement became even more evident during the month of August.
Bonfante officials said in August that, based on attendance from April to June, the park would turn a profit this year. The park had struggled to succeed financially since opening in March 2001.
Labor Day weekend marks the end of the park’s daily weekday operations. Bonfante Gardens opened in April for weekends only and has been open daily since June.
This is the first time the park has operated later than Labor Day, and it will remain open on weekends until Halloween. Paramount had planned to maintain the weekend hours through October and, due to the attendance numbers this season, the park will not have to close early, Koebrich said.
No major changes were made to the park’s rides and attractions for the 2003 season, and park officials said they would not look at changes for 2004 until after this season ends. The park will finish the year with harvest-themed events during the month of October, including arts and crafts and photo opportunities with farm animals. The Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association is partnering with the park to provide a market where vendors will sell locally grown produce.
A Halloween-themed performance called “Mona the Vampire’s Halloween Extravaganza” will run every weekend as well. Shows are free with the price of admission.
Bonfante Gardens has added some perks to its season pass for next year, which goes on sale Saturday. Those who purchase the Bonfante Gardens 2004 season pass before the end of the 2003 season will receive free parking at Bonfante for the rest of the fall and all of next year, Koebrich said. The 2004 pass can also be used through this October. Those who purchase a Bonfante season pass before Sept. 28 also will receive a single-use pass to bring a friend to the park for free. Season passes for Bonfante Gardens only are $54.99 for an individual pass and $49.99 each when four or more are purchased.
The Great America VIP passes that include Bonfante Gardens admission are on sale through the Santa Clara park and do not include free parking at the Gilroy park.
Details: www.bonfantegardens.com
