California Fun
Knotts Berry Farm
Many years ago as a child my dad loaded up the family car and drove across a whole sack full of miles to a land of wonder. For a child it was a place of fun and fairy tails.
We were about to see for the first time KNOTTS BERRY FARM.
That was at a time before Disneyland. Located in Buena Park, California Knotts Berry Farm was the first theme park ever.
Started in 1929, it began as a pancake house which also sold a few jars of homemade Jams and Jellies. Business was slow and limited and in need of something to attract the public.
The resemblance of a small amusement park was created on the acreage behind the cafe.
The park had a rickety old stage coach complete with a cowboy with a gun and a couple of Indians. The coach would carry visitors around the park to experience drama that only the old west could provide.
The dirt street was lined with a wooden sidewalk and a few replica buildings representing an old west town. Those old buildings were actually store fronts where one could purchase novelties and memories.
There was also an old ore cart on a track leading into a small hole in the ground where one could pan for gold and bring out as many gold painted rocks as he could find.
The thrill of finding something gold in your pan filled the kids with real excitement. It was a lasting moment. I still have my gold painted rocks.
During those days that was one of the most exciting places to go and to me it was like playing cowboy for real. It made me feel like I was a friend of Jessie, Billy and Wild Bill.
That trip was close to a half century ago and it still holds a spot of excitement just to talk about it. Places like Knotts Berry Farm continue to thrill the public every day.
Over the years Knotts Berry Farm has grown to fill many more acres. It now is home to many restaurants and stores and offers some very interesting entertainment and history.
There are wild west shoot outs and show daily. More cowboys and Indians roam the land and visit with anyone who wants to talk.
And guess what, it is time to make that trip again. Time to visit Knotts Berry Farm one more time.
This time not as a wide eyed child but as someone who admires the advancements made in technology and construction.
This time it is to enjoy the changes, additions and growth of an Icon. If you have never been there then it is time for you too.
Just grab your hat, coat and the child who still lives within you and hit the road.
I'll be looking for you there!
You can check it out right here.
Please Note:
The background photo used here is compliments of: www.FreeLargePhotos.com