MiceChat’s Marc Ricketts heads off on adventure in the NorCal parks and finds the Harlem Globtrotters as well as some coaster construction updates.  Let’s take a look.

California’s Great America

The other day I went to see the Harlem Globetrotters at California’s Great America.

I’m guessing you’ve never seen that particular combination of words before. Turns out that others will be able to make similar statements this summer as the Wizards of the Round Ball have teamed up with Cedar Fair for a tour of many of their parks (sorry, Knotts) this year.

Allow me to quickly state that I did not see a basketball game, or even a full team for that matter. But we did have Bull, the current Clown Prince of basketball. For those old enough to remember ABC’s Wide World of Sports, or fans of Scooby Doo, he is the Meadowlark of this group.

So I reckon Hoops must be the Clown Princess.

And, of course, we had Dash, the other guy.

No Washington Generals to hate at this gathering, but there was a dude with a record player.

The show consisted of numerous opportunities for kids to get involved (like any good regional park production), as well as some of the Trotter’s most beloved routines. Example, you don’t really think the ball below actually made it to the hands of an audience member, do you?

So on it went for about 20 minutes, from the bucket of “water” to the Magic Circle and Sweet Georgia Brown, the crowd was kept enthralled. Afterwards there was a meet and greet; and if you need something for the players to sign, they’ve got you covered. Bring CA$H!

This was just the first stop for the Harlem Globetrotters, who may be coming to a park near you. At Great America they did two shows per day While the 904 seat theater didn’t fill; it was Mother’s Day when I visited (she’s in Alabama; there was no brunch for us regardless). Here’s their schedule:

Dorney Park (Allentown, PA)
May 19 & 20

Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH)
May 27 & 28

King’s Dominion (Doswell, VA)
June 9 & 10

Michigan’s Adventure (Muskegon, MI)
June 16 & 17

Worlds of Fun (Kansas City, MO)
July 21& 22

Valleyfair (Shakopee, MN)
July 28 & 29

RailBlazer

It would be an understatement to say that your humble narrator is growing increasingly anxious to ride the park’s upcoming monorail coaster, and clear progress has been made in the past month, particularly regarding rockwork, plus the station and photo hut. Some things look ready to roll, but that pile of pipes isn’t a piece of modern art; there’s still a ways to go. But the trains are on site; it’s getting close.

When I rode the gondola to the theater for the Trotters, I expected a relaxing ride without messing with the camera. Then I noticed the construction where the swinging pirate ship used to be. Then I noticed what was clearly the remains of the load for the Logger’s Loop ride, which was also gone (gimme a break, I hadn’t really been to that side of the park this year. Plus, much as I enjoy a log ride, they just aren’t as compelling without singing geese or crazed eyed lumberjacks. Seriously, those guys at Knotts should not be allowed to operate heavy machinery as they’ve clearly been into the hillbilly meth and bathtub gin). This site is beyond the scope of the already announced water park expansion, and Great America declined to comment further, but it is a substantial amount of space, and they do have a green light from Santa Clara to build several rides over 200 feet tall. Is this one of them? I can’t wait to find out.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

The Harley Quinn Crazy Coaster [sic] is vertical at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, though there are still a few weeks of work to be done. Although Harley is the Joker’s main squeeze, here she’s snuggled up with the man of steel. The animation shows that the ride never coasts, so maybe it should be the Crazy Roller. Not going to generate an ACE gathering, but it is a unique take on thrills with double train operation.

Here is some concept animation (courtesy of Six Flags).

The bag check has added X-ray machines, and I was asked to turn on my camera. Six Flags is consistently being no-nonsense at their park entrances.

That’s it for now; have to keep anticipating the new stuff, but that will be another Day By The Bay. Meanwhile, here are some hungry sea lions who grasp that cameras aren’t food.

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