Local youngsters enjoy the thrill of the Go Gator Rollercoaster at Kiddieland in Merced.
The Kiddieland Train is rolling at Applegate Park.
Applegate Park was filled with families on Saturday as the Kiwanis Kiddieland Amusement Park opened its gates for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic two years ago.
The grand reopening event filled the park with fanfare as residents made their way past dozens of vendor tables, and had their fill of tasty dishes from local food trucks. People of all ages also took part in a Bubble Fun Run to start the festivities
By the time the official ribbon cutting ceremony took place, the park’s gates were surrounded with eager children looking to make their way to the Go Gator Rollercoaster, the Helicopter Ride, the Rocket Ride, the Car Ride, the classic Merry-Go-Round, and of course the main attraction the Kiddieland Train Ride.
Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President Annissa Fragoso presented a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the Chamber to Kiddieland organizers and volunteers. Seconds later, the kids flooded through the gates with their caregivers in tow. The first 100 to do so received a bag of Kiddieland goodies. Entry fees for the park were waived for the special celebration.
The Kiddieland season has started. So more kids can enjoy the park every Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Rides require 1 ticket with exception of the Train, which requires two tickets per rider. Tickets cost 50 each, so for the cost of $3.50, a child can ride all the rides one time. The park also offers an all-day wrist band for $10 that allows the wearer to ride all rides an unlimited amount of times all day on the day it is purchased.
Don’t forget: The park will also be hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 16, starting at 10 a.m. For more information on the park, readers can log onto the Kiwanis Kiddieland Amusement Park website at kiwaniskiddieland.com or contact the park by calling 209-723-8307.