Kiddieland

A shiny new train direct from a factory in Canada arrived at Applegate Park in Merced on Wednesday morning to take over as the top ride at Kiddieland. “Our dream has come true with today's delivery,” said Karen Adams, the president of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced, which operates the amusement park. “Genuine thanks to the…

It’s done and over in about 60 seconds. We’re not egg-agerating. But oh how sweet it is.  The 33rd annual Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt will be…

Once upon a time … One of the rocket carriages went missing from the Rocket Ship Ride at Kiddieland inside Applegate Park in Merced. It was…

There was plenty to cheer about during the Times’ 60th Anniversary celebration at the Italo American Lodge in downtown Merced last Thursday, Nov. 2. The only publisher this newspaper company has ever had — John Derby — received several rounds of applause during the night, including right after an announcement declaring him the…

You know the Save The Train fundraising effort for Kiddieland is on the right track when a big railroad company makes a stop in Merced with a golden ticket…

The Merced Elks Lodge recently held a fun day for Merced County Office of Education students who are living with special needs. There were 20…

By John Derby & Jonathan Whitaker Fifteen years ago this month, state inspectors closed down Kiddieland at Applegate Park in Merced. They said the small amusement park — after a half century of operation — wasn’t up to code, and needed a variety of upgrades to reopen. The move caused a stir in the community, as you can imagine.…

There’s some local news to share this summer that will surely disappoint many local youngsters — especially in a growing Merced, where more and…

The Kiddieland amusement area inside Applegate Park in Merced opened for the spring, summer and fall seasons last Saturday. Local families with youngsters…

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…