Great Wolf Lodge Now Open in Southern California

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March 7, 2016

Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. celebrated the grand opening of Great Wolf Lodge Southern California, the first California location for North America’s largest family of indoor water park resorts. Located in the city of Garden Grove, Great Wolf Lodge Southern California is the brand’s largest resort and brings an entirely new destination option to traveling families.

“We are excited to officially open our doors and provide the Great Wolf Lodge experience to families in Southern California,” said Rubén A. Rodríguez, Chief Executive Officer, Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. “Southern California is one of the top destinations for family fun in the country and we are thrilled to bring our unique experience to the area.”

Great Wolf Lodge Southern California is a complete destination for families looking for the perfect getaway. The centerpiece of the resort is the extensive 84-degree indoor water park. Complete with water slides and attractions perfect for young children that enjoy splashing in interactive pools and high-thrill rides. With attractions including the six-story Howlin’ Tornado and the dual body surfing experience, Wolf Rider Wipeout, the water park offers something for everyone. Together, families can experience the massive wave pool and bob along with the gentle current of the lazy river. With over 105,000 square feet of indoor water park fun – the Great Wolf Lodge experience is truly one that is all wet. Admission to the indoor water park is free and exclusive to resort guests, providing great value to families seeking the perfect place to visit together.

The adventure doesn’t stop once resort guests dry off. Great Wolf Lodge Southern California has many unique activities and attractions throughout the entire resort. The one-of-a-kind live action interactive game, MagiQuest, gives players magic wands as they embark on an adventure-filled scavenger hunt. Girls looking for fun with an ice cream theme can visit Scooops Kid Spa for manicures, pedicures and chocolate facials while sitting atop a banana split throne. And no day is complete without bringing the family together for Story Time, each evening in the Grand Lobby.

“At Great Wolf Lodge, we want each family to have a truly memorable experience,” added Rodriguez. “We offer value, convenience, and endless amounts of fun, all under one roof. With spring break right around the corner and summer vacations soon thereafter, we look forward to welcoming many families to Great Wolf Lodge Southern California.”

The all-suite resort features spacious accommodations for families of all sizes. Designed with the resort’s youngest guests in mind, themed Wolf Den and KidCabin suites offer bunk beds in a private sleeping area that will leave kids howling for bedtime while giving parents sleeping space just for them. Larger suites offer second bedrooms and bathrooms for multigenerational families all traveling together. With 603 suites, Great Wolf Lodge offers the largest hotel rooms in Garden Grove.

Dining is an important part of any family getaway and Great Wolf Lodge features seven unique dining experiences including a delicious breakfast and dinner buffet in the Loose Moose Buffet, a specialty menu in the Lodge Wood Fired Grill restaurant and grab-and-go favorites from the area’s first and only Dunkin’ Donuts.

In addition to catering to leisure travelers, Great Wolf Lodge Southern California has more than 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Complete with a dedicated group entrance, built-in audio/video technology, customizable catering options and a world-class team of industry professionals, the resort’s conference center offers a brand-new location for meeting planners to bring their clients and groups.

To celebrate the opening of Great Wolf Lodge Southern California, guests can save 20% off two or more nights when they book by April 9. Additional information and reservation bookings can be found and made online at www.greatwolf.com/southern-california or by calling 888.960.9653. Great Wolf Lodge is located at 12681 Harbor Blvd. in Garden Grove, CA.

OC Restaurant Week First Bites

By

Joel Covey

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March 6, 2016

The annual Orange County Restaurant Week has officially kicked with approximately 140 of OC’s finest eateries participating. I was fortunate enough to attend their launch party appropriately titled “First Bites” located at the Irvine Marriott. Around 40 restaurants were on hand sampling out some of their best cuisine and alcoholic beverages. From the likes of Holsteins Shakes & Buns in Costa Mesa to Urbana of the Anaheim Packing House all the way to the intricately prepared gourmet donuts of Poqet were on hand. You can’t really go wrong. There are incredibly unique eats for you to devour the entire week with special discounts and creative menus this week only until March 12th.

With so many food options it probably wont be best to go through each one individually, however feel free to check out the photos so you can get a better idea of how amazing was the food provided. Every restaurant nearly delivered too much food with large samplings that would fill you up just after a few stops. I made the mistake of eating the whole plate at each location in the beginning therefore I wasn’t able to make it to several I wanted to try, but that was my own fault.

The event was superb with a plethora of food and alcohol, however the venue was sadly small and made things a challenge to maneuver to each table inside. Add a wine glass, a plate of food, and no where to eat at times and you will understand how difficult it was at times to eat. I believe they go to a different city each year, so if next year is at a decent venue then you wont want to miss this event! It can be price-y but it’s worth every penny.

Poet Donuts of Irvine showcased their delectable options

Some highlights included: some some slow braised short ribs with a red wine sauce from Waterman’s Harbor from Dana Point; a decadent mini apple pie donut from Poqet Donuts from Irvine; the best fried wonton of your life from Nirvana Grille; and butterscotch rum pudding from Eureka! made with homemade whipped cream, caramel sauce and flaky sea salt.

An abundance of Mexican food was available from all of your classic tacos and tostadas to some of the most gourmet creations that I can’t even reiterate because they were so complex and sadly I could write them all down. However, some breakouts included Chelas Mexican Grill of Laguna Nigel and Kutsi Cocina in Santa Ana. Chelas won me over with their light and refreshing Agave Lime Tostada; crispy tostada with shredded romaine lettuce, Jicama, black beans avocado, tossed in agave live dressing and finished with quest and fresh strawberries. Kutsi powered over t he competition with an artistic display and complex selections of sopa and delicious beef prepared with several ingredients that I failed to remember.

This doesn’t even cover the tip of the iceberg of the giant selection nor does it include some of the more intricate recipes of creative good eats that are just impressive to hear.

To get more details and search the many participating restaurants head over to http://www.ocrestaurantweek.com. Remember, it’s this week only all throughout Orange County. It’s time to experience the innovate cuisine Southern California is putting out. Your taste buds will thank you for it.

“Meet Chief Bogo” from Disney’s Zootopia

By

Robbie Bulus

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March 4, 2016

The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery.

Chief Bogo heads up the Zootopia Police Department. A tough cape buffalo with 2,000 pounds of attitude, Bogo is reluctant to add Judy Hopps, Zootopia’s first bunny cop, to his squad of hardened rhinos, elephants and hippos. “He considers Judy to be a token bunny that he’s forced to work with, so he decides to give her parking duty,” says director Byron Howard.

Idris Elba provides the voice of Chief Bogo. “It was an opportunity to do a comedy,” says Elba. “The script is really funny, the story is inventive and Chief Bogo is a tough guy who runs his police department with an iron fist.”

“We wanted him to use his Londoner accent,” adds Spencer, “and we discovered that while he’s known for playing tough guys, Idris is really funny. He has a way of saying the words in a way that we can’t imagine anybody else in the role.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ comedy-adventure “Zootopia” is now playing in theaters.

Movie Review 'Whiskey Tango Foxtrot'

By

Joel Covey

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March 2, 2016

Tina Fey changes gears, slightly, in a film probably no one is expecting. WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT is a movie like no other. At its basis it joins subtle humor with near classic rom-com moments and throws them smack dab in the middle of a full-fledged war movie. This isn’t some typical ridiculous Tina Fey absurd comedy. The filmmakers have built a script surrounded by an actress that supports their style of humor but doesn’t over do it. Whilst crude and vulgar at times, this is no Judd Apatow-like raunchy flick. Rather Whiskey Tango Foxtrot brings a fresh style to the mixes with perhaps a sleeper hit for March. Don’t write this one off.

Marketing has missed the mark on this one as I believe most wont exactly know what they’re getting themselves into. While some may be fully aware of the story or the book by Kim Barker, “The Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan”, the trailers don’t give this movie any justice; featuring awkward humor and one-liners that play into what one may find in an episode of 30-Rock, you’ll find the movie actually offers so much more.

Written by the witty Robert Carlock, one may expect an abundance of silliness and corky jokes as one would find in Carlock’s other shows like 30-Rock and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. Atlas the audience will find a whole other side in an almost different genre. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot gets REAL at times with gritty war scenes and damn gore-y shots I didn’t come to expect yet was pleasantly surprised. At times I found myself inthralled with a sense of realism and transparency on a war that many didn’t care to look closely into.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot follows a cable news writer and producer Kim Barker (Tina Fey) who lands a new assignment in Afghanistan in 2002 covering a war that became quickly forgotten when America headed for Iraq. Stuck in unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory, Barker finds herself in the midst of a quite frightening war zone where a westernized female wouldn’t blend in well. Quickly after arrival Barker finds herself closely bunking with Tanya Vanderpoel, Margot Robbie (Focus, A Wolf on Wall Street), a fellow journalist who helps her settle in with her new surroundings. In attempt to discover the breaking stories, Barker finds herself in the middle of gun shootouts, warlords love interests, and weekly heavy partying. Barker must battle keeping the war in Afghanistan interesting to news outlets while also finding her ultimate end game.

Besides the incredibly well-shot war scenes, though perhaps a little controversial to those close to the military, the perfectly developed cast of characters is a driving force for the film. Tina Fey is ultimately herself yet toned down, but her character is developed with believability and remains relatable to many. A definite breakout performance for the former Saturday Night Live cast member whom I could see actually taken on more serious roles. Margot Robbie is still stunning to watch and the two play off the fact she is a solid 10 in the states but a 15 in Afghanistan. There is no denying that, even with the joke being carried on a little too long.

The rest of the ensemble includes a thick Scottish accented Martin Freeman (The Hobbit) who plays a womanizing tool but a bit of a goober. I don’t think Martin Freeman can really ever not be a goober, however his role here has him playing a bit of an ass even though he is able contain his charm. Alfred Molina plays Afghan mogul Ali Massoud Sadiq who grows a boy-like crush on Barker and performs some hilarious antics. This is where the movie becomes a little too ridiculous to fit in with the rest of the narrative, but I would be lying if I said it wasn’t still enjoyable. Don’t forget about Billy Bob Thorton, a high-ranking Marine that finds respect for the ‘ballsy’ but dedicated Kim Barker. He isn’t anything less than one would expect from a Thorton character.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is actually much more than it pretends to be. It’s a solid drama that is complemented by lots of laughter. The humor is geared toward an over 25-year-old crowd that still enjoys its crudeness and sexual escapades, but still wants some intelligence and well-developed story. The cinematography is sharp and welcomed to a movie billed as just another comedy flick. Many scenes feel organic though much of the film was just filmed in the desert landscape of that scary place called New Mexico. A kudos is in order to Xavier Grobet for making Albuquerque look like the crumbling towns of Afghanistan. Or is that not much of a stretch?

Left to right: Director Glenn Ficarra, Tina Fey, Producer Ian Bryce and Department of Defense Director of Entertainment Media Phil Strub on the set of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot from Paramount Pictures and Broadway Video/Little Stranger Productions in theatres March 4, 2016. — Left to right: Director Glenn Ficarra, Tina Fey, Producer Ian Bryce and Department of Defense Director of Entertainment Media Phil Strub on the set of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot from Paramount Pictures

It’s a journey story of a personal change, not a coming of age, but a finding of content of who you are. Warlock and Barker find an uplifting and motivating end allowing a moment of mental escapability. A goal of mine for any movie I see. It’s a long one, and at times feels long because there is so much depiction of just “living” opposed to just standard story progression. It’s not a fault but worthy of a note for a forewarning it’s just under 2-hours.

A very rewarding film that gives you reason to care for the characters and brings some behind-the-scenes look at a war not many talked about. It’s a movie that delivers so much more at its core without a preachy narrative or deeply rooted political agenda. I found the film to be refreshing and different in a movie marketplace of so much predictability. Worthy of a trip to the theater.

'Big Hero 6' Series is Coming to TV!

By

Robbie Bulus

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March 2, 2016

Disney’s Oscar-winning film, which is based on the Marvel comics of the same name, is being adapted into an animated series on Disney XD. The show hails from Kim Possible creator Mark McCorkle and Bob Schooley, and has started production for a 2017 premiere.

The series picks up immediately following the events in the movie, and continues the adventures of 14-year-old tech genius Hiro and his robot Baymax. Joining the pair on their journey is control freak Wasabi, scientist Honey Lemon, fanboy Fred and no-nonsense Go Go, who together form the Big Hero 6 superhero team. As the new prodigy at San Fransokyo Institute of Technology, Hiro faces daunting academic challenges, not to mention the social trials of being the little man on campus. The stakes are also raised for the high-tech heroes when they must protect their city from an array of scientifically enhanced villains.

“Our colleagues at Walt Disney Animation Studios have created a brilliant new world, inspired by Marvel, with vivid, unique characters,” Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer of Disney Channels Worldwide. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to further develop these characters into a world class animated series — full of fun, action and the kind of endearing storytelling that only Mark, Bob — and Baymax — can deliver.”

Produced by Disney Television Animation, the series will executive produced by McCorkle, Schooley and Nick Filippi, with Filippi also serving as a supervising director.

This was first published on The Hollywood Reporter MARCH 02, 2016 8:00am PT by Bryn Elise Sandberg

Exclusive! A Brand New 'Finding Dory' Trailer

By

Robbie Bulus

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March 2, 2016

Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” reunites everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory, with her friends Nemo and Marlin on a search for answers about her past. What can she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak Whale?

Directed by Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E”) and produced by Lindsey Collins (co-producer “WALL•E”), the film features the voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton. “Finding Dory” swims into theaters June 17, 2016.

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Celebrates the Springtime Flavors of California

By

Robbie Bulus

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March 1, 2016

In an exciting development for foodies and lovers of the Disneyland Resort, the month-long Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival will celebrate the lifestyle and springtime flavors of California with a blend of culinary experiences. The Festival begins Friday, April 1, and most events will take place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through May 1 in Disney California Adventure Park.

Each weekend features numerous experiences including culinary demonstrations and lifestyle seminars, plus some ticketed events featuring celebrity chefs, as well as wine, beer and spirits seminars. At Festival Marketplaces, set up around the park, guests may sip and savor delicious flavors from throughout the state of California.

Some events at the festival are included with admission to Disney California Adventure. Signature events, requiring a reservation and a separate ticket, include Celebrity Kitchen with some of the biggest names in the culinary world, and beverage seminars featuring popular adult beverages in a relaxing setting at the Golden Vine Winery. Reservations for Celebrity Kitchen experiences and beverage seminars can be made at Disneyland.com/foodandwine.

Food is always part of the fun at Disney California Adventure. The park offers guests a range of dining options, from fast-casual fare to haute cuisine, with innovative dishes from award-winning chefs. Guests will find Mediterranean cuisine at Paradise Garden Grill, handmade treats at Candy Palace, fine dining and craft cocktails at Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge, plus vegetarian and gluten-free options at many locations.

Guests also enjoy the wonder and beauty of California in the park’s themed lands, including the welcoming Buena Vista Street, which transports guests to Southern California of the 1920s and 1930s, and the spectacular 12-acre Cars Land, inspired by the Radiator Springs setting of the Disney●Pixar movie “Cars.” The reimagined Grizzly Peak Airfield, inspired by the lush High Sierras of California, opened with its new look in 2015. Popular Disney California Adventure attractions include Radiator Springs Racers, the immersive Toy Story Mania, the California Screamin’ roller coaster and The Twilight Zone™ Tower of Terror.

'Ice Age: Collision Course' New Tailer

By

Robbie Bulus

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March 1, 2016

Scrat’s epic pursuit of the elusive acorn catapults him into the universe where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the Ice Age World. To save themselves, Sid, Manny, Diego, and the rest of the herd must leave their home and embark on a quest full of comedy and adventure, traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters. ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE, opening in theaters everywhere July 22, 2016, stars returning cast members Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Seann William Scott, Josh Peck, Simon Pegg, Keke Palmer, Wanda Sykes, and Jennifer Lopez. Joining the herd are Stephanie Beatriz, Adam DeVine, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Max Greenfield, Jessie J, Nick Offerman, Melissa Rauch, Michael Strahan and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE
Animated Comedy
Release: July 22, 2016, in 3D
Director: Mike Thurmeier
Screenplay: TBD
Producer: Lori Forte
Cast: Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah, Seann William Scott, Josh Peck, Simon Pegg, Keke Palmer, Wanda Sykes, and Jennifer Lopez. Stephanie Beatriz, Adam DeVine, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Max Greenfield, Jessie J, Nick Offerman, Melissa Rauch, Michael Strahan and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Wii U and Nintendo 3DS Games Debut at a New Lower Price on March 11

By

Robbie Bulus

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March 1, 2016

Starting on March 11, some of the most popular and critically acclaimed Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games become a part of the Nintendo Selects program and will be available at a suggested retail price of only $19.99 each. Wii U games like Super Mario 3D World, an imaginative four-player adventure with Mario and friends that received numerous Game of the Year awards and nominations when it first launched in 2013, join Nintendo 3DS standouts such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, one of the most critically acclaimed Nintendo 3DS games of all time.

“Whether you just picked up a new Wii U or Nintendo 3DS system over the holiday season or want to expand your ever-growing game collection, Nintendo Selects are a great, affordable option,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Not only are these games easier than ever to enjoy, but they also represent some of our highest-quality offerings in recent memory.”

Other Wii U games joining the Nintendo Selects family are Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Pikmin 3 and NES Remix Pack. Fun Nintendo 3DS games Yoshi’s New Island, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D and Mario Party: Island Tour can also be purchased at the new low suggested retail price of $19.99 each on March 11. Additionally, a group of classics from the Wii console that can be played on Wii U will be available at the reduced Nintendo Selects price. This includes Super Mario Galaxy 2, Animal Crossing: City Folk, Donkey Kong Country Returns and Super Mario All-Stars.

For more information about the Nintendo Selects program, visit http://nintendo.com/nintendo-selects.

Remember that Wii U and Nintendo 3DS feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wiiu or http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii U™ and Wii™ home consoles, and Nintendo 3DS™ and Nintendo DS™ families of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 4.3 billion video games and more than 692 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii U, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™, Nintendo GameCube™ and Wii systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and Pokémon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com.

Win a Year of MoviePass with #OscarsWithMoviePass Contest!

By

Robbie Bulus

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February 26, 2016

The team at MoviePass is made up of movie diehards. We love that we make it easier for people like us to see more movies in theaters, and for the Academy Awards, the biggest movie event of the year, we’re going to be holding the ultimate Oscar pool to reward the biggest cinephiles out there. We’re calling it #OscarsWithMoviePass.

All you need to do to enter is fill out our official ballot (find it by scrolling down or clicking here) with your best predictions of who the final Oscar winners of 2016 will be. The person with the ballot closest to the winner list will win a FULL YEAR of MoviePass and all the movies in theaters they could ask for from 2016 and beyond. Runner-up will receive SIX MONTHS.

MoviePass is the only nationwide movie theater subscription service, allowing members to see a new, standard 2D movie every day in 95% of theaters nationwide for one monthly fee. There are no blackout dates like with some discounted ticket programs, so as soon as a movie hits the theaters, you can see it with MoviePass.

The ballot will be open for entries until 3pm EST on February 28th, then we will announce the winners on or before March 4th. The full rules are listed here.

Los Angeles County Air Show Flying in March 19 – 20

By

Greg Aragon, Writer Greg's Getaway

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February 25, 2016

There is an awesome getaway on my radar and its not just a minor blip or some kind of bogie. It is the Los Angeles Country Air Show and it is flying into the William J. Fox Airfield in Lancaster, CA – March 19 – 20.

The show, powered by Lockheed Martin, will feature a host of amazing, gravity-defying performers, including the legendary Blue Angels, a tribute to Pearl Harbor featuring the Commemorative Air Force’s Tora! Tora! Tora!, wing-walking demonstrations, numerous historic aircraft, a patriotic parachute team, a jet-powered semi-truck and more.

The Air Show will also feature several of the top air show performers from around the country such as high-energy aerobatics, barnstorming and various warbirds, while additionally focusing on the innovative aircraft whose roots are tied to the Antelope Valley and the Lancaster area. On the ground, spectators will be able to explore static aircraft displays, interact with pilots and crew members, and experience attractions and educational exhibits designed to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“We have an epic line up of performers planned for the 2016 Air Show,” says Dennis Dunbar, executive director of the Los Angeles County Air Show. “We are bringing some of the best aerobatic performers and wing-walkers from around the country to the Aerospace Valley along with warbirds, military aircraft, pyrotechnics and so much more.”

Wing-walker performing thrilling stunts

I can’t wait to the see the US Navy’s Blue Angels. Demonstrating incredible mid-air precision, this team elite pilots will maneuver their Boeing F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter jets across the sky, sometimes flying only 18 inches apart. The Blue Angels demonstration will also include a performance by their Lockheed C-130 support aircraft, affectionately known as ‘Fat Albert’.

I’m also looking forward to seeing Tora! Tora! Tora!, a recreation of the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor, which signaled signaling the beginning of America’s involvement in World War II. An emotional and factual narration complete with President Roosevelt’s address, the interactive exhibit will take visitors back in time as it salutes fallen soldiers on both sides of the conflict.

The performance will include replica Japanese “Zero” fighters, Kate torpedo bombers and Val dive bomber aircraft. Designed as a living history lesson, it is choreographed with realistic explosions, fire, smoke and precision flying all set to music.

ShockWave! The jet-powered semi-truck

Another must-see performance for me will be SHOCKWAVE!, the reigning Guinness Book World Record Speed holder for fastest jet truck. Owned and operated by father and son team, Neal and Chris Darnell of Darnell Racing Enterprises, Shockwave is a triple-jet engine Peterbilt Semi, boasting 36,000 horsepower and a top speed of 376 MPH.

Other show highlights are sure to include the Third Strike wing-walkers, who will not only demonstrate the team’s original wing-walking routine, but will be followed by the industry’s only dual wing-walking act featuring two stunt-women traveling atop a vintage Stearman bi-plane. And the Patriot Parachute Team. This group of professional parachutists who formerly served as Navy SEALs, will stun the crowd with their precision aerial antics and landings.

The Los Angeles County Air Show will be held March 19-20, 2016 at William J. Fox Airfield at 4555 W Avenue G, Lancaster, CA 93536. Air Show gates open at 9 am and close at 4 pm, with performances from approximately Noon to 3:30 pm each day. Tickets are $20 for adults; $15 ages 6 – 12; and 5 and under free. Food will be available for purchase. Organizers advise guest to bring things such sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, cameras, comfortable walking shoes, lawn chairs, blankets, ear plugs, and cash for parking and concession purchases. For more information, tickets, a list of nearby lodging, visit:www.lacountyairshow.com.

Knott's Boysenberry Festival Returns March 19 – April 3

By

Robbie Bulus

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February 23, 2016

Celebrate Knott’s historic berry during Knott’s Boysenberry Festival, March 19 – April 3, in Ghost Town, the heart of the theme park. The 16-day food festival features over 70, one-of-a-kind boysenberry inspired fare, drinks and more, the Wine and Craft Brew Tasting Garden, plus live entertainment and fun the whole family will love! From sun up to sun down, the festival features dueling fiddlers, PEANUTS Party in the Park, vine dancing, live music, Jammin’ in the Dark (a nighttime dance party). Festivalgoers can also shop for the perfect handmade gift at dozens of craft vendors located in Ghost Town. The limited-time festival is included with admission to Knott’s Berry Farm.

In the 1930s Walter Knott harvested the boysenberry, a cross between a loganberry, red raspberry and blackberry, and named the new berry after its originator, Rudolph Boysen. Today, all boysenberries in the world can trace their roots back to Knott’s Berry Farm. In 2015, the Park made delicious history with the debut of the Fun Bun during the Boysenberry Festival. Returning in 2016, the widely acclaimed culinary creation is a deep fried cinnamon roll with boysenberry cheese topping that will not disappoint. During the food fest, over 70 unique boysenberry inspired food, drinks and more will be offered, including the delectable Berry Market Boysenberry BBQ sauce which adds the perfect flavor to ribs, BBQ chicken, chicken wings, and more. Other must try items include crispy deep fried alligator bites that are paired with farm-made zesty boysenberry aioli, deep fried boysenberry ice cream, finger-lickin boysenberry BBQ wings and many more delicious treats. Additional fee for tastings. Guests who want to take home the exquisite Boysenberry BBQ sauce, Boysenberry Butter, Boysenberry Mustard and more, can do so by stopping by the Berry Market located in the MarketPlace and General Store located in Ghost Town. Select items are available on the online Berry Market store.

In honor of the famous berry, guests can wine, dine, dance, and buy boysenberry inspired products throughout the winding streets of the Old West. Festival entrances will feature rustic banners and oversized boysenberries, just ripe for taking that special photo.
Walter & Cordelia Knott’s Original Roadside Boysenberry Stand will be recreated for the special event, from which guests can purchase authentic boysenberry plants. The Knott family sold freshly picked boysenberries from the original stand, and the rest, as they say, is history!

As part of the festival, the Wine and Craft Brew Tasting Garden, located inside of Ghost Town’s Wilderness Dance Hall, will feature boysenberry wine, beer and cider, plus an assortment of wine and craft brew labels, in addition to a variety of gourmet food that’s just bursting with flavor. Just outside of the Dance Hall, towering sculpted topiaries provide shade during warm spring days and twinkle brighter than stars at night.

The Boysenberry Festival also features an extensive line up of live entertainment. At the heart of all of the excitement is Birdcage Square, located in front of the famous Bird Cage Theatre. Here, a stage will be set for daily contests like pie eating, a pie walk, Grandpa’s Boysenberry PJs Contest, where guests will race to stuff the oversized long johns with balloons, and more. In the evening, the Square will have guests kicking up their heels with vine dancing, a down home jug band and dueling fiddlers and banjos! At night, just inside of the Bird Cage Theatre, things get krazy when Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies mount their toe tappin’, knee-slappin’, gut-bustin’ country comedy show that will have audiences clamoring for more! Just across from the Theatre on the Fireman’s Brigade stage, live bands will play Country music’s best tunes from dusk to Park closing.

Right up the road from Birdcage Square, kids can join the classic Bear-y Tales characters in their very own pie making kitchen inside of Ghost Town’s Craft Barn. With the help of Razz Bear-y, Boysen Bear-y and the other Bear-y family members, each beautifully painted scene will follow the world famous boysenberry from field to blue ribbon winning pie! The pint sized chefs can also make their very own delightfully sweet boysenberry tarts complete with a crumble topping. Additional cost applies for tart making.

Check-out this Photo Gallery of Some of the Food Offerings during the Festival!

Located in the Boardwalk area, the iconic Charleston Circle fountain transforms into a beautiful floral fountain, adorned with colorful flowers and boysenberries creating an iconic centerpiece for the celebration. PEANUTS Party in the Park celebrates spring in a big way with infectious music, vibrant set design, and an invitation for the audience to be a part of the show! After sundown, Calico Stage will transform into an immersive nighttime dance party, Jammin’ in the Dark, complete with LED lighting effects affixed to the stage where DJ HowLy will spin the hottest dance music for all ages. The boysenberry celebration is almost too much fun to stomach!

While strolling through the bustling streets of Ghost Town, guests can capture the moment and the memories at boysenberry themed stand-in cutouts, like wanted posters, a boysenberry farming family and more. Festivalgoers can also watch special demonstrations including a chainsaw wood sculpting, glass blowing and blacksmithing. While enjoying the festival, guests may meet Ghost Town’s mayor, Mayor Desmond Ryder and his lovely wife, Josephine. From day to night, Ghost Town has never looked so lively.

Springtime fun has also taken root in Camp Snoopy and Fiesta Village. During the limited-time event, the whole family can meet the Easter Beagle in his Camp Snoopy home, blooming with colorful springtime décor. The meet and greet location is the perfect place for shareable moments with the boisterous beagle and his friends – Charlie Brown, Lucy, Sally, and Linus. In Camp Snoopy Theatre, Lucy’s Really BIG Spring Show will showcase the PEANUTS pals singing, dancing, and celebrating springtime. The theater will be filled with the sweet sound of little ones as they singing-along to the to the show’s cheerful tunes! Guests don’t have to be experts at the cha-cha-cha to enjoy nighttime dancing with the Opa Opa Salsa Band in Fiesta Village. Everyone will be sure to take to the floor and dance to the rhythmic beat of popular Latin music.

The Boysenberry Festival is included with admission to Knott’s Berry Farm, additional cost for food tasting experiences within the event, which also offers a full day of thrilling coasters and family fun rides. Knott’s has extended hours, 10am to 10pm, from March 19 – April 3, allowing guests extra time to take advantage of all of the limited-time offerings.

Join the conversation and share your day of boysenberry fun by using #BoysenberryFestival on Twitter and Instagram.

Socalthrills.com

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