On Opening Day – May 4, 2013

New Family Roller Coaster Will be Part of Charity Event for

The George Karl Foundation

Denver, CO (May 3, 2013) — For more than 120 years, Elitch Gardens has been a must-see destination and America’s only downtown theme and water park.  This year, families will find even more to cheer about as the park opens its newest ride, Blazin’ Buckaroo.  This family roller coaster will stir up a love of thrills in kids of all ages with an exciting first drop and multiple quick turns.  Blazin’ Buckaroo is the perfect “first roller coaster” for any age cowboy or girl.  Opening Day for both the roller coaster and theme park is May 4, 2013 at 10:00 am.

“Visitors to Elitch Gardens Theme Park have asked us for more rides that families can enjoy together,” said Tracy Durham, the park’s director of marketing. “Blazin’ Buckaroo provides a perfect roller coaster experience for first-time and seasoned theme park fans to share.”

Families in Colorado are invited to join in the excitement of this roller coaster opening by participating in the “Blazin’ Buckaroo Roller Coaster Rodeo” on June 14.  Kids in grades K-6, and their grown-up, can sign up as a rodeo team to raise funds for The George Karl Foundation and take part in the Blazin’ Buckaroo Official Roller Coaster Rodeo Party.  Teams that raise $50 or more for The George Karl Foundation will be invited to the private party, hosted by George Karl, on June 14.  Details of the event can be found at www.ElitchGardens.com/CoasterRodeo.

“We are thrilled to join with Elitch Gardens, giving families an opportunity to share a one-of-a-kind, fun experience,” said George Karl, head coach of the Denver Nuggets.  “All support generated from the Blazin’ Buckaroo Roller Coaster Rodeo will be used to help kids here in Colorado in their fight against cancer.  What can be better than roller coasters, fun and kids helping kids?”

Guests can enjoy all the rides, slides and shows at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park, all season long, with a Season Pass for just $79.99. Purchase by June 3 to receive a free upgrade to the new Premium Season Pass including free Season Parking, unlimited visits to the theme and water park, all shows, three free tickets, and special events including Fright Fest.

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Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park to Open New Family Roller Coaster,

Debut Seven New Shows in 2013

 Denver, CO (April 11, 2013) — Summer at Elitch Gardens has never been So Flippin’ Fun!  This year the downtown Denver theme park debuts Blazin’ Buckaroo, a new family roller coaster.   With an exciting first drop, this 360-feet long steel ride is the perfect first roller coaster for the entire family.  A few quick turns and a top speed of 15 mph will stir up a love of thrills for kids of all ages – and those who are truly kids at heart.

“We can’t wait to see how many families will take their first roller coaster ride together on Blazin’ Buckaroo,” said Tracy Durham, Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park’s director of marketing.  “Every cowboy and cowgirl that lassos Blazin’ Buckaroo on Elitch Gardens’ opening weekend, May 4 – 5, will receive a sheriff’s badge commemorating their first official roller coaster rodeo.”

Well-known for a wide variety of original shows, Elitch Gardens is further expanding the entertainment experience in 2013 by doubling the number of productions with a total of seven new shows.   Two shows designed for children and families include the high-energy Do Right Duo in Kiddieland, a new show that features super-hero friends sharing their superpower formula of food, fitness and brainpower.

Throughout the summer, three inspirational and interactive shows take center stage.  The Raptor Project brings amazing birds of prey to Elitch Gardens as eagles, hawks, falcons and owls soar over the audience in a fierce display of strength and grace.  African dance, agility and strength come together when the Mapapa African Acrobats arrive at Elitch Gardens delivering an amazing form of acrobatic artistry.  When Motorcycle Mania roars into the park bringing a giant steel globe, massive set of jumps and towering aerial wheel, edge-of-your-seat thrills promise to deliver an adrenaline pumping show.

New this year in the Trocadero Theatre, a sophisticated combination of illusion, music and dance combine to create Cirque Conjure, third in the series of popular productions created uniquely for Elitch Gardens.  Guests should expect humor, mirage and amazement.

Guests can enjoy all the rides, slides and shows at Elitch Gardens, all season long, with a Season Pass now available for just $79.99 with a FREE upgrade to a Premium Season Pass including free Season Parking and three free tickets for friends.  Main Gate tickets are $45.99 with discounted tickets available online.  Free upgrade offer expires June 3. 

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Photos and b-roll available in our online gallery.

Downtown Denver Theme Park Has 1,500 Jobs to Fill
Employment Open House Scheduled for March 2 and 3, 2013
10:00 am – 3:00 pm

DENVER, CO (February 14, 2013) – Yes, it is possible to get paid for having fun if you work at Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park in downtown Denver. Interested applicants can find out how on March 2nd and 3rd from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm by visiting the park’s Employment Open House. More than 1,500 positions will be filled in exciting departments including Rides, Aquatics, Food Service, Games, Park Services, Retail and others.

Candidates can prepare for the Employment Open House by completing an online application at http://elitchgardens.com/elitch-gardens-open-positions/ where job descriptions are also available. Although prior experience is not required, candidates should bring a resume or work history with them. Business or business casual attire is strongly encouraged.

“Elitch Gardens is more committed than ever to providing a high-quality, guest friendly experience,” said Sarah Chapin, human resources manager at the park. “We are looking for hard-working ladies and gentlemen that want to be part of our success, and get paid for having fun!”

Prospective employees must be 16 or older to work at Elitch Gardens with many positions available to those 18 or older only. For more information visit the park’s website or all 303-595-0880.

Today We Play. Friday We Get Paid.

ABOUT ELITCH GARDENS
For more than 120 years, Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park has been a must-see destination, creating memories worth repeating®. The park is open May through October and offers 53 rides, original shows, games and food.
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DENVER, CO (October 1, 2012) – On Saturday, October 6, visitors to Elitch Gardens will be greeted by a pumpkin patch like none other; a pink pumpkin patch created by Jammin’ 101.5. For a donation of $5, guests can take home a limited edition pink pumpkin and help with the fight against breast cancer. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Denver chapter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

From noon until 5 pm, the Jammin’ 101.5 crew will be live at Elitch Gardens Theme Park welcoming listeners, providing jammin’ tunes and raising breast cancer awareness. October is also Fright Fest month at Elitch Gardens. Creepy decorations, fun contests, a trick-or-treat trail and costume contest for kids will all be part of the fun every weekend in October. The popular “family by day, fright by night” Halloween party is open Friday nights, Saturday and Sunday featuring silly and scary shows, disgusting dares, terrifying walk-through attractions and wandering ghouls.

“We wanted to create a fun way to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” said Cha-Cha, morning show host of the New Jammin’ 101.5. “By partnering with Elitch Gardens, we can have a great time, get in some good screams and scares, and support an important cause.”

Tickets to Fright Fest at Elitch Gardens are $43.99 for those 48” and taller, guests under 48” tall or 62 years old and older pay just $29.99. Get more “boo” for your “buck” by purchasing online at www.elitchgardens.com. Visit early, pink pumpkins available while they last, October 6 only.

ABOUT ELITCH GARDENS
Located in the heart of Downtown Denver, Elitch Gardens Theme Park features the most thrilling rides and family entertainment in a five-state region. From coasters to haunted houses there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visit www.elitchgardens.com for more information.

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DENVER, CO (September 24, 2012)—Find out what the hot Halloween costumes are for 2013 at Elitch Gardens’ 14th annual Fright Fest Pet Parade on Saturday, October 13. Pets and their owners, tails wagging, will strut their stuff on stage beginning at 1pm competing for great prizes and annual bragging rights. Award categories include “Funniest,” “Best Pet-Owner Combination,” and “Most Original.” All types of domestic pets in costume are welcome to compete.

“Some pet owners spend the entire summer planning their Fright Fest Pet Parade costumes, and it shows,” said Tracy Durham, marketing director for Elitch Gardens. “Every year I continue to be stunned as pets and their humans hit the runway in outrageous and creative costumes. The laughter from the crowd and other participants is amazing. Plus, it’s a great way to support the Dumb Friends League right here in downtown Denver.”

Deadline for early registration is Friday, September 28. For a registration form, visit www.elitchgardens.com/pet-parade. The entrance fee is $20 per pet for early registration and $45 per pet day-of event. One-hundred percent of registration fees will benefit the Dumb Friends League, which is a national leader in providing humane care to lost and abandoned animals; rescuing sick, injured and abused animals; adopting pets to new homes; helping pets stay in homes; and educating pet owners and the public about the needs of companion animals.

Creepy decorations, fun contests, a trick-or-treat trail and costume contest for kids will all be part of the fun every weekend in October. The popular “family by day, fright by night” Halloween party is open Friday nights, Saturday and Sunday featuring silly and scary shows, disgusting dares, terrifying walk-through attractions and wandering ghouls. Elitch Gardens’ two horrifying haunted houses, “Blood Bath” and “The Suffering” will open at 6pm and require additional admission – $8 for one house, $12 for two. Front of the line VIP admission for both houses is $29.99. All other rides and shows are included in park admission. Fright Fest is included with Season Pass admission.

Tickets are $43.99 for those 48” and taller, guests under 48” tall or over 62 years old pay just $29.99. Get more “boo” for your “buck” by purchasing online at www.elitchgardens.com. Dare to visit www.elitchgardens.com/frightfestdenver for all the frightening details and discounted tickets.

ABOUT ELITCH GARDENS
Located in the heart of Downtown Denver, Elitch Gardens Theme Park features the most thrilling rides and family entertainment in a five-state region. From coasters to haunted houses there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visit www.elitchgardens.com for more information.

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DENVER, CO (August 27, 2012) – For twelve grueling days this October, Elitch Gardens Theme Park will be host to Fright Fest, Denver’s largest annual Halloween party.  By day families can enjoy their favorite rides, a super sweet Trick-or-Treat Trail, and not-so-scary live shows.  At night, older scream-seekers will discover two horrifically haunted houses and the opportunity to ride roller coasters in the dark.

“Continuing Elitch Gardens’ family by day, fright by night Halloween tradition ensures that Fright Fest offers something for everyone,” said Tracy Durham, the park’s director of marketing.  “Four of our spooky attractions are designed just for kids so during the day we expect to see lots of families enjoying the fall weather.  But when the sun goes down, our ultra scary haunted houses will rival any sinister Halloween attraction in the region.”

Creepy decorations, fun contests, Halloween treats and a costume contest for kids will all be part of the fun every Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday in October.  Elitch Gardens two horrifying haunted houses, “Blood Bath” and “The Suffering” will open at 6pm and require additional admission – $8 for one house, $12 for two.  Front of the line VIP admission for both houses is $29.99.  All other rides and shows are included in park admission.  Fright Fest is included with Season Pass admission. 

Tickets are $43.99 for those 48” and taller, guests under 48” tall or 61 and older pay just $29.99.  Save money and time by purchasing online at www.elitchgardens.com.

ABOUT ELITCH GARDENS
For more than 120 years, Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park is a must-see destination, creating memories worth repeating®.  The park is open May through October offering 53 rides, live entertainment and three new rides in 2012!  Visit www.elitchgardens.com for additional information or to purchase Seasons Passes online.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Debbie Evans
devans@stratcogroup.com
443-686-0308

Denver, CO (May 8, 2012) – What do you get when you combine Denver’s first theme park and the city’s first brewpub and microbrewery? What may sound like the start of a twisted riddle is actually the beginning of a beautiful partnership between Elitch Gardens Theme Park and Wynkoop Brewing Company–the creation of two specialty beers that can only be found in Downtown Denver!

Both pioneering companies are Denver staples and now they’re joining forces to truly give locals and visitors something to cheer about: Elitch Gardens Orchard Wheat and Elitch Gardens Fire Roasted  Amber.

Elitch Gardens Orchard Wheat is a 4.8% ABV unfiltered American-style wheat made with pale malt, malted wheat, German Saphir hops, kafir lime leaf and a small dose of natural peach flavor. It’s a complex, ultra-refreshing wheat beer with hints of citrus and fruit in a creamy bodied, perfect-for-summer beer.

Elitch Gardens Fire Roasted Amber is made with pale and crystal malts, US and UK hops and roasted-in-house Anaheim and Ancho chiles and a dose of smoked Serrano peppers. It’s fermented with an English Ale yeast and is a very drinkable 4.8% ABV.

“We put a lot of thought into these beers with the Elitch team,” says Wynkoop head brewer Andy Brown. “Our collective goal was to create unique beers that were exciting to the park’s craft beer fans, but fitting for adventurous mainstream drinkers looking for thrills in the beer garden.”

The beers will go on tap at the Wynkoop Brewery at 7 pm on May 15 as part of Wynkoop’s American Craft Beer Week (May 14-20) festivities. The beer will go on tap to the public at Elitch Gardens at 11 am on May 19 at the Blue Moon Beer Garden.

For more information about the beers, visit www.wynkoop.com; and for information about Elitch Gardens, visit www.elitchgardens.com.

For details on the beer, photos, samples and other info contact Marty Jones at 303-860-7448 (home office), 720-289-9345 (cell) or marty@wynkoop.com

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DENVER, CO (March 8, 2012) – Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park announced today that three new rides will open this summer.  Tube Top, a twisting, twirling, totally-enclosed tube slide is going into Elitch Gardens’ water park while a fresh new look for the theme park’s KiddieLand will feature Rockin’ Tug and Tike Bikes, two new children’s rides. New custom-produced shows, that bring the audience into the act, promise yet another season of exciting entertainment in downtown Denver.  And the best news is – all rides and shows are free with park admission.

“Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park is adding not one, not two, but three new rides this year making 2012 the most exciting season in recent history,” said Tracy Durham, Elitch Gardens’ Director of Marketing.  “We chose Tube Top, the awesome new water slide, to deliver high-octane excitement this summer while keeping things cool when the temperature is hot.  Refreshing KiddieLand and adding two more new rides just for little ones gives families with small children something they can enjoy together.”

When the summer does heat up, thrill-seekers will race to Elitch Gardens to drop into the whirling excitement of Tube Top – the only ride of its kind in Colorado.  Riding in 4-person cloverleaf shaped tubes, passengers on Tube Top will be drenched by 4,000 gallons of water as they spiral, twist and swirl through the action-packed enclosed slide that features a double spiral, zero gravity funnel and vortex turn. Once complete, the award-winning wild purple and yellow slide will be visible from I-25.

Families will be delighted to see the fresh, new look at Elitch Gardens’ KiddieLand.  A colorful new entrance, brand new theater, and two new rides bring renewed excitement to the popular kids’ area which includes a total of 14 rides.

On the new Rockin’ Tug, kids of all ages, and grown-ups too, will join in a sea-faring ride that simulates the gentle motion of ocean waves.  Little hot-rods can also zoom around on Tike Bikes, a new motorcycle ride that gives kids the rush of the open road.

Elitch Gardens will also debut a spectacular lineup of new shows this summer.  Highlighting the immersive entertainment is “Cirque Innosta Verano,” a full 360-degree stage experience designed to dazzle guests and make them part of this unique show.  Best-in-class performers will display acts of aerial artistry and amazing strength as they fold audience members into the kaleidoscope of intrigue.  Kids will love seeing the HipHopsicals in “Rock School for Kids” where Johnny Rocket Pop and Darla Drumstick take their music and dance straight out into the audience.  As the summer sun sets, Elitch Gardens’ new night show, “REFLECTIONS,” will light the sky with a spectacular wash of color, drama and special effects.

“Under new management by Herschend Family Entertainment last year, we were able to upgrade our standard of service and operational excellence while introducing outstanding new live shows,” said Rod Rankin, Elitch Gardens’ General Manager.  “Guest reaction was incredibly positive leading our management team to invest both in phenomenal new live entertainment and three new rides.  Our unwavering commitment to creating memories worth repeating is supported in 2012 with a dramatically enhanced overall park experience.  It’s been years since downtown Denver has seen this many new reasons to celebrate family fun.”

All shows, eight concerts and three new rides are free with park admission.  At just $69.99 each, an Elitch Gardens Season Pass includes unlimited visits to the theme park, water park and all special events including Fright Fest.  Visit and purchase a Season Pass by April 28 to enjoy the exclusive “Pass Holder Only-Theme Park Sneak Peek” plus receive three bring-a-friend-free tickets. Purchase online at www.elitchgardens.com.

ABOUT ELITCH GARDENS
For more than 120 years, Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park is a must-see destination, creating memories worth repeating®.  The park is open May through October offering 53 rides, live entertainment and three new rides in 2012!  Visit www.elitchgardens.com for additional information or to purchase Seasons Passes online.

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DENVER, CO (February 9, 2012) – Whether you’re looking for a job or you know someone who is, look no further—Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park is currently hiring 1,500 employees for 30 different positions during their 2012 season.

They will be holding a New Hire Job Fair on Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the park. Staff members will be on-hand to conduct interviews and answer questions about their openings in various departments such as Food & Beverage, Catering, Games, Retail, Aquatics, Rides, Warehousing, Entertainment, Summer Internships and many more.

Applicants can park at the Main Parking Lot at Elitch Gardens (2000 Elitch Circle) and enter through the Front Gate Pavilion to the New Hire Fair. To see the full list of openings and to fill out an online application, visit www.elitchgardens.com/jobs.

Along with 1,500 job openings, it’s also one of the best seasons to be part of the Elitch Gardens Team! After a successful change in management last year with a focused drive to improve the overall guest experience, the park is making the most dramatic investment to the park in years. Three new rides are opening, plus all-new 360-degrees of immersive new shows and entertainment with something fresh for everyone to enjoy.

A special Season Pass Sneak Peek Preview is set for Saturday, April 28 and they open to the public the following weekend on Saturday, May 5.

ABOUT ELITCH GARDENS
For more than 120 years, Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park is a must-see destination, creating memories worth repeating®.The park is open May through October and offers 53 rides, live entertainment and three new attractions for 2012! Visit www.elitchgardens.com for additional information and to purchase your season passes online today.

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DENVER, CO (September 27, 2011) – Fright Fest is family friendly by day and terrifying by night—so prepare to be scared! Denver’s daydreams and worst nightmares are coming to life from October 1-31 at Elitch Gardens. Fun and not-so-scary activities will be available for kids during the day and then Colorado is bound to sleep with the lights on after venturing through Elitch Gardens’ haunted houses and watching live shows during the Halloween season.

Two newcomers this year are haunted residences that are unlikely to appear on Denver’s holiday tour of homes! A daytime house of illusions will feature tricks for the eye and a few scare tactics while remaining light-on. The doors will open to a darker version of home-sweet-home as day turns to night and terror replaces calm. Both new haunted houses are included with Fright Fest admission.

“Family by Day” Halloween festivities invade the park starting at noon on Saturdays and Sundays beginning on October 1. Little ghosts and goblins can enjoy the Trick or Treat Trail, partake in “Ghouls Matches” with costume and scream contests, and test their stomachs at “Gross Out For Kids” where they’ll join the Hip HopSicals on stage and try out ghastly milkshake concoctions.

Blood-curdling shrieks, shrills and chills will take place when the sun goes down and Elitch Gardens’ “Fright by Night” high jinks kick into gear. Get terrorized with the return of Denver’s most acclaimed haunted houses, Brutal Planet and Blood Bath. Guests will be lured into an old warehouse where something very wrong occurs, and visit a serial killer’s hidden lair. The question is: Are you brave enough to handle Fright Fest? We’ll just see about that.

Elitch Gardens’ Fright Fest will be open to the public from Oct. 1-31 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In addition to all the ghastly fun, guests can take one last spin on their favorite thrill rides! Buy daily admission tickets online for just $37.99 for guests 48” or over; $27.99 for guests under 48” or over 62 years.  Children 3 and under are free. Some attractions during Fright Fest will have an additional fee, but making you scream is priceless!

Dare to visit ElitchGardens.com/FrightFestDenver for all the creepy details and discounted tickets.

ABOUT ELITCH GARDENS

Located in the heart of Downtown Denver, Elitch Gardens Theme Park features the most thrilling rides and family entertainment in a five-state region. From coasters to haunted houses there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visit www.elitchgardens.com for more information.

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