Knott’s Berry Farm will reopen in May with rides and coasters following a year of closures during the COVID-19 pandemic that saw the Buena Park theme park reinvent itself with a series of popular food festivals.
Knott’s vice president and general manager Jon Storbeck announced the park will reopen in May to celebrate its centennial anniversary that was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.
“We can’t wait to celebrate 100 years of original family fun with you during our Knott’s Anniversary Celebration this summer,” Storbeck said in a statement issued Friday, March 12. “We especially look forward to creating new treasured memories as we once again open our gates and welcome our family back to the farm.”
SEE ALSO: Raffi Kaprelyan has guided Knott’s and other parks through pandemic closures
Knott’s and other California theme parks closed in March 2020 as the COVID-19 outbreak first hit the United States. Theme parks in the state can reopen on April 1 provided the counties they reside in reach the red/substantial tier 2 risk status of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s updated Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
“We are encouraged and excited by the recent announcement that came out of the California governor’s office regarding the reopening of theme parks in the state,” Storbeck said in a statement.
SEE ALSO: Meet the person who transformed Knott’s Berry Farm into a food festival venue
A specific reopening date for Knott’s was not set. The current Taste of Boysenberry Festival runs through May 2 at Knott’s. The park hosted the Taste of Calico, Taste of Knott’s, Taste of Fall-O-Ween and Taste of Merry Farm food festivals during the pandemic closure.
“We are humbled by the astounding response we have received on our tasting events,” Storbeck said in the statement.
SEE ALSO: First California theme park sets 2021 reopening date
Many California theme parks partially reopened without rides and attractions during the pandemic for limited-time food festivals and special events.
The Taste events allowed Knott’s to bring back nearly half its peak summer staff of 5,500 employees, Storbeck said in December. Knott’s plans to hire 1,700 employees as the park ramps up to reopening for the 2021 season.
“As we look forward to reopening our gates, we still have some work to do,” Storbeck said in a statement. “From hiring and training new associates to working with government officials on finalizing guidelines, we will work hard to ensure that we can reopen our park safely for all to enjoy.”
SEE ALSO: Disneyland reopening in April as 10,000 furloughed employees head back to work
May theme parks in the state have not set dates for reopening with rides and attractions. Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will return in late April. California’s Great America will reopen on May 22.
Starting on April 1, California theme parks can reopen at 15% attendance capacity in the red/substantial tier 2, 25% capacity in the orange/moderate tier 3 and 35% capacity in the least-restrictive yellow/minimal tier 4.
SEE ALSO: Knott’s Berry Farm plans to reward season passholders with loyalty program perks
Knott’s season passes purchased before the park reopening will be valid for the remainder of 2021 plus a day-for-day extension in 2022 for the number of days the park was closed in 2021.
Knott’s suspended payments for 2020 season passes in April. Knott’s 2020 regular, gold and platinum season passes remain valid through the end of 2021.
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