originally posted on 1/8/2024

All Photos: Paul Asente. View full-sized image.
On Saturday, December 2, ACE Northern California members enjoyed a holiday party at Gilroy Gardens (Gilroy, California). Participants checked in outside the park's gates prior to the park opening and were given custom nametags plus a wristband.

Attendees enjoyed popular Gilroy Gardens rides such as the South Country backroads antique car ride and Quicksilver Express.
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View full-sized image.
View full-sized image.
The staff escorted the group to the South County Backroads antique car ride, where they enjoyed a bonus: early ride time on this park favorite. Members chose between the 1920s and 1950s cars, and the final decision found that the group was divided. Attendees were then escorted to its D.H. Morgan Manufacturing mine train, Quicksilver Express, where the planned ERT session began.

Known for inclusion, ACEers in attendance took the time to make friends with some of the park’s feline residents.
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Once the park opened to the public for the day, attendees enjoyed many planned informal ride takeover times and a few unplanned takeovers as well.

Attendees also enjoyed the park’s other roller coaster, Timber Twister — a Zierer Tivoli.
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The event officially concluded with a spirited white elephant gift exchange and a trip to the Snowflake Square Holiday Feast buffet. As day turned to night and attendees said their goodbyes, the park's extensive light displays transformed Gilroy Gardens into a spectacular winter wonderland.
— Liz Tan
#ACENews