Welcome to Playland-Not-at-the-Beach and our Summer/Fall 2010 Schedule of fun events. There is something for everyone. All the themed weekend events are in addition to all our regular attractions: live magic shows, flea circuses, historic exhibits and artifacts from Whitney's Playland and the Sutro Baths, our amazing dioramas and miniature circus, 30+ pinball machines set on FREE PLAY, carnival games, Penny Arcade devices, Fascination games, and surprises around every corner.
This Weekend: August 14 - 15
Laffing Sal's Birthday!
Laffing Sal was the large, mechanical lady who was in the front window of the Fun House at Whitney's Playland out at the Beach for decades . Just as the park was closing in 1972, Laffing Sal's head was stolen. Shortly after that, all of Laffing Sal disappeared from the public eye for a few years. Now, in 2010. there are at least a half dozen Laffing Sals in the Bay Area, but are any of them the original one from out at the beach? "That's the number one question we get asked at our museum," explains curator Richard Tuck. "Even Channel 5 sent a reporter out to ask us that question several months ago, and we answered on the 6:00 News."
For Laffing Sal's birthday, no holds are barred. Playland historian Marv Gold will be on hand to tell the true story of Sal's amazing family. Unlock the mysteries of where Sal originated. Find out about her choice of dresses, and who recorded that famous laugh that everyone loves or hates. As a teenager Marv Gold ran the controls of the Playland Fun House. He will share stories of what it was like to have total control of all the devices in that amazing place.
At Playland-Not-at-the-Beach you will have the chance to meet not just Laughing Sal but also her sister, Sinister Sal! Bring your cameras! Come dressed as Sal and win prizes!
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to find out the truth. Come celebrate Laffing Sal's Birthday at Playland-Not-at-the-Beach Saturday and Sunday, August 14 and 15. Marv Gold's presentation will be at 1:00 and 3:00 on Saturday and at 2:00 on Sunday. No birthday gifts necessary!
Upcoming Events
August 21 - August 22
Pixar Tribute
This weekend we will be honoring the masterpieces of animation being produced by Pixar Studios. See how many characters and stories you and your children can identify. Come dressed as a Pixar character and win prizes as you enter. On display will be some of the most famous scenes from Pixar classics. Renowned animator Steve Segal will be on hand Saturday and Sunday afternoon to show artwork he produced for "Toy Story" and a "Bug's Life". You will be in for some delightful surprises.
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August 28 - August 29
Pirate Weekend
Playland is bringing back one of our most popular weekends from last year. Ahoy, Matey! Come dressed as your favorite pirate lad or lass and face our "Walk the Plank" challenge! There will be treasure hunts, mounds of gold, but watch out for that gold-toothed villain -- Black Bart. He might try to steal your rewards when you are not looking. Great fun for all ages and all indoors! |
September 4, 5, & 6 (Labor Day Weekend)
Playland Lives On Forever!!
September 4, 1972 was the final day of operation for Whitney's Playland at the Beach out at Ocean Beach. But Playland will live on forever in our hearts and in our Playland-Not-at-the-Beach Museum of Fun, as you will discover this 3-day weekend. We will be conducting behind the scenes tours showing how we built this museum, we will also be recruiting volunteers to carry on the tradition, and there will be special treats and contests for everyone. Bring the kids and the grandkids too. We're all indoors so the heat won't matter. Come have a grand time! Throughout the weekend we will be showing "Remembering Playland", Tom Wyrsch wonderful documentary film.
September 11 - 12
Playland's Adventure Weekend
Put on your helmet and pull out your bullwhip. Become Indy Jones or Dora the Explorer or Diego as you try to solve our mysteries. We supply the treasure maps, the compasses, and all the tools to discover the hidden treasures. Beware the Chamber of Laughter and don't get fooled by the Foolish Fortune Teller. She's just trying to get you lost! These adventures are geared for every age from 5 to 105.
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September 18 - 19
Celebrate the IT'S-IT ICE CREAM BAR!!
Whitney's Playland at the Beach introduced the IT'S-IT ice cream bar, one of the world's foremost taste treats and rumored to be our webmaster's favorite ice cream bar. This weekend the treat is for you! Come by and hear the origins of the incredible treat, and have a FREE It's-It Ice Cream Bar this Weekend ONLY! |
September 25 - 26
Land of the Dragons!
As you enter the Museum of Fun you will receive the egg of a Dragon. You must find the clues to the Dragon's Nest before the egg starts to hatch. Surprises and laughs as everyone tries to find the correct nest for the eggs. Join us for a truly unique way to have fun! A brand new adventure, and you will find this only at Playland-Not-at-the-Beach!
"Remembering Playland" in the theater and on DVD
If you live in San Francisco, our documentary movie "Remembering Playland" is playing again at the Balboa Theater. Here is a link for more information: http://www.balboamovies.com/
If SF is too far away for you, we have the DVD of "Remembering Playland" available in our museum Souvenir Shop, or you may order it online through our website: http://www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org/store/
Best regards,
Frank Biafore
Master of Fantastic Fun
Playland-Not-at-the-Beach
Museum of Fun
10979 San Pablo Avenue
El Cerrito, California 94530
Open to the Public 10 AM to 5PM Sat, Sun & Holidays
Open every other day and evenings by appointment
www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org
(510) 592-3002 24-Hour Information Line
Copyright ©1999-2010 by Playland-Not-at-the-Beach. All rights reserved.
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