Thanks for the Follow, Destination America!
It’s always great to receive new followers on social media – but some, such as the one I received last evening, are very special!
Thanks for the follow, Destination America – glad to have you along for the ride! This tweet brought to you by Verizon Wireless 4G LTE…
Destination America is a partner channel with Discovery Communications, and would be a WONDERFUL place to have Great American Thrills show just how amazing our amusement parks are – (wink wink, nod nod) after all…we invented them!
I look forward to sharing my passion of amusement and theme parks with you, Destination America – in addition to my extensive knowledge of Talkeetna, AK ; ) Have you ever tried their pancakes?
San Mateo County History Museum Presentation a Success
For everyone who attended my “Lost Parks” history presentation at the San Mateo County History Museum last weekend – an immense THANK YOU is in order!
Over 60 of you attended the event (which was a VERY large crowd for these sorts of events, according to the museum staff). And the feedback we received was universally positive. If you’ve never been to this museum – the building itself is a piece of art, in addition to all of the exhibits!
If you missed the event – don’t despair – we’re already working on a video of the presentation, so you can attend “virtually.”
Remember, you can always help support Great American Thrills™ by liking and sharing our updates with your favorite cable channels social media pages – or just tell your friends about the work we’re doing!
Featured on BBC News!
Yes, you read that correctly – I had the honor of being featured in a BBC News video released today about roller coaster technology and the “plateau” some say we’ve reached. (I don’t think we have, by the way).
You can view the whole video by clicking here.
Or, you can copy and paste this link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-24553630
The backstory behind this interview is just as intriguing –
I had already planned to attend Six Flags Discovery Kingdom’s “Ghoulish Gathering” VIP event last Friday. When the tram dropped us off at the front entrance, I noticed a OMB (One Man Band) setup, with a man struggling to cope with the sound of the many rides in the area. In hindsight, I should have gone over to offer my assistance – but I digress…
When I asked the Public Relations person at the event about the cameraman, she immediately said, “Oh, he’s with the BBC…I should introduce you to him!”
Pinch me.
After we grabbed a bite to eat at the event, I got to talking with Richard, who quickly found out (and said), “I should interview you…”
You had to ask?
Careful to make sure I didn’t step on any known “land mines” when you do interviews like this, Richard slapped a lav mic on me, and into the sun he pointed me!
Now, it should be noted, that short of begging, I did my best to convince the segment producer to stay longer, so my Lost Parks Producer, American Coaster Enthusiasts Asst. Regional Rep AND all-around quality news source on all things coasters, Nicholas Laschkewitsch could arrive to be interviewed as well – but sadly, Richard had to leave before Nicholas could arrive. Thanks, BART Strike…
But, for now, it’s yet another milestone in my journey to be in the world of television. “Great American Thrills” has officially jumped the pond and gone international…WOW.
Former Malibu Grand Prix site to become office high rises
Chalk another one up to “progress,” everyone. The peninsula’s last remaining entertainment venue (not counting Hooters in San Bruno) will soon be nothing more than a bland office complex, joining many other “lost parks” here in the Bay Area and beyond. The current proposal is for three, eight story buildings, dubbed “Harbor View Place.”
Malibu Grand Prix closed last month after over 30 years in business – managers claim the land owner, Granite Rock, raised their rent significantly.
The site is now stripped of most lighting structures and salvageable items. Graffiti now adorns the castle and most of the site. We’re working with the land owner to see about potentially filming on the site. While technically not an “amusement park” by most standards, Malibu was the closest thing people had on the mid-peninsula to a family entertainment center, or FEC – so we’ll make an exception for it.
The People Behind “Lost Parks” and the Manteca Waterslides
Despite how it may look, there are many, MANY people who are involved in the production of “Lost Parks of Northern California.”
Without them, I would not be able to look as good as I do presenting it. With that, here are all the people it took to bring the Manteca Waterslides episode to life:
Al Garcia, Waterworld California: A big thanks goes to my longtime friend Al Garcia, who is the Marketing Sales Coordinator for the park. He gave us his personal stories of Manteca – in addition to allowing us to capture some unbelievable angles of the water slides in his park – including this particularly moist one. Visit his park (when it’s open) at: www.waterworldcalifornia.com
Roger Ross & Ryan Davies, California’s Great America: For allowing us to film inside their Boomerang Bay water park and make that historical connection to the slides in Manteca, I am forever indebted to you both. Here’s hoping that we get to work together again soon, or maybe even catch a Sharks game together this season. Visit their park at: www.cagreatamerica.com
Mike Brown and the Entire Brown Family: Mr. Brown – thank you for giving us the opportunity to share your family story with us – and thank you even more for opening up to us about all the history you hold in your memories. I can always say that I hung out with the owner of the Manteca Waterslides, and bought him lunch, while we shared stories and went through old photo albums. We will wear our Manteca “Anniversary” hats with pride.
Debby Moorhead, Vice Mayor of Manteca: Debby was crucial to us tracking down and getting permission from the current owners of the slides, as well as a great interview and one of the few, genuine politicians we’ve ever met. Sounds like Manteca is THE place to be in the coming years…we can’t wait!
ProAM USA: There is no way we would have been able to capture some of the beautiful shots in this video without winning a Facebook contest from these guys. (Seriously, we actually won a Facebook contest and got a camera crane!) Our new DVC60 camera jib was put through it’s paces this episode and we cannot wait to see what else we create with it.
Oh, and we’d love to model some of your other products, by the way…
Robert Ingle: Those promotional photos of me in the slides “acting” were all captured by Robert – who’s got quite the eye for awesome photos. But, his real skill is to blend in so I don’t even realize he’s taking my picture. I think there’s a career for you at TMZ if you’re interested, Robert.
And for those of you wondering, it’s Robert’s face that closes out the first episode in the credit roll…
Taylor Evans: I’ve never had a script supervisor before – but if I ever can hire one, it would be Taylor. He kept me on track and motivated as best as the Costco hot dog I bought him for lunch. For such complex shots, he was able to let me relax and do my thing, while he made sure the script still made sense. He also was responsible for the “summer winding down” edit that we thankfully caught that day.
And finally, I’ve saved the best for last – and with good reason, too.
Getting direction from Nicholas, with Taylor holding the sun reflector. (Photo by Robert Ingle)
I first met Nicholas Laschkewitsch a little less than a year ago – and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to partner with on this series. We’re three episodes into this once “little” project – and he somehow continually finds ways to both amaze and astound me with his work, both as a cinematographer, video editor and field producer.
This, mind you – without any professional training or experience. Nicholas simply has an eye for good work – and I could not be more fortunate to have found him and work with him on this series. He is just as much responsible for the success of this series as I am in front of the camera and doing research. Here’s to many more fun projects with the best producer I could ever have asked for.
If you haven’t seen how all these people came together on this project – look no further!
Lost Parks, Episode 3: “Manteca Waterslides”
I am proud today to release our third episode in the “Lost Parks of Northern California” series, focusing on the “famous” Manteca Waterslides!
Learn how the modern water slide was born just off of Highway 120 in Manteca, where you can still go to experience pieces of the park today and why people still call the chamber of commerce, asking about the slides…nine years after the park closed for good.
This was on all accounts – the most difficult video we have produced thus far. The technical aspects alone were enough to make both myself and my producer, Nicholas Laschkewitsch throw a fit. But, we persevered – and are proud to show you our work of the past few months.
“The Lost Parks of Northern California” is produced in association with the American Coaster Enthusiasts, Northern California region. Learn more about them at: www.acenorcal.org
We’re Presenting at the San Mateo County History Museum!
Great American Thrills is honored to announce that we’ve been selected as a presenter in the San Mateo County History Museum’s “Courthouse Docket” series, exploring the rich history of the region.
Come down on October 26th at 1:00pm and see “The Next Huell Howser” – aka Kris Rowberry – show you how you can still experience some of our bygone amusement parks…today!
Who knows, you just might learn something, too!
How Can I Help with the “Lost Parks” Series?
We get this question fairly often in the ol’ e-mail box. The short answer – YES! YES YOU CAN HELP!
How? Well, that’s easy:
1.) Share your park experiences with us:
A souvenir, photo, home video or even just a story – part of the mystique of these lost parks is the strong memories they evoke. We’re always on the hunt for a visual way to tell the story of the parks we’re featuring.
2.) Share us with the World:
We’re big on social media – so we’d love to expand our reach. But that’s where YOU come in. If you see a post that you enjoy, here’s a few ways you can help out the “Lost Parks” project:
“Like,” comment on and share posts, photos and video on Facebook.
Retweet items from our Twitter accounts.
+1 things from Google Plus.
Post our videos on your own website via an embedded file.
Plus, we’re always looking for new partnerships, so feel free to shoot me an e-mail at kris.rowberry {at} gmail.com
Having trouble finding items on our social media feeds? Just use hashtag: “#lostparks” to find most of our work.
Tell your favorite cable channels (Discovery, Travel, Destination America, History) or local broadcast stations that these guys would make a great series for them via, their social media pages.
3.) Tell your friends:
Seriously, even in this uber-connected world we live in, word of mouth is still one of the best ways to get the word out on what we’re up to. Tell your friends, show your family – heck, you just might find a few memories come up in the process!
With just those three simple steps, you can help Lost Parks of Northern California grow by leaps and bounds. Who knows where it will lead us (but that’s part of the journey – so let’s ride!)
Lost Parks Episode 3 – Manteca Waterslides Preview
Debuting September, 2013!
If you lived in Northern California odds are you remember this water park not just because they were a technological marvel of their day – but because of their catchy ad jingles. So, “Slip away today and leave your cares behind – they’re the world’s greatest, so come and ride…the Manteca Waterslides!” (1974-2004).
What does #LostParks Mean?
We’re “The Lost Parks of Northern California” – a web video series trying to track down any and all remaining pieces of the 30 amusement parks that have closed here in Northern California over the past 150 years.
And odds are – you saw us at work at California’s Great America today!
#LostParks quite simply, is our hashtag – a way for people to find out what we’re up to in a fun and engaging way across social media platforms. Come for the journey – stay for the history…ride with us!
Lost Parks Makes Major Connections!
Look who decided to give us a “like” on one of our behind the scenes shots from this past weekend:
You can imagine my shock when I checked my Instagram feed this afternoon…
We’ll look forward to sharing more with you, Discovery Channel! But, we’d really like for you to come along for the ride with us! : )
Call us anytime – we’re only shouting distance away from M5i and the Mythbusters!
The Amazing People Behind the Scenes of “Lost Parks”
The forthcoming episode of the Lost Parks of Northern California was easily our most complicated – and yet it will be our most beautiful, too. But it’s not just me that makes it look good – it’s three talented individuals, Taylor Evans, Robert Ingle and Nicholas Laschkewitsch that make it (and me) look so good.
In addition – what you may not know – is that we’re not making any money on the project. In fact, we lose money on each and every shoot, whether from travel expenses, to material from historical societies – it all costs money. But, we think bringing these parks back to life is more about expanding our skills and more importantly, reclaiming our amusement heritage.
Without these folks behind the scenes, I wouldn’t be able to complete this series! Photo by Ace Northern California, used with permission.
In addition, this upcoming episode would not have been possible without the efforts of the Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Manteca, Debbie Moorhead. Without her connections, we would have never been able to get permission to film at the slides final resting place. In addition, her interview at the Chamber of Commerce was just spectacular and was full of incredible information…
Wrapping up the interview with Mayor Pro Tem, Debbie Moorhead. Photo by ACE Northern California, used with permission.
I knew working on this series would mean making connections to make it all work – I just didn’t think it would be so much fun to do it!
Producer Nicholas and I with our new favorite tool, a ProAm USA DVC 60 camera crane. Thank you Facebook contests! Photo by ACE Northern California, used with permission.
Now, we jest need some production companies to sit up and start taking notice! C’mon guys, let’s hear from you sooner than later!
Our Next Lost Park…
We’re hoping that by choosing this park, we just might bring summer back this year…it’s freezing in the Bay Area right now!
Well, you know it from it’s catchy jingle or if you ever drove through the Central Valley on the way to Yosemite or Sonora…
That’s right! We’re going back to the “famous” MANTECA WATERSLIDES!
(SKIP to 2:40 for the good stuff…)
Thank you to the San Jose City Council, District Three!
It’s an honor to be featured in this month’s “Community Spotlight” section of the City of San Jose’s, District 3 Newsletter!
It turns out – quite a few people didn’t know about the origins of Luna Park, including the City Council!
Full text, here:
Kris Rowberry: The Lost Park of San Jose
“Great American Thrills” is a web video series that follows amusement park connoisseur, Kris Rowberry, as he hunts down the original sites and memories of Northern California’s 24 bygone amusement parks.
“I’ve always been fascinated with the history of the amusement parks I’ve visited,” said Rowberry. “This series is truly a journey back in time.”
Joining Rowberry on his journey is the Assistant Regional Representative for the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) Northern California, Nicholas Laschkewitsch. He also serves as the show’s cameraman and producer.
“One of ACE’s missions is to promote the importance of preservation of both roller coasters and amusement parks,” said Laschkewitsch. “I hope the ‘Lost Parks’ series will do just that.”
Through their research, done mostly the old fashioned way in the King Library, both Rowberry and Laschkewitsch have stumbled upon countless, incredible stories about Luna Park.
“To find out that San Jose, not San Francisco, had the first pro baseball team in the Bay Area was a real shock,” said Rowberry. “Luna was built as an entertainment complex – amusement park and baseball stadium. It puts the whole territorial rights issue today in a whole new light. Plus, from the descriptions, it sounds like it was theplace to be for fireworks on the 4th of July.”
So how did he come across such an obscure piece of San Jose’s history?
“It honestly just came as inspiration driving through the Luna Park Business District and seeing all the banners,” said Rowberry. When I saw the carousel horse on one of them, I knew there had to be an amusement park here at some point. That’s the real impetus for wanting to highlight this park – well that and I lived in San Jose for nearly 26 years and never knew about it.”
Thank you Kris for bringing back the memory of Luna Park and a piece San Jose history!
Learn about Luna Park for yourself, here:
Lost Parks Episode 2 Debuts This Friday!
If you haven’t already, check out our preview for the second installment of the “Lost Parks of Northern California.”
Do you know the way to San Jose – and it’s first amusement park?
Lost Parks of Northern California – Episode 2 Preview
It’s finally here!
Episode 2 of the “Lost Parks” series is in the bucket and ready for release. So until the actual episode debuts, check out this quick preview of San Jose’s OTHER long lost amusement park – LUNA PARK!
Look for the actual episode to debut later this month!
Connecting with our Past
I’m always fascinated and shocked when we go out into the field how many people have such fond amusement park memories.
I shouldn’t be so surprised – yet are built for fun after all – but I think we all sometimes forget that we need a little fun in our lives.
Sometimes, it just takes a guy with a camera, microphone and bright light to remind us of all the good times.
Season Pass Podcast Interview
We had the pleasure of being interviewed at the Gold Striker media day by the great Doug Barnes of “The Season Pass” podcast. Check out the interview about halfway through at the link below:
Can’t wait to talk up “Lost Parks” some more in the future, Doug!
iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/the-season-pass-the-essential/id268430539
Direct Link:
http://traffic.libsyn.com/seasonpasspodcast/The_Season_Pass_235.mp3
Star Tower POV (Point of View) Video
Need a break at work today? Then come along for quite possibly the SLOWEST point of view (POV) video that you will ever see of any amusement park ride on Earth – here’s the complete ride cycle for the 200 foot tall Star Tower at California’s Great America. That being said, you’ll see all of the major attractions of the park in action – a rare feat to capture in just one ride!
Gold Striker Video – Rider Reactions
With Gold Striker now officially open to the public at California’s Great America – enjoy this on-ride video of myself and “Lost Parks” Producer, Nicholas Laschkewitsch (who is also the ACE NorCal Asst. Regional Rep) taking in a ride.
Our Next Lost Park
It’s official – our next lost park has finally been chosen!
“Do you know the way to San Jose…”
and the way to Luna Park?
Danke Shen, Deutchland! (Thank you, Germany!)
A big thanks to the folks over in Germany for watching the Lost Parks series in such high numbers! Check out the latest demographics on the YouTube channel!
I knew working for a Zeppelin company would pay off at some point!
Sie sind ser schon!
KGO Interview
KGO 810 AM here in the Bay Area interviewed me this past Friday on the “Lost Parks” series. Hopefully, it’s the start of people discovering my little series!
For those who missed it – check it out!
Lost Parks, Episode 1 – San Mateo’s “Pacific City”
Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you, episode one of, “The Lost Parks of Northern California,” featuring San Mateo’s “Pacific City.”
Be sure to like our video, comment on it, subscribe to our channel and share with your friends! We’re on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter!
You can also follow the American Coaster Enthusiasts (my partner on this journey) at www.ACEonline.org or www.ACEnorcal.org
Enjoy!
Great American Thrills® 