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Ghost Town Alive! Live New Adventures in The Old West at Knott's Berry Farm.


We were recently invited to attend Knott's’ Berry Farm Ghost Time Alive and what a treat! Ghost Time Alive is going on now through September 4th. It returns to Knott’s Berry Farm for another action-packed summer complete with bandits, cowboys, robberies, judges, a good ol’ western hoedown, and much more! Guests can visit the beloved town of Calico and experience an authentic western adventure by becoming a star in this summer’s story of the Wild West, where the power to unlock adventures is in the hands of every guest.

The story continues a year after the notorious Mayfield Gang escaped the custody of Sheriff Wheeler. Word around town is the Mayfield’s have been spotted back in Calico and the townsfolk are in need of some help in capturing the bandits and keeping the town safe. Ghost Town Alive will offer guests a firsthand experience to play an important part in this unfolding story of the wild west, with specific tasks and activities and an essential role as an honorary citizen of Calico.

General manager of Knott’s, Jon Storbeck, said, “Guests of all ages will have the opportunity to not just interact with the citizens of Calico, but will have the ability to influence how the story takes shape. Our Entertainment team has been working all year in developing new storylines, adding new characters and activities that make up the lively town of Calico.” The park promises Ghost Town Alive will be even bigger than last year. In addition to the return of Ghost Town Alive, the park is also debuting a new Snoopy show, Snoopy’s Magnificent Magical Revue. The “Traveling Circus” show also returns this summer on the Calico Mine stage in Ghost Town, filled with stunts, acrobatics, and pyrotechnics. And of course, Ghost Town will be filled with the typical entertainment like the Wild West Stunt Show and the Calico Saloon Show.

Now that I’ve given you the official spiel, you must go to Knott’s Berry Farm on a weekday, preferably a Monday or Tuesday. Let me tell you why, we attended on Tuesday and had a chance to get on 8 rides without any lines, yes, you read that right! No lines, it was a breeze, not guaranteed that the same will happen for you but I have to say I will always be attending on a weekday. Now if you can’t make it on a weekday then I suggest you purchase a Fast Lane wristband that gives you priority boarding on 13 rides, including GhostRider, Timber Mountain Log Ride, Voyage to the Iron Reef, Xcelerator, Silver Bullet, and more.

The dastardly Mayfield Gang is on the loose, and your able assistance is required in rounding 'em up. Prepare to take on "specific tasks" as you fulfill your "...role as an honorary citizen of Calico." You are one with the community, you are a citizen of Calico! Can you help Sheriff Wheeler and the townsfolk of Calico nab the bandits? Will you accept the challenge to get these kind people out of the jam they're in? Get it, Jam, see what I did there? Just a little Knott's-style humor for the boysenberry lovers like myself.

Now the first stop should be at the city hall to get the schedule of all activities and shows. Next stop is the pony express. Mosey your way down to the post office and fulfill your civic duties to deliver packages on a (wooden) horse, you will be given specific instructions for your mission, good luck cowboy and don’t get caught. Swing by the Barber Shop to get a temporary mustache put in place for you or your little one to get into costume. After your brazen attempt to deliver the parcel, and you’ve gotten your stache, make your way to the schoolhouse to catch up on your ABC, the teachers are kinder than bees to honey. Ghost Time Alive will get you in the mood to sing, dance, and wish you had really lived in that era. It’s truly an "authentic western adventure" Your last stop should be at Town Hall to be sworn in as a citizen for providing outstanding service to your town.

Now I would normally say wear comfortable shoes, you're attending a theme park however for Ghost Time Alive I highly recommend pulling up your bootstraps, tie on your lucky neck kerchief, and find out if you have the gumption to help a town in need. And if don’t have a hankie, the local store in Calico has you covered. But don't spend too long on pulling up your bootstraps, saddle up quickly, Ghost Town Alive is in Calico through Monday, Sept. 4.

"Courage is being scared to death - and saddling up anyway." ~ John Wayne

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