California's Great America, California

Images of Modern America

by Steven W. Wilson

In May 1972, actor Fess Parker of Davy Crockett fame announced plans for a huge theme park complex in Santa Clara, California. Eventually, the Marriott Corporation joined the effort. Parker later departed, while Marriott continued with what was the corporation's largest project to date. Marriott's Great America opened its gates on March 20, 1976. It featured a variety of family and thrill rides on a grand scale plus live entertainment, including multiple stage shows and even a full circus. From Marriott to the park's current owner, Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, Great America has entertained and continues to entertain millions of guests in what is now the heart of Silicon Valley.

96 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2014

Reviews

[Citri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have such fond memories of this amusement park. Great America is always where us band needs got to go after the big yearly band competition. My extremely adverse to rollercoaster self was dared to go on Top Gun one year and I did, though I suffered the whole bus ride home and had to be carried to my Mom's van once we got back to school lol.

So I appreciated the pictures in this ro relive all those fun memories and to see what happened with the park after I moved away. Like the other Great America book, I wish this had more pictures of the park food! But the rides and park changes are well documented. Apparently the park will be closed by 2033 so I'm glad this book exists to document the history!