Majestic Tree to Symbolize Holiday in the Park, the Biggest Holiday
Celebration in California
VALLEJO, Calif., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/-- Standing at 125'
tall, the towering presence and iconic symbol of California's biggest
holiday celebration, Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom,
will be a gigantic Douglas fir -- the biggest Christmas tree in the world!
The tree is expected to arrive at the park on October 30 from a tree farm
in Oregon, traveling first by truck on Route I-5 and finally, ceremoniously
delivered via Chinook helicopter into the park. Park guests will be able to
enjoy this exquisitely decorated and lighted tree when Holiday in the Park
kicks off on Friday, November 23.
"Having the biggest tree in the world will make Holiday in the Park one
of the most exciting and magical places to visit this holiday season," said
Martin Lathrop, park president. "If you can imagine the sheer size of this
magnificent tree, and add to that the dazzling display of holiday-themed
areas all around the park, it really will be the biggest holiday
celebration in all of California."
The Christmas tree, which has a trunk diameter of four feet and an
expanse of branches up to 55 feet, will be placed in the existing Dolphin
Fountain location, a centrally-located area which will allow guests to view
the tree the moment they enter the park. Each night, guests will be asked
to "search" for Santa Claus, whom once found, will light the Christmas tree
and the actual park simultaneously unveiling millions of twinkling lights
in an extraordinary visual display.
The 125' tree, transported from the Willamette Evergreen Tree Farm in
Salem, OR will be considered the tallest cut Christmas tree found this
holiday season. To transport the tree to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, the
park has enlisted the services of expert transport service Total Quality
Logistics and Redmond Heavy Hauling of Portland. A 75' tractor will be
attached to an 18- wheeler and the truck will journey from Oregon to
California on Interstate 5. Large banners will identify the special cargo
as the biggest Christmas tree in the world, as the truck makes its way
along 580-mile rural route, stopping at various towns before arriving at
its final destination.
"The public can literally track the tree's journey on our website and
make plans to see the biggest Christmas tree in the world as it passes
through their hometown," said Lathrop.
After the approximate 2-3 day journey, the tree will be air-lifted
directly into the park by a BV234 Chinook helicopter, the biggest and
heaviest lifting helicopter in the U.S., piloted by Columbia Helicopters of
Oregon. Members of the media will be invited to photograph what will no
doubt be an incredible sight, as the tree is set in place inside the park.
The tree will be decorated over the next few weeks and be on display
throughout the entire run of Holiday in the Park.
For Holiday in the Park, the park is being transformed in familiar and
time-honored holiday themes. Guests will enjoy millions of dazzling lights,
life-sized toys and ornaments, non-stop entertainment and festival-like
ambience to get everyone into the spirit of the season.
Among the myriad Holiday in the Park offerings: Santa's Workshop, where
kids can visit those industrious elves and pose with Santa and Mrs. Claus;
Candy Cane Lane, a canopy of larger-than-life candy canes and lollipops;
Toyland featuring an enormous Nutcracker soldier, teddy bear and other
giant- sized toys; the Christmas Tree Forest with the fragrant aroma of a
variety of trees and Winter Wonderland where Frosty the Snowman has set up
house.
The entertainment lineup will include an array of all new
holiday-themed wildlife shows including Dream, starring Shouka, the killer
whale; Super Spirited Sea Lions Save Christmas, and A Dolphin Holiday. In
Toyland, toys come to life in the original "Toy Box Christmas" show and at
the Jungle Theater, an all-new marquee presentation, "Discover Christmas."
Additionally, a new holiday movie, "Santa's Late," will premier in the 4D
Iwerks Theater.
The inaugural Holiday in the Park event at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
will begin on Friday, November 23 and operate on weekends through December
16, daily from December 17-23 (closed December 24 and 25). Special holiday
dates are December 26 through January 6, 2008.
Operating hours for Holiday in the Park, the biggest holiday
celebration in California vary. Visit http://www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom for
admission fees and operating hours. Guests can enjoy all of the fun and
exciting new attractions at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom with the purchase
of a 2008 Six Flags Season Pass. Passes are now on sale for $69.99 each.
Season Passes are available for purchase online at sixflags.com or by
calling (707) 644-5260. Holiday in the Park will be available for 2007
Season Pass holders as an additional bonus to the regular operating season.
Purchase of a 2008 Season Pass allows free admission both the 2007 and 2008
Holiday in the Park and all of the 2008 operating season.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is located at 1001 Fairgrounds Drive in
Vallejo. For more information call (707) 644-6722 or visit the web site.
Six Flags, Inc. is the world's largest regional theme park company.
Founded in 1961, Six Flags celebrated its 45th Anniversary in 2006. It is a
publicly-traded corporation (NYSE: SIX) headquartered in New York City.
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