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Thursday, April 21, 2011

CHRISTIAN MUSIC CONCERT SERIES ROCKS BUSCH GARDENS

Extended Lineup Includes Top Names In Contemporary Christian and Christian Rock

TAMPA, Fla. (April 20, 2011) — Busch Gardens Tampa Bay presents the biggest names in contemporary Christian, gospel and Christian rock music with Glory at the Gardens – festival packed with music and fellowship – on May 7 and 14.

The festival kicks off May 7 with Christian Hip-Hop solo artist Lecrea and Mary Mary, a three-time Grammy-award winning and seven-time Dove Award winning gospel music duo. Then on May 14, the lineup features performances by the 2010 Dove Award New Artist of the Year and popular contemporary Christian group the Sidewalk Prophets and gospel legend Michael W. Smith, a three-time Grammy-award winner and 44-time Dove Award winner. These top Christian acts will perform in Busch Gardens’ Gwazi Park beginning at 5 p.m. each day.

Guests can reserve the best seat in house for their favorite acts with the Glory at the Gardens VIP Ticket. The VIP ticket is $27.95 and includes a meal (entrée and any one item from a selection of side salads, side dishes or desserts, plus a regular-sized non-alcoholic beverage) and priority reserved seating at center stage. The VIP ticket is available for sale online at BuschGardens.com and in-park at the Adventure Outpost store, located at the front gate.

Don’t miss a beat this summer when Busch Gardens opens Cheetah Hunt, Florida’s first triple launch coaster brings guests face-to-face with the world’s fastest land animals, and then invites them to race across the Serengeti. Catch both weekends of Glory at the Gardens and Cheetah Hunt’s opening with a 2011 Busch Gardens Fun Card. Just pay for a day and come back all year to catch all the excitement! It’s the best value for again-and-again access to all of the amazing animal encounters, world-class thrill rides, exciting big-name entertainment and family adventure Busch Gardens has to offer.

The 2011 Busch Gardens Fun Card is valid from the date of purchase through Dec. 31, 2011 and is available at the Busch Gardens’ front gate, online or by calling (888) 800-5447. Event dates, times and talent are subject to change. Performances are included with any daily admission or annual pass. Visit BuschGardens.com for more information.

Busch Gardens Announces Winning Names For Baby Cheetah and Puppy

More than 2,400 Guest Votes Helped Name Young Cat and Yellow Lab Via Facebook Poll

Monday, April 18, 2011 (Tampa, FL) – Busch Gardens’ cheetah cub and his new puppy companion have been receiving plenty of attention recently, and now guests will have a name to put with the face.

At noon today, the park closed a Facebook poll that went live Thursday, offering the public an opportunity to vote for their favorite of four names for each of the animals. This afternoon, the 8 ½-week-old male cheetah cub will officially be named Kasi, which is Swahili for “one with speed.” The 16 ½-week-old female yellow Labrador puppy will be named Mtani, Swahili for “close friend.”

The name Kasi received 44% of the 1,103 votes entered in the cheetah’s poll; Mtani received 51% of the 1,360 votes entered in the puppy’s poll. More than 100 Facebook fans also offered their own suggestions for names, from “Sugar and Spice” to “Will and Kate” in honor of the upcoming Royal wedding.

Guests were able to see the pair for the first time over the weekend during supervised visits in their new playroom at Jambo Junction. Kasi and Mtani will continue to live in Jambo Junction for the next several months. Eventually, they will live together in a large outdoor area near the Cheetah Run habitat and make regular “sidewalk” appearances in the park, helping the park’s education team to teach guests about the plight of cheetahs in the wild and the importance of Busch Gardens’ conservation efforts.

Cheetahs are included on both the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) list of vulnerable species as well as on the US Endangered Species Act list of threatened species. Only approximately 12,400 cheetahs remain in the wild.

Busch Gardens supports the conservation of and education about cheetahs through the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, which has donated nearly $100,000 to cheetah efforts in Africa since 2005 and also helps fund conservation programs for white rhinos, marine animals and many other species around the world.

PHOTO CREDIT: Matt Marriott/Busch Gardens Tampa Bay




THIS SATURDAY GUESTS WILL FEEL LIKE “KINGS & QUEENS” WITH ROCK/ EMO GROUP THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS LIVE IN CONCERT

Last Chance To Experience Mardi Gras 2011 at Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando ’s Mardi Gras goes out to the sound of propulsive and melodious guitar this Saturday with Thirty Seconds To Mars performing their electric hits live in concert. This weekend’s concert marks the conclusion of Universal Orlando’s 2011 Mardi Gras event.

The popular rock trio is comprised of guitarist Tomo Milicevic, drummer Shannon Leto and lead singer and guitarist Jared Leto. The band’s three studio albums have sold more than 3.5 million copies and include top songs like, “Closer to the Edge,” “The Kill” and “A Beautiful Lie.” The group also won the “Best Rock Video” award for their single, “Kings & Queens,” at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards.

2011 MARDI GRAS TALENT LINE-UP

Mardi Gras Event Dates

Headliners (performing in the Music Plaza )

Friday, April 1
Sean Kingston

Saturday, April 2
Ne-Yo

Saturday, April 9
Lifehouse

Saturday, April 16
The Beach Boys

Saturday, April 23
Thirty Seconds To Mars

At Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras, nationally renowned musical acts combine with an authentic Mardi Gras parade, dozens of colorfully costumed performers, authentic Cajun cooking, and hand-picked New Orleans bands to capture the look, feel and fun of New Orleans – all inside Universal Studios Florida. This year’s ultimate street party concludes this Saturday, April 23, and is included in regular admission to Universal Studios Florida. For more information, visit www.universalorlando.com/mardigras.

WHEN:                       Saturday, April 23, 2011
WHERE:                    Universal Studios Florida
MARDI GRAS           Saturday, April 23, 2011
SCHEDULE:              5 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Daddy Mack Blues Band (New Orleans Band)
8:30 p.m.: Mardi Gras Parade Starts
9:30 p.m.: Thirty Seconds To Mars

Tipi Painting on Display at Fairytale Town April 21 & 22, 2011

Sacramento artist Andy Graham, who is also Fairytale Town's resident artist, will be painting classic Native American images on the park's new tipi. Children are invited to watch the new tipi and the painting process during normal park hours of 9AM to 4PM on April 21 and 22. Graham will be using modern paints and techniques as he gives the 10 foot tall tipi a Plains Indian motif.

The Native American Village inside Fairytale Town is one of the most popular spots upon entering. This area  includes a water wise native garden and totem pole inspired by Pacific Northwest Native Americans. Children visiting Fairytale Town's Native American Village have the opportunity to see and step inside a real tipi and appreciate Native American culture first hand.

The tipi painting and installation is the last phase of the Native American Village restoration project. This project was made possible in part by a generous contribution fom Ken Stieger and family. A long time supporter, Mr. Stieger served on Fairytale Town's board of directors for many years. 

Friday, April 15, 2011

Carrie Fisher Returns to “A Galaxy Far, Far Away” for the Grand Opening of STAR WARS(TM) Miniland at LEGOLAND California

CARLSBAD, Calif. (March 31, 2011) – Actress Carrie Fisher, known for her portrayal of Princess Leia in Star Wars Episodes IV, V and VI, made a special appearance in Carlsbad today to commemorate the grand opening of STAR WARS™ Miniland at LEGOLAND® California. The ceremony, held prior to Park opening, was attended by community leaders and celebrities with their families and featured dramatic unveilings of each of the seven scenes built with more than 1.5 million LEGO® bricks revealing 2,000 Star Wars LEGO models.

Fisher, currently serving as the Jenny Craig spokesperson, granted an out-of-this world wish for 9-year-old Carson Wiener, who suffers from Leukemia. In addition to providing Carson with a chance to meet one of his Star Wars heroes, Fisher presented a $5,000 check from LEGOLAND California to Make-A-Wish Foundation San Diego Chapter. Through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Carson was able to fulfill his wish last year by coming to LEGOLAND California and spending time with Master Model Builder Gary McIntire.  LEGOLAND California asked Carson to help break the red ribbon today - using a lightsaber – to officially open STAR WARS Miniland.

To commemorate their participation, Model Shop Supervisor Tim Petsche presented both Fisher and Carson with replicas of the LEGO minilander model of Princess Leia from the Hoth scene of STAR WARS Miniland.

When asked what it was like meeting Carrie Fisher, Wiener replied, “It was cool because she was in Star Wars and I would have really wanted to be in Star Wars too, if I could.”

Also in attendance were cast members from Lucasfilm’s animated TV series, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS™ – James Arnold Taylor, who voices Jedi Masters Obi-Wan Kenobi and Plo Koon, and Catherine Taber, who voices Padmé Amidala. Other attending celebrities included Christian Slater, Brooke Burke, Corey Feldman, Nolan Gould, Tony Hawk, Andy MacDonald, Sharon Leal, Lisa LoCicero, Shawn Hatosy, Atticus Shaffer, Gail O’Grady, Mark Feuerstein, Sharon Leal, Kiptyn Locke and Tenley Molzhan.

Visitors to the all-new STAR WARS Miniland can follow a chronological path through the STAR WARS timeline and retrace the major events of the beloved Saga. Some of the 2,000 LEGO models will be more than 8-feet-tall and interactive buttons will allow children to activate animations throughout the scenes.

“This is a really exciting day for LEGOLAND California -- we are the first LEGOLAND in the world to introduce Star Wars Miniland,” said Peter Ronchetti, General Manager of LEGOLAND California Resort.  “In the new area, you follow a chronological path through the Star Wars timeline to retrace the major events of the amazing saga. There are interactive elements and features that really create what we call the hands-on-minds-on experience of LEGOLAND California.”

During the grand opening ceremony, members of the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers guarded each scene until pyrotechnics exploded and each was described in full detail:

The models for the new STAR WARS Miniland were developed and built by eight model designers and two animation electricians in LEGOLAND Deutschland. A team of three Master Model Builders at LEGOLAND California spent the last few months bringing the scenes to life with the help of animation electricians, technicians and landscapers – all working to ensure the LEGO models appear as realistic as possible with special effects and landscaping.

In honor of the grand opening of STAR WARS Miniland, Park guests can also enjoy an enormous sand sculpture created out of 40 tons of sand for a new series titled “The Sand Guys,” premiering on the Travel Channel this summer. Also on display in the Park is a LEGO mosaic featuring memorable images from The Empire Strikes Back created out of 165,888 LEGO bricks and constructed by Park guests.

For the first time ever at LEGOLAND California, a live Web Cam has been set up atop the Model Shop for fans to visit STAR WARS Miniland anytime just by logging onto www.LEGOLAND.com.

Scene-by-Scene Breakdown:

Episode 1: Naboo
The epic Battle of Naboo pits Gungan forces against the Trade Federation’s battle droids for control of the planet and its capital city, Theed. The Royal Palace, home to Queen Amidala, is constructed of more than 15,000 LEGO® bricks. In the Theed hangar bay, young Anakin Skywalker saves the day by flying his Naboo starfighter to victory while Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn battle the Sith apprentice, Darth Maul.

Episode II: Geonosis
In the Geonosis execution arena, Padmé Amidala, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker battle three ferocious creatures: the massive reek, the terrifying acklay and the ravenous nexu. The Geonosis arena itself is built to 1:180 scale; if the LEGOLAND® Model Builders had built it to a scale of 1:20 like the other Miniland models, it would have been more than 29 feet high!  Also depicted is the Battle of Geonosis, where the Separatist Droid Army clashes with the Grand Army of the Republic in the first conflict of the Clone Wars.

Episode III: Kashyyyk and Mustafar
Two planets are shown here: The Battle of Kashyyyk depicts the Droid Army’s amphibious assault on the home planet of Chewbacca and the Wookiees. The scene features two AT-APs (All Terrain Attack Pod) plus the massive Clone Turbo Tank, which is constructed from 10,180 LEGO® pieces and took 168 hours to build.  On the opposite side is the volcanic planet of Mustafar, where the fateful duel between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker takes place.

Episode IV: Tatooine
This desert planet is the childhood home of Luke Skywalker. In the spaceport city of Mos Eisley, you will find the Cantina where Luke and Obi-Wan Kenobi first meet up with Han Solo, captain of the Millennium Falcon, and his copilot Chewbacca. As the band plays on, Greedo corners Han Solo just before the group narrowly escapes the planet with C-3PO and R2-D2. It took LEGOLAND® Model Builders 143 hours to design and build the Millennium Falcon, using 19,200 pieces.

Episode V: Hoth
The Rebels establish a secret base on this frozen planet, which is home to wampas and tauntauns.  But an Imperial probe droid discovers their location, and the Empire sends massive walkers to attack Echo Base. Inside the base, Rebel snowspeeders and Luke Skywalker’s X-wing fighter can be seen. Outside, Luke’s snowspeeder has crashed, but the young Jedi uses his lightsaber to single-handedly bring down the giant AT-AT.

Episode VI: Endor
The forest moon of Endor is home to the Ewoks. These small but resourceful creatures join forces with the Rebel Alliance to destroy the shield generator and prevent completion of the second Death Star.  The Imperial shuttle can be seen on the landing platform, where Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith, has just arrived.  Next to the landing platform is the massive shield generator, which stands 8 feet tall.

THE CLONE WARS: Christophsis
The animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars takes place chronologically between Episodes II and III and follows the adventures of Jedi Knights Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. This scene represents Christophsis, a crystalline planet where Republic clone troopers battle the Separatist army.  Anakin single-handedly attacks an Octuptarra droid, while Obi-Wan prepares to repel the advancing droid army.  The Crystal City building is the largest Star Wars Miniland LEGO® model and is made of more than 70,000 pieces.


FunCamps for Kids this Summer

Open Enrollment begins April 1
What are your children doing this summer? Sign them up for FunCamps this summer at Fairytale Town. June through August, Fairytale Town is offering week-long programs where children can explore topics in art, drama, music, gardening, food, animals, and more. New this year is a special parent and tot class designed for toddlers.  Children ages 3-12 can explore new areas of interest or dive deeper into old favorites.
 
Open registration begins April 1 and Fairytale Town members receive a discount.  For more information call 916-808-7462 and online registration available at www.fairytaletown.org.
Children Ages 3 - 4

...Got Tots?:

August 8 - 12, 10AM - 12PM, Ages: 3 - 4

Introduction to FunCamps designed for pre-Preschoolers! One-hundred percent parent interaction is required as they lead their toddlers through specific routines and play interactive games designed to help children transition into class and group settings.
Children Ages 4 - 6

Farmer Brown's Barn-Owls

June 13 - 17 & July 18 - 22, 9AM - 12PM, Ages: 4 - 6

Introduction to the daily regimens that keep our friendly flock of farm animals fit and healthy. Campers will have plenty of hands-on contact with our fuzzy, furry barnyard buddies, learn historical information and participate in related hands-on activities. Please note: Campers will have direct contact with Fairytale Town animals and animal feed. Some children may be allergic to natural oils found in animal fur/hair and feed.

Earthworks Garden FunCamp

June 20 - 24, 9AM - 12PM, Ages: 4 - 6

Green thumb fun with a special guest gardener. Learn the basic essentials of home gardening with an accent on environmentally "green" themes. Campers will also receive an up close perspective on Fairytale Town's own unique gardens and plants.

RockSchool

June 27 - July 1, 9AM - 12PM, Ages: 4 - 6

Channel your inner rock star! This camp features hands-on experience with several instruments including, guitar, bass, drums and keyboard. Campers will also learn lots of rock history and participate in rock-related art activities. RockSchool is perfect for beginner musicians (no previous experience is necessary), please note this FunCamp gets loud!

Art Start

July 11 - 15, 9AM - 12PM, Ages: 4 - 6

Introduction to art and basic art concepts to beginning budding artists. Campers participate in a wonderful week of art projects featuring wall to wall drawing, cutting, pasting and painting in a relaxed environment. Topics explored may include primary and secondary colors, drawing, sand art and patterns.

Once Upon A Puppet

July 25 - 29 & August 1 - 5, 9AM - 12PM, Ages: 4 - 6

Every playset at Fairytale Town tells a story, and every story can be told with puppets! This FunCamp teaches students the original nursery rhymes and fairytales that inspired Fairytale Town and our various playsets. Campers are then inspired to retell the classic tales through a variety of techniques using puppets that they create.
Children Ages 6 - 12

Zap! Boom! Pow! Comic Book Basics

June 20 - 24, 1PM - 4PM, Ages: 6 - 12

The perfect FunCamp for budding artists who want to draw, draw and draw some more! A special emphasis is placed on dynamic anatomy, character development and sequential story telling techniques using both the Golden Age & Silver Age historical data and profiles. Campers will have the option to create their own comic book or a freestanding art piece to display in a "comic book convention" setting!

Art Tricks & Techniques

June 27 - July 1 & July 18 - 22, 1PM - 4PM, Ages: 6 - 12

An exciting variety of adventures in mixed media including painting with water colors, printmaking and clay sculpture. Plus, an added exploration into "Found Objects" and "Environmental Art". This camp is specifically designed for the young artist who wants to try it all!

Sing! Sing! Sing!

July 11 - 15, 1PM - 4PM, Ages: 6 - 12

Young singers will learn to hit the high notes in this musical, magical FunCamp! Features plenty of one on one instruction at the piano as well as introducing group choral techniques. This camp is perfect for the beginning crooners or seasoned song stylists who wish to hone their craft.

RockSchool

July 25 - 29, 1PM - 4PM, Ages: 6 - 12

 This camp features hands-on experience with several instruments including, guitar, bass, drums and keyboard. Campers will also learn lots of rock history and participate in rock-related art activities. RockSchool is perfect for beginning or seasoned musicians (but no previous experience is necessary), please note this FunCamp gets loud!

DramaRama!

August 1 - 5 & August 15 - 19, 1PM - 4PM, Ages: 6 - 12

A beginning Theatre Arts FunCamp that emphasizes self-expression, public speaking, teamwork, and self confidence through a variety of exercises and theatre games. Campers will be introduced to pantomime, diaphragmatic breathing, the works of William Shakespeare, and prepare a talent show that features group-led activities and showcases individual performance strengths.

Kitchen Chemistry

August 8 - 12, 1PM - 4PM, Ages: 6 - 12

Cooking is just the tip of the iceberg! Campers will learn nutritional theory and explore the science and history of food preparation through a series of fun hands-on experiments utilizing  "Kitchen Chemistry". Please note: Campers will not be using a stove or cooking with an open flame at any time.

All FunCamps and schedules are subject to change.

Live Sheep Shearing at Fairytale Town

Farms, Friends & Fairytales
Saturday, May 21, 2011- 11AM to 3PM

Farmer Brown showcases Fairytale Town's friendly barnyard animals at the Fourth Annual Farms, Friends and Fairytales event. On Saturday, May 21, visitors can see Fairytale Town's twin Babydoll sheep, Lucy and Ethel, lose their winter coats with an old fashioned sheep shearing. Then the fun continues as a wool spinner, spins the wool on a spinning wheel to create yarn. Another unique activity is a yummy one! Children can learn how to make their very own ice cream. Farms, Friends & Fairytales is an annual event that is not to be missed.

Children and parents alike during the event will learn about each of the facility's animals, which include unique and miniature breeds such as Fairytale Town's latest addition, a Hereford Cow who just turned 1 year old, and others such as a miniature Sicilian Donkey, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pigs, and rabbits. Farmer Brown will showcase Fairytale Town's animals and share information on their care and maintenance, and their daily lives interacting with park guests.

Farms, Friends and Fairytales is a celebration of everything agriculture. Families can visit with a variety of organizations who help bring agricultural products to market. While you wander the grounds learning all about agriculture, you can listen to live music provided by the Loose Acoustic Trio, and visit with our Barnyard Buddies who live at Fairytale Town. At this event children will not only recall the familiar nursery rhymes that include these animals, but learn how they contribute to our society and lives.

"Most urban children don't have the chance to see live farm animals. Fairytale Town is a unique environment where we can combine teaching how these animals contribute to our society and represent the fairytales children know so well. It's one more opportunity to help promote literacy and education - which is our core mission," said Kathy Fleming, Fairytale Town's Executive Director. 




Event Details

What: Farms, Friends & Fairytales

When: Saturday, May 21, 2011

Time: 11AM - 3PM
Cost: $4.50 per person; children age 1 & under are free

Where: Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento CA 95822

Contact phone: 916-808-7462

Website: www.fairytaletown.org