Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Fundraising at America's 1st theme park (12/4)

I was about to take a day off from updating. However, I received a tip from my fellow food blogger elmomonster. Normally I am the one to share news morsels, so this was a welcome treat. Thanks E, and get better soon!

Open since 1920, Knott's Berry Farm has welcomed visitors to explore ghost towns, village fiestas and even their water park.
Teens look forward to seasonal Knott's Scary Farm. Families are drawn to Camp Snoopy. I know them best for Mrs. Knott's fried chicken dinner and the boysenberry jam. Pink's Hot Dogs also opened an outpost late last year. They also have the best deals on annual passes ($60 for a full year).

Shopping, movies, or dining out. Those are my typical choices on a Saturday. This weekend has a more eventful option. CHOC (Children's Hospital of Orange County) is raising awareness with the aptly titled CHOC Fest. From 10am-3pm, kids of all ages can snap a photo with Snoopy and/or Cowboy Silver Bullet (Who?). Of course, I wouldn't even mention this unless there was a connection to food.

This is a collaboration of The Torch Relay for Children's Miracle Network (CMN),
Knott's Merry Farm, and Mobile Food Properties. That means food trucks galore are at the heart of this fundraiser. Upscale eats from both LA and OC will be present. I'll have a comprehensive list at the end for your reference. In calculating your budget, bear in mind the $12 parking fee PLUS the $8 admission. Children under the age of 10 are free. The physical location is across the street from Knott's, on the lawn area of Park Pavilion. Be sure to dress comfortably, since the forecast is for cloudy skies with highs in the mid 60s.

$20 to dine from food trucks may seem a bit steep, but consider this: $5 will go straight to CHOC *and* you will receive an Unlimited Fountain Drink wristband. A Beer Pavilion will also be present, but don't think they'll be offering free-flowing alcohol. Thinking of it as dining alfresco and you'll be fine. Bringing a pack of
handiwipes also helps.

If you plan on spending the rest of the day at
Knott's, they have a promotion going on. $15 toys will be available for purchase at CHOC Fest. Each gift is the equivalent of one theme park admission at the main gate. Toys will be donated to OC Toy Collaborative (formerly the Marine Corps Reserve TOYS for TOTS). It's a win-win for everyone involved. Food trucks feed the masses, diners support charities, and the theme park provides a festive venue to spend the day.

Here's the list:

Ahn-Joo
Blue Marine Catering - Rolling Sushi
Calbi
Chomp Chomp (E mentioned this is a new
Singaporian themed truck)
Dan Dan Express
Komodo
Louk's To Go
Ragin Cajun on Wheels - as seen on The Great Food Truck Race
The Surfer Taco
Tornado Potato
The Greasy Wiener *just added*
The Place LA


BTW - Pre-sale ticket holders will get in at 9:30.




No comments: