Wonderland Amusement Park is celebrating 75 years of family fun this weekend with special entertainment, a city proclamation and a nod to one of the park's most recognizable faces.
The anniversary celebration will take place Saturday and Sunday, with activities including face painters, magicians, a balloon artist and family-friendly foam parties. Guests will also have the chance to see "The Legendary JJ," who has operated the Himalaya ride for more than 50 years and remains a favorite among longtime park visitors.
The weekend's featured event begins at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, when Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley will present a proclamation recognizing Wonderland's 75th anniversary. The park will also welcome members of American Coaster Enthusiasts, a worldwide organization for roller coaster and amusement park enthusiasts.
For Jimmy Holmes, owner and CEO of Wonderland Amusement Park, the milestone is about celebrating the park's history while looking ahead.
"Celebrating Wonderland's 75th anniversary is an incredibly exciting and meaningful milestone," Holmes said. "For generations, families throughout Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle have made memories here, and we are honored to continue that tradition as the park's new owners."
Holmes said the park's new ownership is focused on building on that legacy.
"We are proud of Wonderland's remarkable history, but we are equally excited about its future," Holmes said. "We look forward to investing in the park, introducing new experiences and ensuring Wonderland remains a special part of this community for generations to come."
Since opening in 1951, Wonderland has become a summertime tradition for generations of Panhandle families. This weekend's anniversary celebration gives visitors a chance to celebrate that history while enjoying many of the attractions and entertainment that have made the park a longtime Amarillo destination.
