Gilroy Gardens opens this weekend with free day for locals

This Saturday, locals can enjoy a free day Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park as a part of the park’s fourth annual Resident’s Day.  

Anyone with a 95020 or 95021 zip code gets free entry and parking at the theme park with proof of residency. 

Visitors can also enjoy Art in the Park – demonstrations and hands-on artistic experiences with local professional artists – throughout the day. 

An Italian lunch buffet will be served on Saturday to raise money for Gilroy Gardens Education Program, which serves children and schools in the South Bay. Buffet prices are $9 for children three to 10 and $13 for adults. Children under two eat free.  

The park will kick of their public 2013 season on Easter Sunday.  

Gilroy Gardens announced their line-up of this year’s events and exhibits, including “Backyard Monsters” a lesson in insect ecology in the form of giant robotic bugs, appearances from medieval Nickelodeon character “Mike the Knight,” and old-time park favorites such as the petting zoo and spooky Halloween events. 

The theme park is also introducing a sidekick to its current mascot, the bulbous Garlicky character known as Gil – a girly garlicky counterpart named Royelle, who goes by Roy for short. 

Gil and Roy will be spotted around the park by guests during the 2013 season in an all-new musical presented at the park. 

Season Passes start at $34.99. Prices will go up June 1, according to a Gilroy Gardens press release.