Brianna's Blog

Will at Como Town's 5th Birthday

Some people say it takes a village to raise a child. Well here at Como Town we think it takes a village to think like a child. After all, our goal is to create a fun, safe, imaginatively playful place for kids and families. So I want to introduce our general manager Will. Will is the guy you see walking around all summer long making sure the park is clean, prices are competitive yet affordable, and everyone is having fun! Will is the father to three wonderful little princesses, Ella and Vera, three-year old twins, and Eva, almost one. And, as a general manager, and a father, Will is focused on fun, but places a sincere emphasis on safety. Will works closely with our maintenance department to make sure each ride is thoroughly inspected and meets the highest standards.

But what is Will’s favorite thing about working at Como Town? He’ll tell you “being the coolest dad ever!” That’s right; it’s pretty cool for Ella and Vera to say, “Our Dad works at Como Town!”

That’s cool, but let’s ask Will some tough questions:

Q. What is Will’s favorite ride?
A. The Screamin’ Dragon Roller Coaster!

Q. What is Will’s favorite Como Town treat?
A. The Heath Bar Twister from the Twister Shack

Q. What is Will’s favorite Como Town memory?
A. Celebrating Como Town’s 5th Birthday

Well there you have it, now you have met Will, general manager for Como Town and Lancer Catering at the Como Zoo and Conservatory! Stay tuned for more staff spotlights as we introduce you to other members of our village!

For more information about Como Town, or things happening at the Como Zoo and Conservatory check out www.comotown.com.

Have a wonderful week,

Bri

Happy Halloween to all the little ghosts and goblins out there! As we turn the corner on Halloween week I wanted to take just a moment to highlight a few Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips:

• Avoid costumes that drag on the ground. While cute initially, costumes that drag can trip up little feet, get caught on bushes, and create a tussle that sometimes results in the child wanting to remove the costume. Remember, kids’ trick or treat costumes should be comfortable.
• Only carry flexible props that can’t cause injury if a kid accidentally falls. No play prop should resemble the real item. Consider leaving play weapons at home; some individuals are offended by seeing small children carry these items and trick or treating should be a fun and positive experience for everyone.
• Keep track of time and don’t trick-or-treat after 9 p.m. (general recommendation). That allows ample time for children to trick-or-treat, and by then, the excitement and all the candy treats should make the little ghouls tired anyhow.
• Never allow children to eat candy before it is inspected. Any opened candy or any items that are suspect in any way should be thrown out. And unless you personally know the families who make homemade goodies, it is recommended that you dispose of homemade treats.
• Only Trick-or-Treat at well-lit homes. Plain and simple, teach your children trick or treating is only allowed at houses that are well lit, and any house without ample lighting should be avoided.

Looking for an boo-tiful event without the frights? Join us for the last weekend of Zoo Boo taking place October 23-25 from 4:30-7:30pm.

Happy Haunting!
Bri

Flurries are in the air and we are busy as bees planning for the 2010 season. The swings are packed away, the train has been moved into winter storage and we’ve added a fun new sky blue cloud ceiling to the Traffic Jam Bumper Car ride. While some of these changes seem small, we’ve got some big changes in mind for next year. Swing by and check out my blog for exciting updates throughout our off-season! Plus, don’t forget about all the fun activities going on at Como Zoo and Conservatory. Coming up next is Como’s annual Zoo Boo! Bring your little goblins and ghosts to enjoy this family friendly activity the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, October 17 & 18 or Friday – Sunday, October 23, 24 and 25, from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Best wishes,

Bri

Thank you for visiting us at Como Town this summer! We had a great season and another record breaking year!  None of which would be possible without phenomenal customers like you! If you have any photos or a couple of great stories you’d like to share please send them my way for our on-line Como Town scrapbook. If we use your photos or stories, we’ll send you an Unlimited Ride Wristband.

Wondering what we are doing now? Well, it’s planning time for next season.  We’d like to involve you in the process, after all you enjoy our park everyday all summer long. So tell us what you would like to see – anything from new food menu items, merchandise, games or rides. We rely on valuable feedback from our guests to make Como Town the best family destination.  I have a few ideas up my sleeve too. Send your suggestions or ideas to me, Bri, at bri@comotown.com And, to stay up-to-date on all that is happening at Como Town visit www.comotown.com. Have a Fun Fall!

Bri

With school in full swing and summer winding down, I wanted pass along a few back-to-school safety tips. These are good reminders whether your child is going into kindergarten or 10th grade.

Backpack Safety

• Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
• Backpacks should never weigh more than 10 – 20% of your child’s body weight. Teach your child to use all of the compartments and to pack heavier items in the center.
• Always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.

Taking the Bus

• Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.
• Check for traffic and be sure your child is in clear view of the bus driver before crossing.
• Always board and exit the bus at locations that provide safe access to the bus or the school building.

Walking to School

• Choose a safe route with crossing guards at busy intersections.
• Walk with young children the first week or so to be sure they know the route.
• Have your child wear bright colored clothing to be more visible to drivers.
• In neighborhoods with high traffic levels, start “a walking school bus” where an adult accompanies a group children to school.

Enjoy a fun learning environment where kids can play and grow together. Visit Como Town for our Last Hurrah of the 2009 Season! Saturday and Sunday, September 26 & 27. Stay tuned for exciting news on what’s to come in 2010!

Best wishes for a great school year!

Bri

Midway Ticket Booth

School has started, and fall is on its way… but that doesn’t mean you can’t still fit fun into your schedule! Como Town is now open weekends only, Saturdays 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. through September 27. Join us for free daily events, a few good laughs and some amazing rides. And who could forget our annual season pass holder appreciation event?

This year Como Town will be hosting Customer Appreciation Day on Sunday, September 20. Season passes for the 2010 season will be available for sale at 2009 prices through September 27. Swing by the midway ticket booth, located at the main entrance of Como Town or call 651.487.2121. Purchase your 2010 season pass today and start using your pass immediately for the rest of this season! There will also be a Mad Science make-and-take booth from 12 – 2 p.m. and an End-of-the-Season-Sale at the General Store! Click Here for more information on what’s going on that day!

Bri

Boy has summer flown by fast! With school just around the corner, it’s time to cram in as much fun as possible! Bring the kids to Como Town; we’re open everyday now through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. Then we’ll be open weekends through September 27. Click HERE for more information on hours.

Plus, check out the FREE entertainment at Como Town: Join us August 29 & 30 for The Big Fun Show with David Walbridge. Then over Labor Day Weekend, Dazzling Dave is back again with three days of performances on September 5, 6, & 7.

It’s not too late to take advantage of all Como Town has to offer. Make some summer memories while you still can!

Bri

Solid Colored Como Town T-Shirts

This week only – Saturday, August 8 through Saturday, August 15 – Como Town’s General Store is having a sale on a number of great items! All solid colored Como Town t-shirts, puzzles, games, as well as a select number of book will be 10% OFF.

Hope to see you there!

Bri

Dazzling Dave the Yo-Yo Master

Free entertainment is just a short car ride away! Bring the family to Como Town  every Saturday and Sunday at 12, 1 and 2 p.m. to check out  featured local performers and/or activities.

Our upcoming entertainers include:

1. The Big Fun Show – Saturday and Sunday, July 26 & 25

This wacky and creative one-man circus event is great for kids and for families! The Big Fun Show is complete with comedy, magic, juggling and audience participation.

2. Dazzling Dave - Saturday and Sunday,  August 1 & 2

Dazzling Dave, Yo-Yo Master, will mystify, amaze, and  teach the young and the young at heart how to perform some of his best tricks. Dave is available after each performance for questions! Check out the Como Town General Store after the show for a Como Town light up yo-yo. After all practice makes perfect!

For more upcoming events visit our special events calendar and get out and enjoy the summer!

Bri