Morgan’s Wonderland will celebrate Independence Day – Saturday, July 4 – with a Family Fair on the Fourth as well as a Salute to America’s Heroes, a special tribute to those who dedicate themselves to protecting the citizenry including members of the armed forces and first responders such as fire, law enforcement and emergency medical professionals.
Gates at the world’s first and only theme park designed with special-needs individuals in mind and built for everyone’s enjoyment will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Our Family Fair will begin with opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. and will feature entertainment throughout the day by community-based performers that embrace the park’s mission of inclusion,” said Nikki Young, entertainment director.
She added that free food for guests will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hot dogs with all the trimmings and apple pie will be served while supplies last, and sodas and bottled water will cost just a dollar.
Military members, first responders and their immediate families who present valid ID cards at the Morgan’s Wonderland Welcome Center can obtain a special discounted admission of $9 per person, Young said. Individuals with special needs and children ages 2 and younger are admitted free.
Gabriel Hey, an Academy at Morgan’s Wonderland student in the school’s emerging theater program, and Robby Vance, one of the Morgan’s Wonderland stars of “The Adventures of Wonder &
Stinger” show, will co-host the 10 o’clock Family Fair opening ceremonies. Others scheduled to appear include 13-year-old Tony Rodriguez, an Any Baby Can representative who will sing the national anthem; a high school color guard; Morgan’s Wonderland butterfly mascot Joy; and Party Pals’ “Captain America” of comic-book lore.
Other Family Fair performances and appearances have been scheduled as follows:
11 a.m.-3 p.m. – Petting zoo of four-legged friends presented by Leslie White.
11 a.m. – Dreams Fulfilled Through Music, an organization dedicated to helping those with special needs through music education.
Noon – Parade through the park led by the Mistick Drumline, with one lucky guest chosen by mascot Joy to serve as grand marshal.
2 p.m. – Robby and Gabe’s Super Duper Fun Dance Party featuring DJ Dominic and contests at the Morgan’s Wonderland Event Center.
3 p.m. – Singer/songwriter Marisa Flores, who is back by popular demand after performing at Morgan’s Wonderland during spring break in March.
4 p.m. – Meet ‘n’ greet with “Sgt. Rambo,” a German shepherd from Gizmo’s Gift, an education and charitable group that educates the public about military working dogs.
Other activities throughout the day will include complimentary face-painting as well as roving jugglers and magicians.
The latest information on Morgan’s Wonderland admissions, operating days/hours of operation, rides, attractions and special events/celebrations can be found at www.MorgansWonderland.com. The 25-acre theme park is located at 5223 David Edwards Drive in Northeast San Antonio a half-mile west of IH 35 at the intersection of Wurzbach Parkway and Thousand Oaks Drive.
Featuring more than 25 wheelchair-accessible attractions including rides, playgrounds and gardens, Morgan’s Wonderland is the center of a family fun destination known as Wonderland, Texas. The destination also includes Toyota Field, the 8,000-seat home of the San Antonio Scorpions pro soccer team, and the STAR (South Texas Area Regional) Soccer Complex for tournament and league play.
All Toyota Field, Scorpions and STAR Soccer net profits go to non-profit Morgan’s Wonderland to help the park meet operating expenses as well as expand programs and services for those with special needs. This is the first professional sports franchise organized to benefit the special-needs community. More information is available at www.SAScorpions.com.
In addition to Morgan’s Wonderland, the Scorpions and Toyota Field, The Gordon Hartman Family Foundation provided the vision and leadership for creating The Academy at Morgan’s Wonderland, a school for students with special needs. To learn more, visit www.MorgansWonderland.academy. The newest addition to Wonderland, Texas is the CRIT (Children’s Rehabilitation Institute of TeletónUSA), which serves children with neuromusculoskeletal disabilities ages 18 and younger. Go to www.CRITUSA.org for more details.