Howdy—and welcome to the latest This Animatronic Life, the “not-as-frequent-as-I’d-like-but-genuinely-tries-to-be-semi-regular” column about the history of animatronics technology, themed entertainment, and Garner Holt Productions, Inc.’s (GHP) place in the story! Since the last update, we’ve been enormously busy here, with all sorts of projects for new and returning clients: Mattel, Disney, Knott’s Berry Farm, Lowes Foods, and more. In fact, this year alone, we’ve already had more than a dozen openings for our work in various attractions, shopping venues, museums, and other locations all over the country, plus lots of international development work still in the beginning stages of our creative process. There’s always something new and fantastic going on here at GHP.
The most visible of these projects—and I think the most meaningful and fun this year—is the recent reopening the Calico Mine Train attraction at Knott’s Berry Farm. The historical importance of the attraction has been dissected countless times by more studious fans than I am, so I won’t give my own interpretation. The attraction has been important and inspirational to me since I first experienced it as a young child. The Mine Train and I are the same age (actually I’m a couple of months older), and I can distinctly remember my first trip through, sitting on my dad’s lap as we entered the dimly lit, winding corridors of the mountain—I thought it was a real mine! I think that’s one of Bud Hurlbut’s best accomplishments with the Mine Train: the conceit in the ride isn’t fantasy, it’s a representation of real history.
Read the rest at MiceChatKnott's News: Garner Holt's columns are always a great read but this one especially for Knott's Berry Farm fans. Can't wait for part 2!!!
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