Knott’s “Taste of Calico” Offers Boysenberry Specialties at Knott’s Berry Farm Event
Hi everyone!
We sent our reporter to Knott’s “Taste of Calico”, an event that has now been extended through August 9th, 2020 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. It could be extended again, so we will watch for that. The park itself is not open as far as rides, similar to other theme parks in Southern California. But Knott’s has been offering food and merchandise sales at the California Marketplace (including Mrs. Knott’s To Go) for a while. And now, Knott’s Taste of Calico allows guests to enjoy a food event in Ghost Town with some of delicious boysenberry offerings that Knott’s Berry Farm is so well known for. Of course, things are different during a pandemic just as they are here in Central Florida – our parks started opening almost 2 months ago now. Our reporter had not been out much in 4 months and he really enjoyed getting out and seeing familiar faces in an outdoor setting with social distancing and masks. It is no small benefit to be able to socialize in a controlled setting where safety standards are enforced. Read below for his experience!
Our reporter was at the event from about 4pm – 9pm. I have the dates and times at the end of the article, and you can find them on the Knott’s Berry Farm website as well. He said it was not too busy at 4pm, and lines were shorter. The lines picked up later and then went back down before he left (with approximately 5pm – 7pm being busiest).
Guests have to stop for a temperature check. Temperature checks are with a camera and not a handheld thermometer like we have at parks in Florida.
There are signs in the Mrs. Knott’s Chicken-To-Go window to be mindful of social distancing and wearing a face covering.
The tasting card costs $25.00 and includes 5 tastings. This is the front of the card.
The back includes many more items.
It is nice to see Ghost Town being used for the event.
There was some entertainment as well.
Here is an overall look at Ghost Town. This would have been earlier before the lines got longer.
Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair signage is up. I look forward to riding this when it is open.
There was a D.J. My reporter said the music was too loud and he was having to speak louder to talk over it (which is not advised right now).
There are distancing circles.
Signage is all over Ghost Town.
There are also markers like this for standing.
A glass blower was behind glass.
A Knott’s Berry Farm employee cleans a table.
Our reporter used two punches for two Gumbos with boysenberry sausage, chicken, shrimp on basmati rice. He really liked this dish.
This booth had a Boysenberry Jam Sugar Cookiewich as well as a Boysenberry Icee Float.
The Icee machines in the booth.
The Boysenberry Jam Sugar Cookiewich is as good as it looks BUT is very messy. A suggestion for this item is to have extra sinks for washing hands after eating it.
The lines started getting longer. He said they could get to 30-45 minutes when it was busy, which hopefully can be lessened.
There is a Relax Zone in the Mystery Lodge queue. Honestly, since it is a food event and our reporter was taking his mask off when actively eating, he didn’t feel it necessary to utilize this.
There are Knott’s themed masks for sale in the shop.
And you can purchase other items.
There are signs that include advising guests to only handle products they intend to purchase.
Here is the Knott’s Bear-y Tales sign at night.
Dates can sell out and they can also be added. This is the current schedule (updated (July 22nd).
From Knott’s:
“Due to popular demand, Knott’s Taste of Calico has been extended!
Purchase your tasting card and join us July 24-26, July 31-Aug. 2, or Aug. 7-9. Enjoy extended event hours – Fridays and Saturdays from 12 PM – 9 PM, & Sundays from 12 PM – 8 PM.”
Our reporter said he felt comfortable the whole time and ended up staying longer than planned. It is nice to see guests able to enjoy more of the food Knott’s Berry Farm is so known for.
We were given one tasting card to enjoy Taste of Calico, all views are ours.