*Printed in black across top of poster: "It Takes 100 Years to Have This Much Fun."
*Printed in column one in black: "Around the 1890s, Henry Ford was just beginning to build his first car. Marconi was doing a little tinkering on an invention later to be called the radio. And a young couple named John and Mary Elitch were busy working on a creation of their own. Elitch Gardens was soon to be born. IN THE BEGINNING THERE WAS BROCCOLI. It's hard to believe that a place kids love as much as Elitch's could have been started by something kids despise as much as vegetables. But it was. Because most of the 28 acres now called Elitch Gardens were originally purchased by the Elitchs for a very specific reason. (Printed under drawing of ostrich and Mary: Mary Elitch, seen on the right, used to cruise the Gardens with her ostrict-drawn carriage.")To grow fresh produce for their popular restaurant in downtown Denver. Of course, that was just the beginning. Next, they constructed a pavilion. And then, planted flowers. By the thousands. Actor friends started sending them animals from around the world as gifts. Among the first to arrive was a pair of pettable lion cubs. A camel. Even a waltzing bear. Before they knew it, John and Mary had themselves much more than just a place to raise radishes. (second column) On may 1 of 1890, Elitch's Zoological Gardens was opened to the public. And even though at the time it was merely a cabbage patch, a handful of animals and a vaudeville pavilion, it was a huge and immediate success. And ever since, for generation after generation, it's been enriching and enchanting the lives of people both young and old. STICK YOUR NOSE IN A SNAPDRAGON. Those celebrated vegetables eventually succumbed to a wide variety of exotic and beautiful flowers. Under the ever watchful eye and green thumb of Mary Elitch, the gardens grew and grew. It wasn't long before fanatical flower-lovers from near and far began to flock to Elitch gardens, to luxuriate in the lilies. Behold the begonias. And just plain dilly-dally amongst the dahlias and the daisies. By 1916, the lush confines of Elitch's greenhouse had exapanded to over 25,000 square feet. And a brand new company had been established. The Park Elitch Floral Company flourished, distributing flowers throughout Denver. One of its earliest and most beautiful bloomers, the Colorado Carnation, soon became famous across the nation. Some people even credit the company for having saved the carnation from its deadbeat reputation as nothing more than a fancy and fragrnat funeral flower. (Printed under the food products-"You can eat with your hands here. Even in front of your mother.") (third column) WHERE STARS WERE BORN. One year after the opening of the park, the illustrious Elitch Theatre made its bow and began to bring to life the dream of John Elitch, and accomplished actor himself. Today you'll find the same historic theatre still graces the grounds. the list of Elitch Theatre alumni reads like a theatrical "who's who," Legends like Sarah Berhanrdt, Cecil B. DeMille, Edward G. Robinson and Grace Kelly were all brilliant stars there. The world-famous thespian, Douglas Fairbanks, actually got his start on the Elitch stage. Scrubbing it. (printed under ferris wheel: "The new 100-foot Big Wheel is a real big deal. With 6000 computerized lights, it's a great place to have fun in the dark.") FROM BACK TO BEBOP TO HIP-HOP. Music has always played an important part in the fun at Elitch Gardens. In 1897 in fact, Elitch's was highly instrumental in creating Denver's first symphony orchestra. For fifteen consecutive years, they softly serenaded and enchanged audiences each and every Friday night of the summer. But it wasn't until the thirties and the forties, however, that the joint really started jumping. (fourth column) Some of the biggest bands ever have played and swayed the dance floor at the beloved old Trocadero Ballroom. Like Benny Goodman, Guy Lombardo, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Les Brown. Even the wunnerful wunnerful, accordion wielding Lawrence Welk appeared there. Today, live music is still alive and well at Elitch's. With tunes you can tap your toes or bang your head to. All for a song. THREE SCARY, SCREECHING SCREAMERS. Suddenly, in 1936, a creation appeared that captured the emotion known as pure, unbridled fear. The first roller coaster in Denver, The Wilcat, remains an utterly wicked wooden wonder. Of course, as downright scary as The Wildcat was, and still is, in 1964 rolling terror reached entirely new heights. The giant Twister towers an impressive 96 feet above the earth. It's three-quarters-of-a-mile of relentless, churning and turning torture. Hard-core roller coaster nuts still affectionately refer to this colossus as one of the most enjoyable experiences in the entire world. And then, the terrible two turned into three, when yet a third scream-for-your-mommy monster was added. The sinister, somersaulting Sidewinder really thre thrill-seekers for a loop. If your're looking for big-time kicks, hold on to your hosiery, because at Elitch Gardens you'll find three surefire ways to remove them. (written under carrousel horse: You'll find a whole herd of 67 year-old horses with wooden legs running around at Elitch Gardens.) (fifth column) Today, in addition to three world-class roller coasters, you'll also discover all kinds of other major rides. Live music. Miniature gold. roving entertainment. Games galore. And plenty more. This season, Elithc's is even funner than ever. With the we, wilk and gnarly new Boat Tag. It's deiniitely a blast. FUN FOR ALL: There's even a special section just for the itty-bitty kids called, you guessed it, Kiddieland. And just to make sure we always see eye to eye with the little guys, we went so far as to build the floors inside the kiddie foodstands three feet below the ground. That way, even the shyest kid can feel at home marching up and ordering a great big cotton candy. EVEN THE FOOD IS FUN: Elitch's has gobs of good stuff to eat. Like pizza. Popcorn. Hot dogs. Nachos. Cotton candy. Burgers. Burritos. Barbecue. You name it. And if you need a shady spot to rest, relax and eat, secluded picnic areas can be found nestled here, there and everywhere throughout the park grounds. You can also reserve them for that big birthday blowout bash. Or any other speical occasion that might come to mind. (last column) GOOD TIMES AHEAD. *All Season Get Your Can to Elitch's. Specially-marked Pepsi cans get yu $2.50 off. * May 31 to September 7 Payless 4 Fun Pass. Eight visits for $50.00. Good times, times eight. At Payless Drug Stores now. sponsored by KCNC. *June 12 KRFX Comedy Night. *June 19 to 21 KWGN Blast 2 The Past. Live oldies concerts. Gary Puckett Bowzer. And The Drifters. *July 11 to 26 KHIH Jazz Series. Every weekend. Nelson Ringel, Hazel Miller, Dotsero. Very Cool. Elitch Gardens' Wet or Sweat Guarantee. If it rains continuously for more than an hour, or if it's 95 degrees or more for two consecutive hours, we'll give you a free pas to come back another time. It took over a century to create a place that offers so many unusual and fun things to see and do. All in one spot. And, it takes more than a couple of hours to really see and do it all. So make sure you plan on spending a lot of time at Elitch's this season. Come early. And stay late. Because chances are, you haven't had this much fun in a long, long time.
*Black circle bottom, white print around circle, banner across near bottom: GARDENS AMUSEMENT PARK Elitch's SINCE 1890 / 100 Years Worth of Fun. (SM) GATES OPEN EVERY DAY AT 10 A.M. W 38TH Ave. and Tennyson, Denver (303) 455-4771"