Gilroy, CA (February 11, 2026): Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park was recently awarded the prestigious IAAPA Brass Ring Award for Cherry Jubilee, which was recognized as the Best New Food & Beverage Event. This award celebrates innovation, originality, and impact in the global attractions industry and recognizes special events that elevate the guest experience in new and exciting ways.
Introduced in 2025 and returning June 5 – July 5, 2026, Cherry Jubilee at Gilroy Gardens is a month-long festival of food and family fun that takes its inspiration from the local cherry harvest. The event features a mouthwatering array of cherry-infused food and beverages as well as live entertainment, interactive challenges, and cheerful cherry characters throughout the park.
The “Brass Ring Award” from the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) comes from a nostalgic tradition at early amusement parks, where carousel riders would reach for a brass ring symbolizing luck and accomplishment. IAAPA honors that legacy by mirroring the same concept into an award that celebrates the best products at the IAAPA Expos.
IAAPA President & CEO Jakob Wahl stated, “The Brass Ring Excellence Awards represent the highest professional honor presented to an IAAPA member facility, recognizing those who are raising the bar and setting new standards for the industry worldwide.”
“Gilroy Gardens is thrilled to be honored with this award,” said Hoa Minh Le, President and General Manager at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. “It is a meaningful recognition of our team's hard work, innovation, and commitment to giving our guests new ways to enjoy our beautiful park—and celebrate the local cherry harvest. We had so much fun hosting the first-ever Cherry Jubilee last year and are excited to bring it back for even more “cherr-ific” fun in 2026!”
Gilroy Gardens reopens for the 2026 season on Saturday, March 28. For tickets, Memberships, and more information about the upcoming Cherry Jubilee at Gilroy Gardens (June 5-July 5), visit GilroyGardens.org.
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About Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and California’s only horticultural theme park. Founded by Michael Bonfante, the park offers a unique family experience centered around trees and plants with an emphasis on local history. The park features over 40 rides and attractions and more than 10,000 trees, including the world-famous Circus Trees, as well as special events throughout the year. For more information, visit GilroyGardens.org.
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About IAAPA
Founded in 1918, IAAPA is a diverse and dynamic community of global attractions professionals. As the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions, IAAPA unifies the attractions community, connects people to learn and grow together, and strives to promote the highest professional standards for excellence and safety around the world. For media inquiries or more information about this year’s winners, please contact PressOffice@IAAPA.org.
