Early Birds Can Do Knott’s for a Nickel

In a marketing move that might ease the load on crowded Southern California-area classrooms Wednesday, Knott’s Berry Farm says it will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a special 5-cent admission price for park-goers who arrive between 6 and 10 a.m.

The park, which normally opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. on weekdays, not only is opening four hours early; it is adding two hours to the end of the day with a special closing time of 8 p.m.

Knotts for years has targeted Southern California’s large Latino community. Park officials see Cinco de Mayo--a date celebrated with far more enthusiasm in Southern California than in Mexico--as a logical tie-in. May 5 is the anniversary of a significant victory by the Mexican army over French troops in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Mexico’s independence day is Sept. 15.

Proceeds from Knott’s 5-cent Cinco de Mayo admission will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Buena Park. Park officials said they will encourage those arriving early to take advantage of the special price to donate at least part of the difference to the youth club as well. Knott’s normal ticket price is $36 for adults and children over 11 and $26 for children ages 3 to 11 and for adults 60 and older.