Here is your final briefing for…
THE 2026
TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE

We will depart from the Old Town Transit Center on January 1, 2026, at 2:00am.

Old Town Transit Center – Bing Maps
The parking lot is on the west side of the RR tracks under the freeway bridge. Entrance is on Pacific Hwy. Please be on time.

We will arrive in Pasadena and plenty of time to have ideal parking and we should be no further than one block from the parade route. Bring your own chairs blankets and whatever else we would like to bring aboard the bus including food and drink. Alcohol is permitted on the bus, but not on Colorado Blvd. Bring blankets and dress warmly. We do have a big storm on its way in but right now the weather looks good for New Years. I’ll be keeping an eye out for any changes.

Once we arrive at the parade location, we will walk over to the parade route and place our chairs on the street. Please do not bring high profile chairs. Low beach type chairs are the best. They will be perfectly safe, and no one will bother them. That way we can stake out our territory and have a comfortable viewing spot. After placing our chairs, we’ll get back on the bus and have a couple of hours to sleep, read, have quiet conversation, etc. We will walk back over to the parade route around 6:00 or 6:30am. The parade begins at 8 o’clock. I would advise bringing food and drink and something to tie you over most of the day. We will make a lunch stop on the way home time permitting. But that totally depends on how long it takes us to leave the parade area afterwards. Sometimes it’s easy sometimes it takes a while. There are literally hundreds of thousands of people attending this event and traffic can create an issue.

Snacks, soft drinks, and some cocktails will be provided. Also, a few surprises as usual. I would highly suggest bringing some water as well as keeping your cameras our phones handy. Incredible photo opportunities.

There will be a North County pick up at the LaCosta Park and ride.
Please let me know if you will be at this location. The bus should arrive approx. 2:30am.
la costa park Nd ride – Bing Maps

If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call. 619-844-4443

As usual, all this information can also be found on my web page –http://www.fredsplayland.com

I look forward to seeing all of you on this trip. The year has had so many trials and obstacles. This is a wonderful way to start fresh and bring in the new year.

Sincerely,

Fred

Website:
Fred’s Playland
E-Mail:
FredsPlayland@aol.com

WHAT AN UNEXPECTED SURPRISE

I’m pleased and honored to have been one of the recipients of the “NAACP Excellence in Advocacy award” for 2025. This Recognition came as quite as a surprise. It was a wonderful experience, having all of my friends and family present for this recognition. I have to say again, I have the best friends in the world.

New Firearm Safety Classes
Coming soon

If you have interest in gun ownership, safety, and/or learning how to shoot. This class is where you want to be. It’s for beginners as well as those of you who just want to brush up on your knowledge and proficiency.

If you have a gun in the house, this course is for you.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a firearm, you need to sign up.
Never touched a gun before and want to see what it’s like, come on out.
This class is just what you need.

The course will include 2 hours of classroom time followed by range time. I’ll have everything you need. You will learn how to safely & properly handle a firearm. You will learn how to store firearms. It will also help you get more comfortable and confident around guns.

$100 Per Person

If you are interested in this class, you should enroll as soon as possible. I only give classes once or twice a year, so they fill up fast. The cost is also less than half the price of other comparable training courses. You will learn the operation and handling of many types of handguns ranging from revolvers to semi-automatics including .22cal, 9mm, .38/357 magnum and 44 magnum. If you’re a good and attentive class, I may even let you hold an Uzi sub machine gun or an assault rifle. You’ll get to handle and fire guns that are no longer legal to possess. But because you’re a Fred’s Playland member you can get first-hand experience handling one. Don’t ask me how I’m able to do this:) It’s my little secret. But what’s more, you will leave with the confidence and training that you need to keep you and yours safe.

I can only take a limited number of participants so sign up ASAP. The price for this course is $100 per person. The price has gone up a little due to demand on range time and rising cost of ammunition.
Your course includes; classroom time, use of firearms, ammo, targets, range time, eye and ear protection, range card, handouts, certificate of completion and light snacks
It’s going to be fun, educational, and enlightening… but mostly fun!

Classes will be held at P2k Sports
2082 Willow Glen Dr. El Cajon, CA 92019

You may RSVP immediately by sending your payment via:

Venmo – @Fred-Long
Zelle – 619-844-4443
PayPal – Fredsplayland@aol.com

(Fredsplayland@aol.com)

Please include on your payment memo line:
your first and last name,
Phone number,
Best e-mail address

Once that is done, you will receive confirmation.
Classes will include 8 to 10 people.
I look forward to seeing you all.
Let’s have some fun.

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ROSARITO BEACH LOBSTER RUN

May 17th 2025
See the Video
Click Here
Presented by
THE ROYAL PRINCESSES & KNIGHTS
in association with
FRED’S PLAYLAND

THE UNDERGROUND WINE COLLECTIVE
EPISODE III -ROOM WITH A VIEW
FRIDAY AUG. 2nd, 2024

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GUYS DAY OUT
Deer Park Winery & car Museum

November 23rd, 2024
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Firearms Safety Class

January 4th 2025
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Website: www.fredsplayland.com
E-Mail:  FredsPlayland@aol.com

AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY

HOW IT STARTED:

I started this group 25 short years ago. I was an extremely active & outgoing person and was bored out of my mind. Wishy washy friends who never want to do anything with. I came up with this idea of creating a new group of friends who didn’t mind enjoying life and having some fun. These awesome people became what’s known as”The Original 8″We did things like Game Night, Bowling, Caravan Road Trips etc… Over the next few years the group added a few dozen more members and the fun had truly begun. Somewhere around 2010 one of my best friends Jason Keller, blessed myself and the group with this Fred’s Playland Website. To this day I’ve never had to pay a single penny for hosting or development. A TRUE BLESSING. 5 short years after that Fred’s Playland boasted 500 members and the following year,1000. This group is definitely not for everyone but we currently we have over 2000 members and over 800 who are active. I think that’s a pretty good percentage since only about 60% read my emails. Don’t ask me how I know, I just do:) I also know this has been one of my greatest experiences and this group has enhanced my life greatly. I pray that it has touched you in a positive way also.

In the upcoming year there will be many more events which will allow me to enjoy you and for you to enjoy all your new and current friends. I’m working on an event to celebrate this major milestone. I hope I can think of a fitting tribute. You’ll be notified as soon as it’s finished cooking.

Until then, I just want to say THANK YOU! and THANK YOU AGAIN, for 25 years of friendship & memories.

Website:Fred’s Playland

-Mail:FredsPlayland@aol.com

THE UNDERGROUND WINE COLLECTIVE

A NEW EPISODE COMING SOON

Episode 1 of the Underground collective was a huge success. A fresh new episode will be coming sometime in June. Watch your e-mail closely because these are extremely limited events and will sell out immediately. I look forward to seeing you all very soon. Cheers!

E-Mail:
FredsPlayland@aol.com

Website:
www.fredsplayland.com

-Seats or space will not be held. Your payment is your confirmation-
-There are no refunds unless the event is canceled-
-There is a $10.00 service charge for payment methods other than PayPal-

FINAL SEASON OF THE DR PHIL SHOW
THE SHOW ENDS AFTER 21 YEARS

THANK YOU DR PHIL
FOR SHARING THE LAST 15 OF THEM WITH US

Phil McGraw, America’s TV therapist, is ending his reign as a king of daytime television. After 21 years of dominating ratings, Dr. Phil will stop producing new shows following its 2023 season.

Phillip McGraw, who began his TV career on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in the late 1990s, said in a statement issued by CBS Media Ventures that he had been “blessed” with a career in daytime television spanning more than 25 years. “With this show, we have helped thousands of guests and millions of viewers through everything from addiction and marriage to mental wellness and raising children. This has been an incredible chapter of my life and career, but while I’m moving on from daytime, there is so much more I wish to do.” The 72-year-old did not give concrete details of his plans but retirement does not appear to be in the cards.

Fred’s Playland has been an integral part of the show’s success. We have been supplying audiences for the show for over 15 years. I’ve received several complements from the show stating that we are their favorite audience. As for myself, I have enjoyed every minute of the journey.

The show has blessed my friends and I with years of challenges, surprises, gifts, special guests, and countless memories. I’ve made some incredible friends at Paramount Studios and will definitely stay in touch with many of them. Every book has an ending, but this is by no means and ending. It’s just the closure of a well cherished chapter in my book.

Good luck Mr. McGraw, in all your future endeavors, and thanks for the memories.

Click below to view photos from a few past events

-SEE PHOTO GALLERY-

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A MEMBER?
CLICK HERE