Special events and festivals have long been a part of amusement parks' entertainment line-up.  Competitions such as cheerleading, sporting events, and games also serve to draw additional attendance not only from the participants and their families but also curious spectators who often find these events entertaining.
	Great Adventure Plays Host to the 53rd Annual National Marble Tournament On June 14, 15, 16, and 17, 1976 Great Adventure held the National Marble Shooting Tournament along with the internationally known children's TV show "Big Blue Marble."  Kids from all over the United States competed at Great Adventure for the title of MARBLE CHAMP and the first prize of a $500 savings bond.  The tournament was held in the "Garden of Eatin'" adjacent to the Enchanted Forest (rides area) to the right of the main entrance.  Guests of the Park and members of the press were invited to view the Regional National Champs as they tried to blast those "aggies" and "commies" and with the title of BIG BLUE MARBLE NATIONAL CHAMP.  Jeff Rice, 14, of Cumberland, Maryland, beat Walt Morgano, 13, of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in the final playoff 11 games to Morgano's 7. In the girls' division, 14-year-old Judy Bosiljevac of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, won the final round-robin against Baltimore, Maryland's Jerrilyn Kenne, 13, with a score of 4 games to 2. ___________________ Description of the event transcribed from the GAzette Newsletter - Volume No.1, Issue No.1 - dated June 1976.
Original Spotlight:  February 21, 2017.  GAH Reference #:  EVENT-1976-003