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Knoebels Marks Independence Day Anniversary

KNOEBELS AMUSEMENT RESORT — TripAdvisor, the online travel and booking site, just last week named Knoebels Amusement Resort in central Pennsylvania the 21...
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KNOEBELS AMUSEMENT RESORT -- TripAdvisor, the online travel and booking site, just last week named Knoebels Amusement Resort in central Pennsylvania the 21st best amusement park in the nation.

On Monday, the park celebrated its 90th anniversary.

Knoebels was packed with people ready for some Fourth of July fun.  For many of these people, coming to Knoebels is a tradition.

But no one's been coming here longer than owner Dick Knoebel.

"I sold tickets at the merry go round before I went to first grade!" he recalled.

Besides being Independence Day, Knoebel has another reason to celebrate.  The Fourth of July marks the amusement park's 90th anniversary.

"I remember the 25th, the 50th and the 75th.  And I'm planning on being here for the 100th," Knoebel said.

Knoebels Amusement Resort was opened on July 4th, 1926 by the Knoebel family.

"I remember as a kid there were only four rides here: the carousel, the kiddie airplane ride, an eight car whip, and the train," said Knoebel.

Fast forward 90 years -- the park has 63 rides and it is still owned and operated by the Knoebel Family.  So what makes it so special?  Well, there is no admission, and parking is free.

"We don't go on a lot of rides anymore so when we just want to come up and hang out with the grandkids, it's great," said Bonnie Worchick of Minersville.  "And it's small enough, you can, 'meet me here, meet me there.'  It's cool.  The pool is great."

It's also a family tradition for a lot of people.

"42 years ago I brought my kids here," said Jerry Shemanski of Nanticoke. "And now, my grandkids!"

The Knoebel family brought the Phoenix roller coaster to the park in 1985.  Dick Knoebel says it's his favorite ride and he believes this is what makes this park so successful.

"I think we set a record the one time we went, something like 17 times in a row!" said Worchick.

As part of the anniversary celebration, Knoebels is offering 90 cent Sunday ride features.  On this day, visitors could get 90 cent hot dogs and drinks.

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