ELYSBURG, Pa. — Knoebels opened for the season at noon on Wednesday, and people waited to get in all morning. There was a steady stream of vehicles coming into this parking lot.
"I'm glad," said Heidi Conrad of Sunbury. "I think it's necessary. It's open, so there's not a whole lot of worries there, just take the safety precautions."
Conrad brought her 2-year-old grandson Thaylen to the park to celebrate his birthday.
"We're just really excited that it happened on his birthday, so it worked out perfect, so we can come out and enjoy the rides."
Since the park near Elysburg does not charge admission, it is using its parking lot to control how many visitors are at the park at any one time. The park is not opening any of its overflow lots this year. Once the main lot is filled, no one else will be allowed inside the park until other guests leave the parking area.
According to Knoebels, masks are required for everyone over the age of 2 unless you have a medical condition. Masks are required on all rides except for water rides.
Lines are marked on the handrails and on the ground 6 feet apart so people can social distance while they wait in line for rides and food.
On certain rides, the number of people will be limited.
Families can sit together, but other guests will be spaced apart. That means wait times could be longer, and you may not get to choose where you sit on the rides.
"I don't mind it so much. I want to be a team player. I don't want to be part of the problem. We'll do what we have to do to have some fun," said Tammy Frey of Mainville, who surprised her grandchildren with a trip to Knoebels.
"I haven't been here in a really long time, and I like coming here," Taylor Frey said.
Speaking of the rides, nearly 40 of them are open, including roller coaster favorites Phoenix and Twister.
Knoebels installed touchless faucets, sneeze guards, and 150 hand sanitizing stations all around the park. Rides that are running will be deep cleaned daily.
For the first few weeks, Knoebels Amusement Resort will be open from noon until 8 p.m. The pool is expected to open later this month.