RALPHO TOWNSHIP -- Saturday is the big day for amusement park enthusiasts: Knoebels Amusement Resort opens for the season.
It was crunch time Friday for employees as they got the park ready for opening day.
Some employees scrubbed down rides while others baked fudge. Some even planted flowers. Last-minute preparations were in full swing as staff at Knoebels Amusement Resort near Elysburg prepared to open this weekend.
"Making sure all of our benches are cleaned, everything's put back in place and ready to go for tomorrow," explained Stacy Ososkie, Knoebels media relations.
Employees also tested rides, including the Phoenix.
Roller coaster enthusiasts from all over the east coast, like the Galvin family, plan to come to Knoebels for opening weekend.
"I can't tell you. I've been looking forward to this for weeks, probably months," said Bill Galvin.
"I am so excited. I've been counting down the days since it closed," Christa Galvin added.
The big question on everyone's minds: is Knoebels' newest attraction the Impulse roller coaster going to be ready for opening day? That question is still up in the air.
"The ride itself is safe and good to go. We have state approval. Now we are just working on the final pieces," said Ososkie, adding that the park is making sure the gates and fencing are in place for the new ride. "We've had crews here working 16-hour shifts into the night to make sure that things are getting accomplished."
The Galvin family says they hope Impulse opens in time but even if it doesn't, they'll ride it when it does.
"I'm really looking forward to it. I'll be honest, it looks like it's going to be a really good ride" said Bill Galvin.
"If Impulse doesn't open, I will come back the day it does open," Christa Galvin added.