ELYSBURG, Pa. — The sun was shining for opening weekend at Knoebel's Amusement Resort near Elysburg as hundreds of people came out to enjoy what they say is the first of many summer trips to the park.
"It's beautiful sunny, not humid, nice breeze, perfect weather for amusement park day," said Dustin Hofman, Kingston.
"We love it. They were very excited to come when I said we were thinking about coming down yesterday; they cheered pretty much the whole way here," said Emily Piazza, Dallas.
This year marks the park's 98th season. People quickly made their way to their favorite food stands and games, others came ready for a picnic before a walk through the grove.
Families tell Newswatch 16 a trip to Knoebel's is a tradition going back decades.
"I came to Knoebels as a child. I loved bringing my children, and now I have two grandchildren to bring and have a blast, so here we are on the opening weekend," said Connie George, Wilkes-Barre.
"It's more family-oriented. It's not all this macadam. It has trees to sit under when it's hot, and the people are great," said Sandy Moyer of Northampton.
Staff at the park say 55 rides are up and running.
For the kids, a day at the amusement resort is all about the thrill of their favorite rides.
"The one where it spins you forward and backward with the lights in the dark," said Sedona Piazza, Dallas.
"The haunted house. Why Is it your favorite? Because there's a lot of scary parts," said Mckenna White, Heggins.
"So far, I rode the Twister and the Phoenix, coming to Knoebels every year; your favorite them park can't beat it, nope honestly can't," said Jase Price, Ashland.
"We like the rides. My grandson is five, and he's on his second trip on the Phoenix, so we like the rides," said Connie.
To start the season, the park is open only on weekends. Knoebel's Amusement Resort will open daily starting on Memorial Day.