ELYSBURG, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — An amusement park in our region has brought thrill-filled rides, tasty food, and more to our region for almost a century.
It was a quiet Friday morning inside Knobels in Elysburg.
The family-owned park’s rides are empty, but ready to be filled with adrenaline-seekers Saturday for its 99th season opening.
“Here we are, 99 years. I mean, who would’ve thought?” said Brian Knoebel, co-owner/co-manager of Knoebels Amusement Park.
Brian walks down memory lane, saying how his childhood was just like any other, but his playground was the amusement park.
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One memory sticks out, inside the haunted mansion.
“When it wasn’t open, we would go in and play hide-and-go-seek. There’s some secret passageways in there. Sometimes the lights were on, maybe dimly lit. We’d crawl up into the rafters and scare one another,” explained Brian.
Tucked away in Northumberland County, the park is world-renowned, earning a slew of awards.
There are tons of different rides at Knoebels, including the Phoenix, which won the Golden Ticket Award. Meaning it’s the number one best wooden roller coaster in the world and draws in people from all across the globe.
“It’s really neat to see those people come from all over the world really. We had some groups come from Germany last year, but even the locals love it too,” said Ethan Knoebel, internal communications coordinator at Knoebels Amusement Park.
Inside the Stonygables Fudge and Nut Shop, 28/22 News got a look at new sweet treats ahead of opening weekend, such as "40 Below Joe" frozen treats, Acai bowls, and the whirzle.
“That is a quarter pound of fudge, our special whirzle mix, some ice and water, blended and with a little bit of whipped cream on top. This one here is a root beer float, which is our featured flavor for this weekend,” explained Brydee Derk, assistant food service manager.
Dozens of campers are already at the grounds ready to take on another season, something that’s been a staple for generations.
“(It’s) an all-around great family experience. Some families come here year after year, the very same site, the very same time of year, and it really becomes a family tradition,” said Stacy Yutko, public relations director at Knoebels Amusement Park.
Knoebels is free to enter and to park. The park will officially open for its 99th season at noon on Saturday and Sunday.
