Thousands will get an early start to the summer season Saturday, punctuated by the sounds of laughter, the smell of food and even some theme-ride screams.
It's the season opener at Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg, which marks its 87th season of operation in 2013 with a celebration of both new rides and old - as in 100 years old - favorites.
Joe Muscato, director of public relations, said employees are getting rides up and running, preparing buildings and grounds and otherwise getting ready for the hundreds of thousands who will visit the free admission amusement park this year.
Knoebels will open with what Muscato calls the "Hometown Special," a buy-one-get-one-free deal on handstamps from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, which will entitle patrons to unlimited rides on many attractions, including its two world-famous wooden roller coasters, the Phoenix and Twister.
"Around mid-June, when school lets out, is when we see the travelers all come in. So the first couple weeks of opening, we love to cater to the local patrons," he said. "They are the ones that have supported us since day one."
Muscato said the park tries to keep word on that special pricing to a minimum, advertising it only locally. That doesn't always work, and that's OK.
"With the advent of social media, there's no way to keep it under wraps from everyone," he said, "We will be ready, though."
Enter the 'Stratos-Fear'
Patrons will have trouble not noticing one of Knoebels' newest attractions: The Stratos-Fear, a towering structure at 148 feet tall - higher than the tallest hill on the Phoenix or the peak of the Giant Wheel. It hauls its 12 riders into the air and suspends them for a variable amount of seconds each time before dropping them straight down.
"At its top speed, riders will reach speeds of approximately 47 mph before the hydraulics slow them down," Muscato said. "The great thing is there are four sides to the ride, so there are four different views of the park riders will experience."
Where did the idea come to bring the Stratos-Fear to Knoebels Amusement Resort? Muscato jokes there was "extensive test marketing" done by the fifth generation of the Knoebels family at an outing at a different amusement park. The younger generation rode it again and again and said Knoebels needed one.
"So we found the right one and here it is," Muscato said.
For those looking for a bit tamer new ride, Knoebels will debut the "Crazy Sub" in May. It's a family ride similar to the Rockin' Tug ride alongside it.
Muscato said many fans of the Beatles will enjoy the look of the ride as well.
"When it is all put together, the sub looks like the famed 'Yellow Submarine' as seen in the Beatles movie," Muscato said.
Courtesy of Knoebels' smartphone app, visitors can spread the word about what they like at Knoebels.
"Someone can take a picture at Knoebels using our app, and have it embedded in a postcard with either our writing or something original they create. The card can then be shared on any social network," Muscato said.
Meet Dexter
A new friend, Dexter the raccoon, will join Knoebels' long-time mascot, Kozmo the chipmunk, which was recently voted best park mascot in a poll by the Coaster 101 website - the same poll which gave Mickey Mouse an honorable mention in the category.
According to the park's website, Kozmo found the young raccoon floating on a log in the waters of the Roaring Creek following a recent flood. Dexter was looking for a home, and Kozmo invited him to stay.
To celebrate his arrival, the Italian window in the International Food Court has been revamped as "Dexter's Deli," featuring soups, sandwiches and salads.
Muscato said other improvements include the construction of five more log cabins at Knoebels' in-park campground, bringing the total number to 57. The new camp office/game room/camp store is set to open at the Lake Glory Campground, and the amusement park's Wi-Fi signal has been expanded to work in the kiddie land section of rides.
The Crystal Pool, a tribute to the swimming pool that Henry Knoebel built that started the park and opened on July 4, 1926, will open Memorial Day weekend.
Parking issues
One thing that did frustrate people at times in recnet years is the long traffic lines and lack of parking on some weekends, forcing some to leave their vehicles at the park's recycling center, or near Knoebel Lumber at the far ends of the parks, and having to use trams, vans or walk a great distance to get into the park.
"That situation will occur about three or four weekends a year, and we just about can tell when it will happen," Muscato said. "Most times it is right before school starts when people remember that they haven't visited Knoebels yet this year, or that they want to get one last visit in."
Grand Carousel's 100th
This year will mark an anniversary at the park, as the Grand Carousel will celebrate its 100th birthday. Knoebels purchased the ride from Riverview Park in Rahway, N.J., in 1941.
"We were getting different reports about when the carousel was built, either in 1912 or 1913," Muscato said. "Our artist, Matt Wynn, recently found some old paintings from the carousel that were dated 1913, so that is the date we are going with."
Those paintings will be on display over the July 4 weekend as part of a birthday celebration for the ride, which is considered a "national treasure" by many park enthusiasts - and where riders can still try to catch the brass ring.
"It's a great position to be in," Muscato said. "We work to constantly change and keep updating, but also keep the nostalgic feel of the park that people remember and keep coming back for again and again."