ELYSBURG - There are some new things at Knoebels Amusement Resort for its 86th season, while others will simply look new.
The park celebrated nationally for its rides, food and hospitality opens today for a month of weekend-only operation, then will stay open every day for the summer season starting May 23.
Joe Muscato, director of public relations, said most of the work done during the off-season was to clean up from flooding in 2011 that closed the park for 10 days after raging flood waters damaged rides, infrastructure and buildings.
"After we opened up following the flood, one of the biggest attractions at the park wasn't a ride or food stand," Muscato said. Instead, it was the sign that indicates past flood levels - a new marking for "2011" just inches below the one from 1972.
Knoebels' effort to battle back from that devastation is exemplified in many ways, but in particular with the return to glory of the Stein and Goldstein small carousel ride, among those most heavily damaged.
"That carousel was completely trashed," Muscato said.
He said longtime park employee Dave Wynn, who is also the curator for the carousel museum, and his son, Matt, worked hard over the winter months to restore it.
"It looks so beautiful," Muscato said.
The Wynns also found some old artwork involving the Stein and Goldstein horses that they have used on the restored ride, which is believed to be 100 years old
According to the Knoebels website, the two-abreast carousel in Kiddieland was carved by the firm of Stein and Goldstein. From their shop in Brooklyn, these two men carved carousel figures from 1912 to 1918. This merry-go-round was once owned by Lawrence Knoebel. Lawrence took the machine to fairs and carnivals during the 1940s. It was sold in the early 1950s and changed owners several times. It was repurchased by Knoebels in 1975, and completely restored and returned to the park in 1976 for Knoebels' 50th year of operation.
"The organs around the park suffered a lot of flood damage, too, but we restored them to retain that beautiful nostalgic experience," Muscato said.
This also marks the first full season that the Black Diamond will be operational. The three-story "dark ride" simulates a trip through a haunted coal mine.
"We opened it last October and it was good, but we took some feedback from riders and tweaked it a little," Muscato said. "It was a good ride before but is an even better ride now."
Other notable work took place at Knoebels Lake Glory Campground a few miles from the park near Catawissa. A new office/camp store/game room has been constructed.
Until daily operation, the park is open Saturdays and Sundays from noon until "closing."
For more information, visit www.knoebels.com.
