Pocono News Section

Knoebel's Gets Ready for Opening Weekend

Knoebel's Gets Ready for Opening Weekend - Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at 5:45PM EST

Elysburg, Northumberland County-
It’s a sure sign that spring is here. Workers are getting ready for opening weekend at Knoebel’s Amusement Park near Elysburg.

And that could be good news for people looking for a little extra cash.

With every spin of a sander, tap of a hammer, and wipe of a cloth, Knoebel’s employees are getting ready for another trademark summer of fun, food, and fantasy.

Knoebel’s spokesman Joe Muscato said, “All the gift shops are being stocked and staffed, and the games and the food stands, so there’s a lot of activity at the moment.”

All the rides are also going through their final checks and inspections. There’ll be a couple new kiddie rides. And the long-awaited, first-of-its-kind Flying Turns attraction is nearly finished.

Muscato explained, “We have a new train design that’s almost completed. Then we’ll be having the trains manufactured and we still have high hopes we’ll see it later this season.”

And even as hard times continue to hit our area, Knoebel's remains a steady seasonal employer here in central Pennsylvania.

A recent job fair at Knoebel’s brought three times the normal number of applicants. Many will be hired as the summer goes on.

Muscato noted, “We won’t really be employing a lot of new people until we get further into the season. We’ll open primarily with people that have worked here in previous years.”

Park officials recently purchased a place near the resort to house foreign workers- a place they now say likely won’t be needed for the time being.

Muscato said, “I think you’re seeing all of us finding that we’re having more ability to fill the slots locally this year.”

And park managers say the free admission, parking, entertainment, and picnic facilities that have become their hallmarks, are proving more important to their guests than ever.

Muscato added, “They may not have as much in their pockets as they have in the past, but we’ll still be here trying to provide a good time.”

Knoebel’s has been providing thrills to amusement park lovers in our area for more than 80 years.