ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Dorney Park is now in its 142nd season. The park has been a staple around here for generations.
It’s a sweet sign of spring when the rides start swinging and swaying, and the crowds return to Dorney Park. The park opened for business Friday morning.
“Oh, it’s like the beginning of summer. It’s the beginning of life,” said Thunderhawk rider and Dorney Park season ticket-holder Cliff Herring.
Iby Shaw of Schnecksville has buckled up for more than 2000 rides on the Iron Menace, which is now in its third season. Shaw thinks Opening Day is a special event.
“At first it started with me going for a 1,000 (rides) on Iron Menace. But then I wanted to go for 2,000 on Iron Menace just to run it back,” Shaw said.
After the rides, there are plenty of games of skill to keep your hands full. Charlotte Fazio of Bernardsville, New Jersey, filled hers with a giant emoji.
“It’s pretty heavy honestly,” laughed Fazio. “But it’s really comfortable. I just hope it doesn’t rain, I don’t want it to be wet on the bus.”
For the 6th consecutive year, a little rain fell down on Dorney’s first day. Is it good luck? Like rain on a wedding day?
“I think it is,” said Ryan Eldredge of Dorney Park Public Relations. “It’s always Sunny in Philadelphia. It’s always gray in Allentown (on opening day). It’s just an indication that the season is starting, it’s gonna be a good year.”
Dorney Park is open 10:30am-7pm Friday through Sunday up until Memorial Day weekend.
