Photo: courtesy of Knoebels Amusement Resort. View full-sized image.
On July 4, 2026, the United States of America celebrated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On that same day, Knoebels Amusement Resort celebrated its 100th anniversary at the Hawaiian Bandshell in the center of the park. Despite the heat and humidity, the benches were filled as family, friends and representatives from amusement parks across the country gathered to mark this milestone in the history of the park.
ACE member Rev. Cliff Herring offered a prayer of thanks for the park.
Photo: Geff Ford. View full-sized image.
As the brass band played, a dozen members of the Knoebel family walked onto the stage of the bandshell. Eddie Korbich and Chad Leisenring served as the emcees for this 90-minute celebration. Following the presentation of flags and a flag ceremony by the Columbia-Montour Boy Scout Council, the National Anthem was sung by Korbich. A prayer was then offered by the Roller Coaster Reverend Cliff Herring, who gave thanks to God for this little piece of Heaven and the faithful stewardship of the park over the years by the family.
Knoebel family members were introduced and shared memories.
Photo: courtesy of Knoebels Amusement Resort. View full-sized image.
Family members on the stage were introduced, followed by presentations by state Senator Lynda Schlegel-Culver and local state Representatives Joanne Stehr and Robert Leadbetter. The legislators said that they were not just honoring an amusement park but recognizing an integral part of the community. Knoebels was a place where several of them or members of their family had their first jobs. They shared that this was more than a job, as they felt they were part of a huge family, which taught them about customer service and the importance of being part of a team.
Jim Futrell from the National Amusement Park Historical Association gave a special recognition award to the park, as did Todd Andrus, representing the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. Both noted that very few family-owned businesses are ever passed down to the third and fourth generations, but the Knoebel family has successfully integrated the fourth and fifth generations of the family into the life of the park.
Unfortunately, President Emeritus Dick Knoebel was not able to attend, as he was hospitalized, but a letter was read from him that expressed his thanks to everyone for 100 years of hard work and dedication to the park.
Dan Patterson, a longtime concessionaire and manager of the Fascination game, shared remembrances of his time at the park.
It was time to hear remarks and remembrances by members of the family. Buddy Knoebel and Leeanna Muscato, both third-generation family members as well as co-owners and co-managers of the park, spoke first. They were followed by Brian Knoebel, fourth generation and president of the park, and Ethan Knoebel, fifth generation. Each spoke of their appreciation to everyone for making this park such a successful venture and shared their personal memories and how these intertwined with the history of the park. Often their words were so filled with emotion that they had to pause to compose themselves. It was a heartfelt, touching reflection of their love and dedication, not just for the park, but also for each other and for the hundreds of workers over the years who provided joy-filled memories for parkgoers through the last 100 years. The family expressed the mission of Knoebels as a gift to their community, where folks can relax, enjoy and celebrate life together.
Photo: courtesy of Knoebels Amusement Resort. View full-sized image.
The program ended with the family gathering at a huge “switch.” As the recorded voice of Dick Knoebel proclaimed, “Here’s to the next 100 years,” the switch was moved to signify the beginning of the next 100 years of the park’s history. Overall, it was a touching ceremony of 100 years of fun, food and fantasy.
A new statue of the founders was unveiled.
Photos: courtesy of Knoebels Amusement Resort. View full-sized image.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony signaled the opening of the new history center in the roller rink building.
View full-sized image.
While this was the centerpiece of the weekend’s activities, a statue of the founders, Henry and Hattie Knoebel, was also unveiled. In addition, a history center was opened in the roller rink building. It is ACE’s wish that Knoebels will continue to serve others in the same spirit of dedication and pride as it did in its first century.
— Cliff Herring, ACE Archives Committee
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