S. WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – One of the region\u2019s biggest signs of summer is making its return with Dorney Park gearing up to open its gates for the season tomorrow.<\/p>\n
69 News Reporter Sydney Kay has a look at the hard work that goes into opening the park and what guests can expect this year.<\/p>\n
The sun rising over Dorney Park in South Whitehall Township Thursday isn\u2019t a 135-feet high view you get from riding the coaster, it\u2019s from climbing up the steps to the top.<\/p>\n
The heart-pumping task on Talon is routine for crews, especially when preparing for opening day Friday.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re in maintenance, you would be looking at the track and inspecting it. Looking for any little bumps or grooves that may cause an issue with the ride,\u201d said Ryan Eldredge, public relations manager at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the countdown to coasters for guests and in its 142nd season, many people don\u2019t know the history behind it. Dorney Park was originally started as a trolley park.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t have thought all this time later, the park would be where it is, but here we are. And to think the park almost went down in the Great Depression and was saved by a little train, the Zephyr, which is now over 90 years old which is incredible,\u201d said Eldredge.<\/p>\n
Now home to favorites such as Planet Snoopy or the legendary Steel Force, new events like the SPLASH! Water Parade will make its way this summer, adding to its already loaded roster of events.<\/p>\n
\u201cViva la Fiesta is an incredible cultural celebration of all things Hispanic and Latino, and then we get to Halloween Haunt and Tricks and Treats and what better time to be in Pennsylvania than in the fall,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
With crews working right up to Friday\u2019s 10:30 a.m. opening, park officials say it\u2019s like a constant tune-up to start off a smooth season.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur maintenance team is diligently tinkering and fixing and getting things ready, getting things on track. Positioning things, tightening bolts, there\u2019s just a lot of work,\u201d Eldredge said.<\/p>\n
Park officials say their biggest tip to avoid lines is showing up early and heading straight to your favorite coaster.<\/p>\n