June 10th is Now "Amusement Park Day" in Pennsylvania

There is a special celebration for pretty much every day of the year at this point, but now June 10th will be one that many of our readers will happily go out of their way to celebrate.  Recently members from various amusement and water parks in the state of Pennsylvania headed to the House of Representatives to help Representative Ryan Mackenzie declare the date as "Amusement Park Day."

The full introduction of House Resolution No. 877 officially created the special day, and was originally introduced by Representative John D. Payne of Dauphin County.  According to Dorney Park, the intent of the declaration is to honor "amusement and family-themed parks in Pennsylvania and encourages residents to take the opportunity to visit the many amusement parks in the Commonwealth."

Dorney Park's Mike Fehnel and Ryan Mackenzie © Dorney Park

According to Representative Payne, “tourism should be celebrated as it injects nearly $40 billion annually into our economy and supports 304,000 Pennsylvania jobs”, adding specifically that “it is important to celebrate our amusement and water parks specifically for the role they play in bringing families to the Keystone State.”

Pennsylvania is rich in amusement parks, offering a wide selection for residents and visitors throughout the state.  The state's parks are also of great historical value, with many having operated for many decades - for instance Dorney Park just started their 133rd season.  They also contribute to the local economy, provide jobs and are great charitable partners.  The park's General Manager, Mike Fehnel, noted that Dorney Park has worked with many non-profit organizations, including Make-A-Wish Foundation, Give Kids the World Passport Program, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Arthritis Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Other parks mentioned as part of the resolution include Camelback Lodge and Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, Conneaut Lake Park, DelGrosso’s Amusement Park, Dutch Wonderland, Great Wolf Lodge, Hersheypark, Kalahari Resort and Convention Center, Kennywood, Knoebles Amusement Resort, Lakemont Park and The Island Waterpark, Sesame Place, Split Rock Resort Indoor Waterpark, and Waldameer Park and Water World.  You can learn more about the state's parks from the Pennsylvania Amusement Park Association (PAPA).