Elysburg, Pa. — With an overwhelming majority vote (199-2), the Pa. House of Representatives officially adopted House Resolution 448, designating July 4, 2026 as Knoebels Amusement Resort Day. The beloved Pa. landmark celebrates the 100th anniversary of its opening on this day.
The resolution was introduced by Rep. Joanne Stehr (Northumberland/Schuylkill) and co-sponsored by 30 additional representatives.
The House welcomed members of the Knoebel family and park leadership to the Capitol, where they were recognized in the House chamber for their care for the park and for the hundred years of memories that Knoebels has created for Pennsylvanians and visitors alike.
The resolution's co-sponsor list included several familiar regional names including Reps. Joe Hamm (Lycoming/Sullivan), Tina Pickett (Bradford/Wyoming), Michael Stender (Montour/Northumberland), David Rowe (Juniata/Mifflin/Snyder/Union), Jamie Flick (Lycoming/Union), Kerry Benninghoff (Centre/Mifflin), and Robert Leadbeter (Columbia).
A century ago, Knoebels Amusement Resort started as a simple picnic grove with a swimming hole. Officially opening on July 4, 1926 with the Crystal Pool, the park has since grown into America’s largest free admission amusement park known for its classic rides, wooden coasters, continuously award-winning food, and the kinds of memories that only a family-run park can create.
Knoebels has won awards including #1 on Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best in 2026; 22 “Golden Ticket” awards for best amusement park food and seven “Golden Ticket” awards for Best Wooden Coaster (Phoenix), among other recognitions. The park, its history, and the Knoebel family were also the subjects of a fascinating 2015 WVIA documentary, available to watch online here.