News: Phoenix Celebrates 20th Annivershary

Posted at 7:48 PM EDT (2348 GMT)

Jun. 15th, 2005 -- Knoebel’s Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA held a celebration to commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the Phoenix. The ride opened to the public on June 15, 1985.

The Phoenix was relocated by Knoebel’s from Playland Park in San Antonio, TX where the coaster was called The Rocket. The Rocket, a Philadelphia Toboggan Company coaster, opened at Playland Park in 1947. The Rocket was the only coaster to feature a double up, double down in a single hill and was the first coaster to use hydraulic brakes in the station.

When the park closed in 1980, Playland was able to sell all of its rides except Thee Rocket. The coaster lay dormant until 1983, when Dick Knoebel had a vision of moving the coaster to Pennsylvania. Knoebel sent a team to San Antonio to investigate the feasibility of moving the Rocket. After consulting with one of the original builders, Frank Hoover, Knoebel decided to relocate the coaster.

The coaster was dismantled, labeled, and shipped in thirteen tractor trailers to Elysburg, PA. Reconstruction began on March 12, 1985. The Phoenix gave its first ride on June 12, 1985 and opened to the public three days later.

The birthday celebration began with the playing of the original radio advertisement for the Phoenix. While the national anthem was sung by Britt Small, who is currently performing at the Band Shell Pavilion at Knoebel’s, the American flag was raised. The Phoenix’s original flag ceremony was re-enacted. While John Moyer, a member of the original relocation team, played a trumpet medly of songs that included “The Yellow Rose of Texas”, the Texas, Pennsylvania, and Knoebels’ flags were raised.

Dick Knoebel spoke about the history of the Phoenix, the relocation process, and the accolades the Phoenix has received in the last twenty years. He read a letter from Philadelphia Toboggan Company president, Tom Rebbie, congratulating Knoebel’s on Phoenix’s 20th anniversary. Mr. Knoebel said, “Out of the ashes, the coaster was reconstructed into life as The Phoenix.”

Buddy Knoebel spoke on the impact of The Phoenix to the park. He explained that the park’s annual attendance has grown from 400,000 visitors in 1984 to 1.25 million visitors today. The addition of the Phoenix has lead to the development of a new section in Knoebel’s Amusement Resort that includes restaurants, gift shops, and rides. He said the Knoebel family is humbled by the success of The Phoenix.

Savannah and John Moyer sang “Fly with the Phoenix”, which tells the story of the ride. The ceremony was concluded by the singing of “Happy Birthday” and the cutting of a birthday cake which was enjoyed by park visitors and employees.